Have you ever sat back and realized just how weird the country is becoming? I'm serious here, sit back and think about it. Call me crazy, but I have a tough time adjusting to a life where baseball players pop HGH like they're Tic-Tacs, Britney Spears is both bald and ugly, Al Gore and Three-6-Mafia have both won Oscars and Anna Nicole Smith and Barbaro (WHO IS A FREAKING HORSE) each have had bigger funerals than former US President Gerald Ford.

While I try and pretend like I am getting over all that, I find that it is early March and that means it is time for one of the only constants I still have in life; the NCAA Tournament. A little review of my tournament history: After winning my first Tournament pool in 7th grade (Kentucky's 1998 Championship year) I was a strong force to be reckoned with, posting several top finishes throughout high school. My success carried over into college until my sophomore year, when I inexplicably thought that it was acceptable to not watch every college basketball game on TV, leaving me unprepared for the tourney. After my disastrous last place finish that year I vowed to make a change in my life. The following year brought many hours of college basketball research, my first comprehensive NCAA Tournament preview (along with the beginning of my web-page), and deservedly so; a long awaited first place finish in my NCAA pool. Which brings us to March 2007. After a year of referring to myself as "The Champ" (which is an absolute must if you win a NCAA pool) I find it is again time to defend my title.

I realize that it might sound a little crazy for me to do all this bracket studying in an effort to outperform my friends, and then go on and publish it public ally and basically send it out to all of them. But you know what, at least I'm not like hundreds of other Americans that sent out Get-Well cards to a freaking horse that broke his leg. A horse that, I can say fairly confidently, can't read. Sorry, I am still a little caught up over the whole Barbaro thing, the only way to get over it is to proceed with my 2007 NCAA Tournament Preview.

Before the season started I listed four teams that I thought could surprise people this year:

1. Marquette: The Golden Eagles posted a solid season, reaching as high as #11 in the national rankings. Unfortunately, it seems that they may have already peaked and are on their way back down as the tourney starts. All-American guard Dominic James is in the worst shooting slump of his career and the team's best all around player, Jerel McNeal, has been sidelined with an injured thumb.

2. Xavier: Despite losing in the A-10 tournament to Rhode Island, the X-Men appear poised to make a run in the Tourney. A team that should have been ranked towards the end of the year, Xavier faces a potential round 2 game against Ohio State about 30 minutes down I-75 in Lexington.

3. Southern Illinois: Another team that reached as high as #11 in the country. Had a nice run through the difficult Missouri Valley before losing in the championship game to Creighton. The Salukis play suffocating defense.

4. Michigan: I reallllllllly don't want to talk about this one. Every single year it's the same thing. 20 plus wins, maybe one or two good wins, and an absolute meltdown in a game they have to win to close out the year. It's hard being a Michigan basketball fan in East Lansing, but it's a lot easier to be a Wolverine football fan. It is my deepest hope that Michigan losses in the NIT quickly so that Bret Petway can compete in the college slam-dunk contest, where he will easily dominate everyone and Michigan will at least have won something this year.

Three out of four isn't too bad. Right?

One of the hardest things about the Tournament is tracking potential sleepers throughout the year. I told my roommate Derrick three weeks ago this exact quote, "Winthrop will be this year's Cinderella. Take them to the Sweet 16 unless you absolutely can't live with yourself for picking against them in the first two rounds." Well, the brackets are revealed and guess what, I basically can't live with myself if I don't take Notre Dame. Lesson for the future: Don't pick sleeper teams before the brackets are released. It's like deciding your who are going to marry when you are 4, then on your 18th birthday Jessica Alba shows up to your party and asks to be your girlfriend. It's not a feeling I would wish on anyone.

Without further adieu, here are the best teams you have never heard of:

Winthrop: At 28-4 their only losses are at 1-seed North Carolina (by 7), at 2-seed Wisconsin (by 3 in OT), at 3-seed Texas A&M and at 4-seed Maryland. Led by guards Michael Jenkins and Torrell Martin and a center in Craig Bradshaw that can step out and shoot, the Eagles blew through the rest of their schedule untouched. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they face quite possibly the best 6-seed in the history of the NCAA Tournament in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It's not fair really, Notre Dame is ranked 17th in the country (which would put them at about a 4-seed) and just took #8 Georgetown down to the last play of the game in the Big East Tournament. Look at it this way; there are only 2 teams in the Midwest that I would take over Winthrop; Florida and Notre Dame. That being said, with their in-your-face defense, Winthrop still has a chance to knock off the Irish, which they could possibly ride out to the Elite 8. I, just of the life of me, can't bring myself to do it.

