1st Round Games to Watch/Upset Alert:
(8) Colorado vs. (9) Connecticut
(12) South Dakota State vs. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii vs. (4) California
(11) Wichita State vs. (6) Arizona
(10) Temple vs. (7) Iowa
(12) Yale vs. (5) Baylor
(11) Northern Iowa vs. (6) Texas
(8) USC vs. (9) Providence
(12) Chattanooga vs. (5) Indiana
(11) Michigan vs. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin vs. (3) West Virginia
(10) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Wisconsin
(15) Weber State vs. (2) Xavier
(9) Butler vs. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue vs. (12) Arkansas-Little Rock
(11) Gonzaga vs. (6) Seton Hall
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Utah
First Four Predictions:
(11) Wichita State def. (11) Vanderbilt
(16) Florida Gulf Coast def. (16) Fairleigh Dickinson
(11) Michigan def. (11) Tulsa
(16) Southern def. (16) Holy Cross
1st Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(1) Kansas def. (16) Austin Peay
(9) Connecticut def. (8) Colorado
(12) South Dakota State def. (5) Maryland
(13) Hawaii def. (4) California
(6) Arizona def. (11) Wichita State
(3) Miami-FL def. (14) Buffalo
(10) Temple def. (7) Iowa
(2) Villanova def. (15) UNC-Ashevile
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (16) Southern
(8) St. Joseph's def. (9) Cincinnati
(12) Yale def. (5) Baylor
(4) Duke def. (13) UNC Wilmington
(11) Northern Iowa def. (6) Texas
(3) Texas A&M def. (14) Green Bay
(7) Oregon State def. (10) VCU
(2) Oklahoma def. (15) Cal St. Bakersfield
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (16) Florida Gulf Coast
(9) Providence def. (8) USC
(12) Chattanooga def. (5) Indiana
(4) Kentucky def. (13) Stony Brook
(11) Michigan def. (6) Notre Dame
(14) Stephen F. Austin def. (3) West Virginia
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (16) Hampton
(9) Butler def. (8) Texas Tech
(5) Purdue def. (12) Little Rock
(4) Iowa State def. (13) Iona
(11) Gonzaga def. (6) Seton Hall
(3) Utah def. (14) Fresno State
(7) Dayton def. (10) Syracuse
(2) Michigan State def. (15) Middle Tennessee State
2nd Round Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Kansas
(13) Hawaii def. (12) South Dakota State
(6) Arizona def. (3) Miami-FL
(2) Villanova def. (10) Temple
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (8) St. Joseph's
(12) Yale def. (4) Duke
(3) Texas A&M def. (11) Northern Iowa
(2) Oklahoma def. (7) Oregon State
East Regional:
(1) North Carolina def. (9) Providence
(4) Kentucky def. (12) Chattanooga
(11) Michigan def. (14) Stephen F. Austin
(10) Pittsburgh def. (7) Wisconsin
(2) Xavier def. (15) Weber State
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (9) Butler
(5) Purdue def. (4) Iowa State
(3) Utah def. (11) Gonzaga
(2) Michigan State def. (7) Dayton
Sweet 16 Predictions:
South Regional:
(9) Connecticut def. (13) Hawaii
(6) Arizona def. (2) Villanova
West Regional:
(1) Oregon def. (4) Duke
(2) Oklahoma def. (3) Texas A&M
East Regional:
(4) Kentucky def. (1) North Carolina
(2) Xavier def. (11) Michigan
Midwest Regional:
(1) Virginia def. (5) Purdue
(2) Michigan State def. (3) Utah
Elite 8 Predictions:
South Regional: (9) Connecticut def. (6) Arizona
West Regional: (1) Oregon def. (2) Oklahoma
East Regional: (4) Kentucky def. (2) Xavier
Midwest Regional: (2) Michigan State def. (1) Virginia
Final 4 Predictions:
(9) Connecticut def. (1) Oregon
(2) Michigan State def. (4) Kentucky
Championship Game Prediction:
(2) Michigan State def. (9) Connecticut
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Thursday, September 3, 2015
2015 U.S. Open Second Round Review and Third Round Preview
2nd Round Women's Upsets:
(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands d. Coco Vandeweghe 6-2, 6-1
(Q) Anett Kontaveit d. (31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Ana Konjuh 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Johanna Konta d. (9) Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 6-2
(PR) Petra Cetkovska d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(1)
(Q) Shelby Rogers d. Kurumi Nara 6-4, 6-4
2nd Round Men's Upsets:
Mikhail Kukushkin d. (17) Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 7-6(2), 2-6, 4-6, 6-4
Ruben Bemelmans d. (28) Jack Sock 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 2-1 ret.
Jiri Vesely d. (21) Ivo Karlovic 7-6(3), 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(4)
3rd Round Women's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(19) Madison Keys vs. (15) Agnieszka Radwanska
(12) Belinda Bencic vs. (23) Venus Williams
(17) Elina Svitolina vs. (13) Ekaterina Makarova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Dominika Cibulkova
(16) Sara Errani vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. (PR) Petra Cetkovska
(20) Victoria Azarenka vs. (11) Angelique Kerber
Barbora Strycova vs. (24) Sabine Lisicki
3rd Round Men's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(23) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (14) David Goffin
(10) Milos Raonic vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This series is tied 3-3, but Lopez won there most recent matchup in the first round in Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Raonic has been working his way back from foot surgery a couple of months ago and is looking to regain his form. These are two of the best servers in tennis today. So, there should be plenty of tiebreakers and aces in this match.
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Nadal has a 5-2 lead in their head-to-head meetings, but Fognini has beaten Rafa two out of three times (Rio and Barcelona) this year. However, all three meetings have been on clay. Will Fognini's game cause problems for Rafa on the hard court? Will Rafa be able to salvage a rough season and exact revenge on one of his tormentors this year on tour? Even though Fognini has proven he can beat Rafa, will he be engaged in this match, or will he have the "I don't care" attitude that has plagued him in his career?
Benoit Paire vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. (7) David Ferrer
Ferrer leads this matchup 7-1, but is playing his first tournament since the French Open. Chardy advanced to the semifinals at the Rogers Cup. Ferrer's earned the nickname "The Little Beast", but will have his hands full with the surging Frenchman.
(15) Kevin Anderson vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
Thiem is a rising young gun who's quickly rising up the rankings. He is in the midst of a breakthrough year with three titles (Nice, Umag, and Gstaad) under his belt. However, the three titles are on clay. How will he be able to handle the crafty vetern, Anderson? Anderson has a booming serve and will serve a host of problems for returners.
Jiri Vesely vs. (13) John Isner
Vesely won his first career ATP tour level title in Auckland in January. Isner has underwhelmed in the majors in his career. Isner is one of the worst returners, but one of the best servers. Isner's tall frame is also one of the reasons of his problems in the majors. Vesely needs to look to make the match physical and keep the "Marathon Man" on the court. One thing going for Isner is a fifth set tiebreaker. We will see a conclusion to this match sooner rather than later. So, we won't see a 70-68 fifth set at this tournament.
(WC) Bethanie Mattek-Sands d. Coco Vandeweghe 6-2, 6-1
(Q) Anett Kontaveit d. (31) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Ana Konjuh 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Johanna Konta d. (9) Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 6-2
(PR) Petra Cetkovska d. (4) Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(1)
(Q) Shelby Rogers d. Kurumi Nara 6-4, 6-4
2nd Round Men's Upsets:
Mikhail Kukushkin d. (17) Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 7-6(2), 2-6, 4-6, 6-4
Ruben Bemelmans d. (28) Jack Sock 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 2-1 ret.
Jiri Vesely d. (21) Ivo Karlovic 7-6(3), 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(4)
3rd Round Women's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(19) Madison Keys vs. (15) Agnieszka Radwanska
(12) Belinda Bencic vs. (23) Venus Williams
(17) Elina Svitolina vs. (13) Ekaterina Makarova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Dominika Cibulkova
(16) Sara Errani vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. (PR) Petra Cetkovska
(20) Victoria Azarenka vs. (11) Angelique Kerber
Barbora Strycova vs. (24) Sabine Lisicki
3rd Round Men's Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
(23) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (14) David Goffin
(10) Milos Raonic vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This series is tied 3-3, but Lopez won there most recent matchup in the first round in Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Raonic has been working his way back from foot surgery a couple of months ago and is looking to regain his form. These are two of the best servers in tennis today. So, there should be plenty of tiebreakers and aces in this match.
