Comments on: Know Thy Opponent: Kentucky Wildcats

By: IUMike

IUMike — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:08:02 +0000

Just a thought: Northwestern would be North while Iowa would be South in this scenario.

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:33:55 +0000

Thanks for the comments! I think everyone who follows/is a part of this site takes pride in having a little human decency.

Hopefully it'll be a good game today.

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:53:49 +0000

If you went North/South

I guess it would look like this:

North
Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin

South
Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, Ohio State, Penn State,

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:50:26 +0000

I would see an East/West split along the Indiana/Illinois state line

West – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, Northwestern
East – Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State

However, that puts the more traditionally strong football teams in one division with OSU, Mich, and PSU. But it's not always about football

By: iudrew22

iudrew22 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:43:09 +0000

Don't hate? lol…as an IU fan it is ingrained to hate PU and UK are you kidding me? I will always root against those two no matter who they are playing…that is what rivalries are all about…it would be boring if we all rooted for the same team…

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:40:32 +0000

I guess Cincinnati is out too, because apparently there is a wrestling requirement in the Big Ten (read that on some of the ESPN posts).

I thought about Memphis but couldn't bring myself to suggest them!

Not to picky, but will the Big Ten ever consider two things?
1.) Changing the name - I doubt it
2.) Having a team in a state that isn't connected to the other states (i.e. Tennessee in Vandy or Memphis

Iowa State makes sense, given the rivalry with Iowa, and the Big 12 could raid the WAC or Mountain West for a new team and someone would fill in the MW or WAC since they aren't incredibly strong conferences.

By: cooper

cooper — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:31:06 +0000

I was thinking Cincinnati too but Iowa State wouldn't be bad. They may not want to leave Big 12 Marquette doesn't play football so they are out. What about Memphis? They may jump at the chance to get in a real conference. Vanderbilt? They'd probably love to leave the SEC where they can't win. If they do go to 12 its time to change the name. I love the Big 10 but it doesn't make sense anymore to say Big 10

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:23:27 +0000

Interesting.

I'd rather boot Northwestern (the only private school), but that won't happen.

I don't think we want 3 teams from one state.

Could we raid the Big East for a team like Louisville or Cincinnati?
Iowa State from the Big Twelve?

To me, Iowa State seems like a feasible option. Louisville or Cincinnati might be a reach.

Big Ten by State

Indiana (2): Boilermakers, Hoosiers

Iowa (1): Hawkeyes
Wisconsin (1): Badgers
Pennslyvania (1): Nittany Lions
Minnesota (1): Gophers
Illinois (2): Wildcats, Illini
Michigan (2): Wolverines, Spartans
Ohio (1): Buckeyes

By: Druid

Druid — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Big upset today……. IU by 4 72-68

By: catcrawler

catcrawler — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:00:24 +0000

Dude don't hate. Once IU gets back in the top 15 (I'll give it 2 years) this rivalry will once again be magical. I loved the neutral games in Indy and Louisville.

By: catcrawler

catcrawler — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:55:45 +0000

You should worry about all three. UK by 12

By: cooper

cooper — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:41:26 +0000

With all everyone has written and I've written about what needs to happen, I've become convinced it really only comes down to Mr. Wall. Looking at both teams he is the only game changer and the only player who can take the game over by himself. Everyone else on the court needs help to do so including Patterson. I'm more worried about him on the offensive boards than I am about him scoring alot on their own.

If IU can have someone score 20 they can win if they keep Wall under 25. If not good luck

Interesting on ESPN Barry Alvarez said the league would be pushing to add a 12th team sometime soon. I'd be interested to see who? I have no idea how it works if schools can just leave a conference or what

By: LexCatFan

LexCatFan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:27:00 +0000

I’m a UK fan, and I just thought I’d drop all you Hoosiers a line and let you know that I really enjoyed reading these posts. It gets really old when people have no clue about the game and just use these things for trash talking. I hope we win tomorrow, but all of us who know this rivalry know that Assembly Hall will be rocking tomorrow. I personally would like to see Indiana bounce back to a top 10 team. I have family in Indiana, and they always talked smack if we lost to you guys, but the games were at least exciting. Tom Crean is a great guy and a great coach, and I know that in the next few years your program will be back where it belongs. I look forward to those matchups. Until then, I personally hope we beat you tomorrow, and that the rest of your season goes well for you.

By: Kelin Blab

Kelin Blab — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:12:13 +0000

Smitty as a fellow educator…I will join you in cartwheels…..Those over 1000 comments are strictly due to teaching 100% computer based subject…..

Free Throws will be big tomorrow.
For some odd reason I have tampered my expectations for tomorrows game and yet have a little “fan confidence” ……I think that unsung guy will be Elston or Rivers. Elston could pull patterson out of the lane which would help.

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:42:22 +0000

Great comments so far. I told my fellow teachers I'd do cartwheels through the hallway if we won on Saturday. They are going to hold me to it.

But honestly, I just don't see how we can win this game...although it pains my heart to say it.

If it is going to happen, here are my FIVE needs for tomorrow.

FOUL TROUBLE: If we have a chance, we need to get Kentucky in foul trouble and keep their top guys off the court. Step in front of Wall and draw charges, and pray that Patterson gets overzealous when he goes against our smaller front line.

3 POINT SHOOTING: If we go zone, Kentucky had better be missing. Assembly Hall is a little different than other venues, so that might help. We have to bury our attempts - no going 1-7.

UNLIKELY STAR: Somebody outside of our big 3 - Jones, Watford, and Creek - need to have the game of his life. I don't care if it's Elston, Dumes, Pritchard, Rivers, anyone. Someone has to sneak up on Kentucky.

FREE THROWS: We have to go old school on this one and hit more FTs than we let Kentucky attempt.

TURNOVERS: Kentucky will turn the ball over and we have to take advantage while maintaining a sense of control on our end of the court.

With that said - Go Hoosiers! I'll happily attempt those cartwheels.

(Oh and congratulations to me on my 640th comment! - 360 more to go Kelin ! )

By: BGleas

BGleas — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:16:01 +0000

It's still not UConn's home floor and environment. They still probably stayed in a NYC hotel the night before and from all accounts Kentucky had more fans there.

By: Kelin Blab

Kelin Blab — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:26:07 +0000

Michael I think Creek, Wateford and Rivers could start for Kentucky. Kentucky starts two point guards surely Creek could crack one of the two guard spots……

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:48:35 +0000

I'm sorry, but this is going to be a blood bath. Who on IU would start for Kentucky? I can't stand Kentucky or that snake-oil salesman Calipari but I'd say that the 1% chance of an upset is pretty accurate. IU will soon compete with top-5 teams like Kentucky, but this is not the year.

By: kyken

kyken — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:10:05 +0000

I'm a big UK fan, and so excited about our team this year. I'm also excited for your Indiana team too. You have a great coach that will bring your team back to national prominence. I used to hate nailbiters between IU/UK but loved them at the same time. I see us winning this one but knowing in the back of my mind that you guys will be back soon. Good luck!

By: tberry

tberry — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:11:55 +0000

I know we think we play an up-tempo game but KY will out-quick us. The outside shot is something to worry about but so is KY's quickness!!!