Quick Notes #2

Hello there,

I apologize for the delay in between posts. Been busy here at The Thompson house.

Well no time to waste, let's make some people mad :)

- The Minnesota Golden Gopher Basketball team let one slip away last night losing to Virginia in the ACC/Big Ten challenge 87-79. It was the first loss of the season for the Gophers. The Gophers were up by 10 at halftime but couldn't play any sort of defense in the 2nd half to stop the Cavaliers from coming from behind.

Two things were obvious in last nights loss.

1. There is something wrong mentally with Ralph Sampson III.
I am not saying this in a degrading way, but there is a huge difference between how Colton Iverson plays to the play of Sampson. You can literally see it on Sampsons face- his face reminds of Rupert (Stewie's teddy bear) on the Family Guy who decided to come alive and somehow play basketball. He doesn't have the killer instinct or the mental toughness to take over the game. There is no reason or excuse for Sampsons play the past couple of games. He played poor in the Puerto Rico tournament and you can tell Tubby is favoring Iverson down the stretch. Iverson has the mental toughness to compete in the Big Ten, which he will need against the bigs of Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan State. Someone please shake Sampson so he can wake up, he looks like he is ready for bed on the court. Anybody else see his dad disappointed in the stands last night?

2. Missing Al Nolen to injury could be disaster for this team..
Having Devoe Joseph back is a great offensively but Joseph doesn't nearly have the physical defense pressure Al Nolen brings to the table. Before Nolen was academically ineligible last year, he led the Big Ten in steals. What was obvious last night was that there was not defensive pressure in the back court of the Gophers, Josephs presence defensively wasn't there so it was easy for Virginia to set up the offense, which was basically back screens and cuts. The Gophers without Nolen maybe a top 6 team in the Big Ten, but the Gophers with Nolen could easily compete for the Big Ten title.

Click here for game recap.

I still think Mbakwe is a machine and still will be the MVP of the team, but Nolen is right behind him.

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What made my weekend was the upset of Minnesota beating #24 Iowa.
Game Recap click here

This was a huge victory for the Gophers as they claim one of the best trophies in college sports in the Floyd of Rosedale. This season was just miserable for Gopher fans as they finally watched Tim Brewster walk away with millions of dollars for doing nothing but look stupid, but beating Iowa was something to look forward to till next year. It is always good to see the Gopher players hoist any trophy in victory, it's been way too long since the Gopher showcase has been empty. Sure the Gophers won't make it to any bowl, but with a new stadium to use as leverage... the Gophers have no reason to get a coach in here who was a proven winner.

Here is some history with the "Floyd of Rosedale" trophy....
The 1934 football game between Iowa and Minnesota had been filled with controversy over the treatment of Iowa star halfback Ozzie Simmons. Simmons was also one of the few black football players of that era, and several rough hits by the Gophers on Simmons forced him to leave the game multiple times in Minnesota’s 48-12 victory. “What it amounted to was that they were piling on – late hits,” Simmons recalled. “I had bruised ribs...they came at me with knees high, and some of it was pretty obvious.”

The following year, Coach Bernie Bierman’s Gophers were 5-0, and Coach Ossie Solem’s Hawkeyes were 4-0-1. Before the 1935 Iowa-Minnesota contest in Iowa City, Bierman received a flood of threatening letters from Iowa fans. He requested and received special police protection for the team when it detrained in Iowa a couple days before the contest.

The day before the game, Iowa Governor Clyde Herring told reporters, "If the officials stand for any rough tactics like Minnesota used last year, I'm sure the crowd won't." Herring’s message was clear. “What he was saying was, ‘If you treat Ozzie like you treated him last year, we’re coming out of the stands,’” Simmons said.

The news quickly reached Minnesota. Coach Bierman threatened to break off athletic relations. Minnesota Attorney General Harry Peterson practically accused the Iowa governor of thuggery. "Your remark that the crowd at the Iowa-Minnesota game will not stand for any rough tactics is calculated to incite a riot," said Peterson. "It is a breach of your duty as governor, and evidences an unsportsmanlike, cowardly and contemptible frame of mind."

