THE TOP DOGS
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LOUISVILLE- By the time UConn take the court @ Freedom Hall tonite against Louisville, they will be the Number One ranked team in the country. Are they the best team? Who knows, that's why they have the NCAA tournament. . It seems that most experts agree that they aren't the best team but the way the rankings work, they will be #1 for the 8th different time in school history. Just think of that. Think of all the other Big East schools that haven't even sniffed #1. In fact, since the creation of the league, only Georgetown., Syracuse, St. John's and Pittsburgh have been #1. Of course, Louisville, Cincinnati and West Virginia have all been ranked #1 at one point before joining the league and maybe even Marquette.
My point is not everyone gets to be #1 so UConn fans should enjoy it. And it is the 5th time that boh the men and women have been #1 at the same time. Who else has done that?
The great thing is none of that has anything do with tonite's game. After watching the first half of Louisville- West Virginia, the Cardinals press can be devestating. The Louisville coaches keep track of deflections and they had 33 in the opening moments. They can suck the air out of an offense and UConn has to be able to break the press to be succesful.
The 'Ville also has terrific personnel, particularly up from with Terrence Williams, Earl Clark, Samardo Samuels and three freshman big men who can come off the bench. The guards aren't as consistent but when they are playing well, like Jerry Smith did on Saturday, they can take charge.
But, the Cards aren't unbeateable. They led West Virginia come from 22 down to within 4. The idea is don't fall that far behind.
The environment should be eleected. The Huskies first game here back in 2006 was as good an atmosphere as I have enjoyed during a regular season game. It should be just as electric tonite.
As for the Super Bowl, for the second straight year, an unbelievable finish. Good for the Steelers, one of the NFL's best franchises. Great try by the Cardinals but their defense (much like the Patriots) will be kicking themselves in the derriere until training camp lamenting their inability to hold onto the late lead.
Enjoy tonite's game!
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