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Nadal has a 5-2 lead in their head-to-head meetings, but Fognini has beaten Rafa two out of three times (Rio and Barcelona) this year. However, all three meetings have been on clay. Will Fognini's game cause problems for Rafa on the hard court? Will Rafa be able to salvage a rough season and exact revenge on one of his tormentors this year on tour? Even though Fognini has proven he can beat Rafa, will he be engaged in this match, or will he have the "I don't care" attitude that has plagued him in his career?
Benoit Paire vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. (7) David Ferrer
Ferrer leads this matchup 7-1, but is playing his first tournament since the French Open. Chardy advanced to the semifinals at the Rogers Cup. Ferrer's earned the nickname "The Little Beast", but will have his hands full with the surging Frenchman.
(15) Kevin Anderson vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
Thiem is a rising young gun who's quickly rising up the rankings. He is in the midst of a breakthrough year with three titles (Nice, Umag, and Gstaad) under his belt. However, the three titles are on clay. How will he be able to handle the crafty vetern, Anderson? Anderson has a booming serve and will serve a host of problems for returners.
Jiri Vesely vs. (13) John Isner
Vesely won his first career ATP tour level title in Auckland in January. Isner has underwhelmed in the majors in his career. Isner is one of the worst returners, but one of the best servers. Isner's tall frame is also one of the reasons of his problems in the majors. Vesely needs to look to make the match physical and keep the "Marathon Man" on the court. One thing going for Isner is a fifth set tiebreaker. We will see a conclusion to this match sooner rather than later. So, we won't see a 70-68 fifth set at this tournament.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
2015 U.S. Open 1st Round Review and 2nd Round Preview
Women's 1st Round Upsets:
(Q) Kiki Bertens d. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Coco Vandeweghe d. (29) Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3
(Q) Annett Kontaveit d. Casey Dellacqua 7-5, 6-2
(Q) Anna Tatashvili d. (8) Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Daria Gavrilova 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
Kristina Mladenovic d. (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova 6-3, 7-5
Denisa Allertova d. (10) Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6(5)
(WC) Oceane Dodin d. (21) Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-3
(Q) Jessica Pegula d. Alison Van Uytvanck 7-5, 6-3
Dominika Cibulkova d. (7) Ana Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
(Q) Jelena Ostapenko d. Annika Beck 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
Barbora Strycova d. (14) Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-0
Kurumi Nara d. (27) Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko d. Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-3
Men's 1st Round Upsets:
Benoit Paire d. (4) Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4
(Q) Illya Marchenko d. (16) Gael Monfils 2-6, 6-4, 5-0 ret.
(Q) Evgeny Donskoy vs. Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4
Donald Young d. (11) Gilles Simon 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
(WC) Austin Krajicek d. Santiago Giraldo 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 7-6(1)
Women's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Bojana Jovanovski vs. Kristina Mladenovic
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. Monica Niculescu
(24) Sabine Lisicki vs. Camila Giorgi
Men's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Teymuraz Gabashvili vs. (25) Andreas Seppi
(10) Milos Raonic vs. Fernando Verdasco
(PR) Mardy Fish vs. 18 Feliciano Lopez
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Pablo Cuevas
Sam Groth vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. Martin Klizan
(22) Viktor Troicki vs. Rajeev Ram
Denis Istomin vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
(24) Bernard Tomic vs. WC Lleyton Hewitt
Jiri Vesely vs. (21) Ivo Karlovic
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Lukas Rosol
(Q) Kiki Bertens d. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Coco Vandeweghe d. (29) Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3
(Q) Annett Kontaveit d. Casey Dellacqua 7-5, 6-2
(Q) Anna Tatashvili d. (8) Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
(LL) Daria Kasatkina d. Daria Gavrilova 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
Kristina Mladenovic d. (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova 6-3, 7-5
Denisa Allertova d. (10) Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6(5)
(WC) Oceane Dodin d. (21) Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-3
(Q) Jessica Pegula d. Alison Van Uytvanck 7-5, 6-3
Dominika Cibulkova d. (7) Ana Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
(Q) Jelena Ostapenko d. Annika Beck 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
Barbora Strycova d. (14) Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-0
Kurumi Nara d. (27) Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko d. Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-3
Men's 1st Round Upsets:
Benoit Paire d. (4) Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4
(Q) Illya Marchenko d. (16) Gael Monfils 2-6, 6-4, 5-0 ret.
(Q) Evgeny Donskoy vs. Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4
Donald Young d. (11) Gilles Simon 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
(WC) Austin Krajicek d. Santiago Giraldo 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 7-6(1)
Women's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Bojana Jovanovski vs. Kristina Mladenovic
(26) Flavia Pennetta vs. Monica Niculescu
(24) Sabine Lisicki vs. Camila Giorgi
Men's 2nd Round Matches to Watch/Upset Alert:
Teymuraz Gabashvili vs. (25) Andreas Seppi
(10) Milos Raonic vs. Fernando Verdasco
(PR) Mardy Fish vs. 18 Feliciano Lopez
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Pablo Cuevas
Sam Groth vs. (26) Tommy Robredo
(27) Jeremy Chardy vs. Martin Klizan
(22) Viktor Troicki vs. Rajeev Ram
Denis Istomin vs. (20) Dominic Thiem
(24) Bernard Tomic vs. WC Lleyton Hewitt
Jiri Vesely vs. (21) Ivo Karlovic
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. Lukas Rosol
Saturday, August 29, 2015
2015 U.S. Open Preview and Predictions
Predictions:
Men's Champion: (1) Novak Djokovic
Women's Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Men's Dark Horse: (19) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Women's Dark Horse: (17) Elina Svitolina and (20) Victoria Azarenka
Men's Toughest Road: (4) Kei Nishikori
Women's Toughest Road: (3) Maria Sharapova and (11) Angelique Kerber
Men and Women's Dark Horses:
If Tsonga gets past fellow countryman, (16) Gael Monfils, in the third round. He could possibly face Nishikori and (7) David Ferrer respectively in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The good news for Tsonga is that both Nishikori and Ferrer have slight frames and don't really have the weapons to hurt him when he brings his 'A' game. The bad news is: (1) Tsonga is inconsistent, (2) Tsonga has losing records against both men (2-4 vs. Nishikori, 1-3 vs. Ferrer), and (3) Tsonga has never been past the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.
It's not a guarantee that Sharapova will make it to the round of 16. Even if she does, Svitolina does have the game to pull off the upset. She might also need to beat (7) Ivanovic in the quarterfinals. Two wins against two top ten players and former major winners would give her confidence in her first ever major semifinal.
Azarenka is still trying to work her way back into form that won her two career major titles and two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open (2012, 2013). If she can rediscover her game pre-2014 injuries, she will be a very tough out at the U.S. Open.
Men and Women's Toughest Roads:
Nishikori could potentially face Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, either Monfils or Tsonga in the round of 16, Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Djokovic in the semifinals, and (2) Roger Federer in the championship.
Sharapova could face Daria Gavrilova in the first roun,d (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova in the third round, Svitolina in the round of 16, Ivanovic in the quarterfinals, Serena Williams in the semifinals, and (2) Simona Halep in the final.
Kerber could face Azarenka in the third round, Safarova in the round of 16, Halep in the quarterfinals, (5) Petra Kvitova in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.
Women's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Coco Vandeweghe vs. (29) Sloane Stephens
(3) Maria Sharapova vs. Daria Gavrilova
Kristina Mladenovic vs. (30) Svetlana Kuznetsova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Alison Riske
Dominika Cibulkova vs. (7) Ana Ivanovic
Injuries kept Cibulkova out for a few months. As a result, her ranking plummeted. This is a nightmare matchup that should be at least a round of 16 matchup. As a result, we'll see two top ten talents duke it out in the opening round. This could be the highlight of the first round.
