Opinions on five current Detroit & national sports topics from yours truly…

1. Opening Day - What a day, Ian calls it The Best Sports Day of the Year!, and that’s hard to argue, especially this year. The Tigers were raising a 2006 AL Pennant and Mitch Albom says fans are expecting more this season. The crowd was pumped and ready to roll, but then the first inning happened. Jeremy Bonderman struggled giving up 3 early runs and it proved to be too much for the Tigers to overcome as they fell 5-3 in 10 innings to the Toronto Blue Jays. It should be a fun season for Tiger fans, but there will be games like this, especially when you play 162 of them. I was just thinking how nice it’s going to be June or July when Kenny Rogers comes back for the 2nd half of the season. That could be just as nice as making a trade, provided the Tigers can stay in it with the steady veteran.

2. Wolverines hire Beilein - It hasn’t been officially confirmed by U of M yet, just by everyone else. It’s a move that makes sense, but I think the Wolverines settled a bit and could have tried to go after a bigger name. John Beilein is coming off an NIT Championship with West Virginia and the Wolverines do frequent the NIT so that could be good combo.

3. Girls High School Season Change - My opinion is right on with Mick McCabe’s so you might as well just read this to see how I feel as well. It’s going to be a tough adjustment, ultimately it will work out, but short-term there just won’t be enough good officials and coaches.

4. Pistons/Wings Ready for Playoffs - Both teams are getting healthy and readying for the stretch run as they battle for the top seeds in the playoffs. I like the chances of both as they are playing at a high level and winning playoff style games.

5. Florida Repeats! - I lost $5 on the championship game, as I took Ohio State for some crazy reason. Well, it’s not that crazy, I cheer for the Big Ten, if MSU or Michigan is out, but still Florida is just awesome! Now we just wait and see how big of a check Billy Donovan is going to cash.

With April Fool’s Day falling on the weekend, I just completely forgot about it. Luckily some others didn’t.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

My bracket isn’t even horrible, it’s worse than that. I did pick Georgetown correctly, but so has everyone else, so that’s not saying much. Ohio State vs. Georgetown, and Florida vs. UCLA should make for an exciting Final Four!

Right now the folks at BetUS.com have Ohio State and Florida as the favorites. They are the #1 seeds, so that makes sense, but I think Georgetown and UCLA could easily win it all, but again, don’t listen to me!

You can bet reliably, securely and legally at BetUS.com and use their handy betting section for March Madness, including a podcast, to help you make an informed bet! Check them out!

Opinions on five current Detroit & national sports topics from yours truly…

1. March Madness - My brackets are decorated with lots of red X’s but I still have my champions left (Kansas in my “A” bracket and Georgetown in the “B”). I admit I haven’t watched any games yet, and for some reason gave up listening to sports radio for Lent (I clearly wasn’t thinking), but I just haven’t been that excited about it. Not many upsets and some blowouts don’t keep people on the edge of their seats.

2. Justin Verlander - He has struggled this spring, but I think everyone can relax as he didn’t throw much over the winter. He will be back to normal by April 1st. I like him to win 17 or 18 games again this year as he continues to learn how to pitch…

3. Todd Bertuzzi - His debut is now here, but Babcock isn’t expecting much right now. All eyes will be on Bertuzzi in the playoffs though as by then he should have some games under his belt and be moving close to full speed. He was a great addition and should help the Wings stay physical in the playoffs.

4. Chauncey Billups - This injury could be a blessing in disguise as Billups get some rest before the playoffs. A fresh, healthy Billups will guarantee the Pistons a trip to the Finals. Now about Rip’s struggles…

5. Michigan Basketball - I am a huge Spartans fan, but I would just love to see Tom Crean get the job just to go head-to-head with Tom Izzo. You would have two terrific and competitive programs. That would be something to see. If I was hiring right now, I would be looking towards West Virginia for my next coach…

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Michigan State used a terrific defensive performance and basically cruised to a 61-49 win over #8 seed Marquette. The Spartans now face the East’s #1 seed North Carolina on Saturday night. Freshman Raymar Morgan led the way with 14 points and 9 rebounds and MSU held the Golden Eagles scoreless until midway through the first half. Drew Neitzel and Marquise Gray added 12 points each.

Tom Izzo had a great defensive game plan and it paid off as they held Marquette to 5 2-point field goals for the entire game.

