Voluntary but not optional

The sports world is abuzz today with discussions about this weekend's Detroit Free Press article 'exposing' how much Rich Rodriguez requires of his athletes at the University of Michigan. I must say that I'm shocked - not at the amount of work the football players are required to put in - but at the national reaction to this 'story'. People are actually acting surprised about this - today I hear national radio shows criticizing Rodriguez for 'cheating'. I also heard former Nebraska All-American Jason Peter, on Lincoln's local sports talk radio show, talking about how the schedule described in the article is too much to expect from college athletes - this is the same guy who used to brag about chasing teammates through sets of stadium stairs if he thought they were slacking off or missed work-outs in the off-season.

Calling this 'cheating' is certainly a stretch. It may violate some rules technicalities imposed by the NCAA, but what UM is doing is not much different than what goes on every where else. I don't see how anyone can be surprised by what Rodriguez expects of his athletes. To anyone who was even a high school varsity athlete, the supposed mandatory work limits of 20 hours/week in season and 8 hours a week in the off-season should sound absurd.

I played football at a Division III school. While my teammates and I took a lot of pride in our team and how we played, the stakes of each game at my small college can not even be compared to that of of Division I football. Even at our level, the commitment expected of us during the off-season easily exceeded 8 hours a week. We ran, lifted, and did passing league drills - I'm guessing 3 hours a day during the week. While the lifting was mostly independent, if a guy was were in town and missed running or passing league, the team leaders made him run.

In the book "Diary of a Husker" former Nebraska walk-on Dave Kolowski recounts in detail - sometimes excruciatingly so - the specifics of what was expected of him every day. During the off season a 3-5 hour daily commitment was expected of the players. Most days their conditioning included morning lifting session and running & drills in the afternoon. Consequences for missing those sessions included some gut-wrenching punishment doled out by upperclassmen.

Do either of those sound 'optional'?

It does not sound to me like Michigan is doing anything unlike what every football team in the country - at any level. Teams are able to circumvent the rules by calling these workouts "voluntary". The NCAA considers an activity voluntary as long as a staff member is not taking attendance or relaying information to coaches. So while these workouts may fit the definition of voluntary, they are certainly not optional. Whether it is a strength coach or 295 lb defensive tackle in charge of overseeing consequences for missing a workout, the athlete has the same choices - either do the workout or don't be on the team.

Maybe Michigan is guilty of having a few extra guys in maize & blue polos on the premises - is that the difference between cheating and not? Nothing changes for the players going through the work-outs - the only thing different here is appearance.

Best & Worst Games of the Week

Its finally here...opening week for college football. All of the Big XII conference teams will be in action, but not all of their games will be worth paying attention to. Here we identify the two worst games of the week and the two best games of the week.

Two to miss:

Colorado State @ Colorado: This used to be my favorite early season games to watch - good in-state rivalry known to produce some great college football moments like CSU QB Bradlee Van Pelt spiking the ball off of Roderick Sneed's facemask as they fell into the end zone in 2002. Colorado State has been comically bad for about 5 years now, and the Buffs haven't done much lately to make me think I might see good football when they take the field. The only reason to pay attention to this one is the chance of tear gas and riot police afterward. I'm leaning toward the Buffs here in an ugly one.

North Dakota @ Texas Tech: I don't see things going well for UND and their pasty nordes trying to keep up Texas Tech's stable of athletes. This one won't be pretty...I expect it to turn out like some of my epic Madden 2003 battles against Steve during the ROLB J. Swift era. The Sioux might have to invoke the mercy rule in this one.

Two to see:

Georgia @ Oklahoma State: This isn't just the best Big XII game this week - it's the best game in the country - two top 15 teams facing a stern test right out of the gate. Both will be trying to prove they belong in the conversation with the likes of Florida, OU, and Texas. Lots of Ewing Theory potential for UGA - I am curious to see who they miss less: overrated RB Knowshon Moreno or overrated QB Matt Stafford (Free Fantasy Football tip - you want neither on your team). I'm leaning toward Georgia at this point.

Missouri @ Illinois : Both teams come into this one with something to prove. The Illini are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2008 - Ron Zook needs to show that he can turn his big recruiting classes into results on the filed. Missouri is looking to show that they have taken the step from being a solid program who can make a run every few years to a top tier program perennially in the Top 15. Missouri lost some big weapons on offense, but one thing that struck me when I saw them in Lincoln last season was how their pre-game warm-up lines were stocked with Maclin/Coffman types - big, fast athletes. MIZZOU won't fall off as much as many are predicting. I like the Tigers by at least 2 TDs.

