Today's Links

• Busted Coverage has the 20 best signs ever to appear on College Gameday. Plenty of good stuff there.
• Upon further review of further review...maybe Lebron should get that triple-double at MSG after all.
• Indiana's Devan Dumes throws elbows to the junk, gets suspended indefinitely. Somehow Indiana manages to get worse.
• Lil' Wayne will be on Around the Horn today. I'm not sure if this makes the show more or less watchable.
• If that crazy Bulls-Suns trade is okay with Phoenix, do Bulls fans trust Paxson to pull the trigger? If he doesn't someone will surely shoot his career right in the head.
• Lane Kiffin has to apologize again, this time to a high school. It won't be long until he is insulting your family.
• Looks like there will be some protesting going on tomorrow against Chicago's Olympics bid. Whatever gets you out of work I guess.
  

What Do You Think Guitar Hero Was Thinking When They Hired A Rapist, A Steroid User, A Pothead, and A Skater To Promote Their Game?

You are looking at the Dream Team of advertising. From left to right: a pothead, some guy in a helmet, a rapist, and a steroid-user. (Thanks to Jeff for pointing out this hilarious "coincidence").

Frustrated With Team's Defense, Del Negro Takes Matters Into Own Hands...Again

I propose a word called "Del Negro" to be used in basketball the same way that "Bush League" is used in baseball: To describe an amateur, unsportsmanlike play. Vinny did this once already against the Knicks earlier this year. Here he goes again with his patented "Scream Defense". Maybe if he screamed at his own players in practice to play defense, he wouldn't have to yell at Jason Kidd as much.

Vegas Thinks The NL Central Is Pretty Shitty...Except The Cubs Of Course

Sportsbook.com has posted their odds for teams to win the 2009 MLB World Series (via Wrigleyville23). The Cubs are 7:1 to win the Series in 2009, second only to the Yankees who are at 5:2 (The A-Rod allegations may affect that, though who knows). Notably, however, is the rest of the NL Central's odds to win:

Chicago Cubs 7:1
Cincinnati Reds 50:1
Houston Astros 40:1
Milwaukee Brewers 35:1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200:1
St. Louis Cardinals 30:1

Weak, weak division. The odds are obviously constantly changing, but it doesn't look like there will be anyone to beat the Cubs in the NL Central, outside of themselves of course.

Illini Shut Down Boilermakers

In a dominating performance fitting from a top 25 team, Illinois used a stifling defense to run away with the game in the second half.

Mike Davis had a great game for Illinois with a double-double made up of 14 points and 16 rebounds. The game was sealed when Illinois went on a 23-6 run late in the second, a stretch in which Purdue made just one field goal. The Boilers were once again without preseason Big Ten POY Robbie Hummel. Why do they even name a preseason POY? And now...guessing!

Anyway, the win keeps Illinois within two games of Michigan State in the Big Ten standings and with three games the Illini should win coming up, they could get even closer to MSU before the two teams meet March 1st.

This is the first real statement game for the Illini since entering the top 25 a few weeks ago. They had some good wins, and some bad losses, but a blowout of Purdue even without Hummel is a very good looking win.

Next up for the Illini is a date at Northwestern Thursday night, followed by another road game at Indiana, and then Penn State at Assembly Hall where the Illini have a ten game winning streak going.

A Chicago Fan Can Only Dream...Peavy, Stoudemire, Boldin

His Jesusness Shuttlesworthness comes out of blogging retirement to write this post about how Chicago Sports may be on the cusp of 3 championships. Seriously, I received this message from him as a precursor to the post: "I was just upset about some haters I heard last night that werent willing to do anything we could for Amare, Boldin, and Peavy. We could be at the beginning of a historic transformation in Chicago sports history, a chance to change everything for the better."

We’ve seen wild trade rumors and stingy front offices (ahem, the Bears, ahem) in Chicago for too long. However, speaking as a true sucker, I’d be willing to excuse a recent past full of poor risk management, regrettable drafting, and too many generally unfathomable personnel decisions… if over the course of the next couple of weeks, Jim Hendry, John Paxson, and Jerry Angelo can muster up our capable dollar and some inspiring courage to acquire Jake Peavy, Amare Stoudemire, and Anquan Boldin. I would call this my thesis. A fairly provocative if, then. Now, before you begin to criticize such a conclusion, let me present to you some premises. Lead by the Bulls’ approaching trade deadline (Feb. 19), the big three Windy City franchises (sorry Sox fans) have a chance to turn all their fortunes around…in a hurry.

