Kibitzer
Sky Soldier
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
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As I understand it, a solid majority ot ESPN "experts" picked Maryland to beat Notre Dame.
Before sounding off, permit a personal disclaimer. My oldest daughter works for the University of Maryland (alumni relations), one grandson attends and another is transferring there. So family ties pulled me a little toward the Terps, even though I don't like Coach Frese.
I don't like Notre Dame and maybe it's because their fan base is at least as arrogant and obnoxious as we are (and with less justification). I find Novosel's home on the line annoying and I have been discomfited by Diggins's sartorial idiosyncracies.
But the Maryland team is inexperienced, untested, and overrated. And they play matador defense. Any perceptive viewer could see that.
On the other hand, Notre Dame is talented and tested in big game situations. McBride has emerged as an offensive threat, Mallory is a tough defender, and Achonwa has improved significantly. As for Novosel and Diggins, they are clutch players. Skylar, like her or not, is an All-American point guard. Novosel deserves second team AA honors. Only by playing our "A" game for 40 minutes did UConn beat them (third try) and will beat them again in Denver.
So how did those ESPN experts be so woefully mistaken when evaluating these two teams and then not anticipate the massacre we all witnessed last night?
Before sounding off, permit a personal disclaimer. My oldest daughter works for the University of Maryland (alumni relations), one grandson attends and another is transferring there. So family ties pulled me a little toward the Terps, even though I don't like Coach Frese.
I don't like Notre Dame and maybe it's because their fan base is at least as arrogant and obnoxious as we are (and with less justification). I find Novosel's home on the line annoying and I have been discomfited by Diggins's sartorial idiosyncracies.
But the Maryland team is inexperienced, untested, and overrated. And they play matador defense. Any perceptive viewer could see that.
On the other hand, Notre Dame is talented and tested in big game situations. McBride has emerged as an offensive threat, Mallory is a tough defender, and Achonwa has improved significantly. As for Novosel and Diggins, they are clutch players. Skylar, like her or not, is an All-American point guard. Novosel deserves second team AA honors. Only by playing our "A" game for 40 minutes did UConn beat them (third try) and will beat them again in Denver.
So how did those ESPN experts be so woefully mistaken when evaluating these two teams and then not anticipate the massacre we all witnessed last night?