Oral Roberts: The Mid-Con's regular season and tournament champion was widely touted last year as the best 16 seed in the tournament's history. They lived up to the billing giving top-seeded Memphis all they could handle. This year's team is even stronger. Senior forward Caleb Green is a three-time conference player of the year averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. They are the only team in America to have two different 2,000 point scorers on their roster (sharp-shooting guard Ken Tutt is joins Green). Early in the season the Golden Eagles marched into Lawrence and beat top seeded Kansas, stunning them on their home court. I got a chance to see them play in person when they traveled to my hometown to play Oakland University and I can say with confidence that Caleb Green would be a first-team conference performer in the Big Ten. Matched up against a Washington State team in the first round that guards the paint with all their might Green may be constantly double-teamed and Oral Roberts will rely on Tutt and Moses Ehambe to shoot them to the second round. Look for them to knock off the Cougars and give Vanderbilt a battle in round two.

Davidson: Led by the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, the Davidson Wildcats are an exciting team to watch. Freshman Steven Curry set NCAA records for three pointers made and thrives in their up-tempo attack. However, Davidson has no real inside presence on either end and is the country's second youngest team. A first round matchup with Maryland will likely exploit their lack of interior strength, and be their demise. Also, the Wildcats lost to the Michigan Wolverines this year, and don't sport a real marquee win. With all their youth, they could be a team to watch in the following years.

Old Dominion: Maybe the last team to be added to the tournament field, the Monarchs were upset in their conference tournament by last year's darling George Mason. Armed with undersized and competitive forwards, Old Dominion denies all passes to the post and has a terrific perimeter defender in senior guard Drew Williamson. Senior forward Valdas Vasylius is one of those players that just goes out and produces without any real apparent strength to his game. Old Dominion went on the road this year and handed Georgetown their first loss in McDonough Arena in 24 years. If they can handle the Hoyas mighty frontcourt, disposing of slumping Butler shouldn't be a problem.

Albany: Another 16 seed from last year's tournament that almost shocked the world while taking UConn down to the wire in last year's tourney. Senior guard Jamar Wilson is the two-time America East Player of the year and can light up the scoreboard. The Great Danes have almost no interior defense, which is their biggest weakness. Matched up against a Virginia team that is also guard heavy gives them a fighting chance to pull an upset. Look for Wilson to go head to head with Virginia's star guards, because if he gets off to a slow start (or no start), Albany is doomed.

Now, I am fairly certain that picking the correct sleepers in the NCAA Tournament is one of the best feelings in the world. It ranks right up there with winning the lottery, beating your roommate in Madden, watching anything with Tony Danza or Emilio Estevez and eating Mike and Ikes. However, NCAA pools are not won and lost by picking the first round upsets. Pools are won and lost by knowing which teams not seeded #1 will make a push to the Final Four. I attribute my winning the pool last year to having LSU placed into the Final Four, and luckily for me they didn't even make this year's tournament so I don't have to pick them for loyalty's sake. The following teams might not all be Final Four contenders, but they are well-known programs that may surprise some people with their success.

Notre Dame: As I mentioned earlier, the Irish are a favorite of mine this year. One of the things you can never underestimate in college basketball is momentum. For all the hype and hoop-la that the NCAA Tournament brings, it is decided by kids that are between 18 and 22 (unless you go to UConn and can't pass class or stay out of jail). The performance of kids that age depends heavily on the confidence levels of the players. Notre Dame may have lost to Georgetown in the Big East Semi's, but they battled them to the very last possession. More importantly, they did so by playing very good basketball. Collin Falls and Russel Carter are deadly three point shooters and Freshman Luke Harangody is a wide-bodied big man that plays his heart out. When those three are on top of their game (like they are now), Notre Dame is very tough to beat.

Arizona: Freakishly talented and athletic team that for some ridiculous reason never got anything together all season. Can you imagine a movie starring Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Christopher Walken and my man Tony Danza just not be funny at all? That's what Arizona is like. The thing with teams like Arizona is that once in a blue moon the light clicks on and they are almost unbeatable. If you have never seen freshman Chase Budinger play, make it a point to. He looks like a surfer that walked in the gym with no shirt, hula shorts and flip flops, picked up a uniform and dominated. And in all likelihood, he is headed to the NBA next year.

Texas: Four words: Kev In Dur Ant.

Bob Knight said it best: He's 6'10'', fast, can dribble, he can shoot. They don't rub some special cream on him; he's just really good.

UCLA: It was a slight surprise last year when UCLA battled through a tough field and made the Title game. Despite probably having a better team this year, they seem to be somewhat overlooked. Gone from last year is point guard Jordan Farmar, who, despite all his talents, was neither a team leader or defensive standout. He was replaced by Darren Collison who actually averages more points and assists, while providing the lock down defense that is UCLA's trademark.

Xavier: If you don't know about the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball program, you need to watch more college basketball. Xavier has been one of the best mid-major programs for the last 7 years, and a few years ago made a run to the Elite Eight and gave a very good Duke team all it could handle. Oklahoma transfer Drew Lavender has provided a spark at point guard and junior forward Josh Duncan is one of the strongest players in the nation, but the Musketeers potential success is on the shoulders of shooting guard Stanley Burrell. He has disappeared in some of their big games and needs to be a factor for Xavier to knock of a higher seed.