My guide to fan excitement

Fan behavior is always very interesting, entertaining, and most of the time annoying. Possibly the most annoying of all is fan overreaction to early season success.. Most Big 12 teams play 3 cupcakes and 1 "tough" game in the non-conference schedule, so it's fairly realistic to assume every Big 12 team will start conference play with either a 3-1 or 4-0 record. So for all you overly enthusiastic homers out there, don't go predicting a dream season if your team starts 4-0. Remember, your team could start 6-0 and finish 7-5, if your 5 toughest games come in the second half of the season.

To temper some unnecessary early season fan excitement I am going to provide a breakdown of what you should expect for each team’s first 6 games. Then, I’ll tell you why you should or shouldn't get excited during the first 6 game stretch.

Baylor

My Expectations:
at Wake Forest - Loss
UConn - Win
Northwestern St - Win
Kent State - Win
at Oklahoma - Loss
at Iowa State - Loss

Get excited if...you win every game but OU. That would be a fantastic start and probably means you will make a bowl game for the first time since 1994.
Be disappointed if...you start 2-4 (beating NW St and Kent State). Baylor wants to “move to that next level" and a 2-4 start would not be a signal to book the Uhaul .
Most important game: At Iowa State. These are not the two worst teams in the Big 12, but a lot of people think they are. National perception of the biggest loser hangs in the balance.

Colorado

My Expectations:
Colorado State - Win
at Toledo - Win
Wyoming - Win
at West Virginia - Loss
at Texas - Loss
Kansas - Loss

Get excited if...you beat either West Virginia or Kansas. West Virginia is the more likely "W" because Bill Stewart still doesn't know how many days there are in a week.
Be disappointed if...you only beat Toledo and Wyoming. Last I checked a 2-4 start doesn't equate to the 10 win season Dan Hawkins predicted.
Most important game: Kansas. Colorado can play good football, at times. Beating Kansas at home would be a great win for Hawkins and Co.

Iowa State

My Expectations:
North Dakota St - Win
Iowa - Loss
at Kent St - Win
Army - Win
Kansas State - Win
at Kansas - Loss

Get excited if...you beat Iowa. I went back and forth on predicting that as a win for the Clones. A 5-1 start would give ISU fans even more proof that Chizik was a bad coach.
Be disappointed if...you only beat NDSU and Army. Adjusting to a new Head Coach can be tricky, so a 2-4 start is a possibility.
Most important game: Iowa. A win against the Hawkeyes in Rhoads' second game as coach would be huge for Cyclone morale after the disasterous '08 season.

Kansas

My Expectations:
Northern Colorado - Win
at UTEP - Win
Duke - Win
Southern Miss - Win
Iowa State - Win
at Colorado - Win

Be excited if...you are undefeated and you don't lose one of your top-notch players to injury or suspension for climbing through a Taco Bell drive-thru window.

Be disappointed if...you lose one or two of these games. Your final 6 games are waaayyy tougher than your first 6, so starting even 5-1 could lead to a 6-6 season.
Most important game: At Colorado. If Kansas comes in undefeated, they will have a near top 10 national ranking. That just might be enough to get the fans fired up in Boulder.

Kansas State

My Expectations:
Umass - Win
at Louisiana-Laf - Win
at UCLA - Loss
Tennessee Tech - Win
at Iowa State - Loss
at Texas Tech - Loss

Be excited if...you beat either UCLA or Iowa State. Neither team is amazing, but that would mean K State doesn't suck as bad as I think they will.
Be disappointed if...you get blown out by either UCLA or Iowa State. Your cupcake games are so easy they shouldn't be a problem. If they give you trouble, your season could end up worse than Gigli.
Most important game: at Iowa State. If Snyder can get the Wildcats to beat Iowa State at a neutral sight the old man just might still have some magic left in those 1990 glasses frames.

Missouri

My Expectations:
at Illinois - Loss
Bowling Green - Win
Furman - Win
at Nevada - Win
Nebraska - Loss
at Oklahoma State - Loss

Be excited if...you beat either Illinois or Nebraska. Missouri has a lot to prove this season after losing a ton of key cogs. Picking off Illinois or Nebraska would do a lot for the inexperienced players’ confidence.
Be disappointed if...you lose at Nevada. Nevada is no joke, but if Mizzou wants to maintain their current status as a good football program, they can't lose games to teams like Nevada.
Most important game: Nebraska. This will be a huge game for both teams, and it could determine the Big 12 North champ.

