Happy Monday!

It’s a Happy Monday for me because the WWE actually got it right last night…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lst3CxSLpBc[/youtube]

(Edit from GMC: This video will probably be down before I’m even able to post this. The point is…Chris Jericho retained the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Which means that the sting of Duke being in the Final Four only lasted for a few minutes last night. Sorta like…..you know, I’ll just leave that alone.)

Let’s see what everyone has to say…

1. The AP’s David Ginsburg says Garrett Atkins looking to ‘rebound’ from tough ’09 season

To which Tiger Woods responded “Tough ’09? Let me tell you a thing or two about a tough ’09!”

As we’ve talked about, Garrett Atkins’ bat can really change a lot about this season for the Orioles. If he DOES return to his 2006-2008 form; he’ll be a real force; and can provide the Orioles a much better bat in the middle of their lineup that their current options. It also would take some of the pressure off Brandon Snyder to be ready to get to Baltimore at a rapid pace.

Of course, Atkins also has to be able to play first base defensively. I wonder if the Orioles turned to Tom Emanski to help him get ready. I mean, it worked for Fred McGriff!

2. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli says Orioles-Blue Jays postponed Sunday due to rain, Birds play Yankees tonight in Sarasota

And tonight’s game…for the 3rd time during Spring Training…is actually on MASN!

Of course, I will only be able to watch a few minutes of the game before I flip over to USA for WWE Monday Night RAW, as I’m assuming there will be a big Shawn Michaels tribute tonight-which to me is more important than ANYTHING ELSE GOING ON IN THE WORLD.

You know, other than trying to find out who Jordan Carver is…

3. The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Hernandez has likely taken 5th rotation spot, Tejada likely to bat cleanup

Which means the lineup is looking more like this…

2B Brian Roberts
CF Adam Jones
RF Nick Markakis
3B Miguel Tejada
DH Luke Scott
C Matt Wieters
1B Garrett Atkins
LF Nolan Reimold/Felix Pie
SS Cesar Izturis

and the rotation looks like…

Kevin Millwood
Jeremy Guthrie
Brian Matusz
Brad Bergesen
David Hernandez

Is it the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays? No. But do you see the names “Omar Daal” or “Brook Fordyce” on that list? Not a chance.

This is better.

4. WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford has O’s 19th in first power rankings

Look, seeing a power rankings list that doesn’t have the Orioles in the bottom is downright REMARKABLE. However, we have to temper our excitement by remembering that we haven’t even reached Opening Day yet.

For the record, I HATE tempering my excitement. It’s like when someone told me that there were new pictures of Yari Lozada…

But then told me her boyfriend apparently WASN’T interested in trading straight up.

Sorry “Lucky”, it’s gonna be and you still going forward.

5. WNST.net’s Nestor Aparicio pardons Jim Irsay, says he’s ‘moving on from hatred’ of Colts

Can someone check Weather.com for some info on how things look these days in hell???

-Nestor pardoned the Irsays
-The worst #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament is the only one headed to the Indianapolis
-The Pittsburgh Steelers showed up in Harford County yesterday and everyone just thinks it’s okay
-While Johns Hopkins was playing Virginia and Maryland was playing North Carolina Saturday, my friends were texting me to ask me if I was watching the Baylor women’s basketball game???

HAS THE WHOLE WORLD GONE MAD?!?!?!?!?!

6. Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Jared Gaither will report today, says he “always wants to be a Raven”

And Kevin Byrne told Drew Forrester this morning on “The Comcast Morning Show” that Gaither did indeed show up.

(Edit from GMC: If you missed it, or any of Drew’s guests this morning-West Virginia assistant/former Terps assistant Billy Hahn, Fanhouse’s Jeff Fletcher, Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, or North Harford Football Coach Ken Brinkman-make sure you head to the Audio Vault at WNST.net to check them out.)

Look, Jared Gaither playing RT makes the Ravens a more legitimate Super Bowl contender than they would be if Marshal Yanda were playing RT. That’s just a fact.

I understand everyone was excited about the idea of Gaither being traded for a high NFL Draft pick, but this team is BETTER OFF having Gaither anchoring the right side.

Just trust me on that.

7. The Sun’s Ron Fritz says Nathan Vasher off the market, but Lito Sheppard still available

I’d be all for Lito Sheppard…if we had taken a Hot Tub Time Machine back to 2006.

Actually, considering some of the options…

….my guess is that Ravens fans might be OVER THE MOON for Sheppard.

8. National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson says Ravens have had a ‘lot of interest’ in South Florida CB Jerome Murphy

Me personally; I’d prefer Charlie Murphy…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Yplww55ao[/youtube]

…but a 6’0″ CB would be a nice option too.

9. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens has Maryland 4th, Loyola 11th, Hopkins 14th in lacrosse Top 20 poll

Here’s this week’s “OldLineLax7″ poll…

1. Maryland
2. Loyola
3. Johns Hopkins
4. Navy
5. Mt. St. Mary’s
6. Towson
7. UMBC

10. The Diamondback’s Greg Schimmel says Jamarr Robinson has changed ‘preparation’ now as starting quarterback

And in a post at TerrapinTrail.com, Robinson says he DOESN’T like video games. Which only means he hasn’t played the WNBA video game…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIVDzQmhOL0[/youtube]

And finally, I leave you with this.

As you know, I tend to describe certain songs as “The Greatest Song of all Time.” Some people say it means I de-value the songs I describe that way, as I change my mind all the time.

For the record, the greatest song of all time IS “American Pie” by Don McLean. The greatest Rock & Roll song of all time is “Baba O’Reilly” by The Who.

BUT-in order to not completely abandon my “Greatest Song of All Time” monicker, I have recently adopted a “Greatest Song of all time THIS WEEK” note, which I used for the first time last week on Facebook (please feel free to add me as a friend) to describe “Shakin’ It 4 Daddy” by Robin Thicke & Nicki Minaj.

We have a new “Greatest Song of All Time This Week” for this week. It’s “Mountain Man” by the Crash Kings. Once again, this song has existed for a while, yet somehow I didn’t know about it. This means some of you aren’t doing your job. I’ll forgive you this time, but I expected better from you.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U52TPkKTDs[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Happy Monday……….I think.

Let’s just get this out of the way. Allow Michael Stipe and R.E.M. to set the tone for our day…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPZzWYkdS6Y[/youtube]

So….there you go.

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. The AP’s Nicholas K. Geranios says Korie Lucious’ heroics lifted Michigan State past Maryland in NCAA Tournament 2nd round

After avoiding SportsCenter and ESPNNews as much as possible yesterday-we will remember this once more, and then burn the tape….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxushE-OvYQ[/youtube]

6.6 seconds separated Greivis Vasquez from writing one more “greatest moment” in his own Maryland career.

Well, 6.6 seconds and the fact that Tom Izzo thought twice about taking a timeout in the background.

Spare me the “Maryland should have pressed there” comments. 1-Maryland’s press WAS successful late in the game, but had previously lead to a few hundred open looks from 3 for Durrell Summers. Maryland couldn’t have that there. 2-The ONE thing you CAN’T have there is a foul. If a kid hits a shot and beats you, so be it. But you CAN’T foul and give them free throws to win.

A lot of people think they know a lot about a lot of subjects. But yesterday’s game was fairly simple. One team nearly stole away a game with a miracle, the other team used a miracle to win. Read on…

2. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark says Lucious’ shot will be remembered amongst glorious March moments by hoops fans, yet will anger Terps fans for eternity

As I said in the blog, now we know how Kentucky fans feel every time they have to see a replay of Christian Laettner’s three ball.

If you’re not a college hoops fan, think about how Phillies fans must feel every time they see a replay of Joe Carter’s home run. Or how Bills fans feel every time they see a replay of the “Music City Miracle” against the Titans in Nashville. Or how Patriots fans feel every time they see a replay of David Tyree’s catch in Super Bowl XLIII. It HURTS them.

Prepare to deal with the hurt for some time. This time next week, CBS will be showing replays as Michigan State prepares to play Northern Iowa in the Sweet 16. This time next March, CBS and ESPN will be showing replays as Maryland (hopefully) and Michigan State prepare for the Big Dance. This time 5 years from now, there will be retrospectives and “Where are they now?” pieces on Korie Lucious.

It will still hurt then. It might not be the sting that it is today, but it will still hurt.

3. Spokane Spokesman-Review’s Steve Bergum says Spartans played 2nd half of win over Terrapins without former Big Ten Player of the Year Kalin Lucas

And clearly, it made a difference down the stretch-which we all knew it would. If Lucas was on the floor, it is likely that the Terps would have NEVER gotten back into the game late, as he would have been a crucial part of beating the Gary Williams press.

That being said-and we talked about this on “The Comcast Morning Show” this morning on AM1570-the players on the floor have to be able to beat the press. When Duke came back from down 10 in the final 54 seconds to beat Maryland at Cole Field House, Terps fans bellyached that things would have been different had Drew Nicholas not been forced to run the point with Steve Blake disqualified by fouls. That’s absolutely true, but Nicholas NEEDED to be able to make free throws-even as a sophomore-or he shouldn’t have been on the floor.

Whoever was on the floor for Michigan State-no matter the reason-SHOULD have been able to break the press. They couldn’t. Had they lost, there would have been plenty of people that would have said “they wouldn’t have lost had Kalin Lucas not been hurt.” They would have been right, and it would have been irrelevant.

