Happy Holidays! I'm Back!

A few technical issues and I'm back in business.

In a few short hours, the Bucks will defend the nation's longest winning streak taking on WV in the Schott. And yes, I will be there.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this year's Buckeye team! While young, they often seem more mature to me than the 2007-2008 squad. The leadership is very much centered in David Lighty, the lone remaining scholarship player from the NC runner-up team. And while he's out nursing the healing broken bone in his foot for 6-12 weeks, Evan Turner has clearly stepped up. Other young players like William Buford, the transfer Jeremie Simmons, Noopy Crater, and young BJ Mullens have all shared time in the spotlight. The most improved returner in my mind is Dallas Lauderdale. If you will recall, Dallas was charged last year with trying to make the enigma Kosta Koufos more physical under the basket. And physical is one term used to describe Dallas. That being said, he's not fleet of foot and can get beat inside ... much to the casternation of Coach Matta. My opinion is that we will see more and more of the twin towers while Lighty mends except in instances where speed is needed. The Bucks are quite slow with the 2 big men in the lineup and we've seen some teams come in and run pretty effectively on the Bucks with the big men lineup. Matta, ever the coach and teacher, has started a smaller, faster lineup in those instances using transfer and local product Kyle Madsen on the inside. He's quicker down the court but not as big. He can get position and an occasional block but don't expect him to be a scorer or a blocker.

And on everyone's mind is the upcoming Fiesta Bowl. The local travel agents and university are begging takers on the ticket side. Sad, but this bowl is not a great draw given the financial constraints many are under and its "been there, done that" feel since the desert seems like the Bucks' home away from home. Good thing there are a lot of west coast alumni or we might see a sea of burnt orange. After all, the Texas economy has been rather robust.

And rumor has it that Tressel is cooking up something featuring Boeckman and Pryor in the game at the same time. Apparently a page from Pryor's high school play book where Pryor lined up at receiver in the first play from scrimmage in the PA state championships. Interesting.

Well, glad I'm back!

GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!