BUZZER BEATER: DePaul's Billy Garrett, Jr. Caps Off A Crazy Finish Against Northwestern

It what could be best described as an offensively challenged game between DePaul and Northwestern it took a buzzer beater by the Blue Demons Billy Garrett, Jr. to decide the outcome.




Garrett, Jr's shot game DePaul a 57-56 win over Northwestern.

Here's a better angle plus the entire game highlights from Big Ten Network.
(Garrett Jr's buzzer beater occurs at 2:54.

Thanks Northwestern Athletics


"I looked up, but then everyone ran up to me, so I knew it went in." Garrett said

Neither team was worth a damn offensively.  DePaul shot only 37 percent from the field and was only 1-10 from behind the three point arch.

Northwestern was even worse shooting 32 percent from the field and 8-24 from 3 point range.

‘‘We’re not blessed with a ton of offensive weapons,’’ Northwestern head coach Chris Collins said.

East Carolina To New Big East In Everything, Now...

((HT: WNCT-TV))

All East Carolina University teams will join the soon-to-be ex/former Big East Conference.

Their start date will be July 1, 2014. Initially, ECU was planning on only being a football-only with a gradual roll-in for the other sports. Chancellor Steve Ballard was just waiting on the official word from the conference as to what the new start date would be...

He now has it, and probably, knows what kind of a check he has to cut so he won't be spending a lot of time in court with his ex-conference. The Pirates will continue to play in Conference USA until then.

Here's the latest from Greenville...
WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC

BREAKIING: It's Official, Butler, Xavier And Creighton Join The "New" Big East Conference. Fox Sports New TV Partner

The new Big East Conference has a TV partner and three new schools to join the Catholic 7.

Butler and Xavier have informed the muckety mucks at the Atlantic 10 Conference they are withdrawing to join the new Big East.

“I wish Xavier University and Butler University all the best in their new conference." A-10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade said Wednesday in a statement released by the conference.  "Xavier’s departure is unfortunate. Butler’s departure is a by-product of the chaotic conference realignment environment. BU’s association with the A-10 has been a fun ride this year; no regrets from the Atlantic 10 for providing a home for them during the 2012-13 season."

Creighton leaves the Missouri Valley Conference, the Blue Jays home since 1977.

Here's the announcement of Creighton's withdrawal from the MVC by University President the Rev. Timothy Lannon.




Those three join former original Big East members St. John's, Seton Hall, De­Paul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence and Villanova to form the basketball centric conference July, 1st.

Most importantly the new Big East has a media partner with Fox Sports.  Here's that announcement.




The A-10 can absorb the loss of Butler and Xavier, still many good teams in large media markets in that conference.

Creighton has been the big dog in the MVC the last few years.  The Valley will remain one of the best mid-majors in college basketball.  Wichita State is a solid program and no doubt will fill the void on the national scene left by Xavier.

Big East Turns Into Bat Cave

((HT: blueduke19))

This is, probably, the only positive pub the Big East has gotten in the last few months... and it doesn't have the slightest bit to do with an actual win or loss.

Someone got into the Marquette-Providence game without a ticket and made sure to hang around and dive bomb whatever it could for a while...

Here's the proof...


They even tried to turn the lights out to encourage said bat to leave...
Here's the highlights in the 81-71 win for Marquette...
((HT: Big East/ESPN))

And Now, San Diego State Is Leaving The Big East

((HT: Mark Blaudschun))

The Jersey Guy himself is reporting that come July 1, 2013 San Diego State is returning to the Mountain West Conference as a full-time member- without having to pay an exit fee.

See, they worked it into their contract that if Boise got to leave, they could too without opening their wallet...

Good work for them... as the MWC expands back to 12...

As of right now, the Big East is going back to 10 teams (temporarily): Connecticut, Temple, Rutgers, South Florida, Cincinnati, Memphis, Louisville, Central Florida, SMU and Houston.

Louisville and Rutgers stay for 2013 but leave the conference for the ACC and Big Ten in 2014. Tulane and East Carolina replace them. Navy is also scheduled to join the Big East in 2015.

For now...

And the HQ is still confused with basketball season coming up as the conference goes from 18 to 11 when the Catholic 7 exits and takes others from other conferences with them to create their own basketball-only group...

More when we know more...

DEVELOPING: Boise Staying In Mountain West (UPDATED With $$$ Details)

((HT: Brett McMurphy))

And, because of that, San Diego State won't have to pay an exit fee if they decide to leave the Big East Conference and return west themselves...