Julia Goerges vs. (32) Anna Karolina Schmeildlova
(18) Andrea Petkovic vs. Caroline Garcia
Timea Babos vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Karin Knapp
(27) Alize Cornet vs. Kurumi Nara
Men's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Vasek Pospisil vs. Andreas Haider-Maurer
Fernando Verdasco vs. (PR) Tommy Haas
(Q) Nikolos Basilashvili vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This will be a rematch from Wimbledon in which Basiliashvil stunned Lopez in five sets the second round. Can lightening strike twice?
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Steve Johnson
Fognini is one of most talented players on the ATP tour, but is too inconsistent. If "good" Fabio shows up, Johnson won't win. If "bad" Fabio who doesn't really care shows up, Johnson wins.
Borna Coric vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Last year, Coric stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals in Basel in their lone match-up. Nadal is having the worst season of his professional career is ripe for the picking. Coric is ascending while Nadal is descending. Can Coric beat "the King of Clay" for a second time?
(4) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire
Nick Kyrgios vs. (3) Andy Murray
This is the must see matchup of all the first round matches. Kyrgios has already notched wins over Nadal and Federer in his young career. Murray has rebounded nicely after a tough 2014 season. He briefly reached the number two ranking for a week before Federer reclaimed it with his win in Cincinnati. Can Kyrgios record another win over the "Big Four"?
Denis Kudla vs. (Q) Jurgen Melzer
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. (12) Richard Gasquet
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (Q) Alexander Zverev
Men's Champion: (1) Novak Djokovic
Women's Champion: (1) Serena Williams
Men's Dark Horse: (19) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Women's Dark Horse: (17) Elina Svitolina and (20) Victoria Azarenka
Men's Toughest Road: (4) Kei Nishikori
Women's Toughest Road: (3) Maria Sharapova and (11) Angelique Kerber
Men and Women's Dark Horses:
If Tsonga gets past fellow countryman, (16) Gael Monfils, in the third round. He could possibly face Nishikori and (7) David Ferrer respectively in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. The good news for Tsonga is that both Nishikori and Ferrer have slight frames and don't really have the weapons to hurt him when he brings his 'A' game. The bad news is: (1) Tsonga is inconsistent, (2) Tsonga has losing records against both men (2-4 vs. Nishikori, 1-3 vs. Ferrer), and (3) Tsonga has never been past the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.
It's not a guarantee that Sharapova will make it to the round of 16. Even if she does, Svitolina does have the game to pull off the upset. She might also need to beat (7) Ivanovic in the quarterfinals. Two wins against two top ten players and former major winners would give her confidence in her first ever major semifinal.
Azarenka is still trying to work her way back into form that won her two career major titles and two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open (2012, 2013). If she can rediscover her game pre-2014 injuries, she will be a very tough out at the U.S. Open.
Men and Women's Toughest Roads:
Nishikori could potentially face Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, either Monfils or Tsonga in the round of 16, Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Djokovic in the semifinals, and (2) Roger Federer in the championship.
Sharapova could face Daria Gavrilova in the first roun,d (30) Svetlana Kuzentsova in the third round, Svitolina in the round of 16, Ivanovic in the quarterfinals, Serena Williams in the semifinals, and (2) Simona Halep in the final.
Kerber could face Azarenka in the third round, Safarova in the round of 16, Halep in the quarterfinals, (5) Petra Kvitova in the semifinals, and (1) Serena Williams in the final.
Women's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Coco Vandeweghe vs. (29) Sloane Stephens
(3) Maria Sharapova vs. Daria Gavrilova
Kristina Mladenovic vs. (30) Svetlana Kuznetsova
(25) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Alison Riske
Dominika Cibulkova vs. (7) Ana Ivanovic
Injuries kept Cibulkova out for a few months. As a result, her ranking plummeted. This is a nightmare matchup that should be at least a round of 16 matchup. As a result, we'll see two top ten talents duke it out in the opening round. This could be the highlight of the first round.
Julia Goerges vs. (32) Anna Karolina Schmeildlova
(18) Andrea Petkovic vs. Caroline Garcia
Timea Babos vs. (22) Samantha Stosur
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Karin Knapp
(27) Alize Cornet vs. Kurumi Nara
Men's 1st Round Matches to Watch:
Vasek Pospisil vs. Andreas Haider-Maurer
Fernando Verdasco vs. (PR) Tommy Haas
(Q) Nikolos Basilashvili vs. (18) Feliciano Lopez
This will be a rematch from Wimbledon in which Basiliashvil stunned Lopez in five sets the second round. Can lightening strike twice?
(32) Fabio Fognini vs. Steve Johnson
Fognini is one of most talented players on the ATP tour, but is too inconsistent. If "good" Fabio shows up, Johnson won't win. If "bad" Fabio who doesn't really care shows up, Johnson wins.
Borna Coric vs. (8) Rafael Nadal
Last year, Coric stunned Nadal in the quarterfinals in Basel in their lone match-up. Nadal is having the worst season of his professional career is ripe for the picking. Coric is ascending while Nadal is descending. Can Coric beat "the King of Clay" for a second time?
(4) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire
Nick Kyrgios vs. (3) Andy Murray
This is the must see matchup of all the first round matches. Kyrgios has already notched wins over Nadal and Federer in his young career. Murray has rebounded nicely after a tough 2014 season. He briefly reached the number two ranking for a week before Federer reclaimed it with his win in Cincinnati. Can Kyrgios record another win over the "Big Four"?
Denis Kudla vs. (Q) Jurgen Melzer
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. (12) Richard Gasquet
(29) Philipp Kohlschreiber vs. (Q) Alexander Zverev
Thursday, July 23, 2015
2015-16 College Football Bowl Predictions
(*)-denotes the spot is taken by a team from a conference not allotted for bowl game
Autonation Cure Bowl
Louisiana (8-4) vs. Ohio (6-6)*
winner: Louisiana
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
* Illinois (6-6) vs. Texas State (6-6)*
winner: Illinois
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (9-3) vs. California (6-6)
winner: BYU
Raycom Media Camelia Bowl
Akron (9-3) vs. Arkansas State (8-4)
winner: Akron
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana Tech (9-4) vs. Appalachian State (11-1)
winner: Appalachian State
Miami Beach Bowl
Florida Atlantic (7-5) vs. Central Florida (9-4)
winner: Central Florida
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Colorado State (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4)
winner: Northern Illinois
Boca Raton Bowl
Western Michigan (8-4) vs. South Alabama (6-6)*
winner: Western Michigan
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (10-2) vs. Navy (9-3)
winner: Boise State
GoDaddy Bowl
