Derby Posts

What would a Louisville, Kentucky-based sports site be without a little Derby chatter?

Today the posts were drawn for the 135th Kentucky Derby.

Favorite I Want Revenge will break from position 13 on Saturday. His morning line had him at 3-1.

Two ponies, Dunkirk and Pioneerof the Nile, (pictured because the Santa Anita Derby winner is this blogger's pick) were at 4-1 this morning and will be posting at positions 15 and 16, respectively.

Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire is 5-1 and has a good starting position at post number 6.

Good luck, ladies and gentlemen.

Derby Eve Bash

Keep Checking Back for some new news on recruiting....

As a lot of you know, I produce for The Freak Show with John Renshaw which streams live weeknights at 11:30PM on louisvillesportsbuzz.com as well as being broadcasted on television via WBKI-34 (Channel 7 on Insight). LouisvilleSportsBuzz is putting on a Derby Eve Bash with live music and an abundance of pro athletes that you will have the opportunity to meet. This is all in addition to a selection of beer and liqour, but I think that goes without saying. Tickets can be purchased at the Buzz Store at LouisvilleSportsBuzz.com or if you have any problems email me @ lyesreport@gmail.com and i'll get you set up.

For the record, If you knew what die-hard Eagles fan and L Yes! contributor Trevor Kelsey said he would say to Terrell Owens if he ever encountered him, you would pay hundreds of dollars, not just the inexpensive $15 ($20 at the door). Chalk-talk with Bob Stoops or drink a Natty Ice with Matty Ice. It's being held close to the corner of Floyd/Central, which is definitely walking distance from the track. Click on the flyer for more details...

Eric Wood to Buffalo

Former Louisville center and L Yes! favorite Eric Wood was drafted in the first round and No. 28 overall by the AFC East's Buffalo Bills Saturday.

He was the second center taken in the draft.

OT George Bussey was drafted in the fifth round by the the New England Patriots.

Congrats to both former Cardinal linemen.

Backcourt Help Coming for the Cards

Chris Smith, a New Jersey native, will be coming to the Ville, the Courier reported tonight.

Smith is the little brother of J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets. He's transferring from Manhattan, where he averaged better than 15 and 5 boards per game. He'll sit out next year but has two years of eligibility left.

Welcome to Louisville, good news.

Wolfe to Transfer

The University of Louisville Athletic Dept. has announced that QB Tyler Wolfe will transfer at the end of the spring semester, most likely to a I-AA school so he would be eligible immediately.

Wolfe's transfer will bring Coach Kragthorpe's count to 8,162 in the department of premature departures.

"I'm sorry to see Tyler leave our program," said Kragthorpe. "He is a solid person and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."


Speaking of bad news and the name Tyler, if you haven't heard already, (former) Louisville hoops commit Jeremy Tyler is reportedly foregoing his senior year of high school to play ball overseas, meaning he won't wear a Cardinal uniform.


In other news the University confirmed it will be changing its banner off I-65 from "Welcome to Louisville: The Greatest College Sports Town in America" to "Welcome to Louisville: Where When It Rains, It Pours."

McShay: Eric Wood to go Early in Round 2

In ESPN's Todd McShay's latest 2009 NFL Mock Draft, former Louisville center and L Yes! favorite Eric Wood is projected as the No. 6 pick in the second round. Wood, a Cincinnati native, would be swooped up by the Bungles -er, Bengals if McShay's projection is on the money.

I hope it's not.

Wood is McShay's No. 2 center in this year's crop.

McShay has Hunter Cantwell going in the sixth round to the the Denver Broncos and OT George Bussey late in the seventh, also to Denver.

Former Georgia QB Matthew Stafford is the projected overall No. 1 pick to the Lions.

Reynolds to Enter Draft

Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds will cease to be a thorn in the side of Cards fans, as it was announced today that he is to enter the NBA draft.

Maybe.

Reynolds didn't hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of a return to Jay Wright and the Wildcats for his senior season.

As a junior, Reynolds averaged better than 15 points per game.

What is going on up here?

It has been a busy day full of rumors and allegations as well as he said she said crap floating all over town like a turd in the toilet. In case your in a coma, you have heard the news of Rick Pitino and the FBI being involved in an extortion case.

Yes her name is now being leaked all over the media and even one of this websites contributor's has posted a photo of her. I will keep referring to the woman as "her" instead of an actual name due to the fact this isn't just an average story. This has the attention of the FBI and I am the last person who needs to bring attention to myself from any form of the law.