Texas A&M: They have the perfect makeup for tournament success. Strong guard play, stingy defense, capable big men and a senior guard with ice water flowing through his veins in Acie Law IV. In a related topic, its wildly entertaining to see the name "Law IV" on the back of Acie's jersey as if we are supposed to know who the first three people with the name are. Whatever, he is letting the family name live on.

Almost as important as knowing who to take in the tourney is knowing who NOT to take. We have all been to parties where there is a crazy guy/girl that you try to avoid at all costs. These teams are the potential crazy guys/girls.

Kansas: Extremely talented and on a roll, Kansas looks poised to make a run deep into the tournament. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks everything in recent history begs to differ. Kansas has a reputation for being bounced early from the tournament the last few years, and by last few years I mean every year.

Wisconsin: One of my favorite teams in the Nation and my preseason pick to win the Big Ten, the Badgers just might not be hitting the tournament on a high note. Center and important third scorer Brian Butch is out for the year with a dislocated elbow, and second scorer Kameron Taylor has been in a shooting slump for the last two weeks. Coach Bo Ryan has one of the best systems in the country and Alando Tucker is capable of carrying the team alone, but they may have the chips stacked against them.

North Carolina: I don't have much against this team as a whole. In fact, freshman Brandon Wright is one of the better players in the nation. However, since superstar Tyler Hansbrough hit Gerald Henderson in the elbow with his nose, he has not been able to get his offensive attack back on track (that sounds like the last verse from Eminem's Till I Collapse). Unless he either gets comfortable wearing that mask or takes it off, I don't like their chances to recover.

The best thing about the NCAA Tournament is that despite the countless hours you can spend watching games all year and dissecting each team, you can end up being totally wrong with your picks. Being in an NCAA pool is just like being a team in the tournament; pretty much anyone can win. The amount of parity throughout the team basically handicaps the entire pool for everyone. The best you can do is make the most educated guess possible, which is what this preview is designed to qualify you for.

All-Region Teams followed by The-Best-Players-You-May-Have-Never-Heard-Of Teams:

MIDWEST REGION
F - Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
F - Joakim Noah, Florida
C - Al Horford, Florida
G - Aaron Brooks, Oregon
G - Russel Carter, Notre Dame

F - Valdas Vasylius, Old Dominion
F - Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech
C - Chris Daniels, Texas A&M Corpus Christi
G - Steven Curry, Davidson
G - AJ Graves, Butler

EAST REGION
F - Kevin Durant, Texas
F - Jarred Dudley, Boston College
F - Jeff Green, Georgetown (couldn't be left off the list)
C - Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
G - Dominic James, Marquette
G - Drew Neitzel, Michigan State

F - Caleb Green, Oral Roberts
F - Nick Young, USC
F - Justin Hawkins, New Mexico State
G - Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt
G - Jarrius Jackson, Texas Tech

SOUTH REGION
F - Nick Fazekas, Nevada
F - Terrence Williams, Louisville
C - Greg Oden, Ohio State
G - Chris Lofton, Tennessee
G - Acie Law IV, Texas A&M

F - Keena Young, BYU
F - Brook Lopez, Stanford
G - Nate Funk, Creighton
G - Drew Lavender, Xavier
G - Jamar Wilson, Albany

WEST REGION
F - Curtis Sumpter, Villanova
F - Randolf Morris, Kentucky
C - Aaron Gray, Pitt
G - Arron Afflalo , UCLA
G - Brandon Rush, Kansas

F - Levon Kendall, Pitt
F - Deron Washington, Virginia Tech
G - (Detroit's own) Dashaun Wood, Wright State
G - Derek Ravio, Gonzaga
G - Jamaal Tatum, Southern Illinois

When I first started this here website my lone goal was to find a way to randomly inject my witty two cents about the ever growing and changing sports scene. My superior (to a fault) knowledge of everything that happens in the sports world coupled with my regular tendencies to relate things, while maintaining a strong sense of sarcasm, has gotten me to the point where somewhere between 4 and 30,000 people read what I have to say.

(If I had to guess, I would say it's fairly close to 7)

However, there comes a time when even the most jovial and comical of writers have to be serious. I have a bone to pick with the media. Actually, it may even be with the entire American society. Some things have gotten way out of hand and they desperately need to be addressed.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have long been a fan of San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds. Until now, I had never written anything on him; mainly due to the fact that defending Barry Bonds is the writers equivalent of supporting Communism in the 50's. It's ghastly, unheard of and utterly inexcusable...or so we are told.

For those of you that haven’t closed your browser in disgust, please hear me out. This isn't a call for you to change your opinions and suddenly embrace Barry Bonds. Rather, it is a call for you to sit back and ask yourself just why you hate him so much. Where does this built up disgust derive from? Most people will say it's because "he cheated, deceived and lied to us, and tainted a game we all love." Is that really what is at the root of all this? No.