First, the Bears. The most common, erroneous, and frustrating counterargument to chasing Boldin- “he’s a hothead…a baby...a poison.” Fall back ignorance. Before the 07-08 season, the offense voted him captain. Fitz loves him. So you don’t know shit. What we do know, however, is undeniable. Quickest player in NFL history to 400 receptions. Most receptions in the first 25 games of an NFL career. Perennial YAC leader. Among the best blocking wideouts in the league. Why not? Why not take a chance on Boldin? It’s not like we can get much worse than what we’ve got, right? Well, let’s agree wide receiver is a draft priority- at the least. So would you be opposed to giving up a 1^st and 3^rd round draft pick, with Earl Bennett packaged? Of course not. How could you? Marcus Robinson was our last league-leading wideout (wow, that’s embarrassing) and we haven’t had great success in that department of the draft since (ex. David Terrell, Mark Bradley, Bobby Wade, David Terrell, and so on…) Let’s chase Boldin! After all, he’s got 2 years left on his contract and he is only getting paid half a million dollars more annually than fucking Marty Booker! Boldin has a chance to be one of the league’s best, if you don’t already consider him in that echelon. At age 28, he’s got a lot of career left and you know he’s been yearning to show what he can be as a No. 1 target.

Next, the Cubs. This might be the most obvious. Here’s a resume to ease the uncertainty: Youngest pitcher to win the ERA title since Dwight Gooden, captain for Team USA at the WBC, the pitching triple crown winner in 2007 (one of only 8 in history), unanimous CY Young winner in the same year, and so on… In my not qualified to comment opinion, the best NL pitcher, second only to Johan Santana. Look at the numbers! How can you fight that? Padres GM Kevin Towers has even said he needs to trade Peavy before the spring. Without much doubt, the Chicago Cubs rotation would be the league’s best heading into the 2009 campaign. Imagine. Peavy takes the ball from Zambrano. Harden on the bump after Peavy. Dempster every 4^th game. You’d have to at least project dominance. And if it comes to this, wouldn’t you swap Dempster with Peavy in the blink of an eye?

Finally, our beloved Bulls- only days from the trade deadline. Everyone has been talking about this. Suns management has been hinting towards it. Chad Ford has been skewing, overhyping, and plotting it. The best part- it all makes perfect sense for us. The Bulls have all the pieces. Two expiring contracts with Gooden and Ced Simmons, Steve Kerr’s wet dream in the form of Kirk Hinrich, and the deceiving upside of an athlete (Tyrus) and a game-changing defender (Thabo). Paxson needs to be ready and willing to deal all of these pieces. Moreover, he can’t fall into old patterns by stubbornly protecting Deng and even Gordon.

I love dreaming. And while the above hype might forever remain a dream, it is our job as fans to get worked up about it. I ask you to angrily reject the alternative future. Envision us without Boldin- trying to establish a title competitor with an Orton-Lloyd headliner. Envision us without Amare- more of the same frontcourt disaster. Envision us without Peavy- a pitching gem short from an expectedly competitive NL Central title and an inexplicably squandered chance at the most prolific assembly of talented right-handers in the modern era of baseball.

Let’s band together. Yell at our neighbors. Donate facebook statuses. Overhype as much as possible. Then when it’s all lurking on the horizon, close our eyes. And if we wake up to a dream deferred…its management's head! We’ll have already lost Paxson’s balls.

Qualified Links

• The Illini don't seem to have much trouble with the Boilermakers. Big win on Sunday to hopefully keep Illinois in the Top 25.
  
• Briggs helped out in the NFC's Pro Bowl victory. Unfortunately no one cares except the 5 guys at StevieY19's 6th Annual Pro Bowl Blowout Bash.
• Only 18 of 50 states have Major League baseball teams. What and where would the teams be if they existed in the other 32 states? Well some guy came up with all the team names and logos.
  
• Maybe losing Mark DeRosa won't be that bad. I'm not sure if this logic holds up statistically, and it definitely doesn't hold up in my heart. But maybe we are all overreacting...
  
• Is Ron Turner going to be the new Pitt football coach? I wouldn't mind, Lovie can call the offensive and defensive plays.
• Remember that time Kyle Farnsworth beat the shit out of Paul Wilson and started that massive brawl with the Reds? That is one nasty spear by Farnsy.
  
• The Bulls lost a tough one in OT to Dallas Saturday night, but all in all the road trip was a success.
  