To lighten the mood, Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson sent a telegram to Governor Herring on game-day morning, which read, "Minnesota folks are excited about your statement about the Iowa crowd lynching the Minnesota football team. I have assured them that you are a law abiding gentleman only trying to get our goat...I will bet you a Minnesota prize hog against an Iowa prize hog that Minnesota wins."

The Iowa governor accepted, and word of the bet reached Iowa City as the crowd gathered at the stadium. Things calmed down and the game was untroubled. Minnesota won 13-6, and Iowa star Ozzie Simmons played an injury-free game. Afterwards, the Minnesota players went out of their way to compliment Simmons, and Simmons praised the Gophers for their clean, hard-fought play. Minnesota went on to win their second straight national championship.

Governor Herring obtained an award-winning prize pig which had been donated by Allen Loomis, the owner of Rosedale Farms near Fort Dodge, Iowa. Dubbed Floyd after Minnesota Governor Olson, the pig was the brother of BlueBoy from Will Rogers' movie State Fair. A few days later, Governor Herring collected "Floyd of Rosedale" and personally walked him into Governor Olson’s carpeted office.

Governor Olson later offered Floyd up as the grand prize in a state-wide essay-writing contest, which was won by 14-year old Robert Jones. A few years later, Floyd of Rosedale caught cholera and died.

Since the two schools could not continue wagering a live pig, Governor Olson commissioned Saint Paul sculptor Charles Brioscho to capture Floyd's image. The result was a bronze pig trophy 53cm (21 inches) long and 38cm (15 inches) high. Iowa and Minnesota have played for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy every year since then. The winner of the annual Iowa-Minnesota football game is entitled to keep the trophy until the following year's contest.

One of the most notable games in the rivalry was in the 1960 college football season when undefeated and number three-ranked Minnesota met undefeated and number-one ranked Iowa in Minneapolis. The game was for the Big Ten Conference championship, the 1961 Rose Bowl berth, and the #1 ranking. Minnesota won, 27-10.

In 2008, Rivals.com named Floyd of Rosedale the top rivalry trophy in college football.

A quick note = I am going to the Rose Bowl to cheer for Bucky......Sorry Goldy

Stay fresh,

Noel

Monday's thoughts....

Good Monday to you,

Man what a great weekend for sports! This might be one long blog....


- Golden Gopher basketball won the Puerto Rico Tip Off last night beating West Virginina 74-70. Somehow, Blake "I make it rain" Hoffarber got wide open with about a minute left and drained a 3 pointer that eventually sealed the game. Trevor Mbakwe was named MVP of the tournament which I thought was well deserved. His post up game is unbelievable and his rebounding is none other. He ripped off 4 offensive rebounds and was 5-8 shooting from the field. He is also a smooth free throw shooter going 6-7. Check out the box score here and look how impressive the front court of the Gophers are. The Gophers are one of the biggest teams in the nation and that will make them very competitive in the Big Ten. Not many teams can have another 6'10' player sub for another 6'10". Another thought from last night is that Rodney Williams is extremely overrated. He may have the ability to jump through the roof but he was sloppy on defense last night and needs to realize that he isn't a three point shooter.
Keep this in mind, the Gophers won the tournament without one of their beat scorers in Devoe Joseph, although I will say that Mbakwe and Sampson III will make or break the season.

- Hoffarber and Mbakwe were named to the All Tournament Team.

- Golden Gophers are now ranked #15 in the AP Top 25 Poll.
-Click here for complete rankings.
- Interesting blog about the Puerto Rico Tip Off here.


- Big Ten football stays the same as Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan State both won and still are tied among the top of the conference. This weekend will determined how the conference ends up and who will be smelling roses in Pasadena. Somehow Michigan State won the game as Purdue was in control until Michigan State blocked a punt in the Purdue territory.
Mark my words... Purdue lost this game, Michigan State didn't earn it. I still think Michigan State will lose @ Penn State this weekend. I will post a blog later in the week about my weekend predictions.

- Check out ESPN bowl predictions here.
- ESPN complete BCS rankings here.