Nebraska

My Expectations:
Florida Atlantic - Win
Arkansas State - Win
at Virginia Tech - Loss
Louisiana-Laf - Win
at Missouri - Win
Texas Tech - Win

Be excited if...you are 6-0. That would likely mean Zach Lee is the real deal, with wins at V Tech and Mizzou. Be happy even if you are 5-1 with the loss coming from either Virginia Tech, Mizzou, or Texas Tech .
Be disappointed if...you are 3-3. This would equal the same start the Huskers had last season and indicate the team hasn't made much progress under Pelini in year #2.
Most important game: at Missouri. The crowd in Columbia will be hostile and Nebraska hasn't won there since 2001.

Oklahoma

My Expectations:
BYU - Win
Idaho St - Win
Tulsa - Win
at Miami (The U) - Win
Baylor - Win
Texas - Win

Be excited if...you beat Texas. In the eyes of the Sooner fans this is the only game on the schedule this season.
Be disappointed if...you lose to Texas. See explanation above.
Most important game: at Miami...kidding.

Oklahoma State

My Expectations:
Georgia - Win
Houston - Win
Rice - Win
Grambling - Win
at Texas A&M - Win
Missouri - Win

Be excited if...you are 6-0 and you don't lose one of your stars to injury or some off-the-field shennanigans. Hell, just be excited if you are 6-0.
Be disappointed if...you lose to either A&M or Mizzou. This means your team is a fraud.
Most important game: Georgia. One of the biggest non-conference games in the country. If Oklahoma State wins this one, it shows they may be one of the big boys.

Texas

My Expectations:
Louisiana-Monroe - Win
at Wyoming - Win
Texas Tech - Win
UTEP - Win
Colorado - Win
Oklahoma - Loss

Be excited if...you beat Oklahoma. Much like the Sooner fans, Longhorn fans view this as the only game that matters this season.
Be disappointed if...you lose to Oklahoma. See explanation above.
Most important game: Texas Tech...kidding.

Texas A&M

My Expectations:
New Mexico - Win
Utah State - Win
UAB - Win
Arkansas - Loss
Oklahoma State - Loss
at Kansas State - Win

Be excited if...you beat Arkansas in the “Battle of the Begrudged Year #2 Coaches.” Who will show the most improvement under their big name coach?
Be disappointed if...you lose at K State. If you lose this game you will likely not win a game in the Big 12, and this would make my prediction of you finishing ahead of Baylor look foolish.
Most important game: at Kansas State. See explanation above.

Texas Tech

My Expectations:
North Dakota - Win
Rice - Win
at Texas - Loss
at Houston - Win
New Mexico - Win
Kansas State - Win

Be excited if...your team doesn't look like they have missed a beat offensively. I expect that to be the case. Taylor Potts will likely be a household name by the time you play Texas.
Be disappointed if...you somehow lose to one of the 5 teams not named Texas and/or Texas blows you out.
Most important game: Texas. Can the Red Raiders be a perennial power under Mike Leach?

Just remember fans: You can't win a National Title or Conference Title during the first 6 games, but you can definitely lose one.

Cheer hard and loud, but please, do not get overly excited after the first 6 games of the season. That really annoys me, and you don't want to do that now, do you?

Battle of the Big XII MCs

Two legendary freestyle rap videos featuring former players from Big XII schools can be found on Youtube. In one, all-time Husker greats Tommie Frazier & Terrell Farley tag team a rhyme over the Luniz "I Got 5 On It" in an Arizona hotel room in the days leading up to their thrashing of the Florida Gators in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl. In the other, Oklahoma Sooner Malcolm Kelly celebrates a Big XII Championship in the Arrowhead Stadium home locker room after defeating Nebraska in 2006. Here we will be compare the two to determine who is the top MC in Big XII history...

First Up: Terrell Farley and Tommie Frazier:

Best Lyric:

We steppin' high, we steppin' low.

My Name is T-Fraz, not Kurtis Blow.

Worst Lyric:

I move around move around move around,

a-Humpty Dumpty fell down on the ground

Highlights:

- Frazier spit hot fire with the hot sauce mic, inspiring this shirt.

- The clairvoyance of Farley.

First Farley's opening verse:

In a second, we gonna play them Chumps, them Gators

They don't want none of that Big N. U.

