So did you happen to see this on Twitter?

The tweet has since been deleted, but for some reason, Johnny is pissed...Does anyone know why?

Feel free to share any facts or theories!

-The Beeze

We are now more than halfway through the college football off-season. I hope everyone hasn’t forgotten about me.

I’ve had a few minor things in other sports I wanted to write about in isolation, but I might do a bigger blog about other sports in the next few weeks.

To make the blog friendly to people who aren’t avid college sports fans (or at least might not have been for the last 20+ years to the same extent I have been), I think some background is in order. Before 1992, the SEC was 10 teams and had been that way for nearly 30 years (after Tulane and Georgia Tech had departed in the 1960s). There were not formal divisions, but there were teams that traditionally played one another and other teams that did not.

I know more about LSU, so I’ll use them as an example. LSU has played Florida every year since the early 1970s, but fans would drive (or fly) past Auburn (who very rarely appeared on LSU’s schedule) on the way there. The two teams of Tigers rarely met before the division system was implemented. (The division system entails playing every team in your division every year, and LSU and Auburn were placed in the same division, so they began playing annually at that time.) LSU has remained a permanent opponent of Florida despite being in another division, but since there is only one permanent inter-divisional opponent, LSU stopped playing Kentucky yearly, and Florida stopped playing Auburn yearly.

Until Missouri and Texas A&M joined within the last year, everyone seemed content with the system, which had been on a set rotation for about 10 years. The previous 10 years were operated with two permanent inter-divisional opponents, but this meant large stretches without playing any given teams of the four other teams in the opposite division. None of the teams seemed too traumatized by losing their #2 inter-divisional opponent, and I thought it was more exciting as a fan to play the other teams on a more regular basis.

The makeshift schedule that operated last year and will operate next year–and perhaps years into the future–is a “6-1-1″ format. This means 6 divisional opponents (each division expanded to 7 teams when Missouri and Texas A&M were added), one permanent opponent, with the other 6 conference teams rotating to round out the schedule. This reintroduces the problem that existed under the 1992 to 2002 format with a number of teams rotating around one spot, except that now it’s 6 teams instead of 4.

There is a proposal favored by LSU, Texas A&M, and South Carolina that the SEC forget about the permanent inter-divisional opponents entirely and simply move to a 6-2 format, six in your own division, two from the other division on a constant rotation. The Advocate newspaper reports that “several” SEC coaches have said that the teams are split over whether to go that route or maintain the same format that is being used now (or perhaps a slightly modified version). I would think Florida probably leans toward 6-2 as well, given that the Gators probably place the same priority on playing LSU every years as LSU does on playing Florida every year, which is to say, they don’t find it important at all. At least not as compared to a more equitable schedule. Missouri may also prefer it, but perhaps not as long as Missouri is in the SEC East. Missouri is not a natural match-up for Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, but it may make up for it a bit if Missouri can begin an annual series with Arkansas. (This has not been implemented yet under the current temporary format. Arkansas is still playing South Carolina, and Missouri is playing Texas A&M.) Texas A&M and South Carolina don’t want to be forced to play one another every year as left-overs. South Carolina had been playing Arkansas, which didn’t make sense historically or geographically either.

There is a third major option that no one apart from Alabama (specifically Nick Saban) favors, which is to move to a 9-game schedule, with two rotating inter-divisional opponents and one permanent one. There are a few problems with this, even though it seems to be where most of the other major conferences are going. It creates an imbalance where some teams will have 4 conference road games and others will have 5. It would also make it more difficult to schedule out of conference. It would also likely reduce the chances of an SEC team winning the national championship due to difficulties in remaining undefeated after playing 10 games against SEC teams (including the championship game) and due to the fact that the SEC as a whole (if not the individual team) may lack other quality opponents that establish how good the SEC is. A home game is not easily parted with in the SEC, given that football helps fund the other sports and in some cases even helps fund other university expenses. 100,000 seats, even if there is a weak opponent, can command a tidy sum of money.