- Brad Childress was fired today! In which case if you forgot, I mentioned in my last blog that this will be the last season for Brad Childress. This will give plenty of time for Mr. Wilf to find a coach that is a proven winner. I do think that Leslie Frazier will do a fine job being the interim coach and he does deserve a head coaching job somewhere....maybe the Vikes?

- The Minnesota Wild have more wins then the T-Wolves and Vikings combined.... Just saying. :) Wild are a better team then what people think. Big game this Wednesday vs the Flyers.

Here are the winners of last week's Big Ten Predictions....
Noel = 3-2
Jim = 4-1
Stephen = 3-2

Congratulations to Jim as he wins last weekends predictions for the Big Ten.

That's it for now.

Hopefully by the end of the week, Noel's Dime will have it's own website :)


Stay Fresh,

Noel

Quick Notes.

Good Day!

Just wanted to post a few things while they're on my mind.

- Wisconsin rocked Michigan today as they blowout the Wolverines 48-28 in the Big (our defense sucks) House. Wisconsin's defense really showed up in the first half as they held Michigan scoreless for the first two quarters, which I thought was the number one concern for Bucky. We all knew Wisconsin was going to put points on the board, it was just a matter of stopping one of most exciting players in the country in Michigan QB Denard Robinson. Wisconsin is one win away from at least sharing the BIG TEN conference title. I will post more info on tomorrow on the title race. Click here for Game Recap.

- The Minnesota Golden Gopher basketball team got a HUGE win last night as they took down the #8 ranked team in the North Carolina Tar Heels. It seems like every year, the Gophers take down a top 10 team in the beginning of the season (last year it was #9 Louisville). This will look good on there season resume as they are trying to go to the NCAA tournament for the 3rd year in a row, it also puts them in the national spotlight and hopefully in the Top 25. I will go on record and say that the Gopher front court is very underrated and will be the reason of their success this season. Trevor Mbakwe is a beast and will be a force in the paint, which I think will free Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson to have room to move and clean up also. I also think that Tubby Smith is one of the best coaches in the country, everybody thinks Patino gave him his championship ring by leaving all the talent for him, but there is no doubt that Tubby is one of the top 5 coaches in the nation. Mark my words, the Gophers will finish in the top 3 of the BIG TEN.
Gophers will play West Virginia tomorrow night for the Title of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. Click here for recap of last night's game.

- Sidney Rice will play tomorrow. My opinion is that he will make a difference, but not enough to win the game. This will for sure be Chilldress last season. Click here for Rice story

- Interesting article about Kevin Love today as Lakers coach Phil Jackson tells reporters that he gets away with fouls. Read article here and let me know what you think.

- Ohio State just beat Iowa. Which means there will still be a three way tie this week. I like Wisconsin, I still think Michigan State will lose at Penn State.

- Big game tonight for the Minnesota Wild as they face old teammates Marion Gaborik and Derek Boogaard at the Excel Energy Center. This will be the first time Gaborik will play the Wild since signing as a free agent two years ago.


That's it for now,

Stay Fresh

Noel

Big Ten Predictions for this weekend.

Hello Friends,

The BIG TEN is getting interesting in a boring way. Especially when this will be the last year with no BIG TEN championship game (thank God)......

Currently there are 3 teams tied for the conference lead.

Michigan State
Ohio State
Wisconsin.

Of course, none of these teams play each other the last few weeks of the season, which means that it is possible that we could have a three way tie...yawwwn, (actually they played eachother earlier in the season with Wisconsin losing to Michigan State and beating Ohio State)
Which would mean that the highest BCS ranking would go to the Rose Bowl. If the season ended today, Wisconsin would be going based on their leading BIG TEN BCS ranking of .725. Ohio State is .667 Michigan State is .606. Click here for the complete BCS Standings.

Mark this, THERE WILL NOT BE A THREE WAY TIE......

That nonsense will end this weekend......

