The Morning Offering - Feb. 18, 2005

Written by Dr Furious on February 18, 2005

Guess who’s back…? That’s right people; you get another dose of Furious on this lovely Friday morning. We are well on our way to establishing a tradition of hate-free Fridays here, so I hope you feel the love. I could talk about the upcoming baseball season, giving you all the fantasy spin your little hearts desire, but I’m going in a different direction this morning. The topic du jour will be college basketball. So get the coffee brewing, situate yourself in a comfy seat, and follow me on this ride of information.

The Big East
Let’s start with one of the more underrated power conferences in the country. The marquee matchup will take place this weekend in the friendly confines of Conte Forum, where Boston College will host Syracuse. To say that this game is important for both teams would be a drastic understatement. Syracuse is coming off a two-point loss to Pitt (at the Carrier Dome no less), while B.C. struggled winning on the road at Rutgers. The ‘Cuse has not beaten a legitimate opponent ranked in the Top 25 this season (props to ‘Nova, but they had just cracked the Top 25 when Syracuse beat them) and it is officially gut-check time. Will Chestnut Hill be the locale where Syracuse finally gets a big W, or will Smith, Dudley, and Marshall take care of business? My money is on B.C. in this one folks. I have no doubt that Al Skinner will have the boys ready to play on their home court, where they are unbeaten this season.

The Illini
The million-dollar question is whether or not Illinois will remain undefeated for the season. The Doctor has been very unwilling to jump on the bandwagon, but I have viewed a couple of the Illini’s contests recently. Now to state the obvious: this team is pretty damn good. The three-headed guard attack of Brown, Head and Williams can be downright unstoppable if they are all in the flow. I am not sure if I have seen a backcourt as skilled and unselfish as this group. I love Roger Powell Jr.’s game (he was 10 for 10 from the floor in the win against Penn State) and the space-eater, St. Augustine can be a presence down low. This team, as talented as it is, can be beat. It may not happen during the regular season, or during the conference tournament, but I don’t see Illinois pulling off a perfect season. There are too many good teams out there waiting for a shot to knock this team off. Now this would be the point where I would predict the team to beat them, but I don’t get paid enough for that. In fact, I don’t get paid at all, so NO SOUP FOR YOU!

Oops! I swallowed a bug
Well Duke lost to Virginia Tech last night, which was a nice nightcap to a not-so-nice day. If you didn’t know, The Doctor hates Duke, with a passion only surpassed by his hatred of the New York Yankees. I know it’s Friday and I said I would keep the offering hate-free, but I lied. You don’t like it? Sue me. Anyway, there is little doubt that Coach K is a genius. Elton Brand, a Dukie, anchors the Furious roto squad (in second place). Yet I still cannot muster any emotion other than hate when talking or even thinking about Duke. I could belabor the point, but I won’t because it’s Friday. A tip of the cap from Furious goes out to Va. Tech in knocking off the Dukies.

So that will wrap up the offering for this morning. If The Doctor can pull off a miracle, he might be able to score some tickets to the B.C./Syracuse game. The outlook is not hopeful since the game is sold out. Also Ape and V.K. want to scheme on some hoes rather than accompany Furious to the game; something I completely understand and support. If you see a brother on the tele, at the game, realize that I handled my business. Otherwise make preparations for a Friday night, and remember that they should always, always include more alcohol and less hate.

-- Written by Dr Furious on February 18, 2005