Before I move on, I’m reminded of a REALLY good song by Unwritten Law. The spelling’s different, but the name remains the same….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaRW0EKqCuA[/youtube]

Of course, that song name would have worked in this classic Family Guy scene that always makes me giggle.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErPsx8zdnX4[/youtube]

(Edit from GMC: On days like today, it’s good to giggle.)

4. Washington Post’s Mike Wise says ‘stake through the heart’ necessary to end Greivis Vasquez’s tenure in College Park

Allright, I guess we have to move on from the subject-as what else can be said about the end to a TREMENDOUS career for Greivis Vasquez. The sad part about it is that for as good as he’s been, he played only 6 NCAA Tournament games in his 4 year career. That isn’t a great number. Juan Dixon played six….teen.

Before I move on, some quick thoughts on how I spent my first post-Maryland season Sunday night. As you all know, baseball doesn’t do a whole hell of a lot for me, and there is no lacrosse on Sunday nights. While we’ll still get one late-afternoon basketball game next week, this is really when Sunday nights go south until the fall.

I watched some of the UFC Fights, although I thought at one point that even I was going to be elbowed by Cheick Kongo in the process. My roommate made me watch some of the healthcare coverage, which only lead to my poor girlfriend (you know her, “The Luckiest Dang Gal on the Face of the Planet”) getting REALLY confused. I watched Family Guy, and did my damndest not to laugh at the Terri Schiavo musical scene. I really did.

I also watched a replay of another Andy Roddick failure (this time in the finals at Indian Wells) and some of the Tiger Woods interviews. It all left me wanting some more quality Sunday night television. Like, isn’t it about time this gal got a new show…

5. Inside Lacrosse’s Tommy Kehoe says hat tricks from Christian Pastirik, Matt Hughes not enough as Towson fell to Virginia at Unitas Stadium

Clearly, this lacrosse season is starting to shape up as a small group of “haves” (Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina, Maryland, maybe Princeton, Cornell and Hofstra as well) and a big group of “have nots.”

A shakeup in my “OldLineLax7″ Poll….

1-Maryland
2-Loyola
3-Johns Hopkins
4-Navy
5-Towson
6-Mt. St. Mary’s
7-UMBC

If you would have told me the Mountaineers would have had more wins than either the Retrievers or the Tigers at this point, I would have said you were INSANE. Of course, they have played an easier schedule.

6. Maryland Official Site says Terps women topped East Carolina, advanced to third round of WNIT

So….yay!

Next up for Brenda Frese’s team is a Thursday night matchup against the Old Dominion/Providence winner at Comcast Center.

So….yay!

(Edit from GMC: I’d like to be excited about this. I really would. And for the record, I’m rooting for them. I’m also rooting for Syracuse, because…well….I could use the cash.)

7. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki says Kevin Millwood solid as Birds topped Phillies in Clearwater

Which means that between the Orioles’ Top 2 pitchers in the rotation, 1 has had a good start during Spring Training.

One good start.

(Edit from GMC: I’m really not freaking about Kevin Millwood’s struggles during Grapefruit League play. I’m MUCH more concerned about Jeremy Guthrie’s struggles. He DOESN’T have the track record. I’m also MUCH more concerned about figuring out how a girl like the one pictured below could be from Philly…)

8. The Sun’s Peter Schmuck and Dan Connolly say Brian Roberts had ‘no problem’ taking swings from left or right side of plate

Please, please spare me the “switch hitter” jokes. Mostly because I’ve already thought of ALL of them.

I’m sure it goes without saying that the O’s are MUCH better off if B-Rob is in the lineup 2 weeks from tomorrow night at Tropicana Field. But….I’ll say it anyway, because that’s why I’m paid the big bucks.

That and because I was once again crowned the king of duckpin bowling Saturday night at Stoneleigh Lanes. I took 2 out of 3 games from Nestor Aparicio spawn Barry Aparicio…and he’s from Dundalk!

He wanted me to remind everyone that he actually posted the highest score of the night in the 3rd game. I reminded him that doing that is sort of like having a gal tell you that she thinks you look like Jack Black…..

I mean….it’s better than being told you like Ray Bachman….

9. Examiner Jay Trucker says Orioles sent Caleb Joseph, Blake Davis, Luis Bernardo, Miguel Abreu, Matt Angle, Michel Hernandez to minor league camp

And they’ll be missed.

It’s not REALLY all that bad going from Birds’ Spring Training in Sarasota to minor league Spring Training in Sarasota. I mean, other than the food. It’s sort of like going from Capital Grille…

to McDonald’s….

10. Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ravens will learn whether they’re playing Monday Night Football opener/Thanksgiving night game, compensatory picks fate during annual NFL meetings in Orlando

No thanks to the trip to East Rutherford on Thanksgiving night. Yes please to a Monday Night Football game at M&T Bank Stadium to open the season.

That is all.

11. Baltimore Blast Official Site says regular season ended with 19-12 loss to KiXX in Philadelphia

Now the Blast open the playoffs Friday night in Monterrey-with Game 2 against La Raza next Monday in Charm City.

12. Fayetteville Observer says Baltimore Mariners roughed up Fayetteville Guard 59-0 at 1st Mariner Arena

It’s not that I’m NOT excited about Mariners football, I’m just MORE excited to find out if the Lingerie Football League team will be playing in the same building….

And finally, I leave you with this.

I won’t be able to watch Maryland anymore during CBS’ coverage of the NCAA Tournament, but I WILL be able to jam out to this Kevin Rudolf/Lil’ Wayne jam…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy9-c4MBzJI[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983….

-G

Happy Monday!

It’s a Happy Monday for me because-while my trip to Greensboro was disappointing (I know Georgia Tech is a tough team-but I did NOT expect a first round loss in the ACC Tournament), my trip to North Carolina was not.

First of all, kudos to WNST.net’s own Sam Angell-who directed me towards a place called Biscuitville. Much like many things in life, you don’t have to know you’ve been searching for something in order to find it….

I would also like to send a shout-out to a place called “The Cook-Out”, which was in the neighborhood of Elon University. How many freaking colleges are in that general area? And I’ll throw in a plug for Guilford Golden Ale….

…but I will not confirm nor deny that the current scrape on my nose has anything to do with trying to open a Guilford Golden Ale in my hotel room despite not having a bottle opener.

All rumors.

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. WNST.net’s Luke Jones says Terps get 4 seed, headed to Spokane to face Houston

The 4 is even higher than I thought they would get. I presumed there were a definite 5 after the loss to the Yellow Jackets.

That being said, there’s no doubt in my mind that they would GLADLY trade spots with a team like Notre Dame just to get out of the INSANE Midwest region.

Talk about a gauntlet…

Kansas. Ohio State. Georgetown. Maryland. Michigan State. Tennessee. Oklahoma State. UNLV. Northern Iowa. Georgia Tech.

I feel like taking a page from Seth Meyers and Jerry Seinfeld and saying “REALLY?”

For as much of a sting as it is for Maryland, it is clearly much MORE of a sting for the Jayhawks-as the best team in the NCAA Tournament deserves better. Much better in fact.

That being said, this is the NCAA Tournament. Nothing is easy. I never thought Maryland was a Final Four team myself, but I think getting back to the Sweet 16 is an important measure for this team, and that won’t be easy with the Spartans potentially looming in Round 2.

2. The Sun’s Ken Murray says Morgan State got 15 seed, headed to Buffalo to face West Virginia

Todd Bozeman’s club certainly deserved to not be doomed to a Number 16 seed. We talked to Reggie Holmes last night on our “Selection Sunday” special on AM1570 WNST; and we pointed out that there is something-mentally-to be said about going into a game like this knowing that you only have to win a game-not rewrite history.

I know there is a history of #15 seeded MEAC teams beating #2 seeds (Coppin State over South Carolina, Hampton over Iowa State); and there MIGHT be an argument that the ‘Eers are similar to South Carolina or Iowa State-as those were teams with great guards but not a whole lot of size (Iowa State had lost Marcus Fizer a season earlier).

That being said, this WVU team has HORSES. De’Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks aren’t JUST good combo forwards. They’re absolute thoroughbreds. They control the offense and they’re 6’8″ and 6’7″ respectively.

There’s nothing the Bears can do to answer that, even if Kevin Thompson has some success inside.

3. CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd says Terrapins ‘dark horse’ candidate to reach Final Four from Midwest bracket

I guess.

I’ve never thought Maryland was a Final Four team myself-although I heard a few national analysts who were at the ACC Tournament tell me they were starting to think they might be.

If the Terps are going to be that “dark horse”, they’ll have to regain the emotional edge that CLEARLY was gone Friday night against the Jackets.

If they show up flat-they’ll struggle against Houston, and they’ll have no chance against Tom Izzo’s club.

If they show up with a chip on their shoulder, they’re capable of winning a lot of games.

But it will be hard to use the crowd at the Spokane Arena to try to create an edge.

4. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens says Gary Williams-Tom Penders provide intriguing coaching matchup

It is rare to get a 1st round matchup of coaches with 600+ wins. What makes this particular matchup special is the fact that you have two 600+ win coaches who have a history together.