Here are my predictions for this weekend BIG TEN play.. (home team in bold)

Penn State over Indiana (game played on neutral field)
* I just don't see Indiana recovering from their 83 point massacre Bucky dropped on them last week*

Michigan State over Purdue
* They will win this week but their overrated dreams will end next week*

Wisconsin over Michigan.
*Michigan's defense is horrible, it's impossible for them to hold an opponent under 30. Even though Bucky hasn't won in the big house since 1994, Wisconsin's defense will win this game*

Northwestern over Illinois
*Even with their starting QB out, I still like Northwestern*

NOEL's UPSET ALERT....

Iowa over Ohio State
*Even though Ohio State has had success @ Kinnick Stadium recently (winning six of its past seven). Iowa is ready to destroy some dreams as theirs may have been broken with the Northwestern loss. Ohio State will face the best defensive line they will see all season this weekend and you know Kinnick Stadium will bring the noise*


NOEL"S DREAM UPSET.....

Fresno State over Boise State.
*Being surrounded by Fresno fans (who haven't impressed me by any means) I did have a chance to watch Fresno State vs Nevada and realized that they aren't THAT BAD... Yes, I may be out of my mind but I think this game will be closer then what people think...

Give me your predictions and let's see who wins...

ESPN notes for this week in the BIG TEN click here

ESPN predictions for this week click here

Stay Fresh,


Noel

Gardenhire got it 8 years too late..

Ron Gardenhire just won the AL Manager of the year..... Read here

If you're a fan of Gardy, I would ask you to please leave this blog because what I'm about to say will most likely get you heated....


First of all, Terry Francona deserves this award. I know that voting takes place before the postseason (which I would like that to change to after the World Series)..... What Terry Francona did this year at Boston was very impressive, heck! I would say Joe Madden might deserve it too!

But Francona did a lot more with a lot less. Talk about injuries, look at Boston..

Anyways, back to my Gardenhire rant......

Don't get me wrong, I think Gardy deserved this award in 2002, but that doesn't mean anything today. A lot of people will say Gardy should win this award because he was left with an injury depleted line up. That argument is rubbish.

Twins GM Bill Smith brought plenty of relief help this year with Nathan gone. Matt Capps, Randy Flores, and Brian Fuentes were brought to cover the "Nathan Slot"... and if you ask me, I would rather of those three guys then "I will load the bases before I get a save" Joe Nathan..
I personally think our bullpen is better with those three.

We paid Justin Morneau 15 million to play 80+ games.. Awesome.

My argument on this situation is obvious, because of the injury our outfield players got more playing time which led to Jim Thome saving the Twins muiltply times. The injury made more opportunities for Twins players to prove themselves, which I think they did. I think Delmon Young proved himself this year that he can hit, he proved it due to the fact he got more playing time thanks to Justin Morneau's headache. The Twins showed us that they didn't need Justin Morneau, which is why I think we should trade him..

Also, let's not forget that the Twins are a very talented team. There was no reason for them not to win the division this year. With the additions of Hardy and Hudson, our line up had the potential for long playoff run.

Gardenhire is too friendly with the players and the players aren't afraid of him. There has to be distance between players and coaches and there is no such thing with the Twins. Which would explain to me on why they haven't had any postseason success under the Gardenhire era.

Also, let us remember how WEAK the AL Central was this year.
You think Gardenhire would have won this award if we were in the AL EAST?

Rob Neyer@ ESPN also agrees with me - click here

Time to let him go with this award,

Stay Fresh

Noel

What on earth will the TWINS do........

TWINS... TWINS......TWINS...

According to the article read here @ the Star Tribune.

It looks like the Twins are going to look in Japan for some players.

Which I don't know about you, but that doesn't mean anything to me.

If you know how the process goes, it's pretty much like a horse auction.

You make a bid for the players and whatever organization makes the highest bid, they win the "rights" to that player. That doesn't mean that player will play for that team, the organization has to negotiate a contract to play for the team..... anyways, details aside...

Long story short is that you need to spend quite a bit of money to enter the "Japanese baseball world"..... Which if I know the Pohlads the way the rest of the world does, I just don't see the TWINS coming out of this "World" successful....

Let's not get into whether or not they can put up the same stats in Japan as they can in the MLB. Because unlike the freak of nature Ichiro, there is a good argument that it's not worth the risk. I just think it's a big experiment which is not what the TWINS need.