Until we have more info on this whole thing, here's highlights from Boise State's win over Washington in Las Vegas...
((HT: KTVB-TV))
McMurphy also says that Boise will still have to pay their $10-million exit fee. Maybe, they can go halfsies with the Aztecs... We have more from the Mountain West their own selves... MWC Commish Craig Thompson, in Hawai'i for the Diamond Head Classic, told Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune when asked about SDSU: “It’s not by any particular design that we haven’t talked to San Diego State,” Thompson said. “Maybe it’s a cat and mouse kind of deal. Boise State has been more active in this. It’s not obstinance on anyone’s part. Whenever it’s time, if it’s time, it will happen … I would have no issue talking with San Diego State if something were to develop. “To be honest, we’re just trying to figure all this out. Schools have their reasons for leaving for the Big East. Maybe they’re still valid today, maybe they’re not. But I think some schools – maybe not only Boise State – are re-evaluating that decision.” And, according to Brian Murphy at the Idaho Statesman and his Twitter: Boise State will remain in Mountain West. League will guarantee the rights to Boise State home FB games that are sold as separate package.

Boise Back To Mountain West...???

That's the conventional wisdom, and for them, it would make the most sense...

The dissolving of the Big East Conference in basketball with the planned exit of the so-called "Catholic 7" is creating some discord with the inbound football-playing schools- and now it looks like Boise State is thinking about jumping back to where they were.


Why...???

Under the new post-season system, the Mountain West has as much stroke as the Big East does. The Big East's TV deal is in a large amount of doubt and discussion since it would take place starting in 2014- the season in which a lot of the schools are looking to leave, relocate, and/or not hang out with the Big East anymore.

Evidence of concern is hyah...thanks, KIVI-TV in Boise...

At the same time, it appears that the Big east is reaching out to UNLV and Fresno State to join if the western additions turn into abstentions. The idea of them joining seems somewhat far-fetched since there doesn't seem to be any kind of added benefit. San Diego State is still in play since they haven't decided to go back to where they were or not at present.

Meanwhile, when was the last time you heard about Boise and Washington squaring off in a defensive battle in Las Vegas...???
((HT: KBOI-TV))

Holtz Fired... No, Not That One...

Reports out of Tampa have the patience gone at the University of South Florida...

Skip Holtz is out as head coach after his successful run at East Carolina beforehand...

The Bulls (3-9, 1-6 in the Big East Conference) completed the worst finish in their 16-season football history, taking last place in the conference and missing the postseason for the second straight year, all before a listed attendance of 18,841 in their season-ending loss to Pitt.

Holtz finished 16-21 at USF, 5-16 in the conference.

USF AD Doug Woolard is now set to pay a $2.5-million in a buyout over the next five years.

More when know more...

Louisville Joins The ACC And Wins The Big East In The Same Week. BCS Bowl Bound

It's been an eventful couple of days in Louisville, Kentucky.

Wednesday the Cardinals accepted an invitation to the ACC.  The next day Louisville wins the Big East Conference championship defeating Rutgers 20-17.

Here's a game report including sound with Teddy Bridewater from WDRB-TV.

WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community


Teddy Bridgewater didn’t start because of a broken wrist and a bum ankle.

Will Stein got the start and quarterback for the Cardinals and the offense just wasn’t as potent. Stein was 8-11 for 59 yards passing and only led the offense to a field goal.

Bridgewater entered the game in the third quarter not only added a spark to the Cardinal offense but engulfed it.

Even though Bridgewater could take a snap under center because of a broken wrist and was slowed by a bum ankle he definitely rallied the troops throwing two third quarter touchdown passes.

“You look at Teddy, with what he had to fight through with his wrist injury and his ankle, (you saw) how much this team depends on him and his leadership ability.” Louisville head coach Charlie Strong said.

The Orange Bowl would love to have Louisville match up against Florida State (I’m going out on a limb with that one. FSU will be there). The Sugar Bowl might be smitten with the Cardinals to face their SEC opponent, most likely Florida.

“To go on the road and win the championship, it’s so special.” Strong said. “It’s special for this program. It’s special for the University. It’s special for our fans and for the city of Louisville. It’s just special. I’m just so happy for us to get to a 10-win season, go win us a conference title and get us to a BCS bowl.”

DEVELOPING: Louisville To The ACC

The ACC Council of Presidents voted unanimously this morning to invite Louisville as a member of the conference. 