Cuz we take 'em to schoo'

Cuz we run it through the end zone

We gonna sco' every play, every down

Tommie's gonna clown

and Terrell's gonna get around.........on the field.

and his this excerpt from his second verse:

National Champs again,

ninety fo', ninety six, and it might be ninety seven again.

Farley predicted the Huskers would take 'em to schoo'. He also predicted Tommie was gonna clown "them Gators" (see The Run), and he predicted the Huskers National Championship that year and predicted that they 'might be' National Champions in 1997....Again. And Farley wasn't even going to be on that team. Bonus points for that, Mr. Farley.

Lowlights:

- While Farley's ability to see the future is impressive, his overall performance is lacking. Traditionally rhyming and some rhythm are key ingredients to a good rap song. Farley struggles with both.

- Frazier's dead air filling dance at around 1:07.

Summary:

Frazier proves to be just as smooth and stylish on the mic as he was running the option. Farley struggles with the fundamentals, but comes up with some predictions that would impress even Jimmy the Greek.

And here's Malcolm Kelly:

Best Lyric: (tie)

Maybe back do', maybe fall off

Sippin Codeine cuz I got a killa cough.

And the always classic:

because I'm a playa

from the Himalaya

Worst Lyric:

Messin' with Smitty, in the summertime

He get pissed if we don't make our time.

I'm sorry, but you can't rhyme 'summer time' with 'time'. That's worse than Akon rhyming with ooh-wee.

Highlights:

- Getting the whole OU team to 'Yo' on cue.

- The remix. Kelly's rap was good enough to inspire Youtube sensation Ronald Jenkees to put together a nice remix, which is available for download at Jenkees' website.

Lowlights:

- Kelly's rhymes were so solid that its hard to believe this was a true freestyle. (Some Sooners say the 'killa cough' line right along with him)

- This guy over Kelly's left shoulder who spends most of the video staring at the camera.

Summary:

Kelly put together a solid and even performance. While his rhymes may have been a bit pre-meditated, a little effort in the production department could have made this a top 40 hit.

Verdict:

Kelly had superior lyrics and delivery, but Frazier & Farley were superior on the field and get big style points for brash predictions and the hot sauce mic. The lows in the Frazier & Farley rap were definitely lower than Kelly's........which is why we name Malcolm Kelly the Greatest Big XII Rapper Alive.

But don't feel too bad for Tommie and Terrell. At least they aren't Texas A&M's own 'Black n Brown'

Hey coach, let's grab a drink!

The Big 12 coaches are an interesting bunch. I think it would be a blast to sit down with each coach and have a few drinks, get to know his real personality, and hear some great stories. That leads me to the point of this post. If you were to sit down with each coach in the Big 12 what do you think his drink of choice would be? Beav and I have decided to debate this topic. We hope you enjoy. Feel free to make your selections in the comments at the end of the post.

First up...

Art Briles

Steve: The man comes across as old school and about as Texan as they come. The old school side of Briles screams beer all the way. The guy has spent his entire life playing football and coaching football in the state of Texas, so it has to be a Texas beer. My pick: Lonestar

Beav: Looks like we are pretty close on this one, but I determined that his Texas-ness would make him a fan of another Texas classic. My pick: Shiner Bock

Bill Snyder

Steve: Definitely doesn't come across as a beer drinker. He's too much of a hardass. Snyder burns the midnight oil researching and planning everything he does. When it comes to drinking, he wants something that tastes smooth, but has a lot of alcohol. It's all about efficiency with Snyder. What takes only a few drinks to pack an alcohol punch, and contains few impurities so he's not hungover? My pick: Grey Goose Martini

Beav: Its a proven fact that Vodka + Mountain Dew is the best way to get down in Manhattan, but that's not Snyder's style. If the players can't get butter at a team dinner, you know Snyder isn't going to pussify his spirits with ice, sugar, and yellow dye #5. Bill's a no nonsense guy and notoriously cheap, which is why he just goes with...My pick: Popov - neat

Bo Pelini

Steve: There are only two types of people who wear sweatshirts as often as Pelini: The Bill Belichik type and sorority girls making the walk of shame. Pelini is obviously more Belichickian than sorority girl. Pelini also seems to have little patience to wait for a bar tender to mix a frothy cocktail. A no-nonsense drink is a must for this guy. My pick: Jack Daniels, straight from a shot glass