Gary Williams is 2-1 all-time against Penders (he’s also 2-1 against Izzo for the record); splitting two meetings with George Washington in the BB&T Classic, and topping Texas in the 1995 NCAA Tournament.

And before we move on from the Maryland-Houston matchup, let me point out that there are two things I DO like about Houston. One-their city is the home of this person….

AND….It is hard for me to have that much venom towards a team called the Cougars…

5. Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Selection Sunday was more ‘relaxed’ at Comcast Center this year than last year

And of course it should have been.

That being said, as there was less tension, there was also less jubilation in College Park-as no one was overly thrilled with having to take a trip to Spokane. Eric Hayes mentioned that last night when he joined our “Selection Sunday” special on AM1570.

It’s not just because Spokane is kind of a lame city-it’s because asking family, friends and fans to try to travel from Baltimore, Washington or other points in the area to Spokane is very difficult.

I’ve never understood why the NCAA continues to deliver events to places like Spokane, Boise and Buffalo. The HSBC Arena in Buffalo got Tournament games back this year after hosting them just 3 years ago!

These cities make places like Detroit and Cleveland appear downright appealing!!!

6. The Daily Athenaeum’s Brian Gawthrop says Mountaineers ‘disappointed’ to get #2 seed, opener against Morgan

And after winning the Big East Tournament, they probably deserved a #1 seed. That being said, they’re not in a TERRIBLE bracket, as I think Kentucky is just as vulnerable as Duke amongst the top seeds. When your team is lead by freshmen (as the Wildcats are), there is a chance you might well lose early.

And no matter what happens Friday in Buffalo, there are DEFINITE areas where Charm City > West Virginia….

7. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli says Brian Matusz went 5 innings as Orioles beat Phillies Sunday

Which is a GREAT sign, as he became the first O’s pitcher to work through the 4th inning in Grapefruit League play.

That being said, they need to be seeing 5 innings from other pitchers now as we’re about halfway through Spring Training. But if this is a sign that Brian Matusz is ready to REALLY pitch come Opening Day, that’s a MAJOR plus for the Orioles.

8. Carroll County Times’ Rich Dubroff says Brian Roberts headed back to Baltimore to see back specialist

We KNEW this was a bigger situation than Dave Trembley and the Orioles wanted to let us know.

What do the Orioles do now? Stacey Long from Camden Chat threw out Mark Loretta during her visit with Drew Forrester this morning on “The Comcast Morning Show” on AM1570. That name makes sense, as he is a player that could be acquired without having to give anything up anything. Mark Loretta could wear Orange & Black until B-Rob was healthy again, and then make a decision about what to do with Loretta.

My suggestion was this guy…..

9. The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says ‘crawling to Cleveland’ probably no longer an option for Troy Smith

Has any team ever made it more clear that they WEREN’T interested in a player than the Browns have with Troy Smith?

“Troy wants to come to Baltimore, huh? Let’s go get Seneca Wallace. AND let’s go get Jake Delhomme. Is Craig Krenzel available?”

I’m still surprised the Cardinals haven’t made a move to acquire some QB depth. Not that I think Troy Smith would necessarily be any sort of answer, but I do know that there are a bunch of Ohio State fans in the Phoenix area. It would likely be a popular move.

10. Maryland Official Site previews matinee lacrosse battle with Penn today at Ludwig Field

Dave Cottle’s squad is off to a great start this season, and certainly should continue today against the Quakers-even if the game comes during Spring Break.

Here’s this week’s “OldLineLax7″ Poll….

1-Maryland
2-Johns Hopkins
3-Loyola
4-Navy
5-UMBC
6-Mt. St. Mary’s
7-Towson

Hopkins is fortunate that everyone else lost….

11. Daily Racing Form’s Marcus Hersh says Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra won’t face Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Zenyatta at Apple Blossom Invitational

Which means that horse racing’s one shot at relevance outside of Triple Crown season is now gone.

In the meantime, enjoy pictures of Rachel Hunter….

12. WNST.net says Baltimore Mariners topped New Jersey Revolution at 1st Mariner Arena

I heard some reports that before the game, there was plenty of fist pumping in the New Jersey locker room…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UfYtmzCJGY[/youtube]

And finally, I leave you with this.

I love Steve Francis. He had a HELL of a year for Gary Williams, even if the Terps lost to St. John’s in the Sweet 16. BUT….clearly his lack of playing time in Orlando is effecting his sideline demeanor…. (Thanks Deadspin!)

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983….

-G

Happy Monday!

It’s a Happy Monday for me because this weekend’s trip to Charlottesville was MUCH better than some of the other trips to Charlottesville I’ve made for football and basketball games in recent years. Did it get interesting late? Sure. Was it still a big win to clinch a share of the ACC regular season title? You bet your ass.

Plus, I made a pit stop in DC Friday night, and I wasn’t cut by the Redskins! (That’s a funnier joke if you know that the Skins cut 10 players last week. Of course, that only means that life got BETTER for 10 NFL players last week.) After a long evening of drinking heavily having responsible fun, a friend looked at me at about 3am and said “do you want an empanada?” Of course I responded with “I’ve never wanted anything more.”

So, she directed us to something called “Julia’s Empanadas” in Adams Morgan. I ordered a saltenas empanada….

…and continued to howl in delight with a mix of chicken, potato, green peas, hard boiled egg, raisins, green olives and onion swirling in my gullet.

But I’m sure your Friday night was good too….

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. WNST.net’s Luke Jones says Maryland to face Georgia Tech/North Carolina winner in ACC Tournament quarterfinals Friday night

Which gives me an excuse (like it did for Luke) to watch the video of Cliff Tucker’s shot again….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmmnA8WVqW8[/youtube]

I could watch that video all day.

Anyway….

It would NOT be a good matchup for the Terps if they had to face Georgia Tech Friday night. The reason Cliff Tucker HAD to hit that miraculous shot was because the Terps couldn’t put away the tough interior of the Wreck, who killed them on the glass. The Yellow Jackets may also be in a potentially similar situation as the Terrapins were going into the ACC Tournament a season ago, needing two wins to be able to sleep easier going into Selection Sunday. The Terps used that motivation to knock off Wake Forest last year.

That being said, Maryland would be well served to face a Paul Hewitt team that was playing a second game in as many nights. A less-rested Derrick Favors would likely not be as effective against a well-rested Jordan Williams.

And if Maryland were to be fortunate to face Carolina…..what are the mercy rules for college hoops?

2. ACCSports.com’s Jim Young picks Greivis Vasquez ACC Player of the Year, Gary Williams ACC Coach of the Year

Homer Simpson I might be, but I’m in complete agreement.

Look, if there were another candidate for ACC Coach of the Year, I’d consider it. Seth Greenberg had this award on ice before the Hokies dropped 3 straight a couple weeks ago, same for Tony Bennett before closing the season with 9 straight losses. Dino Gaudio and Oliver Purnell actually didn’t reach the heights they were expected to, and Paul Hewitt’s team never really got over the hump.

Apparently Mike Gminski nominated Coach K last night during the FSN broadcast of Clemson-Wake Forest, and I won’t be quite so dismissive here. Sometimes the award just SHOULD go to the coach of the best team in the conference. But seeing as how Duke had superior talent and higher expectations yet finished tied with Maryland; it’s hard to see how Mike Krzyzewski could be labeled as having been a BETTER coach than Gary Williams this season.

As far as Player of the Year is concerned, the guy that drilled 3 HUGE 3-balls in the 2nd half down in Charlottesville Saturday is well-deserving. If he splits it with Jon Scheyer (similar to how Shane Battier and Joe Forte did in ’00-’01), I won’t be nearly as enraged as some of you apparently would be.

3. The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Terps using yesterday, today to rest after grueling stretch, with trip to Greensboro looming

As Gary Williams pointed out following Saturday’s game in the bowels of John Paul Jones Arena-the Wednesday/Saturday turnaround seems a lot longer than it really is when you play at 9pm Wednesday and 1:30pm Saturday.

The Terps can use a few days off before preparing for GT and UNC. You could tell at different times over the last 3 weeks that they were losing their legs a bit-which makes you wonder how things may have been worse had the team not hired new strength coach Paul Ricci.

You know who probably DOESN’T need a new strength coach??? Shakira….

4. Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Tony Bennett’s technical Saturday different situation than when Gary Williams tossed his jacket against Georgia Tech

In the end, you just can’t show up officials. Yanda points out (and Maryland fans everywhere probably REFUSE to believe that Steve would defend Gary Williams-but he DID) that when Gary tossed his jacket, he did it because he was frustrated with how the Yellow Jackets were just beating the tar out of the Terps on the glass.

When Tony Bennett threw his jacket Saturday, he did it immediately after a Jerome Meyinsse foul call that he apparently thought should have been a charge on Sean Mosley. Whether the call was right or not (and in fairness-it was questionable), every coach has to know he can’t show up an official in that moment. He can disagree, and he can try to get the official’s attention for an explanation. But he can’t show up an official.

It really doesn’t matter that much to Maryland fans-as it wasn’t THE reason why the Terps won the game-it just made the final moments much more comfortable than they could have been had the Cavaliers managed to get the ball back down just 3-especially with once-College Park bound Jeff Jones having been red hot in the 2nd half.

Fortunately, we’ll never have to know how that situation would have played out.