Louisville, Cincinnati and Connecticut were vetted by the Council Tuesday to replace Maryland who is bolting for the Big Ten.

“With its aggressive approach to excellence in every respect, the University of Louisville will enhance our league’s culture and commitment to the cornerstones we were founded on 60 years ago,”  ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a prepared statement.

Conference realignment has been driven by the size of the TV market that particular school could deliver.  This move goes against that trend. 

Louisville may not deliver a large TV market but they do bring a great basketball program that will immediately complete for the ACC Championships and a football program on the rise.  An athletic program that is capable of winning championships in the big money sports, football and men's basketball, was more important that the number of TV households.
Louisville athletic administrators have been openly lobbying to join either the Big 12 or the ACC.  U of L was denied by the Big 12 last year when that conference decided to add West Virginia.  Now the Cardinals have found a home in the ACC.

“When it became apparent to us that we needed to make a move, the ACC is the perfect fit for us and we are so elated to be joining this prestigious conference,” Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said in a prepared statement.

By inviting Louisville and losing Maryland it's addition by subtraction.  Louisville has been thriving in men's basketball while Maryland is rebuilding.  The Cardinals have all the elements to become a football power but can't shake the reputation of their current conference, the Big East.  Maryland is rebuilding in football too.

It's a win-win for both parties.  There's a football upside for Louisville joining and the ACC needs help there big time.  Once again a very strong men's basketball conference just became mega strong.

Do you realize this conference will have as head coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Jim Boeheim (Syracuse joins the ACC next season) and Rick Pitino.

This is a great move by the ACC.

Here's ACC Commissioner John Swofford's comments on Louisville joining the conference (Thanks accdn.com)

Big East Raids Conference USA: Gets E.Carolina and Rutgers (UPDATED With WAC Movement)

All hail the Big East!

We aren't sure this necessarily would be classified as "Galactic Realignment", but the Big East made a move on Monday to keep themselves at least viable for the immediate future.

That move is adding East Carolina and Tulane to the mix. And it should be noted East Carolina is only bringing their football team.

The move makes up for the loss of Rutgers to the Big 10 and supplements the Big East maneuver to become the "New" Conference USA. We say that because noted powers SMU, UCF, Memphis and Houston, all C-USA teams are heading to the Big East/West.

It should be noted that the Big East will lose their "Automatic" BCS status in 2014. They will be a part of the "Group of 5" in the new playoff system with the Sun Belt, Conference USA, the MAC and the Mountain West. The best/highest ranked team in that group; will have a shot at the playoff. A shot, not a guarantee.

Here's coverage from WNCT-TV on the East Carolina end...


PM UPDATE: And in another part of global realignment, the Western Athletic Conference (or what's left of it...) is adding Grand Canyon and losing the University of Denver to the Summit- after one season...

How's that for stability...??? And they need to find another school quickly to keep their automatic bid in the post-season tourneys...

Grand Canyon joins Cal State-Bakersfield, Idaho, New Mexico State, Seattle and Utah Valley in the WAC starting in 2013-14.

That just screams "power conference..."
((HT: Azfamily.com))

So Much For The Big East Being Worth Something

There was the prevailing idea that Louisville and Rutgers would be making some kind of statement: what that statement is... the HQ has no real clue... but some kind of statement about their place in the Bee-Cee-Ess...

So much for that idea- on both fronts...and Charlie Strong's viability during Silly Season may have taken a hit...

First, Teddy Bridgewater played with a broken bone in his wrist... which the HQ gives him due props for... But UConn beat Louisville in overtime- which will send the Cardinals plummeting in the rankings...
((HT: ESPN))


And, then, Pitt scored 21 unanswered in the second on their way to a 27-6 upset of Rutgers- who was ranked 21st at the time of the opening kickoff...

Pitt, still left in some shambles from the Hurricane Todd Graham era, had to have Paul Chryst pick up some pieces... the Panthers, behind Ray Graham, are now 5-6...
((HT: ESPN))

How 'Bout A Do-Over...??? Boise, San Diego, and BYU Looking At Mountain West...???

Not that this is a surprise...

But Brett McMurphy over at the four-letter is saying those three- currently in the Big East and an independent for football are looking at the Mountain West Conference for a home now...

When the new alignment that the Big East came out with (two divisions really spread apart), the HQ could see completely and totally why...

Add to that the idea that the Bee-Cee-Ess commissioners voted that the highest-rated non Power Conference would have the same weight as the Big East champ and you can see why it would be a lot cheaper and geographically desirable for them to stay out west.