The TWINS have some major issues this off season, I just don't see Japan solving our problems.

Noel's top 5 problems for the TWINS this off-season.

1. Pitching. Pitching.
Why we didn't seriously pursue Cliff Lee is beyond me. The Twins need an ACE, and I wouldn't mind trading baker or slowey either to get someone who can bring the heat. I also would like to see Pavano back, I'm not saying he is the answer but his veteran presence is needed.

2. Stop being nice and get serious.
I think the Twins organization gets too friendly with the players. I think it's time we let go Cuddyer and one of our pitchers. We need to let the players know that winning is the most important thing and we will move you to make our team better. Cuddyer has been a great leader that represents good things, but I feel we need to be serious and get more consistent right hand power in the lineup.

3. Morneau...........
I maybe the only person who thinks this...
But I don't understand how you can complain about Target Field when you're barely on it. Read article here... I personally don't think Morneau is worth 15 million a year, and it's safe to say that he is injury prone. Remember, he still isn't CLEARED to play. Also, the Twins won over 50 games at Target Field last year, sorry Justin... Home runs are not the most important thing in the end of the day, WINNING IS!!!
How can he be mad that the TWINS want to improve fan experience at Target Field? I'm glad they are adding a new scoreboard, it will improve the view for people in the lower home run porch.
I bet it wouldn't hurt to put Morneau on the trade block.... Just saying, I know I maybe out of my mind with this Morneau rant, but like I said... let's get serious.

4. Trade Nathan or figure out bullpen.
I actually liked our bullpen this year without Nathan. It gave Gardy a lot of options in the later innings, I think Matt Capps did very well. I don't think teams want Nathan due to his injury and salary, but I bet we can get something out of him.

5. Address the Mauer situation...
If we are paying him that much, we need him in the everyday lineup. I don't care if it's third base or DH... but get him on the field EVERYDAY... I refuse to have a player be paid that much and be on the bench every 6th day.

We may hate the Yankees and other clubs because they spend so much, but at the same time... those clubs are serious about winning. Would you really be mad if the Twins spent money and actually won something?

I wouldn't be.


Stay Fresh,


Noel

BIG TEN Divisions and predictions.

The athletic directors of the BIG TEN had a huge problem when it came time to deciding divisions for the conference. Unlike any other conference, the BIG TEN is known for it's trophy games. Currently, the conference has 12 trophy games and that surprisingly doesn't include Ohio State vs Michigan. When the athletic directors met over a year ago, their main goal was to protect the trophy games so the rivalries would continue. Each school has at least one traveling trophy at stake. So they had make divisions where trophy games wouldn't be lost on a yearly basis.

As of right now, here are the teams with trophy games and the new divisions.

Division X
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue
Wisconsin

Division 0
Northwestern
Michigan State
Michigan
Nebraska
Iowa
Minnesota


Division (starting in 2011-2012)

Illinois vs Northwestern
Sweet Sioux Tomahawk/Land of Lincoln Trophy
(Protected Cross-Over)

Illinois vs Ohio State
Illibuck
(Division X)

Illinois vs Purdue
Purdue Cannon
(Division X)

Indiana vs Purdue
Old Oaken Bucket
(Division X)

Indiana vs Michigan State
Old Brass Spittoon
(Protected Cross-Over)

Iowa vs Minnesota
*In 2008, Rivals.com named Floyd of Rosedale the top rivalry trophy in college football *
Floyd of Rosedale
(Division O)

Iowa vs Wisconsin *Rivalry is over 100 years old, trophy created in 2004
Heartland Trophy
(Cross-Over (Irregular)

Michigan vs Michigan State
Paul Bunyan-Governor of Michigan Trophy
(Division O)

Michigan vs Minnesota *Oldest trophy in College Sports, first made and used in 1899*
Little Brown Jug
(Division O)

Michigan vs Ohio State
No Trophy (UM-OSU Rivalry)
(Protected Cross-Over)

Michigan State vs Penn State
Land Grant Trophy
(Cross-Over (Irregular)

Minnesota vs Wisconsin. ( Longest Rivalry in the Nation at 120 games)
Slab of Bacon/Paul Bunyan's Axe
(Protected Cross-Over)

Minnesota vs Penn State
Governor's Victory Bell
(Cross-Over (Irregular)

Ohio State vs Penn State
No Trophy (OSU-PSU Rivalry)
(Division X)

The Big Ten football schedule is currently set up with each team having two permanent matches within the conference, with the other eight teams in the conference rotating out of the schedule in pairs for two-year stints.