Toledo (11-2) vs. Georgia Southern (9-3)
winner: Georgia Southern
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Marshall (10-2) vs. Bowling Green (8-5)
winner: Marshall
Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Western Kentucky (11-2) vs. Utah State (11-2)
winner: Utah State
St. Petersburg Bowl
Cincinnati (8-4) vs. Southern Miss (6-6)
winner: Cincinnati
Hyundai Sun Bowl
NC State (8-4) vs. Utah (8-4)
winner: NC State
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Rice (8-4) vs. Arkansas (6-6)*
winner: Arkansas
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Notre Dame (8-4) vs. Michigan (8-4)
winner: Notre Dame
Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Mississippi State (8-4) vs. North Carolina (6-6)
winner: Mississippi State
Foster Farms Bowl
UCLA (7-5) vs. Iowa (7-5)
winner: UCLA
Military Bowl
Virginia Tech (7-5) vs. Houston (9-3)
winner: Houston
Quick Lane Bowl
Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)
winner: Pittsburgh
Arizona Bowl
Nevada (8-4) vs. Middle Tennessee State (7-5)
winner: Middle Tennessee State
Lockhead Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force (8-4) vs. Nebraska (6-6)
winner: Air Force
Russell Athletic Bowl
Louisville (10-3) vs. Missouri (7-5)*
winner: Louisville
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (7-5) vs. Texas (9-3)
winner: Texas A&M
Birmingham Bowl
Kentucky (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4)
winner: Kentucky
Belk Bowl
Florida (8-4) vs. Miami-FL (9-3)
winner: Florida
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Georgia (8-4) vs. Duke (9-3)
winner: Georgia
National University Holiday Bowl
Washington (8-4) vs. Minnesota (9-3)
winner: Washington
Outback Bowl
Penn State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3)
winner: Penn State
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
South Carolina (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
winner: Wisconsin
TaxSlayer Bowl
Florida State (9-3) vs. LSU (8-4)
winner: Florida State
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-5)
winner: Tennessee
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Stanford (10-2)
winner: Oklahoma
Cactus Bowl
Arizona State (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)
winner: Arizona State
New Year's Day Six
Fiesta Bowl
Arizona (10-2) vs. Clemson (10-2)
winner: Clemson
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Memphis (12-1) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2)
winner: Memphis
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Alabama (11-1) vs. Baylor (11-1)
winner: Alabama
Rose Bowl
Oregon (11-2) vs. Michigan State (10-2)
winner: Oregon
College Football Playoff
National Semifinal #1:
Goodyear Cotton Bowl
TCU (11-1) vs. Auburn (12-1)
winner: TCU
National Semifinal #2:
Capital One Orange Bowl
USC (12-1) vs. Ohio State (13-0)
winner: Ohio State
National Championship
TCU (12-1) vs. Ohio State (14-0)
winner: Ohio State
Autonation Cure Bowl
Louisiana (8-4) vs. Ohio (6-6)*
winner: Louisiana
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
* Illinois (6-6) vs. Texas State (6-6)*
winner: Illinois
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (9-3) vs. California (6-6)
winner: BYU
Raycom Media Camelia Bowl
Akron (9-3) vs. Arkansas State (8-4)
winner: Akron
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana Tech (9-4) vs. Appalachian State (11-1)
winner: Appalachian State
Miami Beach Bowl
Florida Atlantic (7-5) vs. Central Florida (9-4)
winner: Central Florida
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Colorado State (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4)
winner: Northern Illinois
Boca Raton Bowl
Western Michigan (8-4) vs. South Alabama (6-6)*
winner: Western Michigan
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Boise State (10-2) vs. Navy (9-3)
winner: Boise State
GoDaddy Bowl
Toledo (11-2) vs. Georgia Southern (9-3)
winner: Georgia Southern
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Marshall (10-2) vs. Bowling Green (8-5)
winner: Marshall
Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Western Kentucky (11-2) vs. Utah State (11-2)
winner: Utah State
St. Petersburg Bowl
Cincinnati (8-4) vs. Southern Miss (6-6)
winner: Cincinnati
Hyundai Sun Bowl
NC State (8-4) vs. Utah (8-4)
winner: NC State
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Rice (8-4) vs. Arkansas (6-6)*
winner: Arkansas
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Notre Dame (8-4) vs. Michigan (8-4)
winner: Notre Dame
Duck Commander Independence Bowl
Mississippi State (8-4) vs. North Carolina (6-6)
winner: Mississippi State
Foster Farms Bowl
UCLA (7-5) vs. Iowa (7-5)
winner: UCLA
Military Bowl
Virginia Tech (7-5) vs. Houston (9-3)
winner: Houston
Quick Lane Bowl
Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Rutgers (7-5)
winner: Pittsburgh
Arizona Bowl
Nevada (8-4) vs. Middle Tennessee State (7-5)
winner: Middle Tennessee State
Lockhead Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force (8-4) vs. Nebraska (6-6)
winner: Air Force
Russell Athletic Bowl
Louisville (10-3) vs. Missouri (7-5)*
winner: Louisville
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M (7-5) vs. Texas (9-3)
winner: Texas A&M
Birmingham Bowl
Kentucky (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4)
winner: Kentucky
Belk Bowl
Florida (8-4) vs. Miami-FL (9-3)
winner: Florida
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Georgia (8-4) vs. Duke (9-3)
winner: Georgia
National University Holiday Bowl
Washington (8-4) vs. Minnesota (9-3)
winner: Washington
Outback Bowl
Penn State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3)
winner: Penn State
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
South Carolina (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
winner: Wisconsin
TaxSlayer Bowl
Florida State (9-3) vs. LSU (8-4)
winner: Florida State
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-5)
winner: Tennessee
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Stanford (10-2)
winner: Oklahoma
Cactus Bowl
Arizona State (6-6) vs. Kansas State (7-5)
winner: Arizona State
New Year's Day Six
Fiesta Bowl
Arizona (10-2) vs. Clemson (10-2)
winner: Clemson
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Memphis (12-1) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2)
winner: Memphis
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Alabama (11-1) vs. Baylor (11-1)
winner: Alabama
Rose Bowl
Oregon (11-2) vs. Michigan State (10-2)
winner: Oregon
College Football Playoff
National Semifinal #1:
Goodyear Cotton Bowl
TCU (11-1) vs. Auburn (12-1)
winner: TCU
National Semifinal #2:
Capital One Orange Bowl
USC (12-1) vs. Ohio State (13-0)
winner: Ohio State
National Championship
TCU (12-1) vs. Ohio State (14-0)
winner: Ohio State
2015 College Football Conference Champion Predictions
(*)- denotes conference champion
(**)-ineligible for bowl game because of two wins against FCS opponents
American (East)
1. Central Florida (9-4, 7-1)
2. Cincinnati (8-4, 6-2)
Temple (8-4, 6-2)
4. East Carolina (5-7, 4-4)
5. South Florida (4-8, 2-6)
6. Connecticut (1-11, 0-8)
American (West)
1. Memphis (12-1, 8-0)*
2. Houston (9-3, 6-2)
Navy (9-3, 6-2)
4. SMU (4-8, 2-6)
Tulane (4-8, 2-6)
6. Tulsa (2-10, 0-8)
ACC (Atlantic)
1. Louisville (10-3, 7-1)
Clemson (10-2, 7-1)
3. Florida State (9-3, 5-3)
