Bowling for losers

I suppose that the Pro Bowl doesn’t merit a ton of comment, but hey, it’s not like they charge by the word in the wacky world of blogging. Here’s my thoughts on a weekend of sports:

1. DJ White is a man. I say that after every IU game, but it’s true every time. My all-time favorite IU starting five would be: G Alford and Bailey, F Chaney and DJ White, C Alan Henderson. I know that’s some creative positioning, but whatever. That was a big win by IU on the road; their first over a top 50 RPI team.

2. Peyton Manning is a great QB…

3. Derek Anderson is not. He’s horrible. He was overrated for the vast majority of this year. I’ve been saying for weeks that Cleveland is the team most likely to regress in a big way next year, and I’m sticking to it. They have to cross divisions with the AFC South, and won’t get the cupcake NFC West. That team will be lucky to win 5 games and will wonder why they reupped Romeo a year early. If you can’t hit open men in the Pro Bowl, you don’t deserve to start in the NFL. All you have is all world receivers, linemen and running backs facing a defense that can’t blitz, stunt, or play a nickel. He’s horrible. I hate him.

4. Don’t ask me why I care about the Pro Bowl so much. I have no good answer to that question.

5. Heather R sends us this link between coaches present and presidents past.

6. The Colts and Skins are playing the HoF game next year. This means 5 preseason games. Ugh. Maybe 18to88 will road trip it up to Canton. Somehow I doubt it. Why go when you can watch it on TV and listen to Tony Korn…wait a minute! BOOK ME A BUS TICKET!

7. Moss and Brady not showing up was gutless. Don’t give me that injury BS. Show up and take your medicine.

8. We are hoping to do a final 2007-8 podcast this week. No promises.

Demond Sanders: Derek Anderson was horrible. I’d blame him, but Norv had a big role in the (meaningless) debacle. How did the AFC blow a 24-7 lead? Settling for 3 field goals in the Pro Bowl is just lame. At least Reggie Wayne (5 for 55) and Antoine Bethea (7 tackles, 2 assists) had productive days. Oh and yes, Peyton rules.

I’m coming around on IU. I was pretty down on them for blowing back to back games, but the truth is their three losses have come to top twenty teams. FYI: Connecticut has come on really strong of late. I think the Hoosiers have a chance to make this a special season. They have the first and second leading scorers in the Big Ten, but the development of Crawford and Ellis will be the difference. They are looking more comfortable as the conference schedule plays out.

The national media complaints about Indiana’s weak schedule will die down quickly if they take care of business during this home stand. If they can handle Wisconsin, MSU, and the Boilers back to back to back then the Big Ten title and a one or two seed will be within reach. Big if, I know. Still, it’s exciting to know that the Hoosiers are cobbling together their best regular season in 15 years with surprising ease. There are (perhaps rightfully) plenty of doubters out there, but 20-3 is 20-3.