Denzel takes over! (and a brief playoff rant)

First, a quick word on the FCS Playoff Brackets that were announced today.  It may be “better” to play it out on the field, but only so much.  Incredibly, the Missouri Valley got three teams into the field and even more INSANE, like DMX driving onto the airfield at LAXwith a car full of guns and coke insane, the MEAC got TWO bids.  Seriously, if South Carolina State and Bethune-Cookman score more than 20 points combined in their first round games it will be downright shocking to those actually paying attention.  Hard to believe, but I actually feel bad for Liberty and Montana today, two much more deserving snubs.  Almost makes you wish for the mixed-up, CBS-influenced world of March Madness “bubble watch,” where at least you have some sense the AD’s in the room have possibly watched a game and political correctness doesn’t enter the equation (wonder what Feinstein would make of that comment?).   In the interest of supporting the CAA without supporting a bunch of babies (Delaware) or someone who the Dukes recruit against (W&M), I’ll be rooting for Villanova and New Hampshire.  Now let’s put this disappointing season behind us and remember that on September 10th next year, we’ll be able to join 24,999 other Madison fans in a great new stadium to support a team that’s only losing a handful of seniors.

Final Note on Fall Sports:  Congrats to Cross Country for winning the ECAC championship.  Congrats to Volleyball on a great season despite the tough five-set loss to Northeastern in the CAA semis on Friday night.

The Man!

On to the good news:

Basketball is off and running!  MBB overcame a sluggish first half on the road at the Citadel to post their first victory of the year  and even the record at 1-1.  Denzel Bowles shrugged off a sore hand and took over in the second half to finish with 20 points.  Citadel is coached by former JMU assistant coach Chuck Driesell and led at the half before the Dukes gained control.

WBB also came from behind to defeat Central Florida in overtime Saturday night although they seem to be stumbling a bit under the weight of increased expectations so far in the young season.

HUGE week for the Men’s team with four games on tap.  The Turkey week extravaganza begins at the Convo Monday night in a challenging matchup with Princeton.  Let’s Go Dukes!