Beav: Even though Bo isn't from Nebraska, Husker fans embraced him as one of their own from the beginning. Nebraskans say things like “Bo gets it” and “Bo’s a Nebraska guy.” What does a “Nebraska Guy” drink? Red beer. My pick: Tomato Juice and Coors Light

Bob Stoops

Steve: Bob use to seem like a ballsy, go get'em type of a coach when he took over at Oklahoma. Now he seems a little more uptight. I guess losing in every BCS bowl game will do that to a man, even if you are one of the best coaches in the country. Stoops needs something that goes well with the pine tree that seems to be stuck up his ass the last few years, but still fancy enough for a multi-millionaire. My pick: Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic

Beav: Stoops spent time as an assistant to coaching legends Bill Snyder and Steve Spurrier. His drink, like his coaching style, combines the flamboyance of the Ol' Ball Coach with the steady fortitude of Snyder. My pick: Bourbon Street Hurricane

Dan Hawkins

Steve: Hawkins is a little bit of a goofball. A good fit for Boulder because he is an outdoorsy type of guy. If there was a mixed drink made with blended up trail mix, Hawkins would be all over it. As far as I know there is no such thing as Trail Mix and Vodka, so he needs something you can get plenty of in Colorado. A good locally made microbrew. But, I doubt Hawkins is man enough for a good Pale Ale or Stout. My pick: Raspberry Wheat Beer

Beav: Boulderians don't get their buzz out of a bottle. There's a reason Buff practices always wrap up by 4:20. My Pick: Fatty

Gary Pinkel

Steve: Pinkel is a tough one to read. He always comes across as boring and a little self-defensive. My guess is Gary was picked on a lot when he was in high school and college--not because he is a loser or dumb. He obviously has a few brains and has had some success along the years. So why is he so defensive? Got it! People make fun of him for drinking "girly" drinks. My pick: Sex on the Beach

Beav: Gary Pinkel is a crappy coach who has enjoyed modest success despite bringing nothing to the table except an ability to amass enough talent around him to distract from his worthlessness. Kind of like those dudes on www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com. Not so coincidentally, his drink of choice is the same as theirs. My pick: Jägerbomb

Mack Brown

Steve: I was almost tricked into picking the wrong drink for Mack. I originally had Mack pegged for a red wine guy. Then I started thinking about it. He's a little to slick for red wine. Yet he still needs something refined and expensive. That can only leave one option for Mack. My pick: Johnnie Walker Blue, neat

Beav: I'm pretty sure that deep down, Mack is country. I bet he still loves the cheap Bourbon that he used to nip off the flask at high school dances. Mack does likes to give the aura of a southern sophisticate - which is why I bet he keeps the Bourbon in a crystal decanter in his office. He wants you to think he's got that Johnnie Walker, but he wants to taste something a little more uncouth. My Pick: Wild Turkey

Mark Mangino

Steve: Mangino is often the target of fat jokes. It's too obvious to go with some cream-filled (insert porn joke of choice here) type of drink. I picture Mangino pulling into a Macaroni Grill, eating 6 servings of the free bread and two plates of chicken parmesean, and washing the whole thing down with...My pick: Macaroni Grill House Red Wine.

Beav: Yes, the Mangino fat jokes are easy...but look at the guy - he's just so goddamn fat. I think Mangino's drink of choice would be one of those dessert drinks that contain more cake than Kahlua. He'd have to eat several to cop a buzz, but I'm sure Mangino would be up for it. My pick: A Mangino Mudslide, made specially for him.

Mike Gundy

Steve: This was the easiest one. Gundy still thinks he could go to the college bars and pick up chicks. Not only could I pick Gundy's drink, I bet you I can nail his outfit too: Designer jeans, designer shoes, and a tight fitting designer shirt that is half-way unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up. He would stroll into the bar, unsuccessfully hit on a 21 year old, then make his way to the bar and order...My pick: Red Bull and Vodka

Beav: Gundy may have screamed "I'm a man...", but the spiky hair, fake tan, and visor make him look more like a guy who would scream "Body Shots!". My Pick: Shots of Patron....preferably out of Jenni Carlson's extra deep bellybutton

Mike Leach

Steve: There is no way Mike Leach drinks something your average guy does. Leach is off the wall and has to drink something a little different. Yet, he is a closet snob, so the drink has to be a fine one. A lot of people might lean toward Captain Morgan for Leach because of his obsession with pirates. Not me. My pick: Cognac