5. Mt. St. Mary’s Official Site says Mountaineers’ hopes of returning to NCAA Tournament dashed by Robert Morris in NEC Tournament semis

Milan Brown’s ‘Eers had a chance to do what Randy Monroe’s UMBC Retrievers couldn’t and what Todd Bozeman’s Morgan State Bears will try to do-play for a 3rd straight conference championship.

While he fell short, MSM was very competitive again this season, and Brown has continued to do an OUTSTANDING job since replacing the legendary Jim Phelan.

Emmittsburg is a tough place to be noticed, but hopefully Brown is. He deserves some consideration for a job at a higher level. Not an ACC or  even a Conference USA level gig necessarily, but certainly consideration for jobs in conferences like the America East or the MAAC. If he’s interested in moving up to those levels that is.

6. Stevenson Official Site says Richie Ford scored 3 goals as Mustangs topped Western New England

Congratulations to Paul Cantabene’s ‘Stangs-who actually showed some defense yesterday in improving to 4-0 to start the lacrosse season. If you follow us on Twitter (@WNST), you’d know that my weekly “OldLineLax7″ poll (of the 7 D1 lacrosse schools in the state of Maryland) looks like this following this weekend’s action, including the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic…

1-Maryland
2-Johns Hopkins
3-Loyola
4-Navy
5-UMBC
6-Towson
7-Mt. St. Mary’s

I’m not trying to say the Mustangs could necessarily beat the Tigers or Mountaineers, but I will say that neither of those teams have won a game yet….

7. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli says Nick Markakis homered, but Birds lost to Red Sox

Knowing that the O’s would be playing the BoSox yesterday, I decided to be a professional reporter and went to the “Boston” page at BarstoolSports.com for info about the team. I spent about 15 minutes really studying up on pictures of Casey Batchelor….

….what position will she be manning at Fenway Park this season?

8. Carroll County Times’ Rich Dubroff says Jason Berken off to solid start in Spring Training

At times, it actually really did look like Jason Berken was capable of pitching last season. I don’t know it for sure, but he definitely at least APPEARED capable of being able to pitch, at least after his WOEFUL start.

That being said, it’s too easy to call his role “long relief and spot starts” and just expect that he’ll experience some sort of renaissance this season. He’s gonna be in for a battle again, and it will certainly be interesting to see how he performs.

9. ESPN The Magazine’s Tim Kurkjian says Orioles ‘could flirt with .500′

Insert the name of many other national baseball writers where the name “Tim Kurkjian” is, and you can see the general tone many analysts have when it comes to this year’s Orioles.

The problem is-while they address what the Orioles have done to improve, they don’t really address how the Orioles stack up against the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and Jays in the AL East. The same writers who say they think the Orioles can finish around .500 are usually writers for publications who think the Orioles will finish no better than 4th in the division.

Is it possible that 4 teams in the AL East could all finish at .500 or better? I guess. Is it likely? No.

.500 would be a REMARKABLE accomplishment for this Orioles team, not something that should be expected.

10. National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson says Marlin Jackson will visit Eagles after visiting Ravens Tuesday

Which means Marlin Jackson probably isn’t the type of player that will get a contract offer from Ozzie Newsome Tuesday and call Philadelphia to say “forget it, I’m signing here!”

If the Ravens are looking to add a CB, Jackson would at least give them a little bit more size (the CB’s on their current roster are all sub-6’0″) even if his health remains a question mark. But the Ravens will be looking to get him for a bargain, meaning a contract offer for big money won’t be coming. He’ll go to Philly for another visit, and he might not end up deciding on Charm City.

11. LA Times’ John Horn says Sandra Bullock won Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy-adoptive mother of Michael Oher

Which was maybe the least surprising thing….ever.

And as much as I loved “The Blind Side” (I really did-even if it was a chick flick), where was the love for the green chick from “Star Trek” in this category???

12. The Sun’s Ken Murray says international soccer to return to M&T Bank Stadium July 25

Love the idea…don’t love the date. This would either be a Sunday night match, or a July afternoon match. They did a Real Mardrid-DC United match at FedEx Field last summer, and I was told it was about 187 degrees on the field at the time of kickoff.

Unacceptable.

But otherwise, I’m all in. Love the idea, especially as the city tries to earn a bid to host World Cup games.

And finally, I leave you with this.

Here’s a video Busted Coverage had of two young ladies expressing their feelings for each other at a Chicago Bulls game. Now the explanation ends and the video begins….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbqr1ZJ3ZGw[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983….

-G

I will be doing a national version of this list on Wednesday. I did my best to make these INDIVIDUAL moments, but it was such a long list it was somewhat tough. I did not consider the Capitals in my list-as they have the word “Washington” in front of their name.

Honorable Mention: Orioles trade for Kevin Millwood, UMBC & Mt. St. Mary’s reach conference championship games-Towson almost joins them, Hopkins football gets buzzer beating win in NCAA Tournament, Ravens sign Matt Birk and Baltimore’s own Domonique Foxworth, Maryland soccer reaches Elite 8 in NCAA Tournament, Eastern Tech wins first state title, Ralph Friedgen remains at Maryland, Debbie Yow offers “full support” to Gary Williams, Gary nabs highly rated recruiting class, Mark “TNT” Tucker wins USBO belt, Ray Rice scores first career TD, Rod Woodson first Raven in Hall of Fame, Orioles extend contracts of Markakis and Roberts

25-“The Band That Wouldn’t Die” airs on ESPN

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWw-hewFfq0[/youtube]

24-Loyola soccer returns to NCAA Tournament

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmfgiKVAh9E[/youtube]

23-Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman make MLB debuts

22-Calvert Hall snaps Loyola’s streak in Turkey Bowl

21-Hopkins, Towson play lax thriller at Unitas Stadium

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbVdSEWTsQ8[/youtube]

20-Maryland beats Cal in NCAA Tournament opener

19-Ravens go to Miami for first playoff win since ’02

18-Maryland, Virginia play 7OT thriller in lacrosse

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KesWW9FPFd8[/youtube]

17-Phelps beats Cavic in Swimming classic

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bzckll19nU[/youtube]

16-MMA Makes Baltimore Debut

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOYOuubzg5Q[/youtube]

15-Baltimore Blast claim another NISL title

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM6KXaErKs0[/youtube]

14-Orioles rally from down 10-1 to beat Red Sox

13-Maryland Women win ACC Tournament

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKHqqwYkjQQ[/youtube]

12-Navy gets 2nd win at Notre Dame in as many tries

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z82mcA0EOD0[/youtube]

11-Steve McNair murdered in Nashville

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAzUFVZe7kk[/youtube]

Was it technically a “local” story? No. But did it reverberate here in Baltimore? Big time. Other notable local sports deaths this year included former Ravens LB Tony Fein, Former Bullets owner Abe Pollin, Former Colts LB Mike Woods, Perry Hall High track coach Jerry Martin, “The Human Eraser” Marvin Webster, Hall of Fame 3B George Kell, Former Maryland football coach Lou Saban, Mervo track coach William Vaughan, River Hill lineman Steven Dankos and former Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart.

10-Maryland beats Wake Forest to “clinch” another trip to NCAA Tournament

After a loss to Virginia in Charlottesville, the Terrapins NEEDED a win over Wake in the ACC Tournament to punch their ticket to March Madness. Not only did they get it, they got it emphatically.

9-Ravens Draft Michael Oher

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-bntZhLTV0[/youtube]

How many times do you know EXACTLY as much about the 23rd pick in the NFL Draft as you do about the 1st pick? Of course, this moment might not have meant as much had Oher not gone on to play at arguably a Pro Bowl level in 2009. And this thing……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu8zYsz04oE[/youtube]

8-Orioles Fans Boo Teixeira, Cheer on Win over Yankees on Opening Day

As Bob Haynie said, it felt like Memorial Stadium on Opening Day….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7zMpVvqm3w[/youtube]

And there is NO DOUBT that this is one of the lasting images of the season……

7-Morgan State wins MEAC Tournament, Advances to NCAA Tournament

It wasn’t JUST a revival for Todd Bozeman. It was the moment that completed the revival for the entire Bears program. For a school with a significant athletic history, a moment like this was notably missing from their resume.

6-Ray Lewis makes “The Tackle” in San Diego

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIuMQTC1D5c[/youtube]

Greatest play in team history? Quite possibly. The more significant thing to discuss would be whether or not this might be the lasting image we have over #52 as we reach the tail-end of his career.

5-Chelsea, AC Milan turn Baltimore into soccer town for one night

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WEcMD6ze1Y[/youtube]

It wasn’t just a special night for soccer fans. It was a special night for ANY Baltimore sports fan who has wanted something to do over the summer. While Oriole Park at Camden Yards remains barren after April unless the Red Sox or Yankees come to town, M&T Bank Stadium was PACKED for a night that was in a word-awesome. You probably don’t remember who won the match (Chelsea), but you might remember thinking to yourself after you left “Maybe I WOULD support a MLS team if they moved here.”