Permanent matches are as follows:

Illinois: Indiana, Northwestern
Indiana: Illinois, Purdue
Iowa: Minnesota, Wisconsin
Michigan: Michigan State, Ohio State
Michigan State: Michigan, Penn State
Minnesota: Iowa, Wisconsin
Northwestern: Illinois, Purdue
Ohio State: Michigan, Penn State
Penn State: Michigan State, Ohio State
Purdue: Indiana, Northwestern
Wisconsin: Iowa, Minnesota

This system will be discontinued in 2011, as teams will be grouped into two divisions and will play all teams in their division once, will have one protected cross-over game, and have two games rotating against the other five opponents from the opposing division.
Most of the above permanent rivalries will be maintained.

The division alignments create new permanent opponents as all pairs of teams within the same division will face off each season. In addition, two new permanent matches are created inter-division: Purdue-Iowa and Michigan State-Indiana.

Some current permanent matches are maintained across divisions: Minnesota-Wisconsin, Michigan-Ohio State, Illinois-Northwestern.

The new schedule will however cause some of the above permanent rivalries to be discontinued. These are: Iowa-Wisconsin, Northwestern-Purdue, Michigan State-Penn State. These match ups will continue to be played, but only twice every five years on average.

Noel's take on things...


My thought on the divisions are that I think they were created pretty good.. I am really happy that there are protected cross over games like Minnesota vs Wisconsin and Michigan vs Ohio State. It is very important for those states and universities to have those rivalries. There is nothing better than going to Camp Randall when Minnesota is in town. Having the Little Brown Jug with the Minnesota vs Michigan rivalry will now be played every year and that is a great thing. That was great news for both schools. That is one of the most recognizable and oldest trophies in the nation. Hopefully Minnesota can get its act together and maybe make it a good rivalry once again.

I do believe that the Iowa vs Wisconsin rivalry took a hit, that rivalry has been going on for over 100 years. I know both schools were sad to hear that they will only play a couple of times in 5 years, but I do think that when the schools do meet, the intensity will be there, maybe even more so. The Heartland Trophy is very important for the BIG TEN.

I think that having Nebraska joining the conference is pretty neat. My belief is that Nebraska vs Iowa will become a great rivalry, maybe even Minnesota vs Nebraska.

Nebraska's Memorial Stadium is solid and fits into BIG TENS awesome student tradition and intense stadiums.

Even more so, the conference will have a championship game. That is what the BIG TEN needs and currently lacks right now. The BIG TEN has never been taken seriously because there hasn't been a championship game.

Here are my predictions for this year.

Big Ten Champion.

Wisconsin.

There only tough game is at the big house which I feel is win able. It maybe a shootout but I will easily take Wisconsin's offense as it poured 83 points last week. I also think Wisconsin's defense has a better chance stopping Robinson then Michigan's D stopping the explosive Bucky offense.

Ohio State will have a tough test @ Iowa and falter.

I still think Michigan State is overrated.

Thank you for your time,

Stay Fresh.

Noel

Big Ten

This season will thankfully be the last season where there will be no BIG TENfootball championship game. With Nebraska joining the BIG TEN next year, the oldest conference in the nation will finally have a championship game.

The problem with The Corn huskers joining the conference is that Athletic Directors had to come up with divisions. This caused a major concern across the Midwest because no conference in the country has the oldest and longest trophy games and rivalries...

Another blog about trophy games coming soon..


Fantasy Notes...

I will highly suggest that you take a good look these next few weeks about who you're starting. With the playoffs coming next, teams will be playing at a high intensity....

Fantasy duds and studs for week 11 coming soon..


In the meantime,

stay fresh.

Noel