This statement was released by Pitino last night regarding the situation....

"My family and I were recently threatened as part of a criminal scheme to extort money," Pitino said in a statement. "Upon receiving these threats, we reported this extortion attempt to the FBI. While I did not want to make this matter public, I recently learned that the individual behind this extortion attempt has already gone to the media with false, defamatory and outrageous allegations in an attempt to pressure me to cave in to this scheme.

"I want to make it clear that I intend to vigorously defend my reputation and the character of my family against any criminal scheme to extort money. I am hopeful that the media and public will recognize the slanderous nature of this direct and malicious attack."

This is a very messy story and I can guarantee you even after it is resolved in the media, know one is really going to know the truth. This morning the husband of the woman, Tim Sypher released this statement...

"I am devastated by the bizarre allegations that my estranged wife is making against both Coach Pitino and myself. At this point, my primary concern is for my young daughter and four stepsons, both to the impact of their mother's actions on them, as well as the impact on Coach's family and the University. I love my children, and want to protect them. At the same time, I intend to defend the allegations vigorously and will have no additional comment at this time. "

This isn't something that is going to go away quickly. This is going to be drawn out and talked about on the message boards for hours and hours over the next few months or more. I don't read message boards. I am smarter then that. Every media outlet is keeping the info of this story close to their vest and sorry everyone but I am doing the same.

Pitino: A Victim of Extortion

The FBI is looking into Coach Rick Pitino's allegation that he is being extorted by the estranged wife of U of L equipment manager, Tim Sypher, the Courier-Journal is reporting.

Her name is Karen Sypher, and oh yeah - the L Yes! got a picture.

ESPN has picked up the story too.

So has Fox Sports, Gary Parrish at CBS, and the good folks at Sports Illustrated.

So I guess the good news is that it's flying well under the radar, huh?

Stay tuned to the L Yes! Report for your up-t0-the-minute sex scandal/extortion/FBI investigations updates.

What is going on up here?

I have no life but watching sports, movies and tv sitcoms so why not share the thoughts and ideas that are floating around in this head of mine....

At first hearing about Richard Pitino leaving Louisville to be an assistant at Florida puzzled me. Jeff Goodman broke the story. Then it was brought to my attention of him "stepping out of his fathers shadow" and that made since to me. Makes more sense then the absurd rumors that I am sure are UK fans are starting about some kind of sex scandal or point shaving. I am sorry Kentucky fans that your program once were dirty enough to do that it doesn't mean we are or did. I understand that Richard wants to be a head coach and no matter what he does at Louisville, people are going to try to claim its because of his dad. He was up for the Boston University job and didn't get it. Was that really the reason? I mean first off you are Boston University. This is basketball not hockey, you have really little room to be that picky. On the other hand it wouldn't shock me if that had something to do with it. Not everybody is as intelligent as me. So Richard will move to Florida, wanting to make a name for himself. Where better to go then dad's friend, who could use a recruiter and assistant and who has produced several head coaches himself. If this is really the reason for the move then I will be shocked if Richard is at Florida more then two years.

Maybe most people don't like the NBA but I love it. The Bulls and Celtics was a good game and while the Celtics will win the series I am going to enjoy watching Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo match up over the next 5 games or less. Yea the Bulls won and Rose had a great game but so did Rondo. I know its bad to talk about a UK player on here maybe but the fact is he is a great on ball and team defender and while he still does struggle with his jump shot he he doesn't force his shot. Rondo out up 21 points in game one and had 6 assists with zero turnovers. Rose had 8 assists but 4 turnovers. The Celtics are a better team, with or without KG, and that will show in the long run but doesn't mean we can't enjoys watching these two young guards go one on one every now in then.

I am a huge fan of what the Hawks have done and of Joe Johnson. He is still underrated despite getting an All-Star bid this year. Their (Hawks) series with the Heat should be a slug fest with every game being great to watch. Horford against O'Neal (Jermaine of course) and Johnson against Wade will be worth your time. The Hawks are a deeper team though and will win this in a tough 6 or maybe 7 game series. That being said I want it to be known now that I think the Hawks are good enough to knock off the Cavs. I'll get into that another day though.