4-Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness with captivating performance

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Trbs6huAY[/youtube]

Unbelievably, there was actually one thing that could take our attention from the bigger story-which was the MAJOR drop in attendance at Pimlico due to the decision to ban alcohol on the infield by the Maryland Jockey Club. BUT-the performance of Rachel Alexandra, and the opportunity for Calvin Borel personally to pursue the Triple Crown actually made us interested in THE SPORT of horse racing again. It was an incredible year for the sport all around-as Rachel was even more dominant in the Kentucky Oaks, Mine That Bird won an improbable Kentucky Derby, and another filly in Zenyatta was breathtaking in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

3-Matt Wieters makes MLB Debut

He created a rainbow for crying out loud……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj7N-xn14R4[/youtube]

I’m not sure there’s ever been a more anticipated debut for an Orioles player…..ever. Ben McDonald? Jeffrey Hammonds? They were anticipated, but not like this. After 12 years of misery, O’s fans just needed hope. It wouldn’t mean the team was going on to win the World Series, but it was at least a positive step…..

2-Maryland stuns #3 ranked North Carolina

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26-U5Wb2aQo[/youtube]

Twice I was moved to tears by a local sports moment this season. This was one of them. Greivis Vasquez put together what I called his “Mona Lisa” in recording a triple double and leading the Terps back from down double digits late to beat UNC. It was one of the more breathtaking individual efforts we had ever seen from a Maryland player. There was a time when the College Park faithful wouldn’t have been so disappointed to see Vasquez depart for the NBA Draft, but this was clearly the moment that turned him from a polarizing figure to a player who is carving his own place amongst the great players in Maryland history.

1-Ravens beat Titans to advance to the AFC Championship Game

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOMnLysElj8[/youtube]

In a season that was built on emotion, it was the ultimate emotional game. As I wrote at WNST.net after the final gun, I was in tears. They didn’t make the Super Bowl, but there is no doubt that we will look back fondly on that team for years. The way they rallied around OJ Brigance, the win in Dallas, two playoffs wins-and all of it done with a first year head coach and rookie QB. It was some kind of special. On top of all of that, this would be the last time we’d see a meaningful kick from one of the most popular athletes in the history of Charm City…..

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G

Villanova 80, Maryland 73

The Terps aren’t a bad team, but Villanova is a GREAT team. This DOES have the feeling of the years when Maryland would stun teams like Stanford and Kansas at Verizon Center; but I just can’t make the pick.

Morgan State 69, Coppin State 57

If the Bears hadn’t lost 2 straight coming in, I’d probably pick the Eagles to win their opener in their new building. I just don’t think I could see Todd Bozeman’s club losing 3 straight.

Hofstra 84, Towson 72

Charles Jenkins will have 31 points for the Pride, who are just a bit better than the Tigers.

Toledo 72, UMBC 68

I think this one will be remarkably similar to some other losses the Retrievers have suffered this season.

Loyola 77, Canisius 71

But the “Golden Griffins” are still one of the cooler names in college hoops…

Best of Thursday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says Jarret Johnson followed Packers, rooted for Reggie White growing up

Nestor Aparicio says WNST holding 2 ‘indoor tailgates’ in Green Bay

Bob Haynie wonders whether Greg Mattison or Cam Cameron has done better job in ‘09

Mark Suchy hopes Nets surpass Orioles’ 0-21 start

Ed Frankovic says Semin tallied 4 points for Caps in win over Panthers

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Charles Woodson big part of reason why Packers have Number 1 defense

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ray Lewis thinks Green Bay has addressed O-Line issues

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Harbs doesn’t think former Packer Tony Moll can help Ravens any more than former Raven Derrick Martin can help Packers

The Official Site says Packers coach Mike McCarthy loves playing in cold, snow

The Official Site says Mark Clayton doesn’t ‘even think about’ drop in New England

The Official Site says Harbaugh thinks Dom Capers has been ‘creative’ in leading Packers defense to #1 ranking in NFL

Packers Official Site’s Mike Spofford says Ryan Grant knows Packers must take care of football vs. Ravens

Packers Official Site’s Tom Fanning says Greg Jennings knows Packers will have to run ball in cold weather

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Ray Rice learning from Ray Lewis, Willis McGahee

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens can’t fail to get to Aaron Rodgers, let Charles Woodson change game, struggle in first half

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens need to ride Ray Rice, force turnovers, get production from Chris Carr

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Paul Kruger still ‘developmental player’

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Domonique Foxworth believes secondary battling Packers AND elements Monday night at Lambeau Field

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says it’s too early to judge Ravens’ performance in ’09 NFL Draft

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Ravens need to go with Rice, McGahee, McClain to reach playoffs

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ngata, Dwan Edwards battled over “Civil War” in Ravens locker room

The Sun’s Ken Murray says coming out of game with head injury would be ‘hard decision’ for 52

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Le’Ron McClain, Jared Gaither, Kelley Washington, LJ Smith, Prescott Burgess, KJ Gerard all missed practice Thursday

6 of 7 Sun analysts pick Packers

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Flacco thinks ankle ‘feels really good’

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ravens averaging just 1.9 sacks per game this season

Carroll County Times’ Matt Zenitz says former Raven Gano succeeded in UFL

Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg says Ray Lewis looks at end of Jamal Lewis’ career fondly

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein says Aaron Rodgers has troubling memories of Monday Night Football debut against Ravens in ‘05

Green Bay Press Gazette’s Rob Demovsky says Brandon Jackson giving Packers ‘spark’ on 3rd down

Wisconsin State Journal’s Tom Oates says Ravens, Packers both like playing ‘physical football’

SI’s Peter King picks Ravens 29-17

Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager picks Ravens 27-23

ESPN.com’s John Clayton says Packers can determine AFC Wild Card race

ESPN.com’s James Walker thinks Ravens ‘hit’ on Oher, Kruger, Webb

ESPN.com’s James Walker says most experts don’t see Jamal Lewis as Hall of Fame-worthy

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says BB&T Classic close to ‘sellout’

Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg says former Terp Byron Mouton still beloved in area

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The AP says Terps topped Minnesota in Big Ten/ACC Challenge at Comcast Center

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer says just one Golden Gopher reached double digits in loss to Maryland

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Kim Rodgers lead Terps with 14 points in win

Washington Times’ Mike Fratto says Kizer chipped in 10 points in win

Turtle Sports Report’s Josh Vitale says Tchatchouang scored 13 points in win over Gophers

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Matt Bracken recaps season for commit Nate Clarke

The Diamondback’s Adi Joseph says ’09 season ‘particularly gruesome’ for Ralph

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Debbie Yow will be in same situation next year if Terps don’t go 7-5

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Fridge met with QB commit Devin Burns (must subscribe)

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says Travis Ivey was ‘emotional’ on Senior Day (must subscribe)

TOWSON FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says tickets on sale now for Tigers football banquet

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s MAAC opener at Canisius

The Official Site offers complete Greyhounds-Golden Griffins release (pdf)

STEVENSON LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Jon Brand says Mustangs picked 2nd in pre-season D3 poll

Inside Lacrosse’s Sean Burns says Jimmy Dailey, Steve Kazimer preseason All-Americans

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Mountaineers fell to Robert Morris in rematch of last year’s NEC Championship Game

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

Frederick News-Post says Jeremy Goode lead Eers with 15 points in defeat

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s tilt with Penn

The Official Site offers complete Midshipmen-Quakers release (pdf)

NAVY FOOTBALL:

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Navy AD Gladchuk believes moving game back a week allows rivalry to be ‘focal point nationally’

Washington Times’ Mike Fratto says new Army coach Rich Ellerson gives new ‘life’ to Army/Navy rivalry

Go Mids’ Adam Nettina says Mids could have moved into Top 25 with win over Hawaii (must subscribe)

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Mike Gonzalez, Jose Valverde could be free agent closer options for Birds

CRYSTAL PALACE USA:

The Official Site says Palace partnering with WNST, Craig Willinger Fund for World Cup Draw party today at Della Rose’s

Examiner Jeff Hemelt says Palace/WNST event will include $1.50 Bud Light draft specials

BALTIMORE BULLETS:

The Sun’s Mike Klingaman ‘catches up with’ Gene Shue

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Kudos to Nick Markakis, Jeremy Guthrie and Brad Bergesen for being involved in the community over these 14 days.

Talk to you later from Owings Mills.