Let's look at an objective example:
- Player X is one of the top players in the league, physically dominating the opposition
- Player Y, like X, is also a top player in the league
- X tests positive for steroids in the preseason
- Y never fails a steroid test
- X plays a quarter of the season, putting up extraordinary stats, while steroids flow through his blood, before a suspension is handed down
- Y is having yet another great statistical year
- X says the failed steroid test is a result of a spiked supplement, despite his own personal website saying he doesn't take any supplements
- When asked by the league to turn over the spiked supplement (so it could be tested and added to the banned list) X claims to have lost the bottle
- When asked the name of the spiked supplement, X claims he has forgotten (to avoid a defamation lawsuit from the manufacturer)
- X returns from his 4 week suspension to continued dominance on the field
- Y has maintained his equally impressive season
- The season ends and because of his great season, X, despite spending half the year either using steroids or under suspension for them, is voted to the All-Star game (by fans) and is in the running for various post-season accolades
- Because of his great season, Y, despite never testing positive for steroids, is publicly accused of cheating, tried in front of the grand jury, threatened to be removed from record books, and all but guaranteed to be blocked from future induction into the Hall of Fame

- Player X is Shawne Merriman - San Diego Changers Linebacker. A candid and outgoing young man who is regarded as one of the best players in the NFL.
- Player Y is Barry Bonds - An aging player approaching baseball's most coveted record. But is more known for being a "cheater, deceiver, lair and tainter of baseball."

How is this possible? How can one man, who can't be proven a cheater or liar, become a castaway and sacrificial lamb, while another proven cheater and liar is being applauded and rewarded for his accomplishments? I ask you again, why do people hate Barry Bonds?

People hate Barry Bonds because they are told to hate him. It's the cool thing to do. It's what the baseball elite do. And, most importantly it's what the media does. Thankfully, I am finally able to prove it.

As this past NFL season came to a close and various media outlets began selecting their award winners I paid special attention to the mention of Shawne Merriman. ESPN, CbsSportsLine and FoXSports all listed Merriman as a member of their Pro Bowl team. They all had Merriman as either winner or runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. All you could hear was praise of Shawne Merriman. The fans listened, as they voted Merriman a member of the AFC Pro-Bowl team. Here is Shawne Merriman, the absolute epitome of everything people claim to hate about Barry Bonds, and he is being publicly voted for awards.

The only contradicting voice came from Miami Dolphins end Jason Taylor, who uncoincidentally, is Merriman's main competition for Defensive Player of the Year. Despite his public opposition, the general consensus is that Merriman had "served his time" by sitting out during his suspension. Served his time??? Was Shawne Merriman in jail for a crime, or did he use steroids? A suspension can't undo all the work that was done by cheating. A suspension doesn't undo the lies about supplements.

Do I hate Shawne Merriman? Absolutely not. Professional athletes are under more pressure than any of us can imagine. Merriman spent several of his years in high school living in a homeless shelter in Washington DC, and routinely ate 2 or 3 meals a week. Now, he finds this pill that he can take and make millions of dollars and turn around life for him and his family; I can't completely fault him for doing it. What I want to know is why the public holds him to different standards?

The Media.

Barry Bonds has long had a reputation of being short and rude with members of the media. He didn't like giving interviews, he would snap back at people that asked questions he didn't like and often came across as downright bitter. So naturally, when speculation arose that he may have used steroids the same members of the media that had grown to dislike Barry Bonds portrayed him as the face of all that was evil and wrong with sports. Never mind the fact he has never tested positive. He was being sold as their villain...and the American public bought it.

This happens much more than most people realize. Consider the following examples:

- This past week Bobby Knight passed Dean Smith's record for men's college basketball victories as a coach. This tremendous feat was overshadowed by headlines that said Knight would be remembered as a "bully" and not a great coach. That Knight would have hundreds more victories if he could have kept his temper at Indiana. Even going as far as saying that his record will be forever tarnished and that it was a shame that his great record was held by such a bad role model.

Bad role model??? Let me tell you something about the programs Coach Bobby Knight has run:
1. His players always graduate college. Always. Over 95% of his players since he began coaching at Army in the 60's have graduated. Contrast that with the University of Cincinnati, which graduated less than 10 total players from 1990-2000.
2. He never has had the NCAA place sanctions on his school for recruiting violations.
3. His players absolutely love him and love playing for him.
4. Oh yea, he has won more games than any other coach. Ever.

But when people see me reading his Autobiography they ask, "Isn't that the guy with the horrible temper that can't stay out of trouble?" No. That's just all you are told.

- Allen Iverson has long had the reputation as a selfish and lazy ballhog that holds his team back from success by monopolizing the ball and hindering the development of younger players. Couldn't be further from the truth. Ever since his infamous press conference about why he had skipped practice his work ethic has been in the public's question. Put your preconceived notions aside and watch him play a game. You can't find anyone in the NBA that cares more and tries harder than Iverson. He is an absolute warrior who throws his 170lb body into people twice his size dozens of times a night. Why you ask? Because it was the only way his team had a chance to win. He put his body on the line every night for the past 10 years for a bad team and it's his work ethic that is in question?

