Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Thursday 8:00 PM NCAAB
(529) MOREHEAD STATE at (530) UAB
Take: (529) MOREHEAD STATE +1.5
This is where I usually attempt to break down a game from a matchup standpoint and see if I can find the winner. There’s none of that to speak of here. I think Morehead is the slightly better team but that’s not why I’m playing the Eagles tonight. They just happen to be the opponent as this is almost entirely a play against UAB.
You’re probably aware of what has just taken place at UAB. The football program is no more and it’s safe to say the atmosphere on campus right now is toxic. Everyone is sore at the school president and let’s just say the entire situation has become a gigantic clusteryouknowwhat.
Don’t think for one minute this is restricted to football. UAB has also cut the rifle and bowling teams. They’re now one sport of the minimum to even remain at the D-1 level. Even if they’re able to add that one required new varsity sport, the Blazers are done in CUSA and will clearly be forced to step down to a lower level conference, based on all reports I’ve read.
The fallout from all this is predictable. The certain loss in conference prestige is very likely to have coaches and players looking at other options. That’s a given in my opinion and I don’t see how that can be even remotely beneficial in the long run. As for the short run, I suppose there’s always the possibility this galvanizes the basketball team and they adapt an us against the world mentality. But I wouldn’t bet on it.
Obviously, I’m not going to know for sure until viewing tonight’s proceedings exactly what the atmosphere will be at Bartow Arena. So call this a guess if you will, but I’m willing to bet it’s not going to be real upbeat. Thus, I basically removed the points I’d normally assign for a typical home court advantage. In fact, it wouldn’t stun me if there’s now a home court disadvantage.
Morehead State might just simply be in the right place at the right time. If that ends up being the case, there might be an opportunity to keep fading UAB as this is the opener of a four-game homestand. I’m taking my shot with Morehead State as a small dog this evening.
Bonus Play Thursday 8:00 PM NCAAB
(529) MOREHEAD STATE at (530) UAB
Take: (529) MOREHEAD STATE +1.5
This is where I usually attempt to break down a game from a matchup standpoint and see if I can find the winner. There’s none of that to speak of here. I think Morehead is the slightly better team but that’s not why I’m playing the Eagles tonight. They just happen to be the opponent as this is almost entirely a play against UAB.
You’re probably aware of what has just taken place at UAB. The football program is no more and it’s safe to say the atmosphere on campus right now is toxic. Everyone is sore at the school president and let’s just say the entire situation has become a gigantic clusteryouknowwhat.
Don’t think for one minute this is restricted to football. UAB has also cut the rifle and bowling teams. They’re now one sport of the minimum to even remain at the D-1 level. Even if they’re able to add that one required new varsity sport, the Blazers are done in CUSA and will clearly be forced to step down to a lower level conference, based on all reports I’ve read.
The fallout from all this is predictable. The certain loss in conference prestige is very likely to have coaches and players looking at other options. That’s a given in my opinion and I don’t see how that can be even remotely beneficial in the long run. As for the short run, I suppose there’s always the possibility this galvanizes the basketball team and they adapt an us against the world mentality. But I wouldn’t bet on it.
Obviously, I’m not going to know for sure until viewing tonight’s proceedings exactly what the atmosphere will be at Bartow Arena. So call this a guess if you will, but I’m willing to bet it’s not going to be real upbeat. Thus, I basically removed the points I’d normally assign for a typical home court advantage. In fact, it wouldn’t stun me if there’s now a home court disadvantage.
Morehead State might just simply be in the right place at the right time. If that ends up being the case, there might be an opportunity to keep fading UAB as this is the opener of a four-game homestand. I’m taking my shot with Morehead State as a small dog this evening.