For BYU, they would have to leave their deal with ESPN on the table. For the other two, there would have to be an exit fee- supposedly $10-million- that would be challenged in court, certainly...

Brian Murphy caught up with Boise AD Mark Coyle after their Senior Day game for his piece in the Idaho Statesman:

“In the 11 months I’ve been here, we’ve talked about how all of us are trying to make long-term decisions with a shifting foundation. That foundation continues to shift for all programs, not just Boise State,” Coyle said. “I think that’s one of the challenging aspects of this job across the country for all ADs. You’re trying to make long-term decisions on a shifting landscape.”

Oh, did we mention that the Big East's TV deal is in play now that ESPN let the negotiating window pass...???

Here's Coyle talking about the move to the Big East back when that happened...
((HT: KTVB-TV))

Another Unexplainable Loss By Virginia Tech. Pitt-iful Loss To Panthers 35-17

Virginia Tech wins 10 or more games but there is always the one loss each year that causes Hokie fans to say “WTF.”

This time it happened at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as the Virginia Tech lost to the Pitt Panthers 35-17, the same Panther team that lost to Youngstown State from the FCS Missouri Valley Football Conference to open the season.

“It was just their day.”  Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. “I think we’ll learn from this and become a better football team. We’ve got to play better, defense and offense, we’ve got to play better. But they deserve all the credit.”

Frank Beamer is glad Pittsburgh isn’t in the ACC yet, next year it will count as a conference loss as the Panthers join the ACC next season.

The loss also ends Virginia Tech’s 13 game true road winning streak which was the nations best.

Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas threw for 265 yards and a touchdown but threw a career high three interceptions. 

“They’re a good defense.” Thomas said. “They’re strong, they’re physical, they’re fast, and they make you make mistakes. They did that today and that’s why they won the game.”

That Pitt defense gave up only 59 rushing yards to Virginia Tech.  Logan Thomas was the Hokies leading rusher with 28 yards.

Here’s the game highlights from Pitt LiveWire:

What a way for Paul Chryst to get his first win as Pittsburgh head coach, defeating the most successful ACC team the past eight years Virginia Tech, the conference your program joins next year.

“It was one day against a very good Virginia Tech team and we made enough plays to win.” Chryst said. “We have to keep going.”

Look Out Big East, Here Comes Rutgers, Scarlet Knights Defeat South Florida 23-13

Either Rutgers is making an early claim as the beast of the Big East or auditioning for a new conference home with the state of Big East football.

Thursday night the Scarlet Knights with those cool silver helmets took down South Florida 23-13 in Tampa.

Jawan Jamison, a native of Starke, Florida, carried the ball a Rutgers record 41 times for 151 yards and this 41 yard touchdown run, with an insane spin move,  that put the game on ice for the Scarlet Knights.  (Thanks ESPN)

 

Jamison has now run for over 100 yards in his last four games dating back to the 2011 season.

As for Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights are off to their 3-0 since 2007.  Up next for Rutgers, at Arkansas.

UCF Gets Post-Season Bans In Two Sports For A Year

((HT: WESH-TV))

The NCAA piled on to Central Florida's self-imposed penalties after major recruiting violations were discovered in both their basketball and football programs.

The NCAA added one-year postseason bans for both men's basketball and football in addition to the $50,000 fine, adding two more years to UCF's proposed three years' probation, reduction of basketball scholarships, vacating three years worth of basketball victories and less days allowed for football recruiting.

UCF conducted its own investigation into the allegations of former AD Keith Tribble, former assistant football coach David Kelly, and head men's basketball coach Donnie Jones. Tribble and Kelly were cited for unethical conduct by the NCAA and eventually resigned. Jones served a three-game suspension during the season and was given a "failure to monitor compliance" charge by the NCAA. Tribble was also given a three year show cause penalty as well.

Here's an interview Tribble did for UCFTV a few years back describing his excitement for leading the program...


The punishments come from an investigation that found the programs were involved with runners for sports agents and made cash payments to recruits. As an example, Recruiter Kim Cadwell was also accused of making deposits into students bank accounts, paying tuition and providing laptops to athletes.

Head football coach George O'Leary received no punishments...

The HQ rubs its collective chin over that one... but isn't fully surprised at the insular behavior exhibited...

"My same message to the coaches and the players is that you know we do things by the rule book. Recruiting is a business but there is a correct way to do something," said football coach George O'Leary.

