Keys to the Game: Texas v. Texas Tech

KEEP ON KEEPPING ON... Texas has won 8 in a row, and have been playing their best basketball since the early season wins against UCLA and Tennessee. It seems like a different player has stepped up each game and Texas has won in ever possible fashion. DJ has found his stroke again as he is averaging 23 points and shooting 53% from the field the last two games. Texas dominated Tech in their first matchup in Austin, as the Horns won 73-47. Texas has been playing even better than they were in the earlier matchup, so the Longhorns need to just keep pouring it on the falling Raiders.

KICK'EM WHILE THEIR DOWN... Texas Tech is coming in off a humiliating loss to Texas A&M on Wednesday. The Red Raiders were down by almost 40 most of the game and ended up losing 98-45. That's gotta hurt. Teams respond to games like this in one of two ways: Either they come out on fire and pull off an upset, or continue to be demoralized and let the season spiral downward. If Texas can come out and pound the Raiders early, they may not be able to muster up the will to put up a fight.

REST D.J.... This needs to be one of those games that Texas pulls out to a lead and lets Rick Barnes rest some of his starters. We all know that DJ has played almost every minute of the season, but even Justin Mason did not get to rest against Kansas State. I wouls love to see a heavy does of bench play in the 2nd half and give the Horns some much needed rest as the Big 12 tournament is fast approaching. For this to happen its all about the first half and getting out to a commanding lead. If Texas can go into the break up 15, DJ and Co maybe be resting the last 10 mins of the game.

NO TRAP GAME... I know, even in this article, I seem to be chalking up the Tech win as a foregone conclusion; but let's hope the team doesn't do the same. No game in the Big 12 is a gimme (just ask the last few teams that played Nebraska). While there is no reason Texas should come close to losing to Texas Tech, a #1 tourament seed is still on the line as is the out right Big 12 Championship. There is a lot to play for, and Texas Tech is never going to lay down for the Longhorns. Fight hard, hustle and play some defense and Texas should be walking out of Lubbock with a win.

PREDICTION: Texas 84, Texas Tech 70

Hopefully this is what the arena will look like by halftime...

Big XII Bubble Watch

I think the Big XII is a little confused. Let me reiterate. You're supposed to win your games down the stretch to make the NCAA Tournament. It's been confusing as of late as the four bubble teams in the conference have been anything but solid down the stretch, as Nebraska and Oklahoma State play lights out basketball. The Big XII has gone from a conference that looked assured of 6 bids, and now thinks look like they could be anywhere from 3 to 6 bids, depending on how things shake out.

#5 Texas (24-4) (11-2) RPI: 3; SOS: 3
Remaining Games: @TTU, vs. NEB, vs. OSU
Things are looking up for the Horns securing a #1 seed for the tournament. Winning out, and making the Big XII Championship game would pretty much lock them into a #1 seed. Having won 8 straight, Texas is playing some of the best basketball in the country and boasts one of the toughest schedules.

#6 Kansas (25-3) (10-3) RPI: 8; SOS: 66
Remaining games: vs. KSU, vs. TTU, @ TAMU
If the Jayhawks don't find some life in the rematch against Kansas State, then this team is doomed. If they can finish the season winning at least 2 of their last 3 and doing as well as expected in the tournament, they will all but have a 2 seed locked up come March.

Kansas State (18-9) (8-5) RPI: 36; SOS: 17
Remaining games: @ KU, vs. COL, @ ISU
The Wildcats have lost 3 straight and things are falling apart quickly for their tournament hopes. It's hard to believe that the best player in the country would be out of the NCAAs, but Kansas State needs to win 2 of their last 3 to make themselves feel much better heading into the Big XII Tournament. Finishing third in the conference should get them in, but finishing third isn't as clear cut as it was two weeks ago. Granted, if they can beat Kansas, this is all moot.