Baseball is here and I couldn't be more bored at times. I have the privilege of listening to the Reds broadcasts for work, I also "Tweet" updates of the game on my twitter account

Anyway...the Reds need offense. Joey Votto is good and I will give you Brandon Phillips but they (Reds) just don't out enough runs up to be a real contender. Harang despite a 1-1 record has looked solid as has Johnny Cueto and Bronson Arroyo but you can't win if you can't score. Starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez has one hit this season. To quote Harry Doyle "That's all we got, one goddamn hit? "

Johnny Be Gone

Syracuse point guard Johnny Flynn will sign with an agent, according to sources close to the program.

This comes days after Syracuse starters Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris announced they would test the NBA waters.

Some sources are reporting that Flynn's decision to enter the draft a year earlier than expected has something to do with his reluctance to match-up against Louisville's incoming freshman Peyton Siva next season.

McCaughtry #1 Overall Pick in WNBA Draft

Louisville's own living legend of women's basketball, Angel McCaughtry, has joined former stand-out center Pervis Ellison as the lone Cardinals to be selected #1 overall in their respective drafts. Angel was drafted by the Atlanta Dream earlier today, so make sure you save up for that authentic jersey.

Not that I'm a WNBA fan by any means, but it is great to see McCaughtry get the respect she deserves and continue to be an ambassador for the university. The Dream could use all the help they can get, as they finished a DePaul-esque 4-30 in it's inaugural season in the league. They have added former Tennessee stand-out Chamique Holdsclaw as well to try to get on that win train. Congrats and Good Luck to Angel as she attempts to dominate the pros just as she did college.

Dream Draft McCaughtry with First Pick (ESPN.com)
Watch McCaughtry's reaction to Selection (Must have Windows Media Player) (WNBA.com)

T-Will Awarded Second Team All-American by ESPN

The self-annointed Worldwide Leader in Sports annointed Louisville senior Terrence Williams Second Team All-American. First Team members included Ty Lawson, James Harden, Tyler Hansborough, Dejuan Blair, and Player of the Year Blake Griffin.



Joining T-Will on the Second Team was Hasheem Thabeet, Gerald Henderson, Stephen Curry, and Jodie Meeks.

Tuesday Afternoon National Championship Reads

For your viewing pleasure. Check out these links to get your Louisville-is-playing-UConn-for-the-National-Championship-tonight fix.

Doug Fienburg at Yahoo Sports says Geno Auriemma insists his Huskies are beatable.

UConn is on the verge of a “dynasty” and the sole reason we should all tune in tonight, according to the folks at USA Today.

A UConn insider’s take regarding the relationship between Coach Auriemma and senior guard Renee Montgomery.

Eric Crawford has a good piece on one of this writer’s favorite Lady Cards, senior Candyce Bingham.

And finally, if you haven’t yet, don’t forget to get the full scouting report on the Lady Huskies from your friends here at the L Yes! Report. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Gov. Beshear to Wage Ham Against Huskies Tonight

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has placed a "friendly bet" with Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell on tonight's National Championship game between Louisville and the Lady Huskies.

Beshear has put up a Kentucky country ham, while Gov. Rell waged a lobster dinner for two.

It doesn't look like Beshear is getting the 16.5 points the Lady Cards are underdogs. It's also unclear whether this is part of his campaign to implement expanded gaming in the Commonwealth.

Said Beshear: “As a great seafood lover, I gladly welcome Gov. Rell’s lobster dinner wager. The First Lady and I will savor this lobster just as we will savor the NCAA victory of our University of Louisville Lady Cardinals.”

That's governor talk for "it's on like donkey kong."

Let's keep the ham in the K-Y. Go Cards!

Best 3 Minutes in Sports

I'm sure this will be taken down soon, so enjoy it while you can....

Show Me My Opponent - Connecticut Huskies

Event: 2009 Women’s NCAA Basketball National Championship

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Time: 8:30 p.m. EST

Site: The Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri

TV: ESPN

Radio: 840 WHAS in Louisville, also available on Sirius Radio

Series History: U of L trails 1-7 all-time, its only win coming back in 1993 (0-2 at home, 1-4 at UConn, 0-1 neutral)

Last Meeting: UConn 75, Louisville 36; March 10 in Hartford, Connecticut

Spread: Louisville plus 16.5

National Rankings: Louisville ended the season ranked 7th in the AP poll, while UConn has remained the No. 1 team in the country in all polls since Week 1

University of Connecticut Huskies

Location - Storrs, CT

Arena- Gampel Pavilion

Head Coach – Geno Auriemma (695-122 and 5 National Championships in 24 seasons at UConn; 6 time Coach of the Year)