Beav: Leach does love the pirates, and while conventional thinking says pirate lover=Captain Morgan drinker, conventional thinking isn’t always right. A couple of barrels of rum wouldn’t have ever lasted long for an entire ship full of pirates…which is why pirates mastered the art of distilling alcohol out of anything they could: bread crumbs, fruit rinds, or seaweed, - to make a kelpier version of good ol’ prison wine. Leach may not necessarily be a football purist, but I guarantee he’s a pirate purist. My pick: Pruno

Mike Sherman

Steve: Sherman spent a butt-load of his coaching career in Green Bay and he can't stop telling people about it. "One time Brett Farve and I found all these pains killers, so..." They don't make a cheese flavored beer (at least none that I am aware of), and Sherman doesn't really strike me as a Miller or Old Milwaukee type of guy. But, he still has to drink something that reminds him of his past glory in Green Bay. My pick: Leinenkugel's Original

Beav: As a former NFL head coach & GM, Sherman probably sees his current job at the bottom of the Big XII a bit beneath him. I peg Sherman as a wine connoisseur - the type of guy who needs to assert his superiority through a vast wine collection - just to reminding everyone that he's already 'made it'. A guy who sticks his whole nose into his Riesling glass and tells you about its goût petrol. My pick: Anything that looks nice swirling in a Bordeaux glass.

Paul Rhoads

Steve: Rhoads may have spent the last few seasons as the Defensive Coordinator at Auburn, but he is an Iowa guy. As a current Iowa resident, I know Iowans are fond of their booze, especially the wonderful Templeton Rye Whiskey. Unfortunately, people like the Templeton a little too much and there isn't enough to go around, so Rhoads has to drink something else until supply catches up to demand. What better drink to ease the pain of a first year coach than...My pick: Homemade Iowa Corn Whiskey

Beav: I’ll be honest, I don’t know a damn thing about this guy except that he appears to be satisfied picking up what Gene Chizik leaves behind. My Pick: The last swig from Chizik’s discarded bottle of Bud Light

Sub 19 by 2012

Last weekend Usain Bolt lowered the 100m world record by .11 seconds...pretty amazing considering that the lowest single drop in world record times since the advent of fully automatic times (FAT) was in 1999 when Maurice Green ran a 9.79 to break the previous WR set by Donovan Bailey's 9.84. But what I thought was more interesting is that Bolt's time of 9.58 marked only the second time since the advent of FAT systems that the 100 meter world record is less than half of the 200m world record (19.30/2 = 9.65). The only other time this occurred was when LeRoy Burrell lowered the 100m WR to 9.85 and Pietro Mennea's 200m WR (set in 1979) stood at 19.72. Less than two years later, during the summer of 1996, Michael Johnson established the 200m WR at 19.32, nearly half a second faster than where the world record stood at the beginning of the summer. I thought it was interesting and possibly a predictor of what we might see in the near future for Bolt.

Establishing a correlation between the 100m & 200m world records is a shaky subject - the races are quite different and I can't say that I know that there should be any set relationship between the two, beyond the fact that both are continually getting faster and faster. But just for fun I did a some relatively basic calculations to try to establish a correlation and then used that to see what happens when we apply Bolt's 9.58 speed to the 200 meters. To do this I calculated the average velocity in meters per second for the 100m & 200m world records each year dating back to 1968. (1968 because that appeared to be the point at which FAT times became the standard for world records). After calculating the average velocity, I calculated the ratios between the 100m & 200m average velocity, which I could then apply to the new standard for human speed set by Usain Bolt.

Throughout the sample, the 100m avg velocities are measurably less than the 200m avg velocities - typically by a difference of somewhere between .03 and .19 m/s. Those numbers may seem small, but when applied to an event that is measured in hundredths or even thousandths of a second, that's number is large enough to make a significant difference. In his world record setting 100m Bolt, who has always been considered a better 200m guy, had an average velocity actually almost .08 m/s greater than in his best 200m. As mentioned in the first paragraph, the only other time this has happened among world record marks in the last 41 years was just prior to Johnson shattering the 200m record. And I don't think this difference is going to last long - it is apparent to me that we are on the cusp of a pretty significant drop in the 200m WR. Not just because of what Michael Johnson did the last time this situation occurred - but because all of the data I reviewed shows that the world record 200m races should be faster (higher avg velocity) than in the world record 100m races. But by how much?