Texas A&M (21-7) (7-6) RPI: 48; SOS: 73
Remaining games: @ OU, @ BU, vs. KU
The Aggies snapped an ugly 3 game losing streak by absolutely killing Texas Tech. But now the toughest three game stretch of anyone in the conference. They need to take at least 1 of the last 3 to leave themselves minimal work come Big XII Tournament time. If they could take 2 of the last 3, then A&M would be able to exhale and prepare for March.

Baylor (19-8) (7-6) RPI: 35; SOS: 42
Remaining games: vs. Mizzou, vs. TAMU, @ TTU
The Bears have won two straight to avoid a complete collapse at the end of the season, but they're not out of the woods yet. They need to take two out of their last three and probably win one in the tournament to make themselves feel safe. A win over Texas A&M would be huge for their resume. The RPI should help them come Selection Sunday.

Oklahoma (18-10) (6-7) RPI: 30; SOS: 8
Remaining games: vs. TAMU, @ OSU, vs. Mizzou
The Sooners did themselves no favors losing this weekend and then at Nebraska by no slight margin. Their RPI and strength of schedule keep them in the discussion, but this team is trying its best to be left out of the dance. If they can protect their home floor and win one in the conference tournament they should be in, though it would be nice if they could take all three. The season sweep of Baylor will help as well as wins over Gonzaga and WVU, but they have not played well since getting healthy, going 5-5 over their last 10.

The Race for the NIT:

Nebraska (17-9) (6-7) RPI: 100; SOS: 126
Despite being the second hottest team in the conference, I refuse to put them on the bubble. Let's just say they're getting close to being an NIT lock. The trip to Stillwater should be interesting as two of the hottest teams of late hook up.

Oklahoma State (15-12) (6-7) RPI: 86; SOS: 25
They've won 4 straight and could shatter Oklahoma's tournament hopes next week. They probably have done enough to earn themselves an appearence in the NIT.

Texas Tech (15-12) (6-7) RPI: 67; SOS: 6
The loss to Texas A&M was a bit of a surprise, or at least the margin. This Tech team has prided itself on its inconsistency all season, and will probably need to upset Texas, Kansas, or Baylor if it hopes to make the NIT field.

Missouri (15-13) (5-8) RPI: 100; SOS: 39
The two point loss to Oklahoma State probably did their post season hopes in unless they can steal a road game from OU or Baylor in the last week and a half. A valiant effort for a team that has played shorthanded for much of the year, but things like this tend to work themselves out in the end.

Get to Know Your Longhorns

The 2007 baseball season, by most accounts, was a disappointment by Longhorn standards. At this point in time, anything less than Omaha is a down year for the Horns. But looking at 2007, it was an un-Augie like team. It lacked pitching depth and wasn't built for small ball.

Looking to 2008, the Longhorns have a lot of their roster turned over from last season. From the media standpoint, it means not much is expected from this Longhorn team, but that's just where they like to be. A team that is built more for small ball and pitching, this 2008 group could surprise some people.

So let's take a minute and introduce ourselves to this 2008 crew.

1. Travis Tucker, Jr. - 3B - A returning starter from 2007 (.307/1/34). Replaces Nick Peoples at the top of the lineup and hopes to build on a productive '07 season.

2. Michael Torres, Jr. - 2B - A transfer from USC. Didn't do much in limited opportunities there. Hopefully will be the prototypical #2 hitter for Augie, bunting and moving runners along.

3. Jordan Danks, Jr. - CF - A returning starter from 2007 (.332/4/38). Expected to be his breakthrough season from a power standpoint. 5 tool player that should go high in the MLB draft this year.

4. Kyle Russell, Jr. - RF - The reigning NCAA Home Run Champion and a surprise return to the Forty Acres after being drafted (.335/28/71). Needs the rest of the lineup to step up to help make sure he sees good pitches.

5. Preston Clark, Jr. - C - A returning starter from 2007 (.286/8/45). Should be ready to handle a young pitching staff after a year under his belt. Look for continued improvement from the bat.