Full blog, including map...

The auto bids have just about been all handed out and now the final anticipation begins. The 31 teams that have won their respective conference championship are just waiting to see where their travel plans are and for who to prepare for. There are 37 teams that are going to be selected to join these 31 auto bids as at-large selection. Who will they be? Here is who is in and who I think is going to be in the big Dance. I have the #1 seeds Indiana, Gonzaga, Louisville and Kansas. All but Indiana won their conference tourneys and Indiana won their first regular season title in 20 years.

Atlantic Coast
Conference Class-Power

In: Miami
Going: Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Maryland, Virginia
Skinny on the ACC: The Canes win their first ACC title since joining the league 20 years ago and the 2^nd consecutive Florida based team to win the ACC conference championship. The Dukies quarterfinal loss prevents them from garnering a #1 seed. The Terrapins and Cavs got deep enough in the ACC tourney to not be left behind.

Atlantic Coast Conference Champions: Miami

Projected Bids: 6

Atlantic Ten
Conference Class-Major
In: Saint Louis

Going: Va. Commonwealth, Temple, Butler

Hoping For the Best, but will get left out : LaSalle, UMass

The A-10 Spec is: Saint Louis grinded out a tough win to earn their first automatic bid since 2000, VCU, Butler and Temple are good to go as well. I cant put LaSalle in. I cant see the selection committee giving the Explorers the benefit of the doubt.

Atlantic 10 Conference Champions: Saint Louis

Projected Bids: 4

Big East

Conference Class-Power
In: Louisville

Going: Syracuse, Georgetown, Marquette, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pitt ,Cincinnati, Villanova,

Hoping For The Best, but will get left out: Providence,
Big East Skinny:  The Cardinals used a frightening 2^nd half blitz to rally to a win over Syracuse and win the final Big East tournament (at least with the configuration that we know and love) The cut line will stop at Villanova. Providence flunked its chance to crash in with its first round loss

Big East Champions: Louisville

Projected bids: 8

Big Ten
Conference Class-Power
IN: Ohio State

Going: Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin

Hoping For The Best, but will get left out: Iowa
The word on the Big Ten is: Can the Hoosiers get a #1 seed without winning the Big Ten? I think that they do. Ohio State grinded out a tough win over Wisconsin and gets the auto bid. The teams that are going have not changed but the only question is where is the cut line here? I think Minnesota in spite of their disastrous last six weeks should make it in, barely. Iowa gets caught on the wrong side of the cut line this year

Big Ten Conference Champions: Ohio State

Projected Bids: 7

Big 12
Conference Class-Power
IN: Kansas

Going: Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Kansas State

Hoping For The Best, but will get left out: Baylor, Oklahoma
Skinny from the heartland:  The Jayhawks may have very well locked down a #1 seed here. The Wildcats, Cyclones and Pokes are tourney bound. But Baylor and Oklahoma are another pair of teams that are sitting on the sidelines sweating out the possible bid stealing scenarios from other conferences. But as it stands now I still only have four teams coming out.

Big 12 Conference Championship: Kansas

Projected Bids: 4

Conference USA
Conference Class-Major
IN: Memphis
Hoping For The Best, but will get left out: Southern Miss
Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: The Tigers are Golden Eagles played a double overtime thriller, but the Tigers snag the  win and will ultimately be the only team coming out here

Conference USA Champions: Memphis

Projected Bids: 1

Missouri Valley
Conference Class-Mid Major
IN: Creighton

Safe: Wichita State
Missouri Valley Skinny:  Bravo to the Bluejays! They edged the Shockers in a thrilling finale and clinch the auto bid, Im pretty sure that Shockers will garner an at large bid. Northern Iowa is off the sheet and will not get a bid after losing in their first game.