Conference USA has also told UCF that they cannot participate in the post-season tournament for basketball and the championship game in football. Since they're moving to the Big East Conference for the 2013-2014 season, this is the last activity the school is involved in in Conference USA...

More when we know more...

Boise State Exits Mountain West

((HT: KBOI-TV))

This was one of the larger questions of Galactic Realignment- would the teams out west actually file paperwork and work their way to the Big East for football by the fall of 2013...

At least, Boise State- the largest wildcard in the bunch- decided to beat the dealine late last night to say "yes."

Had they waited until July 1, it would have increased their exit fee incrementally to $US5-million they had to pay the MWC from the zero-dollar fee plus the loss of US$2.5-million in revenue by making it last night...

Here's Troy Oppie...


The larger question is now: Where will Boise head for all of their other sports...? They'd like to go to the Big West, but that's still up in the air.

Just Sue Baby! Big East Files Suit On A "Non-Member" TCU

HT: Bloomberg.com

A few years ago TCU announced their intentions to leave the Mountain West Conference and join the Big East Conference.  After years of non-AQ status the Horned Frog program wanted AQ status.

That was before the Big Ten expanded by one school (Nebraska) but caused a chain reaction of conference shuffling that left the Big East on life support in football.

West Virginia gone, Syracuse and Pittsburgh one foot out the door and heading to the ACC.  Suddenly the move to the Big East didn’t look so good.

When the Big 12 Conference came a calling TCU charged its mind and accepted the Big 12’s invitation last October.

Now the Big East wants pay back.

The conference filed a complaint in federal court in Washington D.C. Monday that TCU had committed to pay $5 million if it failed to follow through with the membership agreement reached on Nov. 29, 2010.

The complaint alleges, “The Big East made demand for the payment owed under the agreement, but Texas Christian University has refused to make that payment or acknowledge its obligation to do so,”

TCU said in a statement regarding the Big East’s lawsuit, “TCU administrators were surprised by this lawsuit and believe it is premature. The University is hopeful for an amicable resolution of this matter.”

The Big East Conference has the right to force a member institution who wants to leave for another conference to wait 27 months before exiting. 

The question is was TCU ever a member of the Big East even though the Horned Frogs intended to join but changed their mind.

That 27 month waiting period is currently being legally challenged by Pittsburgh.  Pitt has sued the Big East complaining that the 27 month waiting period is unenforceable after West Virginia left the conference last year and immediately joined the Big 12 this year after a $20 million settlement.

Pittsburgh as well as Syracuse have accepted invitations to the ACC.  Pitt wants to join for the 2013-12 academic year and is suing for that right to move on and is seeking monetary damages.

I hope the Big East Conference has enough cash on hand to pay their legal fees. 

DEVELOPING: Memphis To Big East...???

((HT: CBSSports/WMC-TV/WREG-TV/MyFoxMemphis))

It looks like outgoing Memphis AD RC Johnson may get his wish- sorta...

And he's been wanted to not have the door hit him on the way out...
Remember this...???

Fans Fed Up with Tiger Football: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

Memphis has been aware of the discussions of the Big East to expand as far back as November of 2010, and has been somewhat non-committal...

Or is it more of a non-denial denial...

Now, it appears that they're moving to the Big East in all sports- perhaps as early as 2013. The exit fee from Conference USA for 2013-14 is $500,000 plus Memphis' share of television rights revenue, which is a little over US$6-million, according to a league spokeswoman through ESPN.

The first word on this comes from CBS Sports' Brett McMurphy...

"The Tigers would join the Big East with three other Conference USA members – Houston, SMU and UCF – for the 2013-14 school year. The Big East also will add Boise State and San Diego State as football-only members in 2013 and Navy in 2015."

More when we know more...

OSG Buzzer Beater: Tip In By St. John's Wins It For Red Storm Over Cincinnati

A heck of a way for St. John's to get their first road win of the season.

Moe Harkless tipped in D'Angelo Harrison's missed floater right when the clock reached zeros to give the Red Storm the win over the Bearcats, oh by the way upon further review the play stood.

Here's the highlights. (Thanks Fox Sports Ohio)



"I saw D'Angelo get the ball and I knew he was going to shoot, so I went to the basket just in case. It came off my way and I just tipped it right in," Harkness said in a post game press conference after the game.

Harkless finished the game with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Harrison led the Red Storm in scoring with 18 points.

The win broke St. John's six game road losing streak.