6. Brandon Belt, So. - 1B - A transfer from San Jacento JC. At 6'5" 205, he could emerge as another power threat.

7. Russell Moldenhauer, So. - DH - A returning starter from 2007 (.278/6/32). Forced into duty due to a lack of depth, will need to hit to remain in the lineup.

8. Kevin Keyes, Fr. - LF - A 6'4" 225 freshman from Austin, TX. He is big, athletic outfielder that was drafted in the 25th round by the Rangers.

9. David Hernandez, So. - SS - A transfer from Fresno State. Will be more relied upon for his defense and leadership, but any contributions with the bat will be welcomed.

Pitching Staff:

1. Austin Wood, Jr. - LHP - The only returning pitcher from the 2007 staff that logged significant innings (8-1, 3.15). He will need to be the ace of the staff to take pressure off the younger arms in the staff.

2. Cole Green, Fr. - RHP - A freshman from Coppell, TX. Doesn't have overwhelming stuff, but knows how to pitch and will be given an opportunity in the rotation.

3. Kenn Kasparek, Jr. - RHP - Returning from injury after missing the 2007 season. He was reliable late in the 2006 season, and could be the surprise of the staff. At 6'10" he is imposing on the mound.

4. Brandon Workman, Fr. - RHP - A freshman out of Bowie, TX, Workman may well force himself into the rotation. A third round selection of the Phillies, he has great stuff and if he isn't a starter will definitely be one of the first calls to the pen.


5. Chance Ruffin, Fr. - RHP - A freshman from Austin, TX, he will see most of his work out of the pen, except for the occasional spot start.

6. Kyle Walker, Jr. - LHP - Saw limited action last year. Could be a reliable late inning arm.

The Rest:
Riley Boening, So. - LHP - 6'3" southpaw that will get a chance this season.
Keith Shinaberry, Jr. - LHP - Saw limited action last season.
Hunter Harris, So. - Saw limited action last season.
Marcus Tackett, So. - Transfer from Oral Roberts
Stayton Thomas, Fr. - Freshman from Corsicana, TX
Casey Whitmer, So. - Transfer from Florida State that pitched well over the summer.

The Longhorns are off to a quick start in 2008, taking 3 games from VCU and taking the first from UT-Pan-Am. The Longhorns will need to get production from the top and bottom of their order if they hope to contend this season. They will also need people to emerge from the depth of the pen and fill roles on the staff. If they can figure out who their three reliable starters are with a good closer and a few solid arms in between, this could be one of those Texas teams that is built for a run to Omaha.

Youtube Tuesday

We're going to go funny today. This is from the Jimmy Kimmel Show. I haven't really watched that much of the show, but this is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. It is titled, "F*cking Ben Affleck."

Post Game Points: Texas v. Kansas State

ANOTHER UGLY WIN... No matter how Texas plays, they keep on winning. 13 turnovers, 10-22 from the foul line, AJ & Connor out the 1st half with fouls, broken noses and a poor shooting night for Damion James didn't keep the Horns from pulling off the huge win in Manhattan. This team has won inside, outside, pretty and ugly. One night it's DJ, then AJ then Connor and Damion. It seems like nothing can slow this team down the past 8 games. Three more winnable games for the Texas and they will bring home their first outright Big 12 Championship since 1999.

BLOWING BUBBLES... It looks like The Wildcats are about to play themselves right onto the NCAA Tournament bubble. They have now lost 3 straight to Texas, Baylor and Nebraska and face an impending 4th loss as they head into Lawrence to face Kansas on Saturday. Thats not to great considering the selection committee tends to look at your last 10-12 games to separate the last few in from the ones left out. If K State loses to Kansas, they are for sure going to have to beat Colorado and Iowa State to finish the year and then maybe have to win a game or 2 in the Big 12 tournament. One thing they have going for them is the "Beasley Factor" in that it is going to be hard for the committee to keep the most talented player in the country out of the NCAAs and into the NIT.