Assistants – Chris Daly, Jamelle Elliot, Shea Ralph

Record – 38-0, 16-0

Famous alumni
Moby (musician)
Paige Turco (actress, best known for her role as April O’Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Meg Ryan (actress)
Leigh Montville (legendary sports writer)
Kirk Ferentz (Iowa football coach)

Women basketball alumni
Ashley Battle (Liberty)
Sue Bird (1st overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft, Storm)
Asjha Jones (Sun)
Rebecca Lobo (former WNBA player and current analyst for ESPN)
Jessica Moore (Sparks)
Shea Ralph (Starzz)
Nykesha Sales (former WNBA player)
Ann Strother (Dream)
Ketia Swainer (Sun)
Dianna Taurasi (Mercury)
Tamika Williams (Sun)

Probable Starters
#23 Maya Moore F
#31 Tina Charles C
# 3 Tiffany Hayes G
#30 Renee Montgomery G
#32 Kalana Green G

Outlook
The Cards (34-4) upset No. 2 seeded Baylor in the Sweet 16, then No. 1 seeded Maryland in the Elite 8 to march to the Arch, where Sunday night they handled No. 1 seeded Oklahoma. Not to mention they had to play No. 6 seeded LSU on their home floor to advance in the second round. Their reward? A second rematch with the No. 1 overall and undefeated Connecticut Huskies for the National Championship.

So, this team is good. The storyline going into Tuesday night’s game will be how the Huskies destroyed the Cards by an average of 33.5 points in two meetings this season. Player of the Year Maya Moore led the way, averaging 27.5. This may have something to do with all the “experts” at the Worldwide Leader going with the undisputed No. 1 team. But it must be pointed out that both games were in Connecticut, the first at UConn in Storrs, and the second in Hartford, UConn’s second home.

But it may not make any difference where these teams meet. UConn coach Geno Auriemma is a perfect 5-0 in National Title contests. His current squad has beaten everybody on the schedule by double-digits and is coming off two consecutive 83-64 wins to reach the Championship game. Both Moore and guard Renee Montgomery are All-Americans. 6’4 center Tina Charles is arguably the best center in the Big East and had her way with the Cards both outings this season, averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 boards.

But don’t count the Lady Cards out. Under the tutelage of Coach Jeff Walz, who’s become a household name in women’s college hoops since taking over at Louisville, the Cards are playing inspired ball. He’ll call on Deseree Byrd to slow down Montgomery, and look for the Cards to try to pick up the tempo to keep Charles out of the game.

For Louisville to stay competitive, its All American, Angel McCoughtry will have to come out to play both halves. The X-factor in keeping this one close will be Angel’s fellow senior, Candyce Bingham, who’s been a steady hand for the Cards in their historical Final Four run.

Nobody, including top 5 teams Oklahoma and North Carolina, has been able to keep up with the Huskies this season. But the Cards have relished in their role as underdog in the tourney. Coach Walz has been brilliant in implementing strategy to get his girls to where they are today. And who can forget the Biblical story of David slaying Goliath, especially this close to Easter Sunday?

If the Cards can keep it close, or maybe even grab a piece of a lead, it’ll be interesting to see how the mighty Huskies respond. But to the “experts” at ESPN: This is why we play the game. Let's see just one more bit of Madness before the season concludes.

Go Cards.

Lady Cards Look To Shock The World

39 and 28 points. 168 to 101. Those are the deficits and combined scores of Louisville's Lady Cards previous match ups this season with UCONN. The Huskies handed Louisville two of it's four losses this season. The last time they met for the Big East Tournament finals, UCONN beat the Lady Cards by 39 points, while Louisville only scored 36 points as a team. Maya Moore (UCONN) scored 28 points by herself. Angel McCoughtry led Louisville with 9 points (3-16).

The Huskies haven't lost a game since this time last year when they fell to Stanford in the Final Four (a game they got revenge for this year). That is 38 in a row. A streak that doesn't have a win that isn't by double digits. In fact the closest anyone has got to UCONN is ten points in defeat (Notre Dame and Rutgers). They (UCONN) are beating this years tournament opponents by an average of 25 points a game. Well no one is giving Louisville a chance in this game, the Lady Cards are a 16 point underdog.

You think any of this matters to coach Jeff Walz and the rest of the team?

