For many people across the nation, this is the most thrilling couple of weeks in sports. The 2010 NCAA Tournament will tip-off tonight with the play-in game between Arkansas Pin Bluff and Winthrop, and on Thursday the Tournament will come to the forefront of American sports coverage with the 1st round games beginning at noon Eastern Time. The state of Ohio is well-represented once again this year with the Big Ten Champion Ohio State Buckeyes, the Mid-American Conference Champion Ohio Bobcats and the Xavier Musketeers all participating in the Big Dance in 2010. DFN Sports is once again on top of the NCAA Tournament with coverage of each game and all 65 teams including Ohio State, Ohio and Xavier. Check out the links to all 3 of these schools’ NCAA Tournament preview capsule below for more.

> 2010 Ohio Bobcats NCAA Tournament preview

> 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA Tournament preview

> 2010 Xavier Musketeers NCAA Tournament preview

Ohio State Basketball Season Review and Big Ten Tournament Preview

 The Ohio State Buckeyes ended the season as the #1 seed in the 2010 Big Ten Tournament.  The #5 Buckeyes stumbled early in the Big Ten season but when All-American Evan Turner was back at full strength, the team flourished.  Ohio State stood at 14-6 after blowing a big lead at West Virginia.  They rebounded and finished the season 10-1 with their only loss coming to Purdue 60-57.

The Buckeyes head into the post season led by Evan Turner who should sweep all major Player of the Year awards including the Naismith and Wooden trophies.  Turner finished the regular season averaging 19.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG and 5.8 APG.  He is a phenomenal player who can win games for the Buckeyes down the stretch.  Sophomore William Buford, 14.3 PPG, drastically improved as the season progressed.  His silky smooth mid range jumpers are a thing of beauty and he is also a very good athlete in the open court.  The glue of the team is RS junior David Lighty.  Lighty, who played in the 2007 National Championship game, is a defensive stopper who can guard four positions and can score in the open court as he averaged 12.4 PPG.  Sharpshooter Jon Diebler had a very good season averaging 12.6 PPG which included 41.9% from beyond the arc.  The team lacks an inside presence on offense but junior center Dallas Lauderdale patrols the paint on the defense end.  His long arms and good timing make it difficult for opposing centers.  The bench is shallow with only Kyle Madsen, PJ Hill and Jeremie Simmons seeing any real playing time.

The team’s biggest weakness could show up in the Big Ten tournament and certainly in a week on the big stage of the NCAA tournament.  Head Coach Thad Matta’s critics point out that he rarely develops a strong bench as was evident in several blow out wins when the starters remained in the game.  If the team can stay out of foul trouble and avoid fatigue they can cut down the nets in Indianapolis, twice.

Big Ten Tournament:

Opening Round: The tournament tips off on March 11th with Iowa facing Michigan.  The winner will move on to face Ohio State on March 12th at noon.  The second game will tip 30 minutes later as Northwestern faces undermanned Indiana.  The night cap features Tubby Smith’s Golden Gophers of Minnesota against Penn State.    Michigan, Northwestern and Minnesota will advance to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals (March 12th): Ohio State will face an athletic and dangerous Michigan team that gave them problems in both contests this season including a 73-64 loss in Ann Arbor.  In what will be a close game, the Buckeyes will prevail and advance to the semifinals.  Wisconsin and Illinois will tip off 30 minutes after in what will be the best game of the quarterfinals.  The Illini could need a win to enter the NCAA tournament.  The teams split the two games in the regular season with each winning on the road.  In what will be a very physical game, the Badgers will advance to face Ohio State on Saturday.  Purdue will battle Northwestern in what will also be a very heated contest.  The Boilermakers are still adjusting to life without Robbie Hummel.  Even without Hummel they will advance to the semifinals.  The Spartans of Michigan State will battle Minnesota in what should be a close game.  The Golden Gophers still believe they should be in the NCAA tournament and a win over Michigan State could propel them into the dance.  The last time they met was a thriller in Minnesota as the Spartans escaped with a 65-64 victory.  It’s difficult to pick against Tom Izzo in the tournament but Minnesota is very hungry.  In what will be a classic, Sparty escapes with a narrow victory.

Semifinals (March 13th): Ohio State will battle a tough Wisconsin team at 1:40 on Saturday.  The Badgers and Buckeyes split the regular season with each team winning on their home court.  This will be a grueling contest but the athleticism of Ohio State will be the difference.  The Big Ten’s best player, Evan Turner, will have a monster game as the Buckeyes advance to the title game on Sunday.  Michigan State vs. Purdue will follow in an evenly matched contest.  Even without Hummel Purdue is still a very good team and will give Michigan State all they want.  Michigan State defeated Purdue on February 28th in the Boilermakers first game after Hummel’s injury.  Purdue will be inspired in front of the home state faithful but the absence of Hummel will be the deciding factor down the stretch.  Michigan State advances to face Ohio State for the title.

Big Ten Championship (3:30 ET March 14th): The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans in East Lansing 74-67 on February 21st.  In that game four Ohio State starters played all 40 minutes with each scoring in double figures.  Turner and Buford recorded double-doubles in the contest.  Michigan State star guard Kalin Lucas was held in check with only 9 points but he did record 8 assists.  The title game will be back and forth and very close.  Turner will once again be the difference as Ohio State wins the title 77-73.

Projected NCAA Seeding for the NCAA Tournament:
Ohio State:         2
Michigan State:  3
Purdue:              4
Wisconsin:         5
Illinois:               9

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

The Madness of Spring

It’s more than just brackets, office pools and pairings-the NCAA Tournament is best described with emotional echoes and long standing memories.  March Madness brings families, friends and possibly even strangers together in a bond that few other events can create.  Quite simply, the spectacle that is the NCAA Tournament is much more than just basketball.

I don’t need a calendar to know when the madness is about to begin.  The smell of the air, along with the distinguishable sound of birds chirping,  sends my senses scrambling and my mind into nostalgic overdrive.  Nature delivers my internal clock notice that, yes, the greatest reality show ever created is about to reappear for yet another dramatic-emotional season.

My heart beats purer as exaltations of announcers past ring in my head.  The sound of the CBS intro music creates an anticipation  that can only be described as a child on Christmas Eve.  And of course there is One Shining Moment.  As I progress into my mid 30’s,  I make a point to listen to the immensely popular song (the  anthem of the tournament) prior to the madness beginning.  Yes, the tears bubble as soon as the music starts and the lyrics “the ball is tipped” is sang.  My friends, there isn’t a reality show on the planet that can invoke so many emotions and more importantly, memories.

My first real memories of the tournament go back to when I was in the 2nd grade when the North Carolina Tar Heels knocked off John Thompson’s Georgetown Hoyas.  The game was entertaining to me but I was far too young to understand what I just witnessed.  In 1983 I watched one of the biggest miracles in the history of sport as the NC State Wolf Pack shocked Phi Slama Jama (Houston Cougars).  I was upset by the defeat as I became enthralled by the up and down game of the Cougars but I still didn’t comprehend the magnitude of the event, even while watching the exaltations of Jimmy Valvano.  The 1985 Villanova Wildcats captured my imagination and in fact my heart as they trumped anything before them by stunning the Georgetown Hoyas (a team I vehemently hated) in what is an all-time classic.  From that day forward I became completely engrossed and consumed by the madness.

There are many things to thank my dad for, and for that matter both of my parents, for but I’m extremely grateful he introduced me to something that will remain with me as long as I live.  Not only has the introduction created strong bonds and incredible memories, the tournament also helps me feel like a kid again, at least for three weeks a year.  There are few things in life that can be said of.

As my love grew I was fortunate enough to come down with a rare sickness every March-tourney fever.  Since the 5th grade I have taken at least one day off every year to witness the 1st round of the tournament.  Wow, what a rush!  Not only did I get out of school, and later work, I got to experience a feeling like no other.  Watching the games at noon and flipping through all of the games (on satellite) is a love I have never taken for granted.  Can you think of anything in life you love that much and have never taken for granted?  On the day I went to school my dad would always make sure the bracket was filled out so I knew what happened.  If he was working while I was watching, I would return the favor.  Those my friends are priceless memories.

For the game itself, the memories and emotions are numerous to name, however there are a few that stand out.  Seeing Jimmy Valvano run on the court in glee, hugging everyone in sight is something I will never forget.  Sadly, Valvano passed away years later due to cancer; however, the same passion we saw on the court in 1983 carried him through the toughest moments in his life as he penned the deeply emotional speech, Don’t Ever Give Up.  Another fond memory is seeing Thomas Hill stand with his hands on his head crying as Christian Laettner had just hit the greatest shot in what could be the greatest game in the history of the tournament.  A picture truly is worth a thousand words as the emotion and joy were on full display in Thomas’ tears.  Keith Smart hitting the baseline jumper in 1987 is certainly one of the greatest moments in all of sports for me.  The shot captured the title for the Indiana Hoosiers who were led by legendary Head Coach Bob Knight.  I absolutely worshipped Knight who in my opinion is the greatest coach in the history of the sport.  Valporaiso’s Bryce Drew hitting the game winner against Missouri was incredible and witnessing the pure joy of his teammates was incredible.  In 2006 I observed Cinderella in person as George Mason knocked off North Carolina.  The electricity in Dayton is hard to put into words.  The pressure grew with each passing second as the crowd’s roar grew in anticipation of the possible upset.  When George Mason pulled out the victory, the chaos that defines the tournament ensued.  The 2007 second round clash between Ohio State and Xavier was one for the ages.  Not only was the game between in-state foes but it included an incredible shot by Buckeye Ron Lewis which sent the game to overtime.  I was on hand to witness the miracle as Ohio State escaped with a stunning victory.

There are countless other great memories of buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories that still live through tourney highlights each season which are far too many to name.   Although I’m not a big fan of any of the three I would be remised not mentioning Al Macguire, Billy Packer and Dick Vitale.  Their love and passion of the game has been sewn into the fabric of the sport.

I hope my brief expose into the great event has exhumed emotions and memories for you as it did for me.  Friends and fans, please remember the game is much more than just office pools and cutting down the nets; it’s about young men exceeding their own reality, grown men crying and fans jumping in jubilation.  March Madness itself is about enthusiasm, memories and passion and should be shared with all.  With tears in my eye and a lump in my throat, in the style that North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams can appreciate, ready yourself for the greatest event in all of sports.  The Madness of Spring is about to begin.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cleveland Browns 2010 1st Round NFL Draft Preview

The 2009 version of the Cleveland Browns looked like an expansion team for most of the season and had their share of distractions to boot.  The distractions were in the form of butter fingers and bad attitude.  Each were eliminated when malcontent Braylon Edwards was sent packing to New York.  The Browns also fired GM George Kokinis during the season.  As result chaos ensued and the offense was putrid to say the least.  Then something astonishing happened in the 2nd half of the season- the Browns looked like a legitimate football team.  Head Coach Eric Mangini rallied the troops resulting in a four game winning streak to end the season.  Near the end of the season veteran Head Coach Mike Holmgren was hired as the team’s new President.  Speculation arose that Mangini would be sent packing but he survived the storm.  Former Philadelphia Eagle GM Tom Heckert, JR. was brought in at the same position with the Browns.

As the NFL playoffs continue, talk of the 2010 NFL Draft increases.  The draft “gurus” act more like soothsayers instead of football analysts in their tabloid style reports.  Their projected drafts change more than Tiger Woods’ personality and have as much substance.  Instead of the typical rhetoric and quarterback hyperbole, we will focus on team needs and player evaluations.

It has been long debated what are the most important positions in football.  Obviously, QB is the first position that comes to mind and few teams can win without at least an adequate QB.  Teams such as the 2008 Baltimore Ravens and the 2009 New York Jets have won with sub-par play behind center but their margin for error is miniscule.  Left tackle is also another position that is quick to mind.  However, like in baseball where teams build up the middle, the same applies to football where d-tackles are essential as are middle linebackers but the most important position may in fact be the safety position.

In the 2009 season the Pittsburgh Steelers lost All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu for the majority of the season.  Their vaunted defense, which led them to the 2008 Super Bowl, wasn’t the same as Pittsburgh limped to a 9-7 record.  The New Orleans Saints defense was given little respect after the 2008 season until they signed grizzled veteran Darren Sharper.  The team became more aggressive and forced turnovers behind the passion and instincts of Sharper.  The Denver Broncos also had a horrible 2008 season on the defensive side of the ball which prompted them to sign veteran safety Brian Dawkins.  Dawkins made an immediate impact as he became the emotional leader just as he was in Philly.  Granted, the safeties mentioned are extremely good but from a Browns’ perspective the same situation occurred in 1991.

The Browns drafted head hunting safety Eric Turner out of UCLA with the second pick of the draft in 1991.  His arrival coincided with the arrival of new Head Coach Bill Belichick.  Although the Browns were mired under .500 for three seasons it wasn’t a result of their play on the defensive side of the ball.  Turner dramatically impacted the defense and made wide receivers squeamish when coming across the middle.  In their lone playoff season under Belichick, Turner led the league with nine interceptions and was a member of the Pro Bowl squad.  Will the Browns follow the 1991 draft?  There are two safeties who could be elite.  The first is Eric Berry from Tennessee.  He is a ball hawking safety who lacks size but has the ball skills an instincts that defensive coordinators dream of.  He will likely be gone when the Browns pick at # 7.  Their only likely shot at safety will be hard hitting Taylor Mays.  Many pundits have dropped Mays down do to what they feel are lack of coverage skills.  The fact is the 6’3”-230lb Mays is incredibly fast for a player his size and would be very effective against the run and most importantly pack the lumber.  If they do not choose a safety the linebacker position is the obvious choice.