The most conservative estimate at where this record will land next can be figured by taking the minimum ratio between the velocities throughout the entire data set (excluding where the records currently stand) and apply that to Bolt's avg velocity in his world record setting 100m of 10.438 m/s. The resulting time comes out to be 19.18 seconds - and as I said, this is the most conservative estimate. If I take the average (mean & median both spit out pretty similar results) ratio and apply it to 10.438 m/s over 200m, the result goes down to 19.04. And finally, If we apply the maximum ratio of the last 41 years to Bolt's average velocity - essentially doing to the record what Michael Johnson did to it in the Atlanta Olympics - the result is 18.81 seconds to cover 200 meters.

As I said before, this analysis is far from being sophisticated enough to be considered accurate - but I think its logical enough that I can say with a good deal of confidence that we are just around the corner from a sub 19 second 200m - if not tomorrow during the World Championship 200m final in Berlin, I'd be willing to bet that it happens before the end of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Big 12 South and Big 12 Champion

I do not want this blog to be filled with boring analysis all the time. However, I think it is necessary to make the preseason predictions for a few reasons. One, if they pan out well, I can claim how much of a genius I am. Two, if my predictions are way off, my friends, blog followers, and I can can make fun of me. It also lets people know where I stand as far as opinions on certain teams, players, coaches, etc... I promise, after this prediction post, things will be more entertaining here.

The Big 12 South is a little more interesting to pick. Many preseason rankings have three Big 12 teams (Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State) ranked in the top 10 nationally. Crazy! I don't think Oklahoma St is that good, but their schedule sets up nicely for the Big 12 season. Well, here goes nothing.

1. Oklahoma: Bob Stoops may choke in major Bowl games, but he dominates the Big 12. In the 10 previous years Stoops was the coach at OU, they won 6 out of 10 Big 12 titles, including the last three in a row. Not to mention they return virtually all of their offensive weapons and defensive playmakers. If their offensive line wasn't so untested, this would have been a no-brainer, but...

2. Texas: Colt McCoy had an incredible season last year. I honestly don't think he can repeat it. I think Texas takes a step back offensively this season. Their defense, however, will be very tough. Obviously the game against OU will be huge. The determining factor will be how much pressure Texas can get on Sam Bradford without blitzing. Remember that inexperienced offensive line at Oklahoma? Could be interesting. I also picked them second to Oklahoma because I still think Mack Brown isn't a very good game coach. Great recruiter, below average coach.

3. Oklahoma State: I don't really like this pick, and I keep trying to convince myself I should put Texas Tech here, but after looking at their schedules I just can't. There is no way Oklahoma State is a top 10 team, but they should finish #3 in the Big 12 South. They have an easier Big 12 schedule than Texas Tech (OSU vs. Tech is in Stillwater), and their "tough" Big 12 North games are at home (Mizzou and Colorado). They obviously have some great talent, I just don't think their supporting cast is good enough to make them a serious BCS contender. Schedule is the main reason they are my #3 pick.

4. Texas Tech: I hate picking Mike Leach this low. The guy is probably the most underrated coach in America. Yes, they lose Graham Harrell (who went undrafted by the way) and Michael Crabtree, but they lose statistic studs every year and Leach's teams never miss an offensive beat. Plus their defense should be improved this year with all three linebackers returning and a solid defensive line. The reason I picked them 4th is because they have to play at Okie State and at Nebraska. Don't be surprised if they finish 3rd.

5. Baylor: The fact that people are even talking about Baylor making a Bowl Game is incredible. I don't think there has ever been a player increase the interest level in a team more than Robert Griffin. But remember, he is just one player and they did have a certain offensive lineman picked #2 overall in the draft last year. That usually helps a QB. They do have some playmakers on defense with Joe Pawelek, Jordan Lake, and the addition of Phil Taylor at DT. Remember when I said Oklahoma State didn't have the supporting cast to "get it done." Well, Okie State's supporting cast is about 10 times better than Baylor's.

6. Texas A&M: Young team with poor coaching=not a very good team. I think Mike Sherman is a terrible fit for the college game. He reminds me so much of Bill Callahan it is scary for Texas A&M. They do have some talent, but so does Texas and Oklahoma. Their young talent is just sitting on the bench because of the studs who are starting. It will be another long year in College Station.

Championship Game:

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska: It will be the second time these teams will have played this season. I predict Oklahoma will win a fairly close (less than 14 points) game in Lincoln on November 7th. However, in friendlier confines (the new Cowboys stadium), and the motivation of getting a chance to play Florida again in the National Championship Game ahead, I predict the Sooners will win easily.