Now that he is traded to a team with a pulse, look for him to defer shots he would have normally taken to teammates that are plain and simply better than his old ones. I have no doubt that he would fit into any team in the league, because he has always done exactly what it took for his team to have the best chance at winning.

- We are told that Pete Rose and Joe Johnson are cheaters that no man with a shred of morality could put in baseball Hall of Fame, but it's ok that:

a) Ty Cobb, known cheater who sharpened his cleats to injure opponents, is in the Hall of Fame
b) Babe Ruth, known alcoholic and womanizer, is the face of baseball's greatness

I have never heard anyone say President Clinton's portrait should be removed from the White House because he cheated on his wife. But having baseball's all-time leading hitter in the Hall of Fame is immoral because he gambled?

What are our standards here America? Is it literally whatever we are told?

I recently saw the movie V for Vendetta and to be quite honest, it thought it was horrifically over-rated. But for those of you that have seen it, I question how close our own media is to that of their corrupt and manipulative one.

I am not asking you to love Barry Bonds. I am not asking you to hate Shawne Merriman. I am asking you to sit back and think why you feel the way you do? Is it really what you think or is it what you are told?

I believe Rakim said it best when she said, "The wait is over, I got'em in formations like a soldier, like I told ya, greater and stronger, now that I'm older."

Yes ladies and gentlemen...The All-Manac is back.

Every so often drastic events happen in your life where you just step back, re-prioritize, and go out and make a difference. For Pat Tillman, it was September 11th. For Bruce Wayne, it was when Ra's Al Ghul challenged him in a Chinese prison. For Jimmy Chitwood, it was when the town called a meeting to fire high school coach Norman Dale. What was the All-Manac's defining moment? I believe I can sum it up in four simple words...

GARE-RE-SHEF-FIELD

That's right. Last week I learned that my beloved Detroit Tigers had traded three Minor League pitching prospects, most notably Humberto Sanchez, for the Yankee slugger. That was all I needed to end my month long leave of absence from my journalistic calling. Now, conventional wisdom says you don't trade touted pitching prospects for an aging slugger coming off an injury riddled season...but conventional wisdom also says you don't trade All-NBA Grant Hill for no-name Ben Wallace (I think that worked out ok). Furthermore, the Tigers are already LOADED with so many young pitching studs that they don't have room for them. Let's run down the list...

- Justin Verlander
- Joel Zumaya
- Jeremy Bonderman (still only 23 years old)
- Jordan Tata
- Wilfredo Ledezma
- Zach Minor
- Andrew Miller
- Jason Grilli
- Mike Maroth

Heck, Nate Robertson is not even that old. Another nugget to pass along to you...A source of mine (and yes, I actually have one) with the Toledo Mud Hens has told me all summer that Sanchez is very good...but not great. All-in-all I am already pumped for next April, and don't be surprised to see the Tigs make another fairly big move before then.

When deciding to come back to my online calling I had a tough decision to make. Do I, a) Prepare a full parade down the streets of East Lansing, full equipped with marching bands, floats and a Kenwood sound system blasting Mase's Welcome Back....or b) uncork a monster fan email column that had been growing the past month.

After some thought I shot down option A for several reasons:
1. Mase himself already tried that idea when he made his brief comeback, and if I remember correctly...no one cared
2. My undying support for University of Michigan Athletics is made fairly public here in East Lansing, and that's not exactly popular

So on we go to option B. A fan email column where I can answer all the questions/praises/death sentences that my readers send me. As always the following emails are unedited, except for the name and location of the sender, the content of his/her message...and the fact that any messages at all were actually sent to me for this column.

Taylor (St. Louis): HA! In your face! After a full year of you bashing the National League and our Cardinals they put your darling Tigers and the American League right where they belong...SECOND PLACE!

All-Manac: Taylor...here's the thing. I am not one to make excuses. So, I won't say that blowing through the AL so fast took the Tigers out of rhythm, I won't say that youth and inexperience finally caught up to them, and I won't say that every break went against them. The thing is, history will say that St. Louis won the 2006 World Series...but we all know it's more accurate to say that the Detroit Tigers lost it.

Bryon (Yuma, Arizona): I remember reading for first ever column before last years NCAA Tournament. Since following some of your picks had me finish in second place in my pool, who are some favorites this year?

Couple of things...
1) Maybe if you would have followed all of my tournament picks you would have ended up like me...first place and 2006 NCAA Tournament Pool Champ
2) Any one can give you pre-season favorites to win the title...what sets me apart from others is my ability to pick through all the garbage and find the sleepers (that and a charming personality and stunning looks...or at least that's what my mom tells me)

So without further adieu my 2006-7 College Basketball sleepers:
Marquette - Consider this, in the last three seasons Marquette has lost an NBA star (Dwyne Wade), two other sharp-shooting scorers now in the League (Travis Deiner and Steve Novak) and Damion Mason (transfer to LSU) who would now be their stud scorer. With all that, coach Tom Crean has gotten the Golden Eagles through a loaded Big East Conference and into the NCAA Tournament. Returning guard Domonic James may be the best point guard in the country...seriously.