• Greg Olsen is really good. How good? Maybe one of the best tight ends in league if we get him a good wide receiver to take some of the attention away from him.
• Remember Jordan's 55 point game at the garden? Here's a reminder.
  

Patrick Kane Discovers Secret To Hockey Success (And Other Things He Found In His Nose)

I stumbled on this picture on facebook this morning. It appears Kane was taking in a Bulls game a few weeks ago. And yes, that is his finger way up his nose. He wasn't picking it though, I'm sure he was just itching his brain.



If I knew anything about hockey I'm sure I could make some witty joke about penalty kills and boogers, but alas, I know nothing. It's a good thing nose-picking on its own is pretty funny.

We Aren't Ignoring The Amare-to-the-Bulls Rumors

I am just trying not to get caught up in it until I hear something substantive. Like a confirmed source saying that Paxson and Kerr have been talking. Until then, don't forget Garnett, Pau, Kobe, Marion, Wade, and the countless others we were in trade talks for. Or just go play with the ESPN Trade Machine and start a rumor all your own!

Oh who am I kidding, I have been totally caught up in it. I even made the salaries work:

Seriously, it's obvious that we want this trade. Pairing Amare with Rose would be awesome, that goes without saying. More about this as the story develops.

If You Hook A-Rod Up With Steroids, He Will Probably Hit On Your Wife (And Other Things Canseco Wasn't Lying About)

It's old news that Canseco claimed when he hung out with A-Rod back in the day, Rodriguez asked him to hook up a steroid supplier. According to Canseco, even after he helped his good buddy Alex get steroids, A-Rod still hit on Jose's wife and called her all the time.

Well it turns out the first part may have been true (maybe the second part too, but that's neither here nor there). Reports have just surfaced that the secret steroid testing done in 2003 to decide if there was a problem with steroids in the MLB that would require testing showed that A-Rod tested positive for 'roids. Not much of a "secret" test I guess, but here's the story:

According to a report by Sports Illustrated, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2003, when he was with the Texas Rangers and won the AL home run title and MVP award.

According to the report, which was posted Saturday morning on SI.com, sources told the publication that Rodriguez was on a list of 104 players who tested positive that year, when Major League Baseball conducted tests to see if mandatory random drug testing was needed.

In 2003, there were no penalties for a positive result.

Here is the real question: Canseco is mostly branded a liar by every media outlet there is, mainstream or blogosphere. But what has he said that has been proven false compared to what has been proven true? I'm not saying he's Mother Theresa, but maybe he's telling the truth in those annoying tell-all books he writes...

Your Weekend Viewing Guide

Everyone knows that the second week in February is the mecca of sports viewing, what with the Pro Bowl and a golf tournament, or something. Seriously though, there is some great college basketball this weekend and if South Florida's win over Marquette tells us anything, it's that anything can happen. Here's what to watch...can't miss games are marked with a *. Don't miss them or Joakim Noah will haunt you in your sleep. (All times Central)

Saturday:

12:00 PM [NCAAB] Notre Dame at UCLA- CBS
1:00 PM [NCAAB] Pitt at DePaul- Well, it's not on, but it's happening.
3:00 PM [NCAAB] Indiana at Michigan St.- ESPN
5:00 PM [NCAAB] Michigan at UConn- ESPN
5:00 PM [NCAAB] Northwestern at Iowa- BTN
5:00 PM [NCAAB] Coll. of Charleston at Davidson (Curry!)- ESPN2
7:00 PM [NCAAB] Minnesota at Ohio St.- BTN
7:30 PM [NBA] Chicago at Dallas- CSN
8:00 PM [NCAAB] Memphis at Gonzaga- ESPN*
9:00 PM [NHL] Chicago at Vancouver- WGN

Sunday:

11:30 AM [NHL] Detroit at Pittsburgh- NBC
12:00 PM [NCAAB] Purdue at Illinois- CBS*
12:00 PM [NBA] San Antonio at Boston- ABC
2:00 PM [NCAAB] Wisconsin at Penn State- BTN
2:30 PM [NBA] LA Lakers at Cleveland- ABC*
3:30 PM [NFL] Pro Bowl- NBC
7:00 PM [NBA] Phoenix at Detroit- ESPN

NBA League Officials Get Bored, Review Every Play of LeBron's Triple-Double

Remember the other day when Kobe dropped 61 at the Garden and set the record and everyone was like "That was f#$%ing awesome?" And then a few nights later LeBron came to New York and was like "I don't care about that, I just want to win," but everyone knew that was bullshit. Then he went and recorded a triple-double and it was like "Wow, LeBron and Kobe are awesome, who's better?" And the whole thing was just really sweet and fun for everyone? Yeah well forget everything past Kobe's 61.

The league has decided to review the game and ruled that one of the rebounds should have been credited to Ben Wallace inside the minute mark in the 4th quarter. (Thanks to Mikey for the tip)



I know, it clearly was Ben Wallace's rebound, but are they serious? Do they have nothing better to do then review whether a rebound is credited to one person or another? Why can't basketball just be fun. Lets hear from the Sternbot:

Sternbot (in robot voice): Basketball is a game of rules, we must adhere to them for the integrity of the game.

Ok I made that quote up, but seriously, why couldn't they just leave well enough alone?

Oh Canada!

The Blackhawks are loving our neighbors to the North right now. After a 5-2 win against the Flames last night, the Hawks have a chance to sweep the Canadian portion of the road trip with a game at Vancouver tomorrow.

As much as the Hawks are liking Canada, they like being on the road just as much. They're now 4-1 on the road trip and are guaranteed to come out of the eight game stretch with at least a .500 record.

Andrew Ladd had a huge night back in the arena where he spent two years playing for the Flames. Ladd had a goal and two assists, including a helper on Adam Burish's game-winner midway through the second.

The teams played to a 2-2 tie until Burish netted the go-ahead goal. Matt Walker also had a big night for the road team, with three assists. I didn't catch much of the game, but it's nice to see that the Hawks beat a good team on the road with no scoring from the stars. Burish, Ladd, Brouwer, Fraser, and Bolland had the goals.

This team continues to show that it can win in a lot of different ways, and that it should be feared in the playoffs. Sometimes it's special teams that gets it done, sometimes star power, and tonight it was neither really, though the Hawks were great on the penalty kill as the Flames were 0-5.

The win completes a season sweep of the Flames. Let's see if the Hawks can sweep the Canada invasion tomorrow night at 9 PM.

Fantasy Baseball Preview - Baltimore Orioles

Due to popular demand, The Bad Guy is back for the 2009 MLB season (cue my entrance music). I'll be bringing you a fantasy relevant preview for every team, starting with the AL and finishing up with the NL. Each preview will feature studs, sleepers, busts and all kinds of other information that is sure to give you a (Razor's) edge up on the competition.


First up - The Baltimore Orioles.


While the Orioles don't really bring much to the table in terms of contending for a World Series title, they do feature a bunch of guys that are fantasy relevant. OF Nick Markakis and 2B Brian Roberts are both fantasy studs that are sure to be taken in the 3rd or 4th round of your drafts. Veteran 1B Aubrey Huff finished with a monster line last season - 96 R, 32 HR, 108 RBI, 4 SB, and a .304 average but still doesn't get much love from fantasy owners. C Matt Wieters is the talk of the fantasy town, even though there's a good chance he won't be on the opening day roster. SP Jeremy Guthrie is the only Baltimore pitcher worth talking about, and even he really wont be able to help you out all that much.



OF Nick Markakis has become a name fantasy owners have grown accustomed to over the past couple of years, especially after his breakout 2007 season - 97 R, 23 HR, 112 RBI, 18 SB, and .300 average. He was drafted real early last season, but was considered somewhat of a disappointment after hitting three less homers, 25 less RBI, and stealing eight less bases then he did the previous season. However, after seeing his BB totals go up again for a 3rd straight season (43 in '06, 61 in '07 and 99 in '08) , Markakis seems ready to finally take his game to the next level. The 18 steals might not be there, but if he can snag 10 bases again while scoring 100 runs, hitting 25-28 HR, and getting back up to 100 RBI, all while hitting .300 +, there should be plenty of happy Markakis owners at the end of the season.




2B Brian Roberts is a name Cubs fans are familiar with, as he was heavily rumored to be coming over to the North side last season before talks fell through. If you take a look at his stats over the past three seasons, you'll see that the 5'9'' speedster is as consistent as they come - You know you're getting 100+ runs, 10 HRs, 55 RBI, 40-50 steals, and a .290+ average. There is still a chance that Roberts is traded before opening day, as he and the Orioles have had a hard time agreeing to terms on the four year deal that the 2B covets. If anything, a trade to another ballclub would only increase Roberts' value.