"Nobody expected us to be here," McCoughtry said after the upset of Oklahoma. "We have not one high school All-American on our team, but these girls worked hard. I'm so proud of them."

If Angel McCoughtry and the rest of the Lady Cards can pull off the upset it would truly shock the world in a 1983 North Carolina State size upset. Louisville will have to control the tempo or they (Louisville) will get destroyed as expected. The Lady Cards can not get into a track meet with a much deeper bench. I loved watching coach Walz throw junk defense's (box and 1, triangle 2) at Oklahoma, while mixing in man to man (or woman to woman) to confuse the Sooners and try to prevent them from feeding the Paris sisters.

Tempo and turnovers are the keys, as they are in a lot of games. Louisville can not lose the turnover battle. They (Louisville) only committed 9 turnovers as at team against Oklahoma (forcing 17) but in their two meeting against UCONN this year they (Louisville) turned the ball over a combined 38 times (23 and 15). If Louisville is going to have any chance they must keep their turnovers down (single digits). I was going to put my prediction on here but I think I don't want to do it. Lets just say I think the Huskies will cover the spread but I really want to see Louisville pull off this upset so I will go out with this final score...

Lady Cards - 68

Lady Huskies - 65

Cards Baseball Is Rolling

Well basketball season is over and the first game in football isn't for 5 months. You know what that means? It's baseball season and manger Dan McDonnell's Louisville Cardinals are off to a great 20-9 start. To steal a line from the great Harry Doyle, "In case you haven't noticed and judging by the attendance you haven't". The Cardinals are 16-2 at home this season and since dropping their first three games in Gainsville against the #11th ranked Gators, Louisville has gone 20-6.

Third baseman Chris Dominguez (drafted 5th round by Rockies) decided to return to Louisville and has been destroying the ball. He is leading the team in home runs (9), RBIs (40), and slugging percentage (.641) but is also leading the Cards in strikeouts (24). He is hitting .333, good for 4th on the team behind Phil Wunderlich (.348), Josh Richmond (.336), and Freshman Ryan Wright (.336).

Wunderlich just recently had a career high 3 home runs in one game against Cincinnati. First baseman Andrew Clark, who was big in the Cards post season run last season, is one of six Cards batting over .300 (.313) and has hit 4 home runs with 26 RBIs.

Louisville returned several key players from last season but has also added to that with the additions of Freshman Ryan Wright and JUCO Adam Duvall. Both have been consistent starters and contributors. Wright (2B/SS) is second on the Cards in batting while recording 2 home runs, 2 triples, and 5 doubles so far. He (Wright) is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Adam Duvall (2B) come to the Cards from Chipola JC, where he was named to All-World Series Team after leading Chipola to Junior College World Series. He (Duvall) is batting .329 (5th on team) and 11 doubles (tied for 1st on team) this season but has committed 8 errors (2nd on team, Dominguez leads with 9) already.

The Cards pitching staff has been led by Justin Marks, who is 4-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 7 starts. Marks has been impressive as expected this season, holding batters to a .235 BA, striking out 57 batters in 42 IP and only allowing 1 home run. The Cards pitching staff is kinda shaky after Marks though. Sophomore Dean Kiekhefer has also started 7 times, going 2-2 with a 6.40 ERA. Freshman Mike Nastold has added 4 starts this year, recording a 2-0 record with a respectable 4.44 ERA. Louisville's pitching staff as a whole has a 4.40 ERA and holding opponents to a .258 BA.

The Cards will begin a five game home stretch at Jim Patterson Stadium (where it is free to go to), starting with Indiana on Tuesday (April 7th) at 6:00 PM followed by three game series against Big East foe Pittsburgh (4/9 & 4/10 at 6 PM and 4/11 at 1 PM) capped off with a showdown with Kentucky (4/14 at 6 PM).

The Dance Party Continues

The University of Louisville women's basketball team upset the Oklahoma Sooners to advance to its first NCAA National Championship, despite a poor first half after which they found themselves down 12.

Angel McCoughtry and Candyce Bingham led the way with 18 and 14, respectively.

They await the winner of the Stanford/UConn match-up. I'm going with UConn.

The Cards will play for the National Championship Tuesday night. 'Til then, you know what time it is.