Missouri Valley Conference Champions: Creighton

Projected Bids: 2


Mountain West
Conference Class-Major
IN: New Mexico

Going: UNLV, San Diego State, Colorado State, Boise State
Spec from the Mountains:  The Lobos howled their way to a championship in front of a rollicking crowd in Vegas. The Rebels, Aztecs and Rams are good to go? The Broncos? They may sweat all the way to the last region but I think that they will get in.

Mountain West Conference Champions: New Mexico

Projected Bids: 5


Pacific 12
Conference Class-Power
In: Oregon

Safe: UCLA, Cal, Colorado, Arizona

Hoping For the Best, but will get left out: Arizona State,
Spec from the left coast:  The Ducks are quacking all the way to the dance, leaving no doubt that they are the Pac-12’s best. The Bruins proved their worth all season and are in no danger as are Wildcats. Heres where its gets tricky Cal should have enough weight to offset their horrid first round stumble. Colorado avoided a bad 1^st round loss and played fairly honorable against Arizona so I think that they are good but the cut line hit Arizona State whose poor numbers and weak resume cant offset their tight win over Stanford and tough loss to top seed UCLA. They get left behind

Pacific 12 Conference Champions: Oregon

Projected Bids: 5



Southeastern
Conference Class-Power
In: Ole Miss

Safe: Mizzou, Florida, Alabama
Hoping For the Best, but will get left out:  UK, Tennessee
Spec is Down South: Wellllp! Ole Miss smashed any doubt of their tourney validity by upending top seed Florida to lock up the auto bid. I have the Gators along with Mizzou and Bama. Tennessee really needed to get to the semis to have a realistic chance and Kentucky isn’t really in the conversation other than being the first defending tourney champ since UNC in 2010 to not return to the tourney to defend its title.

Southeastern Conference Champions: Ole Miss

Projected Bids: 4


Western Athletic

Conference Class- Major
In: New Mexico State

Hoping For The Best, But won’t get in: Louisiana Tech, Denver
Spec on the WAC: The Aggies took advantage of upsets to cruise to the title and make this a one bid conference.

Western Athletic Conference Champions: New Mexico State

Projected Bids: 1

West Coast
Conference Class- Mid Major

In: Gonzaga
Going: St. Marys
West Coast Spec: The Bulldogs are in and are likely a #1 seed, I think the Gaels are good to go as well.

West Coast Conference Champions: Gonzaga

Projected Bids: 2

There are others in the mix to be sure. the champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid:  (bids earned in bold) Amer. East (Albany), Atlantic Sun (Florida Gulf Coast), Big Sky (Montana), Big South (Liberty), Big West (Pacific), Colonial (James Madison),  Horizon (Valpo), Ivy  (Harvard), MAC (Akron), MAAC (Iona), MEAC (North Carolina A&T), Northeast(LIU-Brooklyn), Ohio Valley (Belmont), Patriot (Bucknell), Southern (Davidson) , Southland (Northwestern St.), Sun Belt (Western Kentucky), Summit (South Dakota St.), and SWAC (Southern)

Final Spec Review on Monday
 

The next to last Spec Sheet of the year sees the day dawn with 12 auto bids being handed out over the course of the day. The sheet continues to be very fluid, and tomorrow there will be a spec sheet before the final games and just before the bids are announced.

The games are fast and furious, the upsets and thrillers are plentiful. This is where the spec sheet is at its most fluid. The weekend will see the remaining auto bids getting handed out, most on Saturday. Numbers have changed as some conferences look to send less teams due to upsets. This is the fun part of the spec sheet season, no one knows who will do what.

Atlantic Coast
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Miami Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State

Playing Their Way In: Virginia
Hoping for the Best: Maryland
Skinny on the ACC: Miami clinched its first ever ACC title regular season or postseason and have the #1 seed headed to Greensboro, but the Dukies are the team to beat after punishing Carolina in front of a sullen Chapel Hill crowd. Could we see a Miami-Duke ACC title game next Sunday with a #1 seed on the line? Virginia secured a 1^st round bye with a taut win over Maryland and may be just about safe. The Terrapins on the other hand are in real trouble after a late season slide they may need to get to Saturday at least to get back on the right side of the tourney equation.