We at NQTC witnessed many miraculous comebacks in 2008 - Britney Spears, New Kids on the Block, Kurt Warner - but there was no greater comeback then the comeback of 1B Aubrey Huff. The former stud put up some sick numbers back in 2003 and 2004 when he was with Tampa Bay, but was a complete afterthought from 2005-2007. However in 2008, Huff was back to his old 90 run, 30 HR, 100 RBI, .300+ average ways. At 32, he still has plenty left in the tank and because he isn't fantasy sexy, Huff tends to drop real late in drafts. If you miss out on the big names early on, you could do a lot worse then to take a chance on tough Aubrey Huff.



C Matt Wieters is the sleeper of all sleepers - there isn't one fantasy site out there that has yet to write about this guy. Wieters is not expected to be up in the bigs by opening day, but should be called up by mid-June at the latest, and if his minor league stats are any indication, should be raking at the next level in no time. The catcher position is fairly deep this year, so you shouldn't reach for him over the big names (unless you're in a keeper league). According to RotoAuthority.com, Wieters is currently being drafted in the 11th round of drafts, which is more or less where you want to target him.




SP Jeremy Guthrie doesn't really deserve this paragraph, but the O's pitching staff is so weak that he's simply all there is to talk about. Guthrie is decent in terms of ERA and Whip, but he doesn't get wins and he doesn't strike anyone out. I really wouldn't target him until real late, if it all, in your drafts - I'm talking like the 23rd/24th round in 12 team leagues. The O's bullpen is also a mess - I highly doubt any one player gets more then 10-15 saves on this team. When all is said and done, I would highly recommend staying away from any Baltimore pitcher on draft day.


Next up on Wednesday - The Boston Red Sox....

I Hope Jason Terry Got Him Some Ankle Insurance

Deron crosses Terry over in the filthiest way in this video from the Mavs-Jazz game last night. Just filthy.

Boom Shaka-La-Ka; Part 2

We began this quest yesterday by determining who the teams in the Eastern Conference would be in NBA Jam if it existed today. Here is part 2 of our discussion: The Western Conference.


Golden State Warriors: Jackson and Ellis
This team is garbage. Both are fast, but neither is a great 3 point shooter and neither defends for shit.

LA Clippers: Davis and Camby
Baron knocking down the 3s and explosive speed next to Camby's dominant defensive ability. Scotty claims he could take anyone with this team.

LA Lakers: Bryant and Gasol
This team is excellent. Obviously Kobe would be one of the better players in this game. Pau can block shots and is a decent shooter as well. Not the best team, but definitely one of the elite.

Phoenix Suns: Nash and Stoudemire
This team would be dominant. Nash could hit any 3s and Stoudemire can dunk and defend with decent shooting ability. This team is similar to the Utah Jazz of the original game (mostly because Nash is white). Like Stockton from that game, Nash would be easily pushed around. This would still be a very good team.

Sacramento Kings: Martin and Miller
This team would not be great. Although on paper they seem to have the big man/small man combo, unfortunately for the Kings both those players suck.

Dallas Mavericks: Kidd and Nowitzki
Kidd is a terrible NBA Jam player. He can't shoot 3s, not a good dunker, not great speed, and average defense. Dirk would make up for this with his 3 point shooting ability a little, but overall this team is not that good. If this were NBA Jam 2005, this team would be a decent squad. Too bad.

Houston Rockets: McGrady and Yao
These two complement each other very well. McGrady can shoot the 3 and make some spectacular dunks, while Yao would be a good rebounding defensive player that can dunk pretty well. How many goaltendings a game do you think you could get with Yao if it was all you were trying to do? A lot I bet.

Memphis Grizzlies: Gay and Mayo
This team would be fun to play with. Both are fast and Mayo can shoot very well. Gay would dunk everything. That being said, they would be pushed around and not be able to stop anyone. This is a mediocre team just because of their speed and dunking ability.

New Orleans Hornets: Paul and West
Perhaps Chandler would be a better fit with Paul, but West was an all-star and would probably be the one in the game. Paul might be the fastest player in the game. He would rack up the steals. He's a good enough shooter and can dunk. He is just too small so he would be pushed around a bit. West would be average across the board. This team is another mediocre squad.

San Antonio Spurs: Parker and Duncan
Parker would be fast and can shoot decently. Duncan would be a defensive presence and a good dunker. What's missing? 3 pointers. Still a pretty good team with Duncan though.

Denver Nuggets: Billups and Anthony
This team can shoot. This is like the Golden State Warriors in the original game. Also, Billups defense might be just good enough to overcome the lack of size on this team. They are not a top tier team, but would be a force to be reckoned with.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jefferson and Foye
All you need to know about this team is that we had to decide between Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Rashard McCants for who to put next to Jefferson. Gross.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Durant and Green
This team might be worse than the Wolves, but at least Durant would be fun to play with. I guess.