Southern Illinois - One of the powers of the up-and-coming Missouri Valley Conference, the Salukis are back with their feisty play. For Power Conference teams, having Southern Illinois on your non-conference schedule is a lot like casting Mel Gibson together with Mel Brooks, Seth Green, Judd Hirsh and John Stewart...absolutely no good can become of it. Think about it, a win would be hard fought without much reward (because you are "supposed" to beat a mid-major) and a loss is not at all out of the question, and could ruin the season.

Xavier - Last year the X-Men almost pulled off a first round upset of Gonzaga. They may not have known it at the time, but it's probably a good thing that the Zags held them off. Had Xavier upset Adam Morrison and crew in round one, we would have only been subjected to about 50 times more post-game crying than Morrison exhibited after Gonzaga's collapse to UCLA. With Oklahoma transfer Drew Lavender now eligible, guard Stanley Burrel can focus on what he is best at...scoring points. Forward Josh Duncan adds beef in the middle for Xavier, who, like Southern Illinois, is a Mel Gibson team.

Michigan - Yea, yea...this team has been in this stage for about 3 years. They have to potential to be a great team and sneak up on people, but always seem to revert back to screwing it up in the end. The difference this year? The Big Ten's depth is significantly down this year, greatly reducing the amount of hard games that you usually would see in this conference. For them to see any success guard Dion Harris has to step up his game and forward Lester Abram has to stay healthy.

Edward (Philly): What happened to your boy Lynn Swan? He got beat pretty badly in the Governor's race in Pennsylvania.

All-Manac: Yea...Lynn Swan got smashed, there is no other way to say it. I hope to one day live in a country where we can have at least 10 Governors that don't even have a shred of political experience. Jesse Ventura was a start, then came Arnold's win in California, Lynn would have given us three. This is why I have been pushing Charles Barkley for Governor of Alabama.

In a related note, former NFL first round draft pick Heath Shuler won his Congressional Election in North Carolina. Shuler left University of Tennessee holding most school passing records (which have since been obliterated by Peyton Manning). The humorous thing about this situation...in the 1994 NFL Draft Combine Shuler took the Wonderlic test (The NFL's standard test given to rookies that tests for common sense and basic problem solving) and received a whomping score of 16/50. After last year's Vince Young fiasco, in which Young scored a 7/50 on his first test, a sample test was given to a nine year old boy for comparison's sake. The boy's score...13/50. That's right...three points behind a US Congressman.

Cameron (Madison, Wisc.): How are you liking the new season of NBC's The Office?

All-Manac: Unlike other writers of my genre, I normally don't respond to non-sports related questions. For The Office, I will make a brief exception. While it has yet to top the hilarity of Season Two (it's possible that nothing ever will) I like the direction this week's episode took the show...I think it could vault the show into the comedy hall of fame.

Lavar (Detroit): Man, you have been sayin for months that the Lions finally got a good coach. Let me tell you something...we still suck.

All-Manac: Lavar, let me first explain to you that I, of all people, truly feel your pain as I Lion's fan. It is true that I have said new coach Rod Marinelli was a great hire, and despite a 2-7 record, I still believe it. I really think that this team will turn it around fairly soon. Sure the team looks as bad as ever, but lets be honest here for a second. The Lions don't have very many...how can I word this...good football players. Not to mention the wrath of injuries that has left the defense so depleted that a three-legged Barbaro could probably run right though it. Rod is installing his system and, more importantly, his mentality that football is a physical game won in the trenches. And hey, if they are looking for someone to put up a fight in the trenches...I heard Albert Haynesworth might be available.

Kym (Fairbanks, Alaska): Where else online can we catch tidbits of your work?

All-Manac: Actually, I do contribute to other websites, glad you asked. This college football season I have been participating in an online top 12 poll called The Great 12. The site is put together by Dave Mulder, so most of the witty comments are his and not mine (meaning they aren't as witty as most of the material you would find on my site). In the spirit of new rules that make the coaches votes public, I will make my most recent poll public. Going into this weekend's big game...

1. Michigan - I've voted them #1 since they smacked Notre Dame
2. Ohio State - I've voted them #2 since said game
3. Rutgers - Correctly picked their victory over Louisville last week
4. Arkansas - Watching a RB play QB at the goaline makes me think I'm watching a video game
5. Florida - Too many close wins...they have trouble scoring points
6. USC - May be hitting their stride at the right time
7. Notre Dame - Must play defense if they wanna be USC next week
8. West Virginia - Glad I don't have to worry about them sneaking into the title game
9. Wisconsin - Only loss of the year was at Michigan
10. LSU - QB JaMarcus Russell proved he could win the big game
11. Louisville - Shouldn't be too down on themselves...they were basically playing destiny last week
12. Texas - Still may have another loss in them in the Big 12 Title game vs Nebraska

Ben (Dallas): So, the NBA season started last week. In one of the more predictable moves of the century, you haven't done a preview.