4. NC State (8-4, 4-4)
5. Boston College (6-6, 3-5)
6. Wake Forest (3-9, 1-7)
7. Syracuse (1-11, 0-8)
ACC (Coastal)
1. Georgia Tech (11-2,6-2)*
2. Miami-FL (9-3, 5-3)
Duke (9-3, 5-3)
4. Virginia Tech (7-5, 4-4)
5. North Carolina (6-6, 3-5)
Pittsburgh (6-6, 3-5)
7. Virginia (3-9, 2-6)
Big 10 (East)
1. Ohio State (13-0, 8-0)*
2. Penn State (10-2, 6-2)
Michigan State (10-2, 6-2)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-3)
5. Rutgers (7-5, 3-5)
6. Maryland (6-6, 2-6)
7. Indiana (5-7, 1-7)
Big 10 (West)
1. Wisconsin (10-3, 7-1)
2. Minnesota (9-3, 6-2)
3. Iowa (7-5, 4-4)
4. Illinois (6-6, 3-5)
Nebraska (6-6, 3-5)
6. Northwestern (4-8, 2-6)
7. Purdue (1-11, 0-8)
Big 12
1. TCU (11-1, 8-1)*
Baylor (11-1, 8-1)
3. Texas (9-3, 7-2)
Oklahoma (10-2, 7-2)
5. Oklahoma State (8-4, 5-4)
6. Kansas State (7-5, 4-5)
7. West Virginia (5-7, 3-6)
8. Texas Tech (4-8, 2-7)
9. Iowa State (2-10, 1-8)
10. Kansas (1-11, 0-9)
C-USA (East)
1. Western Kentucky (11-2, 8-0)*
2. Marshall (10-2, 6-2)
3. Florida Atlantic (7-5, 5-3)
Middle Tennessee State (7-5, 5-3)
5. Florida International (5-7, 3-5)
Old Dominion (5-7, 3-5)
7. Charlotte (1-11, 0-8)
C-USA (West)
1. Louisiana Tech (9-4, 7-1)
2. Rice (8-4, 6-2)
3. Southern Miss (6-6, 5-3)
4. UTEP (4-8, 2-6)
5. North Texas (2-10, 1-7)
6. Texas San Antonio (1-11, 0-8)
Independents
Army (6-6)**
BYU (9-3)
Notre Dame (8-4)
MAC (East)
1. Bowling Green (8-5, 7-1)
Akron (9-3, 7-1)
3. Ohio (6-6, 4-4)
4. Buffalo (4-8, 3-5)
Massachusetts (4-8, 3-5)
6. Kent State (2-10, 1-7)
7. Miami-OH (1-11, 0-8)
MAC (West)
1. Toledo (11-2, 7-1)*
Western Kentucky (8-4, 7-1)
3. Northern Illinois (8-4, 6-2)
4. Ball State (5-7, 3-5)
Central Michigan (4-8, 3-5)
6. Eastern Michigan (0-12, 0-8)
Mountain West (Mountain)
1. Utah State (11-2, 7-1)*
Boise State (10-2, 7-1)
3. Air Force (8-4, 6-2)
4. Colorado State (7-5, 4-4)
5. Wyoming (4-8, 2-6)
6. New Mexico (2-10, 0-8)
Mountain West (West)
1. San Diego State (10-3, 8-0)
2. Nevada (8-4, 6-2)
3. Hawai'i (6-7, 4-4)
4. San Jose State (4-8, 3-5)
5. Fresno State (2-10, 1-7)
6. UNLV (1-11, 0-8)
Pac-12 (North)
1. Oregon (11-2, 8-1)
2. Stanford (10-2, 7-2)
3. Washington (8-4, 5-4)
4. California (6-6, 3-6)
5. Washington State (4-8, 2-7)
6. Oregon State (2-10, 0-9)
Pac-12 (South)
1. USC (12-1, 8-1)*
2. Arizona (10-2, 7-2)
3. Utah (8-4, 5-4)
4. UCLA (7-5, 4-5)
Arizona State (6-6, 4-5)
6. Colorado (5-8, 1-8)
SEC (East)
1. Tennessee (8-5, 5-3)
South Carolina (9-3, 5-3)
3. Florida (8-4, 4-4)
Georgia (8-4, 4-4)
5. Missouri (7-5, 3-5)
6. Kentucky (6-6, 2-6)
7. Vanderbilt (1-11, 0-8)
SEC (West)
1. Auburn (12-1, 7-1)*
Alabama (11-1, 7-1)
3. Mississippi (9-3, 5-3)
4. LSU (8-4, 4-4)
Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4)
6. Texas A&M (7-5, 3-5)
7. Arkansas (6-6, 2-6)
Sun Belt
1. Appalachian State (11-1, 8-0)*
2. Georgia Southern (9-3, 7-1)
Arkansas State (8-4, 7-1)
4. Louisiana (8-4, 6-2)
5. South Alabama (6-6, 5-3)
6. Texas State (6-6, 4-4)
Troy (5-7, 4-4)
8. Louisiana Monroe (3-10, 2-6)
9. Georgia State (3-9, 1-7)
New Mexico State (1-11, 1-7)
11. Idaho (1-11, 0-8)
(**)-ineligible for bowl game because of two wins against FCS opponents
American (East)
1. Central Florida (9-4, 7-1)
2. Cincinnati (8-4, 6-2)
Temple (8-4, 6-2)
4. East Carolina (5-7, 4-4)
5. South Florida (4-8, 2-6)
6. Connecticut (1-11, 0-8)
American (West)
1. Memphis (12-1, 8-0)*
2. Houston (9-3, 6-2)
Navy (9-3, 6-2)
4. SMU (4-8, 2-6)
Tulane (4-8, 2-6)
6. Tulsa (2-10, 0-8)
ACC (Atlantic)
1. Louisville (10-3, 7-1)
Clemson (10-2, 7-1)
3. Florida State (9-3, 5-3)
4. NC State (8-4, 4-4)
5. Boston College (6-6, 3-5)
6. Wake Forest (3-9, 1-7)
7. Syracuse (1-11, 0-8)
ACC (Coastal)
1. Georgia Tech (11-2,6-2)*
2. Miami-FL (9-3, 5-3)
Duke (9-3, 5-3)
4. Virginia Tech (7-5, 4-4)
5. North Carolina (6-6, 3-5)
Pittsburgh (6-6, 3-5)
7. Virginia (3-9, 2-6)
Big 10 (East)
1. Ohio State (13-0, 8-0)*
2. Penn State (10-2, 6-2)
Michigan State (10-2, 6-2)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-3)
5. Rutgers (7-5, 3-5)
6. Maryland (6-6, 2-6)
7. Indiana (5-7, 1-7)
Big 10 (West)
1. Wisconsin (10-3, 7-1)
2. Minnesota (9-3, 6-2)
3. Iowa (7-5, 4-4)
4. Illinois (6-6, 3-5)
Nebraska (6-6, 3-5)
6. Northwestern (4-8, 2-6)
7. Purdue (1-11, 0-8)
Big 12
1. TCU (11-1, 8-1)*
Baylor (11-1, 8-1)
3. Texas (9-3, 7-2)
Oklahoma (10-2, 7-2)
5. Oklahoma State (8-4, 5-4)
6. Kansas State (7-5, 4-5)
7. West Virginia (5-7, 3-6)
8. Texas Tech (4-8, 2-7)
9. Iowa State (2-10, 1-8)
10. Kansas (1-11, 0-9)
C-USA (East)
1. Western Kentucky (11-2, 8-0)*
2. Marshall (10-2, 6-2)
3. Florida Atlantic (7-5, 5-3)
Middle Tennessee State (7-5, 5-3)
5. Florida International (5-7, 3-5)
Old Dominion (5-7, 3-5)
7. Charlotte (1-11, 0-8)
C-USA (West)
1. Louisiana Tech (9-4, 7-1)
2. Rice (8-4, 6-2)
3. Southern Miss (6-6, 5-3)
4. UTEP (4-8, 2-6)
5. North Texas (2-10, 1-7)
6. Texas San Antonio (1-11, 0-8)
Independents
Army (6-6)**
BYU (9-3)
Notre Dame (8-4)
MAC (East)
1. Bowling Green (8-5, 7-1)
Akron (9-3, 7-1)
3. Ohio (6-6, 4-4)
4. Buffalo (4-8, 3-5)
Massachusetts (4-8, 3-5)
6. Kent State (2-10, 1-7)
7. Miami-OH (1-11, 0-8)
MAC (West)
1. Toledo (11-2, 7-1)*
Western Kentucky (8-4, 7-1)
3. Northern Illinois (8-4, 6-2)
4. Ball State (5-7, 3-5)
Central Michigan (4-8, 3-5)
6. Eastern Michigan (0-12, 0-8)
Mountain West (Mountain)
1. Utah State (11-2, 7-1)*
Boise State (10-2, 7-1)
3. Air Force (8-4, 6-2)
4. Colorado State (7-5, 4-4)
5. Wyoming (4-8, 2-6)
6. New Mexico (2-10, 0-8)
Mountain West (West)
1. San Diego State (10-3, 8-0)
2. Nevada (8-4, 6-2)
3. Hawai'i (6-7, 4-4)
4. San Jose State (4-8, 3-5)
5. Fresno State (2-10, 1-7)
6. UNLV (1-11, 0-8)
Pac-12 (North)
1. Oregon (11-2, 8-1)
2. Stanford (10-2, 7-2)
3. Washington (8-4, 5-4)
4. California (6-6, 3-6)
5. Washington State (4-8, 2-7)
6. Oregon State (2-10, 0-9)
Pac-12 (South)
1. USC (12-1, 8-1)*
2. Arizona (10-2, 7-2)
3. Utah (8-4, 5-4)
4. UCLA (7-5, 4-5)
Arizona State (6-6, 4-5)
6. Colorado (5-8, 1-8)
SEC (East)
1. Tennessee (8-5, 5-3)
South Carolina (9-3, 5-3)
3. Florida (8-4, 4-4)
Georgia (8-4, 4-4)
5. Missouri (7-5, 3-5)
6. Kentucky (6-6, 2-6)
7. Vanderbilt (1-11, 0-8)
SEC (West)
1. Auburn (12-1, 7-1)*
Alabama (11-1, 7-1)
3. Mississippi (9-3, 5-3)
4. LSU (8-4, 4-4)
Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4)
6. Texas A&M (7-5, 3-5)
7. Arkansas (6-6, 2-6)
Sun Belt
1. Appalachian State (11-1, 8-0)*
2. Georgia Southern (9-3, 7-1)
Arkansas State (8-4, 7-1)
4. Louisiana (8-4, 6-2)
5. South Alabama (6-6, 5-3)
6. Texas State (6-6, 4-4)
Troy (5-7, 4-4)
8. Louisiana Monroe (3-10, 2-6)
9. Georgia State (3-9, 1-7)
New Mexico State (1-11, 1-7)
11. Idaho (1-11, 0-8)
Monday, July 20, 2015
Top 25 Rule Changes That Should Be Made to Collegiate Athletics
It's obvious the power lies with the schools and the coaches. Paying players is not the answer, but neither is paying coaches five, six, or seven million dollars per year. Thus, the money paid to coaches should be re-directed to the student-athletes. Using the money unnecessarily spent for bloated salaries and ridiculous changes to facilities will be in a fund for student-athletes. For example, schools will be on the hook for paying for post-career operations related to a former student-athlete's old injuries while playing. Perhaps the pool of money could include any likeness fees for video games, if any company wishes to make a game in the future.