-G

I REALLY enjoyed the Towson/UMBC game last night. It was pretty good basketball and a surprisingly great atmosphere for the cross-town rivalry. Games like that last night are a reminder to me of why Drew Forrester is ABSOLUTELY correct in saying this city needs the “Battle of Baltimore” again.says Matt Birk thinks Packers’ December success on “Frozen Tundra” more to do with team’s success than weather

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

Best of Wednesday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark

Drew Forrester says Troy Franklin made huge steel in final minute to seal victory for Tigers

Tom Clayton says Gary Williams’ team likely to be better in February than in November

Drew Forrester thinks Billy Wagner might regret picking Braves over Birds

Glenn Clark says 10 different opponents to visit Ed Smith Stadium during Orioles Spring Training

Ed Frankovic says Boudreau doesn’t want Caps’ Ovechkin to change how he plays

Eric Aaronson says Brendon Haywood contributing to Wizards beyond Jamison, Butler, Arenas

RAVENS:says Harbaugh thinks Ravens have ‘six starting O-Linemen’ with both Marshal Yanda, Chris Chester

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Mark Clayton amongst Ravens ‘excited’ for chance to play at Lambeau Field

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says beating Packers would be major step in reaching playoffs

The Official Site’s Mallory Steinberg says Parmele, Oher, Heap, Mason, McKinney amongst Ravens involved in community this week

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Clayton not bothered that Flacco goes to Mason, Rice so much

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says Sam Koch thinks punting in bitter cold like ‘punting a brick’

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says Tony Moll loved playing for community in Green Bay

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Ravens could struggle to get going early in Green Bay

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Jamal Lewis’ career will end with trip to IR

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Charles Woodson ‘exceptional cornerback’

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ray Lewis only player on roster to have been with Ravens for last trip to Green Bay

Green Bay Press Gazette’s Tom Pelissero says Katula will have big cheering section in native Wisconsin

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Lori Nickel says Dom Capers’ Green Bay defense wants to remain #1 in NFL

USA Today’s Sean Leahy says NFL admitted to mistake before Cundiff’s missed FG to end regulation against Steelers

5 of 8 USA Today analysts pick Packers

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer picks Packers 30-27

4 of 7 Sporting News analysts pick Ravens

3 of 3 NFL Network analysts pick Packers

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco picks Packers 31-21

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:says Landon Milbourne thought zone defense ‘threw (Indiana’s) offense off a little bit’

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler

The Diamondback’s Michael Katz says Tom Crean was livid with how Hoosiers fans treated Vasquez Tuesday night

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Gary Williams went with Jin Soo Choi ahead of Cliff Tucker Tuesday night in Bloomington

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Gary wasn’t thinking about Villanova Tuesday night

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Gary thought Vasquez delivered ‘great performance’ Tuesday night at Assembly Hall

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:previews tonight’s battle with Minnesota at Comcast Center in Big Ten/ACC Challenge

The Official Site

The Official Site offers complete Terps/Gophers release (pdf)says Frese facing former team in Minnesota tonight at Comcast Center

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:says Terrapin Club President Jaklitsch believes Friedgen on ‘keep the faith’ campaign

The Sun’s Jeff Barker

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Terps avoid Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech on next season’s schedule

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell offers transcript of Friedgen’s letter to season ticket holders

Washington Times’ Ryan O’Halloran says Navy, Eastern Michigan, Wake Forest, Virginia, Duke all “must win” games for Terps in ‘10

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says Fridge plans to spend next two months recruiting before making staff/philosophy decisions (must subscribe)says Torrey Smith took ‘leadership’ role after Boston College game (must subscribe)says Titus Till amongst future Terps excited to hear Friedgen returning to College Park

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh

Inside MD Sports’ Jeff Ermann

TOWSON BASKETBALL:says Nwankwo tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds for Tigers in win

The Official Site

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Sun’s Jeff Seidel says Pat Kennedy happy to see Nwankwo remain ‘active’ in victory

Examiner Matthew Schlissel says Josh Thornton scored 23 points for Tigers in win over Retrievers

UMBC BASKETBALL:says Shawn Grant’s 28 not enough as Retrievers fell at Towson Center

The Official Site

MORGAN BASKETBALL:previews Saturday’s trip to Coppin State

The Official Site

HOPKINS FOOTBALL:previews Saturday’s trip to Wesley in NCAA Tournament quarterfinals

The Official Site

The Official Site offers complete JHU-Wesley release (pdf)says Matt Stover helped Alex Lachman, Blue Jays

The Sun’s Mike Klingaman

LOYOLA LACROSSE:says Hounds picked to win ECAC by Inside Lacrosse

The Official Site

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:previews tonight’s NEC opener at Robert Morris

The Official Site

The Official Site offers complete Mountaineers-Colonials release (pdf)previews next Saturday’s battle with Army in Philadelphia

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Niumatalolo knows Midshipmen must move past Hawaii loss ‘quickly’

SALISBURY FOOTBALL:says Cynewski to represent Gulls in Mexico City All-Star Game

The Official Site

ORIOLES:says Red Sox to visit Sarasota 3 times during Spring Training

The Sun

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Birds not playing Nationals in Spring Training

Examiner Jay Trucker says O’s open Spring Training play March 3 against Rays

BALTIMORE MARINERS:says D-Lineman Adam Foley returns to AIFA team

The Official Site

SWIMMING:says Michael Phelps understands ‘humanization of super-athlete’ Tiger Woods going through now

SwimNetwork.com’s Mike Gustafson

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Gotta run out to Owings Mills.

Talk to you from there.

-G

Didn’t quite get everything in today, sorry about that. Have to get out to 1 Winning Drive to hear from John Harbaugh and company…..

For the record; I’ll say Maryland 68, Wisconsin 62 today. But I’m not exactly comfortable.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say….

Best of Tuesday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says Terps must shake off loss to Cincinnati, prove they can beat good teams away from Comcast Center before ACC play begins

Derek Arnold says Jared Gaither, Michael Oher ‘Played like Ravens’ in loss to Indianapolis

Bob Haynie says Ravens need to ‘defend home turf’ Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium

Glenn Clark says Ravens signed Cary Williams from Titans practice squad

Glenn Clark says FB Charles Ali takes Matt Lawrence’s roster spot

Thyrl Nelson doesn’t particularly like Flacco, Ray Rice as fantasy plays against Pittsburgh

Ed Frankovic offers thoughts from Capitals owner Leonsis on passing of Pollin

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Fabian Washington, Matt Lawrence placed on IR

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Harbaugh believes Reed’s fumble ‘not reason (Ravens) lost’ to Colts

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Flacco ‘struggling’ to find receivers not named Derrick Mason, Ray Rice

The Official Site says Ray Rice, VanDeSteeg, Paul Kruger say Ngata, McKinney could put away most turkey on Thanksgiving

Steelers Official Site’s Bob Labriola says Tomlin reported Roethlisberger ‘symptom-free’ after head injury in loss to Chiefs

Steelers Official Site’s Teresa Varley says Tomlin knows turnovers, special teams play killing Steelers despite ranking very high in AFC in offense, defense

Steelers Official Site says team signed Rocky Boiman, Corey Ivy

The Sun’s Mike Preston throws some blame towards Ngata for unnecessary roughness penalty in loss to Indy

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says other teams around AFC helping Ravens stay in Wild Card picture

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says Mason having ‘up and down’ season-similar to rest of team

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Grubbs not even aware he had been honored by Pro Football Weekly

The Sun says Big Ben will play as long as he continues to pass concussion tests this week

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says former kicker Hauschka tried out for Falcons

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says death of former Ravens hopeful Tony Fein ruled accidental

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Polamalu ‘not likely’ to play Sunday

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Dennis Dixon will back up Roethlisberger Sunday night

USA Today has Ravens 14th in power rankings

5 of 8 USA Today analysts pick Steelers

USA Today’s Pete O’Brien picks Steelers 17-16

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks says Ravens playoff chances hinge on health of Terrell Suggs

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has Ravens 17th in power rankings

Fox Sports’ Adrian Hasenmayer has Ravens 8th in power rankings

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Greivis Vasquez scored 19, but Terps fell to Cincinnati in semifinals of Maui Invitational

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The AP says Gary Williams knew Terps were hurt by Cincy’s Yancy Gates inside

The AP says Terps will face Wisconsin in 3rd place game today at 4:30

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says former Maryland target Lance Stephenson chipped in 11 points, 8 rebounds for Cats

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Mick Cronin wanted Bearcats to get inside to Yancy Gates

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Landon Milbourne struggling in Maui

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says James Padgett played well in loss

Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bill Koch says Deonta Vaughn tallied double double for Bearcats in win over Terps

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The AP says Kizer scored 20 as Terps topped Samford

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer says Frese pleased with how Terps bounced back from first loss of season

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says Terps shook off loss to Mississippi State with big performance in win over Bulldogs

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Sun’s Laura Smitherman and Don Markus say Martin O’Malley doesn’t want public funds spent on buyout for Fridge

The Sun’s Jeff Barker wonders how Byrd Stadium fans will react to Friedgen Saturday

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says Archbishop Carroll LB prospect Attaochu interested in Terps

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says associate AD Brian Ullmann claimed school hasn’t asked for public funds

Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Gloria Friedgen, Debbie Yow attended Ralph’s Tuesday press conference

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Friedgen wouldn’t talk about future Tuesday, only Boston College game

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Chris Turner, Kenny Tate ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s game against BC

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Ralph would prefer not to play Danny O’Brien Saturday

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terrell Skinner will play in East-West Shrine Game; Travis Ivey, Cory Jackson will play in “Texas vs. The Nation” all-star game in El Paso

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says James Franklin expects both Chris Turner, Jamarr Robinson to be available Saturday

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Dave Shinskie, Maryland QB’s likely to combine for a number of turnovers Saturday

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says John Dowd named Academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Niumatalolo trying to keep Mids focused on football during Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says former Navy assistant Jeff Monken appears poised to accept Georgia Southern job

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says game at Aloha Stadium allows 5 Hawaii natives on Navy team to play at home

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Chris Harris, Jordan Sugars combined for 61 points as Mids topped Towson at Alumni Hall

Washington Examiner’s Kevin Dunleavy says Romeo Garcia dished out 9 assists for Mids in win

TOWSON BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says RaShawn Polk’s 19 not enough as Tigers fell to Midshipmen

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

The AP says Jarrel Smith added 15 points in loss for Tigers

MORGAN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Reggie Holmes tallied 34 points as Bears won stunner at Arkansas

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

Arkansas Official Site says Rotnei Clarke’s 26 not enough as Razorbacks fell to Morgan in Fayetteville

The AP says Joe Davis scored 18 points for Razorbacks in win

Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s Bob Holt says Reggie Holmes’ big game against Hogs came just 2 days after tough performance in loss to Louisville

COPPIN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Vince Goldsberry lead way with 18 as Eagles beat UMBC in Catonsville

The AP says Kareem Brown scored 17 points for Eagles in win

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Chauncey Gilliam scored 20 points, but Retrievers fell to Coppin at RAC Arena

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of loss

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Shane Walker tallied double double as Greyhounds topped Dartmouth

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The AP says Brett Harvey chipped in 10 points for Hounds in win

HOPKINS FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Mike Stoffel, Steve Levinson named Academic All-American by ESPN The Magazine

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s battle with Niagara at Knott Arena

The Official Site offers complete Mountaineers-Purple Eagles release (pdf)

COLLEGE OF NOTRE DAME BASKETBALL:

The Sun’s Mike Klingaman says cancellation of season ‘heartbreaking’ for Gators

ORIOLES:

The Official Site’s Spencer Fordin says Chris Ray thinks ‘offseason regimen’ will have him in better shape in 2010

MLB.com’s Lisa Winston says Birds ‘exercising patience’ organizationally (REALLY?)

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly say former Nationals reliever Mike Hinckley signed minor league deal with O’s

The Sun says former bench coach Jauss gets same job with Mets

HORSE RACING:

Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee says Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra back to work

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS:

Frederick News-Post’s Joshua R. Smith says Hagerstown fighters Jacob, Joey Kirwan; Myersville fighter Paul Mann looking to make mark in local MMA scene

BALTIMORE BULLETS:

The AP’s Joseph White says Bullets/Wizards owner Abe Pollin passed away from cancer at 85

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-Welcome to Baltimore Charles Ali and Cary Williams. If one of you ends up making a contribution, it will be a very pleasant surprise.

Talk to you tomorrow.

-G

Here are some picks for tonight:

Maryland 80, Cincinnati 69

The Lance Stephenson storyline makes this game more interesting, but Maryland is just better. Cincinnati will compete, but Maryland should win.

UMBC 64, Coppin State 58

In a matchup of two teams struggling to replace their go-to guys (UMBC’s Darryl Proctor and Jay Greene; Coppin’s Tywain McKee); I’ll give the edge to the Retrievers at RAC Arena.

Navy 71, Towson 70

Just because the game is at Alumni Hall.

Morgan State 83, Arkansas 81

Not kidding. I know Drew picked this as well. I really believe Todd Bozeman’s crew wins on the road against their SEC foe.

Loyola 75, Dartmouth 63

But I will admit that I don’t know much at all about the Greyhounds’ opponent.

Let’s see what everyone else has to say…..

Best of Monday’s WNST Blogs:

Drew Forrester says Ray Lewis, Ed Reed need to speak to media after games

Glenn Clark says Ravens will have to use Chris Carr, Frank Walker more with Fabian Washington out

Luke Jones says Terps rebounded from slow start to beat Silverswords

Glenn Clark says Ray Rice best Raven in loss, Drew Forrester says Jared Gaither, Derrick Mason best

Drew Forrester says Ravens’ win over Eagles this time last year proof everyone still in playoff picture

Derek Arnold says Flacco relying on ‘security blanket’ Mason too much (with one of the better photoshop jobs we’ve ever had at WNST.net)

Tom Clayton thinks Birds should have Michael Aubrey, Mark DeRosa at corner infield spots in 2010

Glenn Clark says Turkey Bowl amongst highlights of week

Bob Haynie celebrating 30th anniversary of ACC regular season title

Glenn Clark wonders if Michael Oher better high school football player than Charles Jefferson from Ridgemont High

Ed Frankovic says Capitals ‘collapsed’ in loss to Senators

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s John Eisenberg says loss to Colts proves ‘magic’ gone for Ravens

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Fabian Washington will miss rest of season with ACL tear

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Harbaugh was happy with ‘communication’ from officials in loss to Indianapolis

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ravens still very much alive in AFC Wild Card hunt

The Official Site’s Sarah Ellison says Terrell Suggs didn’t agree with ESPN report saying he’d miss at least a month

The Official Site says Harbs believes Lardarius Webb will be ‘big part’ of Ravens plans to replace Fabian Washington

The Official Site says Ravens partnering with Under Armour, Wounded Warrior Project to give away rally towels before Sunday Night Football game at M&T Bank Stadium

Steelers Official Site says Charlie Batch battling wrist injury

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Cam Cameron needs to open up bag of tricks again

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Dennis Dixon may have to start for Pittsburgh if Roethlisberger can’t play

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Freeney claimed Ravens gave Gaither, Oher help to shut Colts’ pass rushers out

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Dawan Landry ‘downplayed’ team lead in interceptions

The Sun’s Mike Preston thinks Flacco still bothered by ankle injury

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Fabian Washington hurt himself trying to tackle Addai

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg dives deeper into the issue of 52, Reed not talking to media after games

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says Harbs still thinks Ravens ‘good football team’

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ravens to give away own version of “Terrible Towel”

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Art Modell signed autographs at Sunday’s game

The Sun’s Mike Preston says Chris Chester, Matt Birk ‘struggling’

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Steelers, Jaguars, Broncos 1 game ahead of Ravens in playoff race

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Harbaugh met with Ed Reed Monday morning to discuss ‘lateral’

Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg says Cundiff may have settled kicking situation, but Ravens haven’t solved red zone issues

The AP says Matt Birk knows Ravens must improve ‘execution’ offensively

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette says Big Ben should be okay, Steelers likely to sign Tyler Palko for QB insurance

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Scott Brown says Roethlisberger did well on IMPACT test

Beaver County Times’ Mike Bires couldn’t confirm Cleo Lemon, Jeff Garcia worked out for Steelers

The AP says Chris Kemoeatu will miss game for Steelers with sprained knee ligament

SI’s Peter King says Addai TD run ‘embarrassing’ for Ray Lewis

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche says offense looked ‘Boller-ish’ in loss to Indy

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco says Webb may be ‘rushed’ into major role

ESPN.com’s James Walker gives Steelers little chance to beat Ravens without Big Ben

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Flacco appeared to throw into triple coverage on Gary Brackett INT

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The AP says Mosley’s 19 lead Terps to win over Chaminade in 1st round of Maui Invitational

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The AP says Terps moved up to 21st in poll

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Eric Hayes added 12 points for Terps in win

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Vanderbilt (who lost last night) was only other ranked team in Maui Invitational field

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Chaminade coach Mahar knew Terps would ‘wear (Silverswords) down’

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Jin Soo Choi, Steve Goins, Ersin Levent all played for Terps in win

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Jordan Williams chipped in 10 rebounds for Terps in win

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says James Padgett added another 6 rebounds after halftime

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps 20th best team in country

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s contest with Samford

The Official Site offers complete Maryland-Samford release (pdf)

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

The Official Site previews Saturday’s Senior Day battle with Boston College

The Official Site offers complete Terrapins-Eagles release (pdf)

The Sun’s Matt Bracken says future Terp Devin Burns still alive in Georgia high school playoffs

The Sun’s Jeff Barker says Chris Turner could ‘try’ to play Saturday vs. BC

The Diamondback’s Adi Joseph says Debbie Yow has not offered ‘full support’ to Friedgen the way she did for Gary Williams

Sporting News’ Matt Hayes has Terps 12th in power rankings

Terrapin Times’ Mark Clem says Ian Evans could be ‘sleeper’ prospect for 2010 (must subscribe)

Turtle Sports Report’s Matt Owings says Jamarr Robinson, Da’Rel Scott were positives in Florida State loss

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site previews Saturday night’s trip to Hawaii

The Official Site offers complete Midshipmen-Warriors release (pdf)

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Buddy Green getting video faster thanks to new software

Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Honolulu trip allows Niumatalolo chance to face alma mater

Washington Post’s Camille Powell says 16 Midshipmen seniors headed to Marine Corps

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s tilt with Towson

The Official Site offers complete Mids-Tigers release (pdf)

TOWSON BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Annapolis

The Official Site offers complete Tigers-Mids release (pdf)

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s battle with Coppin State on MASN

The Official Site offers complete Retrievers-Eagles release (pdf)

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Dartmouth

MORGAN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s trip to Arkansas

The Official Site offers complete Bears-Razorbacks release (pdf)

UMES BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says athletic department honored Kevin White

The Official Site says Kevin White named to Hispanic College Fund Challenge All-Tournament team

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Jeremy Goode honored by NEC

HOPKINS LACROSSE:

Inside Lacrosse’s Sean Burns says Blue Jays 6th in pre-preseason rankings

Inside Lacrosse’s Sean Burns says coaches have Jays 5th in pre-preseason rankings

ORIOLES:

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck wouldn’t dismiss Birds’ pursuit of Carlos Delgado

Examiner Jay Trucker surprised Andino got no votes for American League MVP

CRYSTAL PALACE USA:

The Official Site says Palace will play in new league called NASL

Examiner Jeff Hemelt says 9 teams will play in North American Soccer League

SWIMMING:

SwimNetwork.com’s Andrew Silver thinks Michael Phelps hosed with Lochte’s win at Golden Goggles

The AP says “Duel in the Pool” in Manchester, England Phelps’ final meet of 2009

HORSE RACING:

Daily Racing Form’s Dave Litfin says Quality Road worked out at Belmont in hopes to return following Breeders’ Cup Classic scratch

BOXING:

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Mark “TNT” Tucker to defend USBO belt December 11 in Westminster

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-DO NOT LIKE the towel giveaway. Will talk more about it tomorrow.