All-Manac: You know what Ben, I was actually going to write my preview preseason, but I got turned off by the NBA. It wasn't the new ball, or the Rasheed Wallace Technical Foul rule (which if I had to admit it, was needed), no it was something else that turned me off...Steven A Smith. I had forgotten that the start of the NBA season meant the start of my eardrums self-imploding from the volume of his voice. I've had enough of Steven A and his act. It's gotten to the point where I would rather jam ice picks in both of my ears while undergoing a triple lobotomy than listen to his 100+ decibel rants. I thought about boycotting NBA topics until ESPN fired him and hired me as a replacement. Unfortunately, they treated me just like that guy from the ESPN Mobile commercials that tried to get into the building. So, I will do a brief preview...but you haven't won Steven A...

Atlantic Division Winner - New Jersey Nets
Central Division Winner - Detroit Pistons
Southeast Division Winner - Orlando Magic
Remaining East Playoff seeds - 8. New York Knicks (yes...the Knicks) 7. Atlanta Hawks (yes...the Hawks) 6. Chicago Bulls 5. Cleveland Caviliers 4. Miami Heat

Pacific Division Winner - Los Angeles Clippers
Southwest Division Winner - San Antonio Spurs
Northwest Division Winner - Utah Jazz
Remain West Playoff seeds - 8. Los Angeles Lakers 7. New Orleans/OK Hornets 6. Houston Rockets 5. Phoenix Suns 4. Dallas Mavericks

NBA MVP - Tim Duncan
Rookie of the Year - Brandon Roy
Coach of the Year - Mike Woodson
Defensive Player of the Year - Ron Artest
Scoring Leader - Gilbert Arenas
Rebound Leader - Dwight Howard
Coolest Hair/Facial Hair - Adam Morrison

Peyton (Indianapolis): Hey man, we just beat your boy Tom Brady and the Pats again Dude! Yeeee-haw ya'll the Colts are rolling.

All-Manac: Sigh...yea. Right away I'll ask the obligatory, "How many rings have you won for your regular season victories?" But in all seriousness, I have something to admit. I have warmed up to Peyton Manning. It is amazing what having a guy on your fantasy team, coupled with few genuinely funny commercials can do for you as a fan. As far as I am concerned, him and LeBron James got huge points from me for having some pretty funny commercials. Do I really want to like Peyton? Deep down, no, but I don't want to make another huge mistake. When I was growing up I had a chance to watch the greatest basketball player ever, but I hated him because he played for the Bulls, who basically took over the NBA from the Pistons. I never appreciated watching Michael Jordan play, I don't want to make the same mistake with Manning. Am I saying he is the best QB ever? No, but he definitely could be once it's all said and done. AH, this situation is stickier than a Kenny Rogers curveball.

Gary (Columbia, SC): Most disfunctional team in sports...go

All-Manac: Grrrrrrreat question. For most the the 90's the Portland Jailblazers held down this "title" but I think a new leader has emerged. THE CINCINNATI BENGALS...come on down. They held off a late push from the Dallas Cowboys, but not even TO himself could overcome some of the Bengals rap sheet. Where to start...double digit off-season arrests, several key players suspended, Chad Johnson (who I love, but have to admit isn't the easiest to work with) crying about not getting enough catches...literally crying. I often wonder how life is for Carson Palmer, he basically lives out Weird Al's White and Nerdy video every day. I am waiting for the Chris Henry documentary to come out...oh wait, I'm told it's already on the air...some show called Cops.

All-Manac (East Lansing, MI): Didn't you get blasted for saying the Texans should have picked Mario Williams first in the NFL Draft, over Reggie Bush? How does it feel now that the season has proved you right.

All-Manac: Ok...so I sent that to myself. But only because I got ripped by pretty much everyone I talked to for standing behind the Mario Williams pick, and now no one wants to talk about it. Let's look at the stats...

Reggie Bush currently ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing yards AMONGST ROOKIES. Ahead of him are Joseph Addai (first round), Lawrence Maroney (1), Leon Washington (3), Wali Lundy (5) and Maurice Jones-Drew (3).

But Reggie Bush is a great receiver too!!! His 6.6 yards per catch currently ranks last in the NFL.
But Reggie Bush is a great return man too!!! Lawrence Maroney also has more return yards than Bush.

In his last three games Reggie has totaled 60 yards on 26 carries (2.3 avg) while coughing up a game-losing fumble and throwing an interception. During this time, a running back picked in the fifth round by the Texans (Lundy) has totaled over 170 yards.

Am I saying that Bush was a bad pick at #2? No, but he certainly wasn't the right pick at #1. I have said this for years, and it will always be true...running back is the most over-rated position in all of sports. Unless you have Ladanian Tomlinson or Larry Johnson, the only thing that really matters is the offensive line, blocking schemes and play-calling. Houston Texan coach Gary Kubiak comes from the zone-blocking scheme in Denver that makes all running backs 1,000 yards rushers...so why spend a high pick on a running back? Has Mario Williams set the league on fire? No, but his 4.5 sacks are tops on the team, and his impact is actually felt on the field. I am not sure the same can be said of Bush...

Unless you want to spend a #2 pick in the draft on a decoy.

(Don't forget I said the Suns would be worse when Amare Stoudamire came back...I got ripped for that too...what are they now 2-5?)

Hank (Orlando): A couple of weeks ago Sports Illustrated put out a best players of All-Time team. Was it just me or did they leave a lot of good players off?

All-Manac: I don't even know where to start. They left so many players off...
- Roberto Clemente
- Bob Gibson
- Barry Bonds
- Al Kaline
- Josh Gibson
- Max Zingle

You know...if you are gonna leave off the pride of the Pittsburgh Panther's bullpen, I don't know if I can consider you a notable source.

Lloyd (Ann Arbor, MI): I know that you are busy with all of your journalistic responsibilities, but is there anyway you could give me some insight on our game this weekend. We play Ohio State, in case you didn't know.

All-Manac: Yea Lloyd, it's a real busy time of year...I suppose I can whip up something real quick...seeing as this is probably the biggest game in Michigan History.

QB: Chad Henne has shown remarkable improvement this year, and that is a main reason for Michigan's revival. On the other hand Troy Smith has owned Michigan in the past. EDGE: Moderate - Ohio State

RB: Antonio Pittman is underrated and very talented. Michael Hart is a machine that was built for nothing but gaining yards in Michigan's zone blocking scheme. You can say that a lot of people are as good as him, but I don't know if any college player is BETTER (now that Adrian Peterson is hurt) EDGE: Heavy - Michigan

WR: Ted Ginn needs another great receiver next to him so that he can work in space (where he is deadly), he has one in Anthony Gonzales. That guy named Robiske-or-something isn't bad either. Had Michigan's Mario Manningham not been injured earlier in the year, I think Michigan wins by 20...no one can guard him. I think they have been saving his return for this game. Adrian Arrington provides another quality threat. EDGE: Slight - Ohio State

OL: There may be better O-Tackles in the country than Michigan OT Jake Long...like maybe one or two playing in the NFL. Michigan's offensive line is huge and works great together. So far this year the left side of their line (Long and Adam Kraus) have yet to commit a penalty. Michigan also sports a 6th O-lineman in the backfield in FB Obi Oleibou. I'd be lying if I said I knew any OSU linemen, so I won't go there...but they aren't as good as Michigan's. EDGE: Moderate - Michigan

DL: Their O-Line is good, but Michigan sports the best D-Line in college football. If you want to block LaMarr Woodley or Alan Branch you have to double team them...that leaves one OL to cover two other DLs. Ohio State's line is no slouch they have stud DTs that can clog up the line. EDGE: Moderate - Michigan

LB: Ohio State's James Laurinaitis is a finalist for the Butkus Award, and anchors what is routinely a strong OSU linebacking core. Michigan sports three LBs that will be first day draft picks this April. MLB David Harris has first round written all over him. EDGE: Slight - Michigan

DB: OSU's Malcom Jenkins is uber-athletic and is one of the top cover corners in the nation. Ohio State is a school known for producing NFL-Caliber DBs. Michigan's Leon Hall IS the top cover corner in the nation. If I was Lloyd Carr, I'd leave Hall one-on-one with Gonzales all game to eliminate him. I could then use CB Morgan Trent (who beat Ted Ginn in the 100m dash) and a safety to bracket the dangerous receiver. EDGE: Slight - Michigan

K: Ohio State has a history of great kickers...however, I don't know who their current kicker is. Whoever it may be probably isn't any better than Michigan's Garret Rivas (who is reliable) because I haven't heard of him. EDGE: Even

Coach: The "fire Lloyd Carr" rumors were hilarious last year, he has solidified himself as a great college coach. However, OSU's Jim Tressel owns Michigan. The only thing that may keep Tressel from becoming one of the greatest college coaches is the school's increasing blips on the police radar. EDGE: Moderate - Ohio State

Final Thoughts: It's been a long time coming. Arguments can be made for both teams, as they are loaded with talent. Ohio State has been rolling since their loss last year at Penn State, but they have never played a defense as good as Michigan's. The Maize and Blue could have as many as six first round picks in April come from this defense (four is more likely). Great defense and clock management (Mike Hart running the ball) can keep OSU's playmakers on the sidelines.

Lee Corso just said it perfectly..."This one's for you Bo."

Michigan - 24
Ohio State - 20