This list reflects all of the changes that needs to happen with college athletics.
1. The salary of a head coach must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year. This salary can be paid by the schools/universities and endorsements. The coach and company who's product is being endorsed must notify the NCAA of a contract/agreement between both parties.
-Any coach who violates this rule will be:
(a.) suspended from coaching activities for one full calendar year
(b.) will not be allowed to recruit off-campus for one full calendar year
(c.) lose a number of scholarships to be determined
(d.) must forfeit his/her salary for one full suspended year to a charity approved by the NCAA
-Any coach who violates this rule a second time will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sport.
2. Head coaches are allowed to appear in commercials and have their likenesses used for products, but compensation must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year, assuming he/she is making $2 million in salary at their institution. In addition, head coaches are allowed to appear in as many public service announcements and other commercials related to various charities as long as they are not paid or reimbursed in any way.
-For example, Coach A signs a contract at School A for $750,000.00. He/She will be allowed to endorse products and receive up to $1,250,000.00.
3. Head coaches are not permitted to accept gifts from boosters or any group affiliated with a school/university.However, he/she will be allowed to accept gifts from the school as a part of their salary that shall be deducted from his/her annual salary, assuming the annual salary is at $2,000,000.00.
-For example, if a coach is getting paid $2,000,000.00 per year, the school/company gives two cars to the coach that costs $60,000.00. The coach is only permitted to be paid $1,940,000.00 for that year.
4. All head and assistant coaches (including strength and conditioning coaches, graduate assistants, etc.) will be required to take various ethics classes. If he/she scores less than a B, he/she will be suspended from coaching duties until they pass the required course. The classes will co-inside within the system (quarter or semester) currently used at the university.
5. The salary of an assistant coach must not exceed $500,000.00 per year. In football, position coaches will be paid no more than $200,000.00. Unlike head coaches, the salary for assistants must be paid only by the school. This will prevent the upper-echelon power schools from paying $1 million plus for an assistant coach. Some assistants are currently making more than head coaches at other schools.
-For a first offense, he/she:
(a.) will be suspended 50% of games without pay
(b.) not allowed to recruit off-campus for twelve (12) weeks during the season (this also includes every coach, including head coach, on staff)
(c.) fined up to $250,000.00
-For a second offense, he/she will be:
(a.) suspended from all coaching activities and not allowed to have any contact with anyone (including coaches) for a full year
(b.) forced to forfeit his/her entire salary (which includes the suspension without pay and fine) for the year to a charity approved by the NCAA
(c.) along with the current coaching staff, banned from recruiting off-campus for 24 weeks
-For a third offense:
the coach will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sports
6. Scholarships will no longer be issued on a yearly basis. Now, scholarships will be issued for four (4) or five (5) years (depending if the student-athlete redshirted).
-Student-athletes will permanently lose their scholarships for repeat offender status for the following: bad grades, arrest(s), failed drug tests, underage drinking, and other illegal activities.
7. Head coaches who attempt to revoke a student-athlete's scholarship without provocation (i.e. bad grades, failed drug tests, arrests, etc.) will be:
-For a first offense:
(a.) fined roughly one-half of their yearly pay (up to $1,000,000.00)
(b.) suspended for 50% of regular season games the following season
(c.) have no contact (including assistants as well) with recruits for six (6) weeks, excluding dead periods in recruiting
(d.) will not be allowed to host recruits for campus or visits during the summer
-i.e. Coach B realizes Player B is not a great fit for his system for college football. So, after the season, the coach tries to revoke Player B's scholarship without proper cause. Player B informs the NCAA, who thoroughly investigates the situation. The NCAA has ruled in favor of the player and Coach B will be suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season and the coach nor his staff will be able to recruit (on or off-campus) during this time. Also, the coaching staff loses the right to host camps for high school players during the summer
-For a second offense:
If it's been determined the head coach has revoked another scholarship without provocation, the following shall occur:
(a.) head coach will be suspended for an entire season
(b.) must not have any interaction with any student-athletes during this time
(c.) forfeit his/her salary for the season
-For a third offense:
If the coach violates this rule a third time, this will result in a major infraction which includes, but is not limited to:
(a.) a show cause penalty on the head coach (which will result in a five year coaching ban, head coach or otherwise)
(b.) a ban on post-season play
(c.) reduction of scholarships
(d.) zero recruiting visits for two years
(e.) the ban of hosting recruits during camps during the summer
-For a fourth offense:
the repeating offender will be permanently ineligible to coach or work, in any capacity, in any NCAA sanctioned sport
8. All incoming student-athletes from high school will be required to have maintained at least a 2.7 high school, score a 20 on the ACT or at least a 940 on the SAT, and pass an entrance exam by the NCAA.
9. All student-athletes will be required to maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA to retain eligibility. If he/she doesn't maintain a 2.7 GPA, he/she will be ineligible to play for one season, and will lose his/her scholarship for one full school year. In this case, the student-athlete will not be allowed to use a redshirt for the lost year of eligibility. This includes players who've transferred schools.
-i.e. Player C, who is a rising junior, failed to maintain a 2.7 GPA. Player C will be ineligible to play until his/her senior year. Even if Player C elects to transfer or is dismissed from the team because of poor grades, Player C will be required to lose one year of eligibility, and pay for school out of pocket for one year.
10. All incoming student-athletes will be required to take an entrance exam in addition to ACT/SAT scores to gain eligibility for NCAA sanctioned sports. If he/she fails, he/she won't be eligible to play until they pass. A passing grade will be getting at least a 'C' on each section.
The test, which will last roughly four (4) hours, shall cover material each student-athlete should've learned in high school. The entrance test, which will be administered in sections, will cover the following:
(1.) Mathematics covering algebras 1 and 2, geometry, and a higher level of match such as pre-calculus, trigonometry, etc.
(2.) English and identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
(3.) Literature and writing a two page essay on a short story that measures writing ability and reading comprehension
(4.) U.S. History 1 and 2 (international students may substitute U.S. History for a history from his/her history from his/her native country)
(5.) Geography (including state capitals)
(6.) U.S. Government/Civics (like history, this course may be substituted for a test in civics in his/her native country)
(7.) Science includes questions from courses such as physical science, biology, anatomy/physiology, and chemistry or physics
(8.) Elective courses that includes, but is not limited to: art, music, drama, psychology, sociology, and health.
11. Schools will be allowed to offer free tuition and books for children and spouses of all coaches and staff (including assistants and trainers). This offer is only good at the school the coach is currently coaching. A waiver can be applied in the event of a coach leaving for a new job or is fired. This waiver is for a child or spouse who's no more than 15 hours (5 classes) short of graduation. This will be the lone exception to the salary cap for coaches.
12. Student-athletes who obtain one DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) will automatically be suspended for 50% of the team's regular season games and will be required to work with either Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) for one calendar year.
13. Student-athletes will be permanently ineligible for athletic competition and scholarship by:
(a.) accumulating two DUIs or DWIs. In this case, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising sophomore who has been dismissed from the team. The scholarship will be lost for three years before it can be reissued to another player. So, in football, for example, the total scholarship total will be 84 instead of 85.