Reds 2009 Team Preview

Projected Starting Lineup

CF- Willy Taveras
LF- Chris Dickerson
1B- Joey Votto
2B- Brandon Phillips
RF- Jay Bruce
3B- Edwin Encarnacion
C- Ramon Hernandez
SS- Alex Gonzalez
P- Aaron Harang

Break Down:

The Reds have an exciting new look this season. Without veterans Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. general manager Walt Jocketty has put a young and exciting team on the field. The Reds had another disappointing season last year with a 74-88 record. They are looking to avoid their 10th straight losing season. Many people are saying that the Reds are this years “dark horse”. Some are even comparing them to the 2008 Rays. I would not go that far yet.

Best Player: Brandon Phillips- Phillips is without a doubt one of the best second basemen in the game. He is coming of a Gold Glove season and is a consistent hitter, but could still get better. He is the new leader of this team and he needs to take the young players under his wings and make them better.

Best Pitcher: Edinson Volquez- If he can pitch like he did last season he could be one of the best in the game. He is coming off of a 2008 All-Star appearance.

Pitching: The Reds might have the best rotation they have had in years. They are actually having a battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. Homer Bailey and Micah Owings who was acquired in the Adam Dunn trade last season, will be battling for that fifth spot. A key to the Reds success is that their “ace” Aaron Harang starts pitching like he did in 2007. He needs to have a nice bounce back year.

Infield: The infield is very solid this season with young players on the corners. Joey Votto at first, gold glover Brandon Phillips at second, veteran Alex Gonzalez coming back after missing the 2008 season with an injury will be at shortstop and Edwin Encarnacion will be at third base. Also new catcher Ramon Hernandez will hopefully bring some consistency behind the plate for the first time in several years.

Outfield: The outfield will be occupied with a young core. In right will be second year player Jay Bruce. In center will be the newly acquired Willy Taveras, and in left will probably be the young Chris Dickerson.

Bullpen: The bullpen should be strong this season after resigning veterans Mike Lincoln and David Weathers. There is a chance if Homer Bailey does not make the starting rotation that he might come out of the bullpen as a long reliever. Also solid closer Francisco Cordero will be coming in to close the door.

Prediction:
Record: 82-80
Finishing 3rd in the NL Central

Louisville's Home Schedule

Tom Heiser at the Courier-Journal describes the U of L football team's home schedule as "deplorable." I used the investigative journalism tactics I've acquired while writing for the L Yes! Report and discovered that means it sucks.


You be the judge. Here's who's visiting the Pizza Palace this season:


Sep 5 - Indiana State


Oct 2 - Pittsburgh (Friday night at 8:00 pm)


Oct 10 - Southern Miss


Oct 31 - Arkansas State


Nov 14 - Syracuse


Nov 28 - Rutgers


Heiser might be on to something. But there are two sides to the coin, as he acknowledges. BCS bowls are fun, but the (dare I say "ultimate") goal for this year's Cards is six wins and bowl eligibilty. With away games at UConn, Utah, South Florida, Morgantown, and Lexington, it's safe to say there's a chance we may drop one or two on the road. And, in the event you forgot about the state of affairs on the gridiron during hoops season, it's becoming increasingly clear that Coach Steve Kragthorpe's support in this town isn't unconditional.

This is a young team. Whoever's under center on opening day will likely be taking his first snap in a Louisville uniform. (I say "likely" because one candidate, Tyler Wolfe, was 2 for 4 on passing last season for 14 yards.) It'll be a different offense than we saw last season. Our defensive personnel is littered with more question marks than X's and O's. That side of the ball will also be integrating a different system under new DC Brent Guy. Yes, I'd be more inclined to get pumped up if it were Kansas State, Miami, FSU, or even UNC invading Papa John's, as opposed to the Indiana State Sycamores. But, unfortunately, we've been shoved back into the trenches of mediocrity since that 2007 Orange Bowl Championship. Are we trapped? Not completely. But ISU and Arkansas State will give this green and unpredictable 2009 team a better chance to climb out than the Hurricanes or Seminoles.


I say (with a sigh): Bring on the Sycamores.

T-Will a Wooden All-American

Louisville senior Terrence Williams was named to the John Wooden All-American Team Wednesday. He was one of 11 players selected. The rest are household names: DeJuan Blair, Sam Young, Hasheem Thabeet, Luke Harangody, Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, Tyler Hansbrough, James Harden, Gerald Henderson, and Ty Lawson.

Congrats T-Will.

McDonald's All-American Game Tonight

Don't forget to pick up a Big Mac on the way home from work and check out McDonald's All-American and Louisville signee Peyton Siva on ESPN tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST.