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phatcat · Dec 31, 2024

A modest one, but I want to be a part of it.

ThatkidfromHolland · Dec 31, 2024

PurpleWhiteBoy said:
We've seen similar statements in years gone by... various people commenting on various rosters and players.

I'm not so willing to write off Windham and Ciaravino this year. I think they both can play. I don't think either is far behind Mullins, whose shooting limitations are holding him down.

As it stands, Collins is using Mullins as the sole sub for Barnhizer, Martinelli, Leach and Berry. Thats fine until anybody gets hurt or in foul trouble - then we have to play either Windham, Ciaravino or Smith.

I’m not writing off Windham or Ciaravino this year. I said it in the post above: “They’re not ready to contribute at a high level at this point in the season.” But we’ve got a whole Big Ten season left to go, and that’s plenty of time for them to improve. Big Ten basketball is a massive jump from high school ball. They’ve shown flashes, no doubt, but they’re still figuring out how to play within the system. Sometimes they force things or try to do too much. Defensively, they’ve still got work to do too. These are all typical freshman mistakes, and the longer they stay in the program, the fewer you’ll see of those. It’s a process, but they’re getting better every day.

Edit: IMO Mullins does not get near the credit he deserves for playing within himself offensively. Dude does not force things and makes very good passes. Also is a lockdown defender. There is a drop off after him.

gocatsgo2003 · Dec 31, 2024

phatcat said:
Shrug, according to those in the know, he isn't good enough to beat out Lausch, Wright, and (?) Gray, so who cares if he left? Reggie Fleurima couldn't get PT so he's leaving. Not hearing anything about 75% of our DBs leaving, which hurt a lot more than a 4th string QB leaving. I mean, he must have really sucked this spring to drop to third string plus an incoming transfer looming. Who in their right mind would stay for that?*

*Hilinski notwithstanding

That was literally Sullivan’s quote in response to a question about Iowa bringing in a transfer QB to compete for the starting job in 2025, just removing the “staying at Iowa” part.

phatcat · Dec 31, 2024

gocatsgo2003 said:
"It's the name of the game these days. You've got to compete. If you're scared of competing, then you shouldn't be playing the game. So I'm here, staying…and I'm going to continue to compete to the best of my abilities."

Shrug, according to those in the know, he isn't good enough to beat out Lausch, Wright, and (?) Gray, so who cares if he left? Reggie Fleurima couldn't get PT so he's leaving. Not hearing anything about 75% of our DBs leaving, which hurt a lot more than a 4th string QB leaving. I mean, he must have really sucked this spring to drop to third string plus an incoming transfer looming. Who in their right mind would stay for that?*

*Hilinski notwithstanding

Hungry Jack · Dec 31, 2024

The Lions are #6 in the nation in scoring at 88 ppg. They have played at easy non-con schedule against schools like Maryland-Baltimore County, Buffalo, Coppin St., and Binghamton. They blitzed Purdue, but lost by 12 to Clemson and by 4 to Rutgers. They are not Goliath by any stretch.

The story of the Purdue game was 24 turnovers produced by the press. Purdue actually outshot the Lions, but the turnovers and a big advantage at the FT line (32-19) gave PSU an easy win. PSU had less luck turning over Rutgers (14), and saw Rutgers hold the huge advantage in FT (25-9).

I think we have a real shot. PSU is long and athletic (as evidenced by the press), but they are not a great 3 point shooting team (35.8%). They shoot much better inside (58%) thanks to guys like G Nick Kern, G Puff Johnson and F/C Yanic Niederhauser. G Zach Hicks is their only guy getting more than 10 mpg shooting over 40% from 3.

Ace Baldwin is the catalyst on offense, averaging 8.6 assists (and 3.6 turnovers). He only shoots 40% overall. He was held in check by Clemson (20 pts on 14 shots with 5 tov) and Rutgers (8 pts, 3 tov), and did most of his damage vs. Purdue at the FT line (12/12).