PHOENIX SUNS IN ATTENDANCE... ESPN made it a point to show Kevin McHale of T-Wolves and Steve Kerr of the Suns in attendance at tonight's game. Despite DJ's comments this week that he isn't going to the NBA, you can't tell me Phoenix was not there to look at DJ. I think Texas fans have learned enough from TJ, Kevin Durant and Vince Young to know that the "I will be back next year" is essentially a guarantee they will not. I think everyone is incredibly greatful we have had DJ for 2 years. I love DJ's game and he would be a perfect fit as the heir apparent yo Steve Nash and the Suns offense. I just wish players wouldn't get everyone's hopes up by saying the thing they think fans want to hear.

TEXAS' "X" FACTOR... Is Connor Atchley. He can be such a matchup problem for teams as his offensive game has really developed this year. He works the pick & roll so well with DJ. Connor can bring his man away from the basket, leaving a clear path to the rim for DJ. And Connor is becoming deadly from behind the arc as DJ is finding his open when teams trap him on the high pick & roll. Tonight Connor even hit what can only be described as the "least expected drive to the basket and running jump hook floater of the year." Add in his shot blocking ability and, as long as he stays out of foul trouble, Connor becomes a key man in a Longhorn run into March.

REMAINING SCHEDULE... @ Texas Tech: This game is winnable. Barned owns Tech and the Red Raiders just don't have the size or offensive fire power to stay with Texas. The game in Austin was a blow out, and I only expect the game to be about 5 points closer be cause the game is in Lubbock.
Nebraska: While the Cornhuskers are playing well as of late (wins over K State & A&M), I just don't see them coming into Austin and beating this Texas team. Texas may have some trouble with the 7'0'' Aleks Karic, but Nebraska simply does not have the overall team talent to pull off an upset road win.
Oklahoma State: I am glad Texas gets this game at home. The Cowboys are off wins over A&M and Kansas and PG Byron Eaton has been on fire the past few games. OK State alwasy plays Texas tough, but the Horns seem to pull off the wins in Austin. This is going to be a tough game, but the Cowboys don't have enough scorers around Eaton to win this Big 12 finally.

Keys to the Game: Texas v. Kansas State (a.k.a The "Weasley Wildcats")

When I was thinking about today's write up, I was thinking about doing my usual "Keys to the Game," which typically includes several key points that may make a difference in the upcoming game. But when thinking about today's matchup against Kansas State, i could only think of 2 things: Walker & Beasley. That pretty much sums up the Wildcat's team and season. In an unbelievable feat, Walker (31) and Beasley (44) combined to score 75 of K State's 86 points in a nine point loss to Baylor.

So, when thinking about what Texas is up against tonight, thats about all I could come up with. So instead of concentrating on actual game keys, I have decided to make up a useless name for the 2008 Kansas State Wildcats. From hence forth, they will be known in my blog posts as the "Weasley Wildcats." This, of course, combines Walker and Beasley into one super human "omni-player" which will unilaterally take on any opponent in the Big 12 and beyond. This extra-human force will obviously be represented by:


For those of you unfamiliar, that's a Harry potter reference. Yeah, I went there...

PREDICTION: Texas 76, Kansas State 69 (Weasley Wildcats 60)

No More Mugging Down During Dinner

Finally unexpecting Americans, stuffing their faces on Thanksgiving will be spared from that horrifying sight of seeing Texas A&M co-eds mugging down on National Television during meals. Now they'll wait till later that evening to feel sick to their stomachs.

Texas and Texas A&M will return their Thanksgiving Day rivalry to where it was a long time ago, and by a long time ago, before 1996. New Aggie Coach Mike Sherman, who remembers what it was like watching the first of the 115 Lone Star Rivalries when he was a teenager, is very excited. "I am very excited," Sherman said.

The game will be in primetime on ESPN, which apparently means ABC didn't want to carry the game anymore. I don't know why they didn't want to nationally televise a 9-3 team playing a 6-6 team every year. I just don't. Probably to make way for that new Thanksgiving Hannah Montana special*.

No word on whether Texas will horribly under achieve against the Aggies at night like they do during the day.


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3264040


*May not actually be a Hannah Montana special.