Atlantic Coast Conference Championship: Mar 14-Mar 17 Greensboro Coliseum; Greensboro, NC

Key Games:  Wake Forest vs Maryland Thursday 7p (ESPNU) The fading Terrapins had better not rely on the fact that they have beaten the Demon Deacons twice, if they slip up they have no shot at a tourney bid.

Projected Bids: 5

Atlantic Ten
Conference Class-Major
Safe: Va. Commonwealth, Saint Louis, Butler

Playing Their Way In: Temple

Hoping For The Best: LaSalle

The A-10 Spec is: Teams are more playing their way out than playing their way in. A prime example is Xavier who was trying to get into the conversation, but had their tourney dreams dashed after being sent to the showers with a 58-57 heartbreaking loss to lowly St. Joes. Lasalle is the only team still on the fringe that could force their way in if they keep winning

Atlantic 10 Conference Championship: Mar 14-17 Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Key Games: LaSalle vs Butler Friday 2:30p (NBCS) LaSalle could strengthen its resume immensely with a win here.

Projected Bids: 4

Big East
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Syracuse, Georgetown, Marquette, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pitt ,Cincinnati

Playing Their Way In: Villanova,

Hoping For The Best: Providence,
Big East Skinny:  With the Big East as we know it fading away, Its ironic that the four teams playing have so much history in this conference. Villanova may be the only team really sweating here but I think that this conference sends eight teams

Big East Championship: Mar 12-16 Madison Square Garden, New York

Key Game: Syracuse vs Georgetown 7p (ESPN) This rivalry has one final chapter in the Big East Semis with the Orange hungering to avenge their humiliating loss in DC last week

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Projected bids: 8

Big Ten
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Illinois, Wisconsin

Hoping For The Best: Minnesota, Iowa
The word on the Big Ten is: Iowa is getting awfully close to playing their way in. Minnesota will be sweating for the entire weekend. The deeper that the Hawkeyes get into the Big Ten tourney, they more they could tip the Gophers closer to being out. Im going to take the chance and move the meter up to eight teams coming out here.

Big Ten Conference Championship: Mar 14-17: United Center, Chicago

Key Game: Minnesota vs Illinois Thursday Noon (BTN) The Gophers might feel a lot safer if they beat the Iliini

Projected Bids: 8

Big 12
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Kansas, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Kansas State

Hoping For The Best: Baylor, Oklahoma
Skinny from the heartland:  I have the playing their way in category but both Oklahoma and Baylor may have played their way out with losses. Oklahoma got routed by Iowa State while Baylor got caught on the wrong end of a 2 point loss. Both teams will be sitting at home waiting for a call that may never come. The four teams that are safe are playing in the Big 12 semis.

Big 12 Conference Championships: Mar 13-16 Sprint Center, Kansas City

Key Games: Iowa State vs Kansas Friday 7:30  (FSN) A rematch of the overtime thriller from last month where the Cyclones got hosed on a late call and lost in overtime. The stakes are much higher now.

Projected Bids: 4

Conference USA
Conference Class-Major
Safe: Memphis
Hoping For The Best: Southern Miss
Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: The Tigers are way safe but the Golden Eagles are getting closer and closer

Conference USA Championships: March 13-16 BOK Center, Tulsa

Key Game: UTEP vs USM Thursday 5p (CBSS) The Eagles will now face the Miners and had better not even think of losing if they want to retain what slim tourney hopes that they have.

Projected Bids: 1

Missouri Valley
Conference Class-Mid Major
IN: Creighton

Safe: Wichita State
Missouri Valley Skinny:  Bravo to the Bluejays! They edged the Shockers in a thrilling finale and clinch the auto bid, Im pretty sure that Shockers will garner an at large bid. Northern Iowa is off the sheet and will not get a bid after losing in their first game.