The Browns have the defensive tackle position solidified with monster Shaun Rogers but the linebackers struggled throughout especially with the injuries to starters Eric Barton and D’Qwell Jackson.  The Browns not only lack sure tacklers and physical enforcers but also emotional and spiritual leaders.  The signing of Matt Roth certainly helped but if they do not take a safety they should go to the best linebacker in the draft, Alabama’s Rolando McClain.  McClain was the leader of one of the best defenses in the nation both in the huddle and in the field of play.  He is smart, instinctive and a head thumper as he stands in at 6-4 and 258 lbs.  He would step on the field and start immediately.  He would be the glue to the Browns defense for years to come while calling out the pre-snap reads and being a vocal leader.

In summary, if the Browns land Berry, Mays or McClain fans will have a player they can be proud of and a player that will make a impact.  Remember Browns fans, Mangini is largely responsible for what happened with the Jets.  He turned in the same record as Rex Ryan did this season when he received overblown accolades.  With Holmgren, Heckert and Mangini-the Browns future is finally looking bright.

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Championship Sunday

As the greatest day in sport inches closer (Championship Sunday), America looks forward to witnessing history.  The NFL plans to intoxicate the viewing public with sights they have not seen in years.  The “Old Man” (Favre) will try to crank up the heat on the “Boilermaker” (Brees) and “Rocky Top” (Manning) will look to roll over the “Men of Troy” (Sanchez).  Two teams will battle for a shot at winning their 1st Super Bowl, one tries to return after a long hiatus, and the last, wishes to cement their legacy.  When the dust settles, vision will be cast on the two at the top. 

Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets

Coach Ryan and “Gang Green” enter Sunday with confidence and momentum.  Not only do they have the #1 Rushing attack in the league, they have the #1 Defense.  This team has implemented old school football to nth degree.  It’s simple, run the ball to control the clock and stop your opponent from putting points on the board.  This game however, will not be that easy.  They will be facing one of the most explosive offenses in the game and quite possibly the best quarterback ever.  The Colts, coming off a week 16 loss to these very Jets, will be chomping at the bit to get another shot at them.  Their middle of the road defense will have to stop the run if they have any ambitions of being in Miami on February 7th.  The Cinderella Jets will put up a good fight but in the end Indianapolis will emerge victorious (27-17). 

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

As Brett Favre goes “Marching Home” (he grew up 45 minutes from New Orleans ), the fate of his Vikings go along with him.  To all the doubters, critics, and haters out there, “I told you so.”  Adrian Peterson looks to get on track and chew up some yardage against an average New Orleans front 7.  If he gets loose, it could be a long day for “Who Dat” and the rest of their faithful.  As for the Saints, their offense is ridiculous.  They can light up the scoreboard and have the ability to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.  Drew Brees has quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and could climb to the top with a victory this weekend.  This is going to be a hell of a game and it’s a shame that both teams can’t go, but the “Purple People Eaters” will prevail in a close one (33-29).     

This day is about more than just football.  It’s about friendship, dedication, tenacity, and luck.  Dreams become reality, as the chosen few attain NFL immortality.  Every drill, every weight, every meeting, and every meal leads to this moment.  There are no more words that can be said to heighten this spectacle.  All you must do is prepare your feast, find your seat, and enjoy the treat that is Championship Sunday.

Todd P Coleman 01-22-10

Ohioans are no strangers to the world of Mixed Martial Arts as seen by the many big-name fighters who have come out of the state of Ohio. But to get to the top of the sport and fight in the main event at a UFC or Strikeforce event you really must be a big deal. Recently, Ohio MMA fighters have been featured in several main event fights.

UFC 99 & UFC 103 both saw Cincinnati’s Rich Franklin, the former UFC Middleweight Champion, fight in the main event for both events. Franklin defeated Wanderlei Silva at UFC 99 before suffering a KO loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 103.

Strikeforce Challengers: Jorge Gurgel, despite being a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, chose to once against and and bang as he lost a decision to Billy Evangelista in a 155 pound battle at Strikeforce Challengers4.

In the UFC 108 co-main event featured Cincinnati’s Dustin Hazelett versus Paul Daley. Unfortunately for Hazelett, the submission specialist did not get a chance to show off his jiu jitsu skill as Daley scored a 1st round KO.