I am hoping Mullins spends a lot of time defending Baldwin. I think that would slow down his dribble-penetration. Niederhauser mostly works inside, and Big Matt can handle him, leaving Brooks, Ty and Nick to handle those long wings.

I think Nick is due for a big game.

gocatsgo2003 · Dec 31, 2024

phatcat said:
Everyone is convinced that he had dropped to third string (4th if you include Wright). Why would he stay?

"It's the name of the game these days. You've got to compete. If you're scared of competing, then you shouldn't be playing the game. So I'm here, staying…and I'm going to continue to compete to the best of my abilities."

prez77 · Dec 31, 2024

NUCat320 said:
They were the same things.

There was a one-sided contract that was the only option if either wanted to play the next level of sport. Colter and Flood both fought so that the contract they were forced to sign as their only way in was more equitable.

The only difference is that college football in 2014 was infinitely more profitable than Major League Baseball in 1970.

Curt Flood was, of course, wildly unpopular for his stance. Hayes. The degree to which his case was unassailable is only due to time.

(Rhetorically, you stated that Flood’s case was obvious and left Colter’s case unmentioned — the implication being that his case wasn’t obvious.)

The right to contract - an American labor history perennial. If I were writing a book about the history of sports compensation and labor relations, I would have chapters about each of Flood and Colter. Similarities and differences. Parenthetically, I was gifted a Colter autographed football by a labor organization I was able to help out years ago.

My personal view, I liked the game (both college football and major league baseball) better before players had so much freedom of movement, but I also am convinced that the guys doing the heavy lifting, and sometimes sacrificing health, have deserved a larger share of the revenues they play such a role in generating and should have as much choice as possible in where they play/work.

phatcat · Dec 31, 2024

The Purple Knight said:
your the tool. the guy is 100% right. Sullivan was never any good and quit on his team when he didn’t get his way. He’ll never play another down.

Everyone is convinced that he had dropped to third string (4th if you include Wright). Why would he stay?

gocatsgo2003 · Dec 31, 2024

eddie_gocats said:
"Coach Lester has been super transparent," Sullivan said. "It's the name of the game these days. You've got to compete. If you're scared of competing, then you shouldn't be playing the game. So I'm here, staying, playing for Iowa, and I'm going to continue to compete to the best of my abilities."

🤣

Chef’s kiss. Just perfect.

eddie_gocats · Dec 31, 2024

Purple Pile Driver said:
No. 19 Missouri 27, Iowa 24: QBNone

Brendan Sullivan had an opportunity to solidify himself as QB1 on Monday. He, and the Hawkeyes, came up short.

iowa.rivals.com

Looks like Sully will be competing for the QB job next year with Iowa.

"Coach Lester has been super transparent," Sullivan said. "It's the name of the game these days. You've got to compete. If you're scared of competing, then you shouldn't be playing the game. So I'm here, staying, playing for Iowa, and I'm going to continue to compete to the best of my abilities."

🤣

NUCat320 · Dec 31, 2024

PurpleWhiteBoy said:
I'm sure you would agree that I didn't state an opinion on Colter's "injustice."
I was comparing Colter's situation and what he sought to Flood's situation and what he sought.

But Colter was not the property of Northwestern. He was a college student-athlete who made an agreement with a University to attend classes for free, with free room and board and any other benefits he might receive in exchange for representing that university as an athlete.

Flood, on the other hand, was a paid professional who could not work for anyone other than the team that originally signed a contract with him - in perpetuity.

So you can throw as many smokescreens up as you want (NCAA, Fitzgerald, etc) but the two situations are very different.

They were the same things.

There was a one-sided contract that was the only option if either wanted to play the next level of sport. Colter and Flood both fought so that the contract they were forced to sign as their only way in was more equitable.

The only difference is that college football in 2014 was infinitely more profitable than Major League Baseball in 1970.

Curt Flood was, of course, wildly unpopular for his stance. Hayes. The degree to which his case was unassailable is only due to time.

(Rhetorically, you stated that Flood’s case was obvious and left Colter’s case unmentioned — the implication being that his case wasn’t obvious.)

Deeringfish · Dec 31, 2024