Jay Kersting's Blog

I am not exactly happy this morning.  BUT, I am not devasted nor depressed either.

My Tennessee Volunteers dropped their Sweet Sixteen game to Louisville last night.  NO, let me rephrase that, LATE last night.

And it was not a good game.  Lots of turnovers in this game.  Way too many turnovers.  37!!!  25 of those were in the first half.

Tennessee had an EIGHT MINUTE stretch in the first half where they did not score.  Chris Lofton didn't score in the first half.

This was a sloppy and aggressively played game.  Sometimes, this makes for something that is fun to watch.  By looking at Rick Pitino's reactions, I don't think he liked watching it.  The result, that he liked, but watching it...doubt he liked that.

Louisville pulled away after Tennessee closed within three and got a nineteen point win.

Embarrasssing for a team who was number one a month ago.

But.....

Not for a university who just three years ago couldn't have even DREAMED of being IN the tournament, let alone a Number Two seed for the second year in a row.

That is what I have to remind myself.  

In 2005, we really liked our coach and our team.  Buzz Peterson is such an nice guy.  And a great image for the university.  But the problem was, he couldn't get the job done.

Bruce Pearl was brought in to rebuild a program.  He used Peterson's players and got to the tournament in the first year.  A number two seed in his second year.  A number two seed AGAIN in his third year (worst draw for a number two if you ask me).

In the end, this season was fantastic overall.  31 and 5 with a number one ranking at one point is something to be very proud of for us Volunteers fans.  But not something we will be happy with forever.

But, when you think about what the team was like JUST three years ago, you have to be proud.

And wonder what the next three years will bring with Bruce Pearl at the helm.  That is thought that gets me excited.

--------------------------

It was nice to see Western Kentucky pull within 4 of fucla last night.  And Collison fouling out.  I was believing for a while.  But, the Hilltoppers didn't have enough to close the deal.  Dammit.

--------------------------

Make NO mistake on my loyalties as we move forward with the rest of the tournament.  I am for the Kansas Jayhawks to win the whole thing.  As for the East region, where my Vols once resided, I am all for Louisville knocking off the Huckleberry Hound led Tar Heels.

As for the rest, don't care much.  I want Xavier to beat fucla, but not too excited about it. 

I doubt I watch anymore of the tournament unless the Jayhawks are in the championship game.

-------------------------

See, an education can pay. 

Now, this is not like professional athletes, nor is it Hollywood type money.  But, I loved the quote and it reminded me of a Patrick Ewing quote.

"He's expensive, but he's worth it." 

OK, not as good as Patrick Ewing's quote, "sure we get paid a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too." 

-------------------------

Guess what?  Most Americans DO NOT WANT the Federal Government to bail out those people who made bad decisions by getting mortgages they couldn't afford. 

So, while Barack Obama is out talking about how this is EXACTLY what should be done, he is losing ground.  Now I am certain part of it still comes from the fact that he has not distanced himself from his former pastor.  OK, that maybe important to some.

But, I think this is a bigger problem for Illinois junior senator.  I think his rhetoric is wearing out.  His policies are catching up with him.

Look at the tracking polls that now show Hillary Clinton leading Barack Obama. Still within the margin of error.  But to me it illustrates the jihadist methods of the Clinton campaign seems to be working.  (If you don't like the term "jihadist" give me another term that fits.  How else do you describe the political suicide moves of those in that campaign, including a man I USED to respect, Medal of Honor winner Bob Kerrey?)

Now, IF the light can be shined on everyone's policy positions, well, that would be a good thing.

But I still think that is a BIG IF.

-----------------------

This is something that I would not even think about trying.  But then again, I do not like vodka anyway. 

Makes the worm in tequila seem tame, doesn't it?

---------------------- 

Add your comments as you see fit.  Thank and have a great weekend.