Thursday, November 30, 2006

Read this one


Bruce Dowd of College Sporting News (formerly I-AA.org) writes a weekly column covering the A10.

In my Sunday blog (scroll down) I wrote how another CSN writer Charles Burton wrote an anti-UMass smack post .

Well, Bruce Dowd keeps the anti-UMass trend going on CSN with his latest article.

Relevant quote "We have talked all year about emotions and how much that impacts a game, and I just think the emotions favor UNH in this game. I also believe they have the best coaching staff in the league.

One final reason, and in a weird way, it is because UNH is on the road. Now, you might say that doesn’t make any sense because the advantage should go to the home team. That isn’t always the case. Pressure is a funny thing. UMass is the favorite and they are expected to win, so they have more pressure on them, especially at home.

I may regret this pick, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time, but that is my call. UNH gets the upset and moves on to the semis. This pick will shock many of my readers and it may seem contrary to what I have been saying for the last part of the season about UMass. So, to make sure there are no misunderstandings, I still think UMass has the best overall personnel of any team in the Championship Division, but the best personnel doesn’t always win, and I think this is one of those games. Heart, fire, determination and coaching win out."

So the national media believes that New Hampshire has more heart, fire and determination---as well as better coaching....