“I don’t want to just be a defensive team — basketball is a two-way game,” Izzo said. “Saying that, if you can only be good at one, your chances of moving on are better if it’s the defensive end.”

This is turning out to be quite a “down year” for the Spartans. Many didn’t expect them to make the tournament, let alone win a game, and now they are into the second round and a date with North Carolina. The Spartans should give Carolina a good game, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they pulled off the upset, I just don’t think it’s likely. I love March Madness!

Read (9) Michigan St. 61, (8) Marquette 49 at Yahoo! Sports

Also, Big Al has a nice breakdown on his loves and hates of March Madness, it’s worth clicking…

Read Why I love, and hate, the NCAA tournament at The Wayne Fontes Experience

Just got an email from the Insider and he has some questions I hope I can find answers too…

When does the tournament start? Also, did you know that Tom Crean and Tom Izzo are friends?

Anyone that can help us out, please post a comment!

It’s the biggest win of the season, and it just might have moved Michigan State from the “bubble” tag and into the NCAA Tournament. Drew Neitzel scored 28 points, hitting 6 three’s, to lead the way as the Spartans ruined Wisconsin’s first game as the top team in the nation with a 64-55 win. It moves MSU to over .500 in the Big Ten (7-6) and also gave them their 20th win for the 8th time out of the last 10 seasons.

The Spartans did it in a way that has proven successful for a Tom Izzo team over the years - tough defense and rebounding. MSU outrebounded Wisconsin 41-24 and held the Badgers to 35.8 percent shooting.

Neitzel is showing he belongs on the big stage, but he’s getting some help. Raymar Morgan (12 points) and Travis Walton (13 points, 10 assists) were big once again and keep on improving as the season progresses. Walton was one of the key defenders in holding Alando Tucker (potential player of the year candidate) to 16 points, and only 2 in the second half.

As their confidence keeps growing they will be a very dangerous team during March Madness!

Read THE BIG ONE: MSU upsets No. 1 Wisconsin in the Detroit News

Updated: Just read this, it’s awesome! A real testament to Tom Izzo and what he has built at Michigan State…

Read Memorable footprint at Yahoo! Sports

This looks pretty cool, plus they have Bob Probert! Need I say more? Okay, I will. Michigan In Play! Magazine and president Jack Rosenberg have put together what appears to be a talented staff of writers and photographers to bring all kinds of Michigan sports coverage to you! It looks like there isn’t anything they won’t tackle! I’ll let them explain it to you…

Our Secret Weapon Is Our Content…Once You Read An Issue, You’ll Be Hooked!

Feature stories - each issue explores sporting and leisure activities (the list of possibilities is endless) in great detail… it may be Lions, Wings, Tigers, Pistons, boating or dog sledding in the U.P. We strive to bring you the very best Michigan has to offer.

It’s available at over 365 locations around SE Michigan, and best of all, it’s FREE!

So there you have it, just go to www.michiganinplay.com and check it out for yourself!

Record Eagle sportswriter Mark Urban takes a look at the big rivalry game between Michigan State and Michigan and how it could play a very big part in either team making the NCAA Tournament. My guess is that neither are going to make the “Big Dance” and both will be playing in the NIT regardless of the outcome Tuesday.

Read Tuesday’s loser will miss the NCAAs in the Record Eagle

Also, here’s another article from the Record Eagle about the annual winter sports card and memorabilia at the Civic Center.

Central Michigan found someone very familiar with CMU football and the state of Michigan to take over it’s football program after Brian Kelly stepped down at the end of the regular season. Former CMU assistant Butch Jones will take over, after coaching the last two seasons at West Virginia and helping the Mountaineers gain national attention.

“Growing up in Michigan, going to school in the state, and now being the head coach at Central Michigan, it’s obviously very exciting,” Jones said. “The last two years working for Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia have completely prepared me for this position.”

Jones coached at CMU from 1998 to 2004, most recently serving as the runningbacks coach.

Read Central Michigan hires Butch Jones as head coach at ESPN.com

The Detroit News has compiled a list of the Top Michigan athletes by jersey number. Check it out and let them know of any they missed…

Read Top 99 Athletes in the Detroit News

My View: Here’s some of my favorite jersey numbers from the list above…

#20 - Billy Sims is the main reason, but Barry Sanders has something to do with it too.

