TWIH Questions about Tennessee, BCS Match-ups, and KSU

Back by popular demand...TWIH (This week in Hoops) Questions:


1) Tennessee was #3 in the AP poll and #5 in the Coaches Poll last week. Why don't the coaches like the Vols? (B.P. -- Tenn)

BP,
I hear you man. With only 2 losses so far this year, an early one at Texas, and a heartbreaker at Kentucky (both road games!), we have to wonder why the coaches aren't giving any props. I mean Tennessee finally has it going and Chris Lofton is finally stepping up, scoring 27 pts against Georgia. Well, Here's the deal. As you may or may not know, college coaching is a very exclusive club. Today's college coaching circle is a fraternity of highly distinguished and dignified professionals. They typically dress very well in suits and ties, and have a manner about them that exudes class and taste, carrying on tradition that was established by legendary coaches long before them. You know what?... To be honest with you, I can't really think of any reason why the coaches aren't giving Tennessee respect.

2) They have this silly championship system in college hoops called a "tournament." If college basketball wised up and implemented the bowl system, how would your BCS match-ups sort out today? (Jim T -- Ohio)

Jim,
Wow, OK. God help us if this ever happens, but here goes.

BCS Championship: KU vs Memphis
Fiesta Bowl: Georgetown vs Texas
Rose Bowl: Indiana vs UCLA
Sugar Bowl: Tennessee vs Duke
Orange Bowl: UNC vs Michigan St.

Washington St. would be College Football's "Mizzou".

Additionally, I would make (3) predictions:

A) Contrary to the Football BCS series, every single game would be a very good game, except for one. I believe the UNC-Mich St. game would be a UNC blowout in the Orange Bowl. (Ironically, the Orange Bowl was the only decent football matchup).

B) We would have a clear cut, undisputed champion as the champ would be the only team without a loss. Funny how that would work out this year in hoops, as a tournament is typically the only logical way to agree on a champion.

C) Missouri fans would still be crying about being left out of the championship series even though the have a less than stellar record of 12-8 to date. Oh well, it's probably KU's fault.


3) Does K-State really have a chance against KU on Wednesday because I don't think they do, because they don't. (Susan -- Kansas)

Susan,
Although your reasoning is very solid, I will have to disagree. KSU does have a legitimate shot because of three things: Players, Revenge, and a Favorable venue. We all know KU is stacked with talent, but K-State has perhaps the best player in America in Michael Beasley averaging somewhere around 25 ppg and 12 rpg., as well as an exceptional future NBA player in Bill Walker. On top of that, they haven't won a home game against KU in like 24 years. I'd say they are due, and they seek revenge. Finally, I believe this game is a scheduled home game for KSU in Africa. It's well documented that KSU can and will beat KU nearly anywhere, including in Africa, so I think the hawks might be in a little trouble. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/ncaa/01/27/bc.bkc.t25.sunflowersho.ap/index.html?eref=si_ncaab

Actually, Susan... since Michael Beasley and Co. have guaranteed the win, you probably shouldn't even bother turning on the TV for this one. Plus, I don't know if ESPN-A (ESPN-Africa) is carrying the feed this week. Just check your local listings if you're still interested.

Thanks for your questions.
ROWYHO