(b.) accumulating two failed drug tests ( and the like the DUI/DWI, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship)
(c.) any student-athlete who has taken either the ACT, SAT, or entrance exam under false pretenses
(d.) any student-athlete who has become academically ineligible twice
(e.) any student-athlete convicted once of any violent crimes
(f.) any student-athlete convicted of a felony
(g.) any student-athlete convicted of two misdemeanors
(h.) being convicted twice of academic misconduct (ie. plagiarism and cheating on exams)
14. Student-athletes who are dismissed from a team (for issues pertaining to bad grades or unlawful behavior) will permanently lose one year's worth of eligibility that can't be retained with a redshirt and must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board for one full year. For schools who dismiss players because of bad grades or unlawful behavior, the scholarship must not be used for remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising junior and has been dismissed from the team because of bad grades, he/she will become ineligible to play the upcoming season, but will be eligible to return to play as a senior.
15. Student-athletes will receive $50.00 per month stipends for each month his/her team plays.
-i.e. If a student-athlete plays football ,and the team's final game's in January, the student-athlete will receive a stipend for the month of January.
16. Student-athletes will be required to submit pay stubs to the NCAA in the event he/she is hired for employment. The following jobs are not permitted for student-athletes (excluding those on medical hardship):
(a.) positions in which tips are given, but not limited to waiter/waitress and valet
(b.) employment at casinos
(c.) working a job in which the student-athlete is underage
17. For players who accept medical hardships, their scholarships must be awarded to walk-ons, who have been on the team for at least two years, for the duration of the original recipient's (the player on medical hardship) athletic career.
-i.e. Player A accepts a medical hardship prior to the start of his/her sophomore season. This means the scholarship has three years remaining. This scholarship can either be given to a:
(a.) different senior walk-on for three consecutive years
(b.) a junior walk-on for two years and a senior walk-on for one year
(c.) a sophomore walk-on for three consecutive years
18. Student-athletes who fail one drug test will be banned from competition for one season and will automatically lose one year's eligibility and his/her scholarship for one year without the possibility of a redshirt. The student-athlete must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board. He/She will be required to attend a rehabilitation facility, paid for by the university the student-athlete attends, for a full year. Before returning, the attending physician at the facility must attest to the fact he/she has been sober for a full year.
19. Any student-athlete caught cheating on a test or plagiarizing a paper will automatically lose one year's worth of eligibility permanently, which can't be used via redshirt or withdrawing from school, in addition to any sanctions by the school. A second offense will result in permanent revocation of eligibility.
20. Teams are allotted a maximum practice time of 10 hours per week during the season and off-season. The practice includes: practicing with or without pads and watching film with coaches, and workouts.
- Coaches who violate the new practice rules will be suspended 25% of the games without pay and fined up to 50% (up to $1,000,000.00) of his/her yearly salary.
21. The length between end zones and the crowd in college football must be separated by at least 25 yards.
22. In college football, injured players on defense who leave the game will be required to miss the remainder of the possession.
23. Increasing college baseball's scholarship total to 25 from 11.7.
24. Decreasing the number of football scholarships from 85 to 70.
25. A committee needs to be formed to address the needs and welfare of student-athletes. A representative of this committee needs to interview student-athletes in men's and women's sports on each level of the NCAA. Each team would, in turn, select a captain or representative to talk with this person about things the NCAA could do to assist student-athletes. A few things that should be done for student-athletes are as follows:
(a.) free Chromebooks for student-athletes on scholarship that cost no more than $250.00
(b.) free business suits, dresses, shoes, and attire (that total no more than $350.00 excluding sales tax) for graduating student-athletes for job interviews
(c.) free suits or dresses for student-athletes who appear at conference media days or award shows (for each event) that total no more than $350.00
(d.) free selection of school supplies that includes, but is not limited to: backpack, index cards, dividers, scientific calculators, rulers, protractors, mechanical pencils, lead, pens, loose leaf, graphing, or printer paper, folders, notebooks, binders, or any supplies listed on a class syllabus.
-Student-athletes must pay out of pocket for suits, or dresses they like if it exceeds the allotted amount.
(ie. If a student-athlete likes a suit and a pair of shoes that costs $400.00. The student-athlete must pay the $50.00 difference.)
Honorable Mention
26. Schools should pay for plane or bus tickets for trips home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, family emergencies, spring, and summer breaks.
27. Locker rooms and facilities are prohibited from having anything that's not necessary for student-athlete's athletic well-being that includes, but not limited to:
(a.) video game consoles
(b.) Jacuzzis
(c.) waterfalls
(d.) pool tables
(e.) cable television
This list reflects all of the changes that needs to happen with college athletics.
1. The salary of a head coach must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year. This salary can be paid by the schools/universities and endorsements. The coach and company who's product is being endorsed must notify the NCAA of a contract/agreement between both parties.
-Any coach who violates this rule will be:
(a.) suspended from coaching activities for one full calendar year
(b.) will not be allowed to recruit off-campus for one full calendar year
(c.) lose a number of scholarships to be determined
(d.) must forfeit his/her salary for one full suspended year to a charity approved by the NCAA
-Any coach who violates this rule a second time will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sport.
2. Head coaches are allowed to appear in commercials and have their likenesses used for products, but compensation must not exceed $2,000,000.00 per year, assuming he/she is making $2 million in salary at their institution. In addition, head coaches are allowed to appear in as many public service announcements and other commercials related to various charities as long as they are not paid or reimbursed in any way.
-For example, Coach A signs a contract at School A for $750,000.00. He/She will be allowed to endorse products and receive up to $1,250,000.00.
3. Head coaches are not permitted to accept gifts from boosters or any group affiliated with a school/university.However, he/she will be allowed to accept gifts from the school as a part of their salary that shall be deducted from his/her annual salary, assuming the annual salary is at $2,000,000.00.
-For example, if a coach is getting paid $2,000,000.00 per year, the school/company gives two cars to the coach that costs $60,000.00. The coach is only permitted to be paid $1,940,000.00 for that year.
4. All head and assistant coaches (including strength and conditioning coaches, graduate assistants, etc.) will be required to take various ethics classes. If he/she scores less than a B, he/she will be suspended from coaching duties until they pass the required course. The classes will co-inside within the system (quarter or semester) currently used at the university.
5. The salary of an assistant coach must not exceed $500,000.00 per year. In football, position coaches will be paid no more than $200,000.00. Unlike head coaches, the salary for assistants must be paid only by the school. This will prevent the upper-echelon power schools from paying $1 million plus for an assistant coach. Some assistants are currently making more than head coaches at other schools.
-For a first offense, he/she:
(a.) will be suspended 50% of games without pay
(b.) not allowed to recruit off-campus for twelve (12) weeks during the season (this also includes every coach, including head coach, on staff)
(c.) fined up to $250,000.00
-For a second offense, he/she will be:
(a.) suspended from all coaching activities and not allowed to have any contact with anyone (including coaches) for a full year
(b.) forced to forfeit his/her entire salary (which includes the suspension without pay and fine) for the year to a charity approved by the NCAA
(c.) along with the current coaching staff, banned from recruiting off-campus for 24 weeks
-For a third offense:
the coach will be permanently banned from coaching in any NCAA sanctioned sports
6. Scholarships will no longer be issued on a yearly basis. Now, scholarships will be issued for four (4) or five (5) years (depending if the student-athlete redshirted).
-Student-athletes will permanently lose their scholarships for repeat offender status for the following: bad grades, arrest(s), failed drug tests, underage drinking, and other illegal activities.