Talk to you later.

-G

Sorry, nothing to add today. Have to get to 1 Winning Drive. It’s coordinators day!

Let’s see what everyone has to say…..

Best of Wednesday’s WNST Blogs:

Glenn Clark says John Harbaugh, Derrick Mason implored fans to be louder than usual at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday

Derek Arnold says Dawan Landry ‘Played Like a Raven’ Monday night in Cleveland

Drew Forrester says 2,500 packed RAC Arena to see Loyola top UMBC

Bob Haynie says fans beginning to show confidence in Ravens for Sunday’s game against Colts

Thyrl Nelson thinks Flacco bad play, Ray Rice solid play this weekend in Fantasy Football

Eric Aaronson says Gilbert Arenas-Shaquille O’Neal drama overshadowed Wizards-Cavaliers last night

RAVENS:

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Ravens signed Billy Cundiff to replace Steve Hauschka

The Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Matt Birk knows offense must improve ‘execution’

The Official Site says Ravens placed Nakamura on IR with ankle injury

The Official Site says Le’Ron McClain, Jarret Johnson, Dannell Ellerbe have no one more famous than Ray Lewis in their cell phone

The Official Site says Ravens’ wives to hold food drive benefitting Maryland Food Bank before Sunday’s game against Indianapolis

The Official Site says Jim Caldwell believes Colts ‘not concerned’ with finishing season with perfect record

The Official Site says Matt Lawrence needs ‘about another week’ to figure out knee issue according to Harbs

Colts Official Site’s John Oehser says Manning views matchup with Baltimore as ‘physical and mental challenge’

The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Matt Stover hopes Baltimore fans will remember him favorably when he returns to Charm City

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ravens picked Cundiff over Mike Nugent due to kickoff abilities

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Ravens unlikely to beat AFC’s best Colts

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck doesn’t think Ravens can keep thinks ‘particularly close’ with Colts Sunday

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. cleans up after me

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg says sprained knee ligament will force Suggs to miss first game(s) of career

The Sun’s Mike Preston expects Cam Cameron to try to dominate time of possession Sunday with run

The Sun’s Mike Preston expects Kruger to be ‘tested’ by Colts

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Derrick Mason, John Harbaugh, Sam Koch all had kind words for Hauschka after departure

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Ngata limited in practice

The Sun’s Edward Lee says KJ Gerard takes Nakamura’s spot on active roster

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Tavares Gooden wouldn’t talk about concussion

The Sun’s Edward Lee says Harbaugh seemed to support Belichick’s decision against Colts

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Kruger hasn’t gotten official word from Harbaugh

The Sun’s Ken Murray says Dwan Edwards fined $5,000 for hit on Joshua Cribbs

The AP says Saints hoping Chris McAlister can be ready to play for them Sunday

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason each think seeing Stover on opposing sideline will be ‘weird’

Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Brady Quinn fined $10,000 for hit on Suggs

Frederick News-Post’s Stan Goldberg says Ravens ‘needed veteran kicker like Stover’ to pursue Super Bowl dreams

Washington Times’ Bob Cohn says Oher yet to see The Blind Side

Indianapolis Star’s Mike Chappell says Dallas Clark can break John Mackey’s franchise record for career catches by tight end Sunday

Indianapolis Star’s Phil Richards says Rutgers alum Gary Brackett used to consider Ray Rice protégé

USA Today’s Gary Mihoces says Paul Kruger, Antwan Barnes expected to fill in for T-Sizzle

7 of 8 USA Today analysts pick Colts

USA Today’s Pete O’Brien picks Ravens 24-23

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer picks Colts 27-21

6 of 7 Sporting News analysts pick Colts

Sporting News’ Russ Lande mocks Jermaine Gresham to Ravens

SI’s Don Banks has Ravens 13th in power rankings

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche says Ravens must ‘man up’ to get into Wild Card picture

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco picks Colts 31-28

6 of 6 CBS Sports analysts pick Colts

NBC Sports’ Mike Florio and Gregg Rosenthal pick Colts 31-28

Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager picks Colts 33-24

Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez thinks Flacco progressing better than Matt Ryan

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Ravens made ‘mistake’ in not bringing back Matt Stover

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Matt Birk, Todd Heap also didn’t practice Wednesday

ESPN.com’s James Walker says Suggs’ injury similar to Polamalu’s

TERRAPINS FOOTBALL:

Florida State Official Site says Bobby Bowden thinks Jamarr Robinson ‘dangerous quarterback’

The Diamondback’s Adi Joseph says becoming a father has forced Terrell Skinner to mature

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Travis Baltz will miss rest of season after undergoing surgery on broken finger

Florida Times-Union has Maryland 11th in ACC power rankings

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich picks Seminoles 35-17

ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich says Jamarr Robinson could be hitting ground a few times in Tallahassee

Terrapin Times’ Keith Cavanaugh says James Franklin impressed by how Da’Rel Scott has been practicing (must subscribe)

TERRAPINS BASKETBALL:

The Sun’s Kevin Cowherd says Terps should have ‘inside presence’ with Jordan Williams, James Padgett

The Diamondback’s Aaron Kraut says Gary Williams to address Dino Gregory report today

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Sean Mosley believes Terps playing same type of defense that lead them to NCAA Tournament last year

The Diamondback’s Eric Detweiler says Greivis Vasquez thought Eric Hayes was ‘unbelievable’ in win over Stags

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says Fairfield coach Ed Cooley knew turnovers killed any chances Stags had in College Park Tuesday night

Washington Post’s Steve Yanda says teammates view Eric Hayes as ‘laid back guy’

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Milbourne wasn’t tired despite playing a ton of minutes early on Tuesday night

Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens says Terps were best against Stags with James Padgett on floor

Washington Examiner’s Kevin Dunleavy says Vasquez, Milbourne lifting weights more with eyes on NBA future

Terrapin Times’ Mike Ashley says Terps lifted by Eric Hayes in win over Fairfield (must subscribe)

Inside MD Sports’ Seth Hoffman says Gary Williams ‘expects defense to be there every night’

TERRAPINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s tilt with Old Dominion in College Park

The Diamondback’s Jonas Shaffer says tonight’s game against Monarchs should give Kizer, Oyefuwa, Essence Townsend good barometer to see how they handle better interior players

TERRAPINS SOCCER:

The Sun’s Todd Karpovich says Hounds hoping to avenge ’07 NCAA Tournament loss to Terps tonight at Ludwig Field

NAVY FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says 93% of football players in Annapolis graduate

Go Mids’ David Ausiello says Niumatalolo not interested in leaving Mids

Go Mids’ David Ausiello wonders what would happen if Midshipmen were to face off with Paul Johnson’s Georgia Tech team (must subscribe)

NAVY BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s home opener against Buffalo at Alumni Hall

LOYOLA BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Jamal Barney scored 21 to lift Greyhounds past Retrievers in Catonsville

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of victory

The Sun’s Jeff Seidel says Brett Harvey made 4 big free throws late to clinch win for Loyola

UMBC BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Chauncey Gilliam’s 22 points not enough as Retrievers fell to Hounds at RAC Arena

MORGAN BASKETBALL:

The Official Site previews tonight’s tilt with East Tennessee State at Hill Field House

The Official Site offers complete Bears-Buccaneers release (pdf)

MORGAN FOOTBALL:

The Official Site previews Saturday’s season finale at Hampton

The Official Site offers complete Bears-Pirates release (pdf)

TOWSON FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Tigers’ athletic teams 2nd in CAA in graduation rate

Examiner’s Matthew Schlissel previews Saturday’s trip to James Madison

HOPKINS FOOTBALL:

The Official Site previews NCAA Tournament opener at Hampden-Sydney

The Official Site offers complete Blue Jays-Tigers release (pdf)

STEVENSON FOOTBALL:

The Official Site says Ed Hottle introduced as first head coach in Mustangs history

MT. ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL:

The Official Site says Jeremy Goode’s 17 lead Mountaineers in win at American

The Official Site provides numerical evidence of win

The AP says Beidler added 14 for ‘Eers in win over Eagles

ORIOLES:

MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez says Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz, Chone Figgins, Hank Blalock, Russell Branyan, Troy Glaus could be options for Birds at corner infield positions

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says O’s to wait until free agency to re-open talks with Hendrickson

The Sun’s Peter Schmuck says Blake Davis, Steve Johnson will be exposed to Rule 5 Draft

The Sun’s Dean Jones Jr. says Matt Angle hit a 2 run single for Phoenix Desert Dogs in Arizona Fall League play

SOME QUICK THOUGHTS:

-I’ll say Coppin State 74, Washington Adventist 59; and Morgan State 67, East Tennessee 60 tonight.

Talk to you from Owings Mills.

-G