Missouri Valley Conference Champions: Creighton

Projected Bids: 2


Mountain West
Conference Class-Major
Safe: UNLV, San Diego State, Colorado State, New Mexico
Playing Their Way In: Boise State
Spec from the Mountains:  I still have five teams but Boise State may be sweating the whole weekend after losing to San Diego State. The four teams that I have listed as safe are playing each other in the MWC semis, any questions?

Key Games: San Diego State vs New Mexico Friday 9p (CBSS) An interesting semifinal with a pair of way safe teams

Mountain West Conference Championship:  Mar 13-16 Thomas & Mack Arena, Las Vegas

Projected Bids: 5


Pacific 12
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Oregon, UCLA, Cal, Arizona

Playing Their Way In: Utah

Hoping For the Best: Colorado, Arizona State,
Spec from the left coast:  It happens every year a rowdy lop eared mutt of a team makes a mess of tourney with an upset laden run. This year its Utah who has to win it in all to get a bid and play bid stealer. Cal might be in some trouble after losing but for the moment I still think that they are safe for now…

Pacific 12 Conference Championship:  MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas Mar 13-16

Key Game:  Utah vs Oregon11: 30p (PAC-12Net) Can the Utes continue their bid stealing dash to an improbable Pac-12 title?

Projected Bids: 5



Southeastern
Conference Class-Power
Safe: Mizzou, Florida

Playing Their Way In: UK
Work to do:  Ole Miss, Alabama
Spec is Down South: Day of reckoning for UK, but they breath a bit of a sigh of relief that they get favorite punching bag Vanderbilt instead of Arkansas. Bama and Ole Miss need to keep on winning. Ole Miss would be a lot more solid should they beat Mizzou who despite being a 6 seed is safe

Southeastern Conference Championship: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Mar 13-17

Key Game: Vanderbilt vs UK Friday 7:30 The Wildcats are still sitting on the fence, beating the Commodores would keep them in the eqausion…lose and they are really sweating.

Projected Bids: 4


Western Athletic

Conference Class- Major
Safe: None

Playing their way In: New Mexico State, Texas State

Hoping For The Best: Louisiana Tech
Spec on the WAC: Wellllllp! The WAC now is a mess with both top seed getting bounced in their respective first round games. I have two teams projected to go, but that number is shaky. The benefactor here is New Mexico State who now are the highest seed. I think that La. Tech shaky resume and all gets the benefit of the doubt…for the moment. They will be hoping

Western Athletic Conference Championship: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas  Mar. 13-16

Key Game: Texas St vs New Mexico State Friday 9:00 (ROOT/FSN) The Aggies road to the title got a whole easier with Denver and La. Tech out, but Texas State is looking to be a bid stealer

Projected Bids: 2

West Coast
Conference Class- Mid Major

In: Gonzaga
Safe: St. Marys
West Coast Spec: The Bulldogs are in and are likely a #1 seed, I think the Gaels are good to go as well.

West Coast Conference Champions: Gonzaga

Projected Bids: 2

There are others in the mix to be sure. the champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid:  (Projected winners in parentheses/bids earned in bold) Amer. East (Vermont), Atlantic Sun (Florida Gulf Coast), Big Sky (Weber St.), Big South (Liberty), Big West (Long Beach St.), Colonial (James Madison),  Horizon (Valpo), Ivy  (Harvard), MAC (Akron), MAAC (Loyola-MD), MEAC (Norfolk St), Northeast(LIU-Brooklyn), Ohio Valley (Belmont), Patriot (Bucknell), Southern (Davidson) , Southland (S.F. Austin), Sun Belt (Western Kentucky), Summit (South Dakota St.), and SWAC (Southern)

Since this is still spec, nothing here is solid and we haven't even brought up the possibility of upsets. But those never happen, right?

Next Spec Sheet:  Tomorrow