7. Head coaches who attempt to revoke a student-athlete's scholarship without provocation (i.e. bad grades, failed drug tests, arrests, etc.) will be:
-For a first offense:
(a.) fined roughly one-half of their yearly pay (up to $1,000,000.00)
(b.) suspended for 50% of regular season games the following season
(c.) have no contact (including assistants as well) with recruits for six (6) weeks, excluding dead periods in recruiting
(d.) will not be allowed to host recruits for campus or visits during the summer
-i.e. Coach B realizes Player B is not a great fit for his system for college football. So, after the season, the coach tries to revoke Player B's scholarship without proper cause. Player B informs the NCAA, who thoroughly investigates the situation. The NCAA has ruled in favor of the player and Coach B will be suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season and the coach nor his staff will be able to recruit (on or off-campus) during this time. Also, the coaching staff loses the right to host camps for high school players during the summer
-For a second offense:
If it's been determined the head coach has revoked another scholarship without provocation, the following shall occur:
(a.) head coach will be suspended for an entire season
(b.) must not have any interaction with any student-athletes during this time
(c.) forfeit his/her salary for the season
-For a third offense:
If the coach violates this rule a third time, this will result in a major infraction which includes, but is not limited to:
(a.) a show cause penalty on the head coach (which will result in a five year coaching ban, head coach or otherwise)
(b.) a ban on post-season play
(c.) reduction of scholarships
(d.) zero recruiting visits for two years
(e.) the ban of hosting recruits during camps during the summer
-For a fourth offense:
the repeating offender will be permanently ineligible to coach or work, in any capacity, in any NCAA sanctioned sport
8. All incoming student-athletes from high school will be required to have maintained at least a 2.7 high school, score a 20 on the ACT or at least a 940 on the SAT, and pass an entrance exam by the NCAA.
9. All student-athletes will be required to maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA to retain eligibility. If he/she doesn't maintain a 2.7 GPA, he/she will be ineligible to play for one season, and will lose his/her scholarship for one full school year. In this case, the student-athlete will not be allowed to use a redshirt for the lost year of eligibility. This includes players who've transferred schools.
-i.e. Player C, who is a rising junior, failed to maintain a 2.7 GPA. Player C will be ineligible to play until his/her senior year. Even if Player C elects to transfer or is dismissed from the team because of poor grades, Player C will be required to lose one year of eligibility, and pay for school out of pocket for one year.
10. All incoming student-athletes will be required to take an entrance exam in addition to ACT/SAT scores to gain eligibility for NCAA sanctioned sports. If he/she fails, he/she won't be eligible to play until they pass. A passing grade will be getting at least a 'C' on each section.
The test, which will last roughly four (4) hours, shall cover material each student-athlete should've learned in high school. The entrance test, which will be administered in sections, will cover the following:
(1.) Mathematics covering algebras 1 and 2, geometry, and a higher level of match such as pre-calculus, trigonometry, etc.
(2.) English and identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
(3.) Literature and writing a two page essay on a short story that measures writing ability and reading comprehension
(4.) U.S. History 1 and 2 (international students may substitute U.S. History for a history from his/her history from his/her native country)
(5.) Geography (including state capitals)
(6.) U.S. Government/Civics (like history, this course may be substituted for a test in civics in his/her native country)
(7.) Science includes questions from courses such as physical science, biology, anatomy/physiology, and chemistry or physics
(8.) Elective courses that includes, but is not limited to: art, music, drama, psychology, sociology, and health.
11. Schools will be allowed to offer free tuition and books for children and spouses of all coaches and staff (including assistants and trainers). This offer is only good at the school the coach is currently coaching. A waiver can be applied in the event of a coach leaving for a new job or is fired. This waiver is for a child or spouse who's no more than 15 hours (5 classes) short of graduation. This will be the lone exception to the salary cap for coaches.
12. Student-athletes who obtain one DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) will automatically be suspended for 50% of the team's regular season games and will be required to work with either Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) for one calendar year.
13. Student-athletes will be permanently ineligible for athletic competition and scholarship by:
(a.) accumulating two DUIs or DWIs. In this case, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising sophomore who has been dismissed from the team. The scholarship will be lost for three years before it can be reissued to another player. So, in football, for example, the total scholarship total will be 84 instead of 85.
(b.) accumulating two failed drug tests ( and the like the DUI/DWI, the scholarship must be vacated for the remaining time available on the scholarship)
(c.) any student-athlete who has taken either the ACT, SAT, or entrance exam under false pretenses
(d.) any student-athlete who has become academically ineligible twice
(e.) any student-athlete convicted once of any violent crimes
(f.) any student-athlete convicted of a felony
(g.) any student-athlete convicted of two misdemeanors
(h.) being convicted twice of academic misconduct (ie. plagiarism and cheating on exams)
14. Student-athletes who are dismissed from a team (for issues pertaining to bad grades or unlawful behavior) will permanently lose one year's worth of eligibility that can't be retained with a redshirt and must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board for one full year. For schools who dismiss players because of bad grades or unlawful behavior, the scholarship must not be used for remaining time available on the scholarship.
-i.e. Player A is a rising junior and has been dismissed from the team because of bad grades, he/she will become ineligible to play the upcoming season, but will be eligible to return to play as a senior.
15. Student-athletes will receive $50.00 per month stipends for each month his/her team plays.
-i.e. If a student-athlete plays football ,and the team's final game's in January, the student-athlete will receive a stipend for the month of January.
16. Student-athletes will be required to submit pay stubs to the NCAA in the event he/she is hired for employment. The following jobs are not permitted for student-athletes (excluding those on medical hardship):
(a.) positions in which tips are given, but not limited to waiter/waitress and valet
(b.) employment at casinos
(c.) working a job in which the student-athlete is underage
17. For players who accept medical hardships, their scholarships must be awarded to walk-ons, who have been on the team for at least two years, for the duration of the original recipient's (the player on medical hardship) athletic career.
-i.e. Player A accepts a medical hardship prior to the start of his/her sophomore season. This means the scholarship has three years remaining. This scholarship can either be given to a:
(a.) different senior walk-on for three consecutive years
(b.) a junior walk-on for two years and a senior walk-on for one year
(c.) a sophomore walk-on for three consecutive years
18. Student-athletes who fail one drug test will be banned from competition for one season and will automatically lose one year's eligibility and his/her scholarship for one year without the possibility of a redshirt. The student-athlete must pay the school out of pocket for tuition, books, room, and board. He/She will be required to attend a rehabilitation facility, paid for by the university the student-athlete attends, for a full year. Before returning, the attending physician at the facility must attest to the fact he/she has been sober for a full year.
19. Any student-athlete caught cheating on a test or plagiarizing a paper will automatically lose one year's worth of eligibility permanently, which can't be used via redshirt or withdrawing from school, in addition to any sanctions by the school. A second offense will result in permanent revocation of eligibility.
20. Teams are allotted a maximum practice time of 10 hours per week during the season and off-season. The practice includes: practicing with or without pads and watching film with coaches, and workouts.
- Coaches who violate the new practice rules will be suspended 25% of the games without pay and fined up to 50% (up to $1,000,000.00) of his/her yearly salary.
21. The length between end zones and the crowd in college football must be separated by at least 25 yards.
22. In college football, injured players on defense who leave the game will be required to miss the remainder of the possession.
23. Increasing college baseball's scholarship total to 25 from 11.7.
24. Decreasing the number of football scholarships from 85 to 70.
25. A committee needs to be formed to address the needs and welfare of student-athletes. A representative of this committee needs to interview student-athletes in men's and women's sports on each level of the NCAA. Each team would, in turn, select a captain or representative to talk with this person about things the NCAA could do to assist student-athletes. A few things that should be done for student-athletes are as follows:
(a.) free Chromebooks for student-athletes on scholarship that cost no more than $250.00
(b.) free business suits, dresses, shoes, and attire (that total no more than $350.00 excluding sales tax) for graduating student-athletes for job interviews
(c.) free suits or dresses for student-athletes who appear at conference media days or award shows (for each event) that total no more than $350.00
(d.) free selection of school supplies that includes, but is not limited to: backpack, index cards, dividers, scientific calculators, rulers, protractors, mechanical pencils, lead, pens, loose leaf, graphing, or printer paper, folders, notebooks, binders, or any supplies listed on a class syllabus.
-Student-athletes must pay out of pocket for suits, or dresses they like if it exceeds the allotted amount.
(ie. If a student-athlete likes a suit and a pair of shoes that costs $400.00. The student-athlete must pay the $50.00 difference.)
Honorable Mention
26. Schools should pay for plane or bus tickets for trips home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, family emergencies, spring, and summer breaks.
27. Locker rooms and facilities are prohibited from having anything that's not necessary for student-athlete's athletic well-being that includes, but not limited to:
(a.) video game consoles
(b.) Jacuzzis
(c.) waterfalls
(d.) pool tables
(e.) cable television
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