2009 Big 12 Champion: The Oklahoma Sooners

There you have it. Carve it in stone and come back and make fun of me later when Texas smokes OU,Texas Tech wins at Oklahoma State and Nebraska, and Baylor finishes 4th in the Big 12 South.

Preseason Predictions

Generally I think preseason predictions are the dumbest thing in the world. Who really gives a crap? Actually, more people care than we think.

You know the players care. They say they don't, yet if they aren't predicted to finish first they always claim they have been disrespected. I've got news for you players. It's not disrespect, it's called honesty. When I predict Iowa State and Kansas State to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 North, it's because I honestly think they will be the two worst teams in the North. Not because I don't respect you, I just don't think you stack up.

The coaches claim they don't care. I believe some of them, but not all of them.

The fans care. It gives them something to argue about before the season starts. Plus, it generates the desire to come up with their own predictions and think to themselves: "Hey, I should start a blog. I know more than the idiots at (fill in the blank)." Thing is, they are probably right. I will save my rant on national college football "experts" for another day because now it's time for what you have all been waiting for...my predictions.

I was going reveal my Big 12 North predictions with well layed out arguments for each team. Screw that! That's not the purpose of this blog. This is about gut feelings with a some logic mixed in. Not "Well, Kansas returns Todd Reesing and he's pretty good, so they will win the Big 12 North." You will not get that from me. This is what my gut tells me.

1. Nebraska: Pelini is a good coach. They had talent when he took over, the players just didn't know how to work hard because Callahan was such a piece of crap. Their D will be up there with Oklahoma and Texas as the best in the league this year. Helu will emerge as a star. If Zac Lee can perform at a high level, Nebraska could be pretty darn good. Not good enough to beat Texas and OU though.

2. Kansas: Logic would say they should win the North. They get Nebraska at home. But, they play the brutal Big 12 South schedule (Texas, OU, and Texas Tech). Reesing is good (Kansas fans: I did spell that correctly. I didn't accidently add an "o" and forget to capitalize the "g"). Bad 0-line play will be their doom. Breaking in a bunch of new linebackers doesn't help either, even though a solid d-line should soften the blow there. In fact, if Mangino wasn't their coach I would pick them at 4.

3. Colorado: I don't know if Colorado is really going to be that good or if I just think Mizzou is going to fall of that much. Darrell Scott is poised to have a good season. That will provide them with a good 1-2 punch along side Colorado's version of Darren Sproles, Rodney Stewart. Plus their O-line should be pretty good. I think their QB's are well below average, but the previously mentioned running backs and o-line should help with that.

4. Mizzou: Lost a TON. Maclin was the best player Mizzou has had in years...probably since Kellen Winslow. I don't think they will miss Chase Daniel that much. Dude was way overrated. They will miss Maclin, Coffman, Sulak, Hood, and William Moore though. Plus they lost their offensive and defensive coordinators. Derek Washington is just an average back and that will show this year without Maclin and Coffman around.

5. Iowa State: I view this as a similar situation as Nebraska last year. Way under achieved the year before because the coaching staff didn't give a rats ass. At least this year they should play hard and win a conference game or two. There is some talent on offense in Ames, but they will have to out score people in a league with a lot of pretty good offenses. Their defense was terrible last year. It should be a little better, but still not very good.

6. Kansas State: I think they are going to be terrible. Ron Prince ran them WAAAYYY into the ground. Not just with his craziness, but with terrible recruiting. At least Callahan and Chizik brought in some talent. Prince put together some terrible recruiting classes at Kansas State. He got 1 0r 2 good players a year (Josh Freeman, Lamark Brown, etc...) and then a bunch of garbage. Bill Snyder may know a thing or two about coaching (even though everyone seems to forget he was run out of town the last time), but it just isn't going to happen this year in Manhattan.

Welcome

Welcome everyone to "This Ain't Intramurals." The idea for this blog came about after years of emailing sports, TV, movie, etc.- related rants back and forth among friends. After sharing a few of the emails with my wife she recommended we start a blog, since we are so insightful, cool, and funny.

"This Ain't Intramurals" covers Big 12 football and many other sports and pop culture topics, and with the Big 12 season just around the corner it is time to get things started. Each week we will feature predictions for the up-coming week, reaction from the past week, and anything else we feel necessary to include--most of it with a little humor mixed in. If at first you don't "get" our humor, come back and read us frequently and it will all start to make sense. I hope you enjoy reading our awesome opinions and anecdotes on sports and pop culture.

Thanks for checking out the blog. Look for some prediction posts starting later today.