Klein For Heisman

Let me start this by saying I have zero allegiance in this year’s race for the most coveted individual award of college football. I am from Kansas, but I do not have a horse in the race; I grew up cheering for the Jayhawks. So looking at the three choices with no bias, I am dumbfounded with how Collin Klein has now become a distant third behind Johnny Manziel and Manti Te’o. The reason is simple that the month of November is outweighing the first two months of college football. I am not saying Klein is your clear cut choice but I think it is unwise to not take a closer look.

I am going to move Manti Te’o and his case to the side for this. Notre Dame’s star linebacker is an absolutely tremendous story, especially the tragedy he overcame this year. Teo is extremely deserving, too. He is the leader of the undefeated team that sits #1 going into the national championship. He is the leader of a defense that has won many games for a team with an average offense.

I want to move forward to the “Johnny Football” and “Optimus Klein” comparisons. All of a sudden, a span of two weeks altered the course for these two men. First, Texas A&M’s redshirt freshman quarterback did what no one had been able to do for nearly a full year: beat Alabama. The 19 year old went from a great story propelling the Aggies to a competitive level in the SEC to the country’s number one player. Manziel did have a great day. He went into Tuscaloosa and completed 77% of his passes, passed for two touchdowns, and added 92 yards on the ground. Pretty incredible.
It was all capped off one week later by Collin Klein and Kansas State’s demise in Waco, Texas at the hands of a Baylor defense that many thought was the worst of any major conference. Klein, still dealing with a lingering injury from the Oklahoma State game, was off all night. He was errant with his passing, leading to three interceptions, and only rushed for 32 yards. In just three short hours, the Wildcats went from national championship front-runner to a great story that will wind up in a BCS bowl. Their star quarterback went from having the Heisman Trophy and having it be his to lose to a story we will remember from the beginning of the 2012 season. It took all of seven days…

Granted, the picture I have painted, makes it seem pretty clear that Johnny Football is the better candidate that Klein. However, it is no home run. Colin Klein matched up against NINE schools from BCS conferences who qualified for a bowl game (i.e. finished with at least a .500 record). Johnny Manziel played just five teams who qualified for the postseason. Before you start yelling at your computer that you cannot compare the SEC to the Big 12, can we at least take a second to look at something here? K-State played Baylor, the second worst defense in the country statistically, while Manziel had his second best passing day verse by far the worst defense in the country, Louisiana Tech. Now, there is no shortage of Big 12 teams that gave up huge amounts of yardage this year. However, I am willing to say that Auburn, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Missouri (all ranked below the top 50 in defense) was not that much better than what the Big 12 had to offer.
Furthermore, Collin Klein may have seen a few more transparent defenses during conference games, but he did not miss out on big games. Against the nine, BCS school teams Klein faced with at least.500 record he threw a total of six interceptions. Manziel accumulated five interceptions in his five games. In Manziel’s bad game he had no touchdowns and three interceptions with just an 82.5 QB rating against LSU.

If you look at a pure statistic standpoint, Manziel has Klein beat by quite a bit. Texas A&M ran everything through Manziel who put up 4600 total yards of offense. Klein had 118 less plays and amassed 3,390 total yards. When you look at the attempts difference, Manziel averaged 7.88 yards to Klein’s 7.27. The numbers are a lot closer. Johnny Football padded his stats verse the lesser competition and in their two losses, both at home, accounted for just one touchdown.

The difference between the two is not the large margin that seems to persist throughout the country’s media. Collin Klein led Kansas State to the Fiesta Bowl and a Big 12 Championship during an 11-1 campaign. Manziel is headed to the Cotton Bowl with his 10-2 record. This argument is not saying Collin Klein is head and shoulders above Johnny Manziel, it is me urging everyone to not forget about Collin Klein’s case before it is too late. Unfortunately, it seems too late. Johnny Manziel and his story is hot. He is the freshman that is transforming how football is played in the SEC. He is a little wild and seems to transform the idea of a “model” quarterback. Collin Klein’s story was done already. Tim Tebow already did the power running, devout Christian story in 2007. Klein became old news the second the clock hit zero on November 17th in Waco, Texas. Can we at least bring that story back up?

NBA Podcast 2: NBA Draft

I am joined again by Nick Schwerdt, as well as Spencer Anagnost to discuss the top ten picks of the NBA draft. Check it out at https://www.box.com/s/vqhcjyrpnje6ilf0svz0

NBA Podcast 1: NBA Finals

My colleague Nick Schwerdt and I discuss LeBron James' brilliance in the finals and how it has affected his legacy and what it will mean for next season. Check it out at https://www.box.com/s/4jbokbvxyatl9vubmgdb.

How the West Can Be Won (part 5)

In this five part series, we will look at those five teams in depth and why nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs. We will also discuss the flaws that could get these teams beat and trades they could make throughout the season to fill those holes. Without further ado, here is who I believe to be the best team in the Western Conference.

1.) The Memphis Grizzlies:

Why Nobody Wants to Play Them:
If you look at the Grizzlies, what are they’re major weaknesses? The only thing they really lack is a consistent spot up shooter. We saw glimpses of Wayne Ellington taking that role, but since his explosion he has returned to being who we thought he was. Look for the Grizzlies to trade for a J.J. Reddick/Kyle Korver type to sure up their rotation. Those kind of guys are usually not that difficult to find and or trade for.

If they do pull off a trade like that, I have no reason to think they would not be the favorite this season. They can pound you inside offensively and defensively with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. They have a weird situation to deal with when both big men can interchange from the low post to the high post and be effective. Pau’s younger brother is looking like the better brother and Z-Bo is becoming a household name is NBA circles. The duo is averaging 32.2 points, 19.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. While the Grizzlies have arguably the best big man combination in the league, they are no slouches on the perimeter either.

Rudy Gay has the ability to score in a variety of ways and can go off for twenty any given night if he has the right match-up. At the point guard position they have Mike Conely that is averaging 15 and 6 assists this season and is a very above average personal defender. He can shut the water off of players that can seem unstoppable at times.

But if you want to talk about someone who can shut someones water off, look no further than Tony Allen who is a major reason I believe Memphis can be an amazing team.Look at how guard oriented the Western Conference is. Tony Allen has the ability to guard dynamic point guards like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook as well as dynamic wing players like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Manu Ginobli. They have a solid bench in Jerryd Bayless, Mo Speights, and Darrell Arthur – but if they could bring in a shooter this team’s limit is an NBA Championship.

How They Can Be Beaten: 
At the moment, the Grizzlies do not have a true spot up three-point shooter, which can sometimes lead to lack of ball movement on the offensive end. When the ball goes into the post, they get a little stagnant because the defense can suck in without the fear of getting drilled on from deep. Rudy Gay has shown much promise in his still young career, but he hasn’t shown to be the big game-changer that has been asked from him the last few post seasons. They seem to come up short, and a lot of that has to do with the late game shortcomings of Rudy Gay. If Conely isn’t on and Rudy Gay is shrinking under pressure, they cannot expect Tony Allen to be their offensive weapon on the perimeter.

Possible In-Season Trade:
The Grizzlies bring in J.J. Reddick and Kyle O’Quinn and trade away Mo Speights and Wayne Ellington and either a draft pick or cash considerations. They get a sharp shooter to add to the rotation and a fifth big that could possibly fill in if an injury occurred to Arthur, Gasol, Randolph, or Haddidi.
Barring injury, all five of these teams have an equal chance of making it to the NBA Finals to probably face the Miami Heat. It could all come down to seeding, because with how close these teams are and how some teams match-up well with some teams and badly for others – who plays who could be a big indicator of who escapes to the Finals.

How the West Can Be Won (part 4)

In this five part series, we will look at those five teams in depth and why nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs. We will also discuss the flaws that could get these teams beat and trades they could make throughout the season to fill those holes. Without further ado, here is my second best team in the Western Conference.

2.) The Oklahoma City Thunder:

Why Nobody Wants to Play Them:
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and honestly it is as simple as that. These two players can punk you in so many ways offensively and defensively; on the drive, on the catch, in transition, in the half court, getting in passing lanes, closing out hard, you name it. Yes, Serge Ibaka (shot blocking) , Kevin Martin (spot up threes), and Thabo Sefalosha (stingy defense) are great role player when they maintain their lane, but this team is scary because of their two stars.

Westbrook is still evolving as a player and right now is looking better than ever, especially in regards to his assist rate. Last season Westbrook averaged just 5.5 assists per game last season. To be fair James Harden split time as the primary ball handler when they shared the court. Now with Harden being replaced with sharp shooter Kevin Martin, Westbrook not only has the ball more often, he has a better spot-up shooter to kick it to after he penetrates and draws the defense. That’s the Thunder’s second best player.

Kevin Durant is hands down the best player in the Western Conference. I don’t want to hear any argument about it because there is no argument to be made. There has never been a seven footer, which he is, that has the coordination, athleticism, and basketball savvy that Durant has. He has expanded his game so much the last few seasons, he has practically become unstoppable. He can hit from anywhere on the court, he can drive past any player in the league, and he can defend an assortment of positions because of his dimensions and affinity for good positioning. Not only can he hit open shots from anywhere, but he has become a much better driver and finisher. Not only that, but when he doesn’t finish, most of the time you are hearing a whistle. He is currently second in the league in free throws attempted, trailing only Dwight Howard who teams put on the line for comedy sake.

How They Can Be Beaten:
The biggest problem with the Thunder is that the problems from last season still exist. They are still too jump-shot oriented, there is not enough scoring power in the post,  and Scott Brooks’ unimaginative late game play calling has hampered them before. It is going to take a certain type of team to finish off the Thunder in a seven game series. They need to be a team that can score on the inside against even the stout opposition in Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.

They need to be a team that can throw many different defensive looks at Durant and Westbrook. They need to be a team that has a decently consistent perimeter punch to match with their inside game. There are not many teams in the league that match that description, but there is one in the West and that is why the Thunder currently sit second in my standings.

Possible In-Season Trade:
With the contracts that this team inhibits, it would be very tough for them to trade for someone in the five million dollar range and keep the majority of their current rotation. They could trade DeAndre Liggins or Daniel Orton to Atlanta for Anthony Tolliver. While Tolliver wouldn’t get much play in the rotation, he could fit into the fourth post spot and give them a stretch-big that can open up the lane for Durant and Westbrook in limited minutes.

How the West Can Be Won (part 3)

In this five part series, we will look at those five teams in depth and why nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs. We will also discuss the flaws that could get these teams beat and trades they could make throughout the season to fill those holes. Without further ado, here is my third best team in the Western Conference.

3.) The San Antonio Spurs:

Why Nobody Wants to Play Them:
The Spurs are a boring team to talk about, which is a major reason they are so difficult to beat. They aren’t flashy, they aren’t overpowering but under the guidance of Gregg Popovich this team just plays good basketball. They have a ton of pieces they can move around to match-up with different teams and different styles of play.

Tim Duncan has had a renaissance of sorts the last couple of seasons and has shown to have maintained when many thought he would be digressing. He is currently posting almost 19 points a night while averaging over 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Obviously Duncan will still be flanked by Ginobili and Parker, but with Kawai Leonard, Danny Green, Matt Bonner, Tiago Splitter, and Gary Neal – this supporting cast allows for the original big 3 to do what they do best and not have to over extend themselves.Every team has ebbs and flows in their game, but the Spurs are the best team in the league at keeping those to a minimum. They are hoping their consistent game comes every night and can force their opponents to play below average which has almost become a Spur staple.

How They Can be Beaten:
You have to take a page out of the Oklahoma City playbook and beat the Spurs with your athleticism. The Thunder were the perfect match up for the Spurs and just blitzed past them in the conference finals a year ago. Tony Parker disappeared in too many games during last years playoffs and if history repeats itself this team might be out a lot earlier than expected. They don’t play with speed, they play with positioning so if they come across a team with multiple player who can cause havoc by beating the initial defense, they might get thrashed at the rim and on inside-out threes.

Possible In-Season Trade:
They could send Steven Jackson’s 10 million dollar expiring contract along with Dejuan Blair and a draft pick to the Pistons for Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye. This would give them a player that could be a solid back-up small forward or power forward who can play solid defense and stretch out defenses with his three-point capabilities.

How the West Can Be Won (part 2)

In this five part series, we will look at those five teams in depth and why nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs. We will also discuss the flaws that could get these teams beat and trades they could make throughout the season to fill those holes. Without further ado, here is my fourth best team in the Western Conference.

4.) The Los Angeles Lakers:

Why Nobody Wants to Play Them:
On paper this Lakers’ team is one of the most formidable teams in the history of the NBA. It hasn’t helped that the only time we saw Steve Nash was during the Mike Brown era. Compounding that, Steve Blake also went down so what we have seen from the D’Antoni Lakers thus far is a team run by Darius Morris. Once Nash is back, there is somebody who can distribute the ball to Dwight, Pau, and Kobe as well as a stabilizing player to add to the lineup.

The biggest problem thus far is the porous defense from the Lakers who were supposed to be anchored by the best defensive center in the league who is currently not playing like the best defensive center in the league. Don’t forget though, Dwight had back surgery in the summer and hustled back to be ready for opening night and still is probably not at 100%. Kobe is still Kobe and has the ability to take over games without much help from anyone else if it comes down to it. Once this team gets completely healthy, they should look so much better than they look right now.

How They Can Be Beaten:
Unfortunately the game is not played on paper and so far there isn’t much good to take out of the Lakers’ season. Pau and Dwight’s defensive rotations under the basket are atrocious. Everyone knew going into this season that the Lakers were defensively slow on the perimeter  with Kobe, Nash, and World Peace (it still feels weird writing that) getting up their in age.

What they didn’t know was that Pau and Dwight would be unable to protect the rim when the perimeter guys got beaten off the dribble. Orlando just put up 40 points in the fourth quarter in the Forum while Jameer Nelson, Aaron Affalo, and Big Baby combined for 72 points. They let George Hill beat them at the buzzer with a weak one-handed scoop shot that Dwight Howard would normally swat to the parking lot like that stupid insurance commercial.

Not only is their defense struggling, giving up almost 103 points a game, but their bench has been invisible. Antwan Jamison has shown shades of being a great 6th man, but other than Jodie Meeks one explosion, the bench has done nothing for this team. If they meet a quick team that can get to the rim with their perimeter players – the Lakers might be in trouble once summer rolls around.

Possible In-Season Trade:
The Lakers need to find a power forward that meshes better with Dwight Howard’s game as well as a friend who could help keep Dwight in LA after his contract is up this off-season. The best looking trade they could make is adding Josh Smith who is more of a high post player who is a much better defensive player and rebounder than Pau. To make the salaries add up, they also would get sharp shooter Kyle Korver to add some depth on the wing and a little more punch on the second team. They would give up Pau and Earl Clark which would also help Atlanta because Pau could play a true center which would finally allow them to move Al Horford to his true position at Power Forward.