#19 - My all-time favorite Red Wing.

#52 - Hey, she’s from Leelanau County, plus she’s a great player!

#11 & #4 - They will always be together in my book as the duo led the Pistons to their first two titles.

#3 - My all-time favorite Tiger.

Some links and thoughts on some recent Michigan/Detroit sports news…

Frankfort’s Banktson named Miss Basketball
I love it when an athlete from a Class D school gets recognized, especially when they are from northern Michigan!

Read Brenna Banktson: 2006 Miss Basketball at Absolute Michigan

Dantonio to take over reins in East Lansing
I love this hire! He’s a no-nonsense coach, exactly what the Spartans need. He’s got a great coaching pedigree and should be able to recruit some better talent then MSU has signed the last couple of seasons. It might take him 2-3 years, but I have no doubt he is the right man for this job!

Read MSU hires Mark Dantonio as new football coach at Absolute Michigan

Lions will always stink
I don’t have TV, so I usually am disappointed by the Lions listening on the radio, but with Thanksgiving Football a big part of holiday tradition, I got to see some of the game at the mother-in-law’s house. Let’s just say it’s what I expected to happen. I did think Joey would have a great game, and I thought the Lions would get beat pretty bad, especially without Kevin Jones, but come on already! Do we have to endure this every year? When I looked at the 2006 schedule I didn’t think they would only have 2 wins at this point that’s for sure. Although I don’t remember how many I predicted, but I am sure my final record guess was 8-8.

Read Have the Lions hit rock bottom? at The Wayne Fontes Experience

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bo and his family. He is one of the All-Time greats!

Read Reaction to former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler’s death at Yahoo! Sports

When you have nothing to say, just post links to others who do…

Verlander wins AL Rookie of the Year
Not a big shocker here. He earned it and deserved it. I can’t wait for spring training to start after the successful season the Tigers had. Adding Sheffield makes it even harder to wait. It’s World Series or bust for Motown in 2007!

Read Tigers’ Verlander, Marlins’ Ramirez are top rookies at ESPN.com

Gerry Ahern states his case for a UM/OSU rematch in January
I have to say, I agree with him on all of it except the outcome of the big game! Seriously I think Michigan is going to win!

Read The Point After: Let’s play two at Yahoo! Sports

Here’s a neat bracket to determine the best Wolverine/Buckeye team of All-Time (My pick: 1968 Buckeyes)

Lions lose to 49ers
Is this some kind of sick joke? Nope, it’s just our beloved Lions giving away another game.

Read Lions drop back down to earth after last week’s win at the Freep

The Rest
I’ll be honest, I haven’t paid any attention to the Pistons yet, some to the Wings, and too much to the Spartans.

The staff at Absolute Michigan has done all the work, I just have to link to it!

Absolute Michigan has put together tons of info on the big game including articles, links, photos and videos to help get everyone ready for the battle of #1 versus #2 in Columbus on November 18th (provided both teams can win tomorrow!).

Great stuff on the history of the rivalry, Woody vs. Bo, punt returns, the Dead Schembechlers, and much, much more!

Check it out, you’ll be happy you did.

Read University of Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes at Absolute Michigan

Graphic designed by Absolute Michigan

Just got this from Norm the Detroit Insider…

Press conference @1:30 in East Lansing to announce firing of John L. Smith. Just broke on WDFN.

Update at 12:55 pm
It’s not much more, but here’s the ESPN article…

Read Mich. St. news conference to discuss coach situation at ESPN

Update at 1:40 pm
John L. is saying bye, but not until after this season…

Read Michigan State coach Smith resigning after season at ESPN

My View: No surprise here. Everyone saw this coming. John L.’s biggest problem in my opinion was never being able to land the top-flight recruits. I always remember reading that players they were recruiting were always listing schools like Buffalo, Ball State, Idaho, Purdue, etc. instead of recruiting guys who the “big boys” wanted. Although hey do have a bunch of the top 30 prepsters from 2007 coming in (according to Rivals.com), they just didn’t seem to me to be bringing in legitimate Division I/Big Ten caliber players.

Granted, injuries haven’t helped, but stuff the coach can control and teach, like committing stupid penalties, was never really fixed in Smith’s tenure.

I will miss his crazy quotes, but MSU needs to ante up for a big-time coaching prospect, but I have a feeling the next coach might be Mooch.