Samurai Bucky

I was thinking that it would be a long night when I heard Blackwell wasn't going to be playing. The TOs recently have been very concerning. It also seems like they are tentative to take a shot on offense: "Always look for a better shot with somebody else... even when there is 1 or 2 seconds left on the shot clock." Edit: the Badgers played well enough to be the final straw in the OSU coach getting fired.

Multiple streaming endpoints created using AWS. 😉

Mike Hastings should win Coach of the Year -- and there shouldn't be anyone else even close. On, Wisconsin!

AJ Storr was carrying the team against Nebraska in the first half. Nebraska clamped down on him and did a great job of doubling down low especially against Crowl. The Badgers can beat anybody if they hit their threes. If they don't, it is a huge uphill battle.

I'll be honest -- I had tried to finish up what I was doing so I could watch. I'm glad I didn't hurry. I can't say anything much about the play, but it looks like it was a "die by the 3" game. 5/21 from beyond the arc. 33% from the field (29% in the second half), 12 turnovers and only 28 points in the paint. Heck, even only 59% from the line. I'm not sure what is going on, but I wonder if there is something in the locker room. This is quite an abrupt turnaround going from playing good basketball and playing great once in a while and now playing like dog crap. I guess a positive is Crowl getting 13 boards. He also put up more than 2 shot attempts.

It started against Nebraska. They doubled on (or near) the post and Crowl didn't have a clue it seemed. Last night was no different. I think he was 1-2 from the field. The ball needs to not only hit the post with him, but get in on the block. Otherwise, he has no other moves. Klesmit has disappeared, too. I'm not sure if Storr is trying to do too much and everybody else is scared to do anything. Chuckie was more aggressive, but one can't simply flip the switch to be a scorer when that hasn't been your role all year.

A Jax hasn't gotten much time either.

One thing we need to keep in mind is Title IX. I am fairly certain that there are very few women's sports that would be considered a revenue sport. What happens then? I'm sure Badger Volleyball is brining some good cash. Here is an article from the NCSA about how head counts work in college athletics: https://www.ncsasports.org/blog/athletic-scholarships-head-count-versus-equivalency. It is a short and interesting read. If college athletes get paid more than a scholarship and food stipend, tutors, housing, etc., I would like to see more of a commitment to the institution from the player. Perhaps it can be called a contract. If I am a QB and am receiving $1M above and beyond my scholarship / benefits, I need to stay for the entire four years. If I leave early, then I do not receive the entire amount. If I am a Kicker who receives $10,000 above and beyond, they would have to forego a certain percentage of their NIL money. I think EA Sports is planning on paying each football player $500 to have their name and likeness in the EA Sports College Football game (https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/ea-sports-college-football-2024-lawsuit/) I do not want to see the non-revenue sports go away. I'm a big wrestling fan (real wrestling, mind you) and I'm sure that would be one of the first ones on the chopping block. Did you ever want to go and watch Badger gymnastics? Me neither, but it doesn't matter because gymnastics hasn't been reinstituted. Baseball at Wisconsin? Sigh... It certainly is a mixed bag. It will be interesting to see what happens.

I think it is still up in the air... https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2024/01/17/bally-sports-coming-to-amazon-prime-video-in-proposed-deal-what-to-know/?sh=c163a8d7d302

If the goal of MLB is to "[make] the playoffs," then there should be no complaints. If the goal is to have a chance to win a World Series or, maybe, appear in one, then there is understandable frustration.

Shut the f ront door! Use this to my advantage, I will 😂 Our son uses one of our vehicles to drive to school and parks in a garage. My wife and I parked there once and it not only recognized the plate, but also had a "Thank you" message with my son's name. Hmmm...

I'm guessing they will have gates? If so...

How am I going to redeem my Designated Driver free soda? I guess I am going to be relegated to be a Designated Drinker. Oh well...

Hey -- that sounds very, very cool! Perhaps some watch parties for BrewerFantatics? 😉 Yeah... with what you mentioned, Menard's probably wouldn't be the way to go. Have fun!

I built a detached garage around 30 years ago. It was in West Allis. We removed the old one, had the concrete taken out and repoured. I used to work for a construction / carpentry company for a few years and had a good relationship with the owner. I had asked if he could help out (and bring his tools). He was OK with that. When he showed up, he asked where I got the materials. I said from Menards as a kit. "Menards? Are you kidding me?" Mind you, we built houses in more of the upscale communities on the north side and up to Sheboygan, so our typical lumber came from Cedarburg Lumber or Neu's. With that said, though, I drive by the garage today (we moved out 25 years ago), and it looks just like it did when we built it. I had help roughing it in and then my wife and I put up the shingles, facia, soffit, gutters, one window, and siding. After that long story, I guess I'm saying not to be afraid to look at what Menards has to offer. The lumber was a little more crowned than the Cedarburg / Neu's stuff, but it is still standing today 🙂

United Football League perhaps?

I'm confused -- isn't this what many on this board wanted? Our goal was to play the prospects. Actually, I'm surprised they got Rhys -- he isn't a prospect. In the end, we can have a great group of prospects and oodles and oodles of years of control. I am hoping that they do some type of deal for something more than just prospects. Actually, I am hoping that these prospects contribute this year.

If the Orioles would have thrown in a sack of potatoes, then the grades for the Brewers would make sense.

Live by the 3, die by the 3. I can see how they are tired from playing defense, but c'mon.

Earlier in the year, he was a bit of a sieve on defense. I believe that is because of his injury at the beginning of the year. It has taken him a little while to get his legs back under him. Last year when I had gone to the Minnesota / Wisconsin game at the Kohl, I noticed how Essegian would use his own teammates to get around a screen both on the offensive and defensive end. He would actually put his hand or arm on his own teammate which would slingshot him to where he needed to be. I saw a little more of that lately, too. He'll get back to form. As long as he doesn't get frustrated with minutes due to the points you outlined, I think he will be a solid contributor. There was a postgame interview with Coach Gard recently where he said that it is a challenge to have a deep squad.

Purdon't / Northworsten Round 2 tonight. I think NW covers. We'll see if Boo goes off.

The Ghost of Bobby Knight is making its rounds... 😉

5-1 loss against Michigan. Ouch...

One of the articles under the DC tracker is the grading article. Since their highest graded linebacker is McDuffie with a -1.25, I would think they would focus in improving that position.