Portland Trailblazers: Roy and Oden
Even though Aldridge is playing better than Oden right now, Oden is the #1 pick. This team would be an average team. Roy is an average 3 point shooter, both have average speed, both are average dunkers. Oden would be a good defender but that is about it.

Utah Jazz: Williams and Boozer
This would be a good team. Boozer would be a good dunker and shooter. Deron can shoot the 3 and defend. The advantage he would have over other guards is his strength, which would keep him from being pushed around.

So who plays in our NBA Jam Championship? My pick would be the Lakers vs. Magic. Magic would win unless the Lakers made some kind of last second full court shot that only exists in the world of NBA Jam.

Here's a little video to remind you of a sick assist from Scott Skiles to Nick Anderson that ends in a backboard-shattering slam:

Qualified Links (Today's Links)

• The Hawks win again. Maybe I should be watching them more during the sports wasteland known as "February".
• Illinois continues its cold play against Wisconsin. It's never easy to win in Madison but this one would have been big.
• It looks like there is going to be a movie made about the book Moneyball and Brad Pitt is going to be starring as Billy Beane. Score one for sabremetrics!
• Elton Brand is being shut down for the season with shoulder problems. Will he ever be the force that he once was? Regardless of the injuries I think Chicago fans will always regret trading him for Chandler.
• Dusty Baker wants to recreate the Chicago Cubs he coached a few years back in Cincinnati. Today's acquisitions? Daryle Ward and Jacque Jones.
• BDL is going to do a 2 on 2 tournament of NBA teams, sort of like an NBA Jam. Hey that was my idea! Well we all know Skeets will do it better than me anyways.
• Looks like Gordon is a little put off by the fact he wasn't selected for the 3 point contest.
  

Tyrus Thomas Gets Slammed By His Hometown Newspaper

The Bulls got their 4th win in 5 games last night against the Hornets. It was a dominant performance by the whole team against a Chris Paul-less New Orleans squad. No big surprises in the win, but there was a little bit of interesting news about Tyrus Thomas from his hometown media, The Times-Picayune:

Former LSU standout Tyrus Thomas, an NBA washout in every imaginable way since being taken by the Trail Blazers with the No. 4 overall pick in 2006 and traded to Chicago, had 10 points, six rebounds and two steals in the first quarter, after which the Hornets trailed 31-20.

This was clearly meant as more of a shot at how bad New Orleans played then how shitty Thomas's career has been, but it is still funny nonetheless. Washout is a nice word for what Thomas has been, I hope he can turn it around (or get traded).

Hey Clemson, Thanks!

Clemson's huge beatdown of Duke last night was very, very fun to watch. Duke looked lost from the start and the Tigers did not let up. I particularly liked Coach K's line changes in the second half. I didn't understand that at all; if two groups of five guys are both getting killed, then why not mix it up a bit? Cuz Trevor Booker freaked you out in the first half, that's why!

Illinois Brings in Solid Class

Some stayed true to their commitments, at least one other fled for Wisconsin, and one even switched allegiances from Ohio State to Illinois. When the dust settled, Illinois came out of National Signing Day with a pretty good class.

Rivals rated the Illinois recruiting class at 32. Other Big Ten schools that came in ahead of Illinois were Ohio State at 3, Michigan at 7, Michigan State at 16, and Penn State at 25. The Illini ended up with seven four-star recruits, eight three-stars and five two-stars for their total of 20 new members of the Fighting Illini.

I highlighted some of the major players yesterday, and things went pretty much as planned. The Illini got their Ohio State defection, most of the other commitments stayed around, and they lost one to Wisconsin. Justin Green switched his commitment from OSU to Illinois yesterday and signed with the Illini. The highly touted cornerback might have gone with Illinois because they offered him a chance to play running back also.

Receiver Kraig Appleton wasn't so taken with the Illini. After commiting to Illinois three separate times, the East St. Louis prospect decided to go to Wisconsin. However, the Illini did manage to keep Terry Hawthorne from switching his commitment to Oklahoma.

Long story short, it was a great class with some names you'll be hearing a lot in the near future. QB Nathan Scheelaase, DT Lendell Buckner, DE Michael Buchanan, RB Bud Golden, and some of those gentlemen mentioned above. You have to wonder what kind of role J Leman's patriotism played in the recruiting process.