Chuck Taylor

Ken Pomeroy analyzes stats, doesn't pay as much attention to outcome. Very much like Bill James on baseball. So while with a small sample (one-third of the way into the season) can skew the results, he does point out underlying trends and is considered a better predictive rating than RPI, which measures game results. Our low rating on KenPom is a warning sign, but it's based on some horrendous games already in the bank. If we iron out our offensive issues, we can shoot up quickly. Our defensive rating is definitely mediocre (137 according to the KenPom ratings), but keep in mind we've had a short rotation because of Shields' injury and Almeida's various issues that have kept him on the bench. I think we're definitely a top 100 defensive team when all is said and done. The offense? Well, there's always hope. So while Realtime RPI predictions look like we're a bubble team, Ken Pomeroy is saying we'll be home in March. We'll see.

Not going to argue with the grades, but as was pointed out, this was a pretty even matchup in spite of what we might think of the name "Jacksonville State." We are not a good team unless (1) Andre is on the floor and engaged (2) we're having a good night shooting (3) we can maintain a modest level of confidence that hasn't been sapped by previous poor performances. I think the last 6 minutes were largely the result of (1) Jacksonville is having a decent year and still has the confidence to fight when they're down (2) maybe we got a little complacent (3) we fell back into a "we can't score" mindset brought on by the previous two beatdowns. This is a scenario that's going to play out for the entire year with this roster, and I'll grade the coaching simply based on whether he can keep us plugging away despite the long odds we face almost every game.

I know the game was a dumpster fire and all that, but agree on the B for coaching, maybe higher. We aren't playing with these scores because we're holding the ball for 30 seconds, jacking up a shot and then running back without going for an offensive rebound. We're running an offense and playing sound defense. But this is the result of the roster we're playing. There was one possession under 5 minutes where it was pretty obvious we had no chance of a comeback, but we still ran the offense with crisp passes and Talley ended up with a nice little open baseline shot fairly early in the shot clock. (shockingly, it went in!) That tells me the coach has the team's attention. Oregon is good, is well-coached and pretty deep. We played them on the road and didn't quit plugging away. But we're playing, what now, 7 scholarship players? and two are freshmen. Yeah, it's hard to watch sometimes, but the coach is holding up his end.

The label on the story says "FOOTBALL." Guess that was based on Peltz's play on the loose ball last week.

Barfneck today on Biggs, Pitchford and Pettaway: Lee Barfknecht: I've seen them. Biggs would start. I know there seems to be massive interest in the other two guys, but everybody needs to remember that PItchford played only 12 MINUTES the whole season at Florida and that Pettaway averaged 3.3 points a game on a team that lost 25 times.

Oregon 61 NU 59 tough call, but not sure we can keep them in the 50s.

A win doesn't move the needle substantially for either team on selection Sunday. This game is vital to both schools because of the fans. A loss to your rival cuts the enthusiasm level substantially, which affects attendance. A lot of Doc's popularity was because he could beat )*)%&%^$ Creighton. It sure wasn't because of the job he was doing in the Big 12 or BIG.

pleeeease, don't make this comparison. That's hitting below the belt.

why is that? I'd think both teams need to win, if nothing else than to keep their fans from jumping off a cliff.

NU 62 CU 69

NU 62, USC 58

I'd also vote for Almeida, especially for the 27 minutes he played. I really think he's going to be the key to whether this team is in the game or not, once we get to BIG play. I give Coach Miles credit for putting him on the bench against Kent, maybe that woke him up.

Almeida really has to provide something. I know he's coming off an injury, but he's just not in shape and never has been. His time on the bench puts a couple of guys out of position where they have to work harder, plus it increases their minutes. I'm not convinced our shooting is that bad, but shooting 3-pointers on tired legs doesn't work.

Nebraska 63, Valpo 61 I think we may be overestimating them.

He's not an athlete like Pike was. He does have very good skills for his size, and really could be a reliable scorer. I like him a lot. This is the opinion of someone who knows little beyond what he sees on an online video.

NU 59 Southern 57

The speed of play this season is irrelevant. I want to see if Tim Miles can get the most out of what we have this year. If slow does it, fine. Help is on the way next year, and we'll deal with style of play then.

Talley, 13 ppg.

11-21 and competitive in the losses.

I got my foot in the door!