Spike TV featured a free night of fights on January 11, 2010 as former Cleveland St. Edward’s wrestler Gray Maynard defeated badboy Nate Diaz by Spilt Decision in the night’s main event. Maynard, still undefeated in his pro MMA career, is now being mentioned in discussions for a UFC Lightweight title shot.

Fighting atop the UFC 109 fight card is former Miami University and Ohio State wrestler and UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman facing Randy Couture, another member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

The UFC returns to action with their second event of 2010 as fans will be treated to a free UFC event with UFC Fight Night 20 taking place on Monday, January 11th. Coming off their wins at UFC Fight Night 19 in the co-main events, Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard will now face off with each other in the UFN 20 main event. As always Pro Fighting Fans, the UFC news leaders, will provide the official UFC Fight Night 20 results after each fight is complete. Below we preview one of the many fights set for the January 11 UFC Fight Night event. Also be sure to look to UFCFightNightResults.com for historic UFC Fight Night results dating back to the first UFN event in 2005.

Gray Maynard vs Nate Diaz

In a bout that could have title implications, undefeated TUF 5 contestants Gray Maynard (9-0 1 NC) and Nate Diaz (11-4) will meet in the main event at UFC Fight Night 20 from Fairfax, VA.

Maynard, a former Michigan State wrestler, had only three bouts under his belt before his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 5. Although he didn’t win the TUF 5 tournament and had a bizarre ending in his debut that resulted in a No Contest, “The Bully” reeled off six consecutive victories to get his current main card position. Five of his six victories have ended in decisions and only his Fight Night victory over Joe Veres (TKO) ended early. His latest victory came against Roger Huerta at Fight Night 19 in September via decision.

Nate Diaz came into the organization with a little more experience than that of his main event counterpart. Prior to winning TUF 5, Diaz compiled a 5-2 record with his most notable fight being a WEC 24 lightweight title loss against Hermes Franca. He put together five straight victories to open his UFC career that saw him rest toward the top of the 155-pound division. However, after dropping back-to-back bouts to Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson, he had lost his position as a top contender for the belt. He has taken one step closer to regaining contender status with a September Fight Night victory over Melvin Guillard.

Prediction – Maynard over Diaz via decision

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Eric Mangini will return to coach the Browns in 2010.  Speculation rose, despite the four game winning streak to end the season, that new Browns President Mike Holmgren would oust the heavily scrutinized Mangini.  Mangini met the Browns brass the last two days which led to the announcement today.

This is a good move for the Browns.  Yes it was a miserable season but with consideration to the hand he was dealt, Mangini did a great job in the 2nd half of the season.  The team played hard and improved as the season wore on.  Key players such as Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison excelled over the final four contests and will be key to a successful 2010.  Mangini’s system is a complicated but his philosphy and team concept is even more difficult for players to grasp.  The fact that Mangini was able to clean house (sending malcontents Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow packing) and still show improvement is a testament to his coaching style and doctrine.  He believes firmly in high character guys who believe in team first.  The future may finally be bright in Cleveland with Holgren overseeing the organization, Mangini as the Head Coach and defensive guru Rob Ryan coaching the defense.

Keep checking in with ohiosportstime.com as we will have updated needs for the team and draft previews.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Tonight’s National Championship game will be filled with NFL prospects.  For the Browns, the one that matters is Rolando McClain.  Yes the secondary struggled and the offense was inept for most of the season; however, in a 3-4 defense linebackers are key.  None are better than the studious McClain.  He is the leader of the best defense in the nation and has a rare combination of size and speed- the kind defensive coordinators drool over.  There is no doubt the Browns defense would instantly be better with McClain on board.  The junior linebacker will have his hands full tonight against Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Browns end their season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game which only impacts their position in the draft.  The Browns look to finish the season with four straight wins under the watchful eye of new President Mike Holmgren.  The Jags are still scratching their heads on a season that got away.  Speculation grows surrounding the drafting of college phenom Tim Tebow.  Next week we will review the 2009 Browns and offer a glimpse of the 2010 draft.

The Bengals sit at 10-5 as they travel to New York to face the 8-7 Jets on Sunday night.  The only movement for the Bengals is possibly moving up to a number three seed.  All will be settled before the game kicks off so there may be little drama.  The Jets will most likely still need a win to get in the playoffs.  The Bengals best match-up in the playoffs would be a Jets team that severely struggles on the offensive side of the ball.  As result it would behooves the Bengals to rest their starters and prepare for the wild card game to be played in Cincinnati.  Next week we will have a complete preview of the Bengals 1st round game and the playoffs as a whole.

Enjoy week 17!!

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer