Illinois State @ Bradley

[DannyCooksey]

Wednesday night at Carver Arena in Peoria it's the 1st installment of the War on 74!!! Throw the records out, put the women and children to bed and get ready for a no holds barred fight............well..............that maybe a bit dramatic, but you get the idea.

:redbirds: vs. :braves:

Bradley..........we all know their story. Very promising pre season hype that has not been met by on court performance. The injury to Daniel Ruffin has been critical but even an objective BU fan would tell you they were inconsistent even with him playing. That said, they have missed his leadership and his QB play.

The offense still is guard heavy with Crouch now being the go-to guy which is a role I don't believe he is comfortable with. The very talented but equally inconsistent Andrew Warren supports him. one game he gets 20, the next game he gets 3 it seems. Overall, he is a very good offensive player and when he shows up, he's a scorer. Sam Maniscalco, a true freshman has stepped in admirably in Ruffin's absence. This kid has a bright future though some BU fans are concerned he may be a step slow defensively.

BU's problems lie on the interior where they don't have a consistent post threat and are out rebounded with regularity. Theron Wilson is a JUCO who seems to be getting it going. he had 28 the other night and has been pretty decent overall. the rest of the bigs, led by Matt Salley, have been inconsistent at best. BU can be exposed on the blocks.

Illinois State............had their 1st loss in 10 games on Saturday to #22 or #23 depending on which poll you like, Drake in Des Moines. The Birds allowed a 12 point lead to get away and allowed a season high 51 second half points. That won't get it done, especially on the road. ISU had 17 turnovers which was about 4 more than their average. They need to protect the ball better especially on the road.

The Birds rely on a deep and athletic backcourt led by Boo Richardson and Osiris Eldridge who might be the most athletic player in the Valley. He is coming off back to back 21 point outings and at 6'3, averages 6.4 rebounds a game in Valley play to go with 15.9 points. The Warren/Eldridge matchup will be interesting to see. Richardson is a very good on-ball defender who was beaten repeatedly by Emmenecker Saturday night. Look for Richardson to have a bounce back game against the freshman Maniscalco. If he can fluster him into some early turnovers, it could be a tough night for the home team.

In the half court the Birds will look to dribble penetrate and kick out to Levi Dyer or Sead Odzic off the bench. They will also look to exploit BU's weakness in the paint by pounding it inside to Anthony Slack (21 points and 8-8 from the floor against Drake) and the combo of Odiakosa/Sampay.

The team that protects the ball better will win this game. Athletically and talent wise, the Birds have the edge. However..........this is a rivalry game and anything goes. BU is desperate for a 'marquee' win to turn their season around. They would love to spoil the early Valley success the Birds have enjoyed. They need this win desperately to help avoid a trip to Thursday night in the Lou. The Birds are looking for some payback against the Braves who have swept them the past 2 seasons. More importantly, they need the win to keep pace with Drake in the Valley race and get back on the winning track. ISU has already played in hostile environments in Omaha, Wichita and Des Moines. They are 2-1 in those games. This should be a great game.

Discuss......................

[MoValley John]

Illinois State by 15.

[Majik45]

I have no idea what to expect from this game. We play Drake to a tough game Wednesday night at home, then struggle to beat Evansville on Saturday. I want to believe it will be a close game, but I could see us getting blown out to. I'll pick opposite of what I picked for the Drake game. ISU by a nose (and hopefully not in a heartbreaking fashion like the Drake game was).

[Brave2001]

I could discuss this and try to find the positvies and negatives with each team and predict an outcome.

Frankly, I don't care.

BEAT THE PISS OUT OF ISU.

This has been so far a dissappointing season, and like hell I'm gonna have ISU come to our home court and beat us. If one thing goes right this season...I'll take this.

:redbirds::chair::braves: :redbirds::chair::braves:

:cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing:

PS

Yeah I'm kind of cranky. Sore, Tired, Cold.

Unpack boxes, move stuff to new location, hate location of new item, move it again.

Wife dislikes where couch is, move it agian, no over here, how about over here. Ugh.

Dish guy comes at 5PM, supposed to be there between 12-5. Stays till 9:30. Dish receiver is broke...wait 3 days for new one. Ugh.

Moving Sucks.

[shockball]

Bradley comes out flatter than an Illinois State prom date. Redibirds hang on to win by 4.

[DannyCooksey]

I could discuss this and try to find the positvies and negatives with each team and predict an outcome.

Frankly, I don't care.

BEAT THE PISS OUT OF ISU.

This has been so far a dissappointing season, and like hell I'm gonna have ISU come to our home court and beat us. If one thing goes right this season...I'll take this.

:redbirds::chair::braves: :redbirds::chair::braves:

:cursing::cursing::cursing::cursing:

PS

Yeah I'm kind of cranky. Sore, Tired, Cold.

Unpack boxes, move stuff to new location, hate location of new item, move it again.

Wife dislikes where couch is, move it agian, no over here, how about over here. Ugh.

Dish guy comes at 5PM, supposed to be there between 12-5. Stays till 9:30. Dish receiver is broke...wait 3 days for new one. Ugh.

Moving Sucks.

Moving does blow. I like to see the anger and frustration in you 2001. You give the rivalry some gas to toss on the embers. nice.

[DawgieStyle]

PS

Yeah I'm kind of cranky. Sore, Tired, Cold.

Unpack boxes, move stuff to new location, hate location of new item, move it again.

Wife dislikes where couch is, move it agian, no over here, how about over here. Ugh.

Dish guy comes at 5PM, supposed to be there between 12-5. Stays till 9:30. Dish receiver is broke...wait 3 days for new one. Ugh.

Moving Sucks.


http://www.jossip.com/gossip/The%20Simpsons%20--%20Nelson%20--%20Haha.jpg

[kevinmitchell]

Bradley wins this game. I don't like this Bradley team or the direction it is going, but for some weird reason I have extreme confidence BU wins this by about 5-6 points.

Good recap Danny. I will say this--Richardson won't fluster Maniscalco into making early turnovers. Won't happen. I think the Warren/Eldridge matchup will be key. If Warren scores close to what Eldridge get then BU wins the game.

Of course, like most BU/ISU games this will come down to some bit player having a career night for his team. For BU I remember Reggie Hall owning ISU and Eric Roberson's 6-6 from three point land.

BU's bit player who helps them win--Tyrone Cole Scott hits double figures for the first time since the exhibition season.

[MoValley John]

http://www.jossip.com/gossip/The%20Simpsons%20--%20Nelson%20--%20Haha.jpg

You were the dumbarse that helped, so-

http://www.jossip.com/gossip/The%20Simpsons%20--%20Nelson%20--%20Haha.jpg

[Dawg_tired]

It depends entirely on how good your crowd is and what that does to Bradley. Redbirds didn't like the noise in the Knapp Center. I thing BU pulls an upset.

[DawgieStyle]

You were the dumbarse that helped, so-

http://www.jossip.com/gossip/The%20Simpsons%20--%20Nelson%20--%20Haha.jpg

true, but I got to leave after I brought all the boxes in, he's stuck moving everything around and dealing with the "caaaable guuyyy."

[DannyCooksey]

It depends entirely on how good your crowd is and what that does to Bradley. Redbirds didn't like the noise in the Knapp Center. I thing BU pulls an upset.

That's a tad bit overstated.

I don't think it was the noise as much as the opponent. I don't think it was any louder than it was at Koch Arena. Knapp crowd was loud to be sure, but I don't think it has as much impact as you claim it to have. Drake made more plays. The crowd helped Drake for sure, but I don't believe it hurt the Redbirds.

Point is.......I don't see the crowd having much impact on this game. Games are not won or lost based on a noisy audience.

[DawgieStyle]

It depends entirely on how good your crowd is and what that does to Bradley. Redbirds didn't like the noise in the Knapp Center. I thing BU pulls an upset.

whhhooooaaaa, so its ok for you to pull the upset card.......isn't that dis-respectful to the birds, and how come you aren't impressed with ISU and all that they have done, how can you pick BU over ISU, aren't you so impressed with what ISU has done.

....may Karma spite you.

[DUBulldog]

whhhooooaaaa, so its ok for you to pull the upset card.......isn't that dis-respectful to the birds, and how come you aren't impressed with ISU and all that they have done, how can you pick BU over ISU, aren't you so impressed with what ISU has done.

Wow, that was weak. And, a little bit whiny sounding.

[Majik45]

Game is nearly a sell-out, and I expect a lot more redbird fans to make the trip up considering how well ISU has started this Valley season.

A loss to ISU will make this season even worse than it already is. :banghead:

A Bradley win and everything is OK for at least one night. :banana:

[MoValley John]

Wow, that was weak. And, a little bit whiny sounding.

It was beyond weak. Sometimes, even impressive teams lose.

[Dawg_tired]

Just because I give the nod to Bradley doesn't mean I don't respect ISU. The Braves took Drake to its absolute limit at home. It took last second heroics and luck to win. I'm guessing it'll take the same from ISU unless they're so pissed off after a loss that they take advantage of BU. No disrespect intended.

[bcg]

It's going to be 'can the birds' night in Peoria on Wednesday.

I think Levi Dyer is the X factor in this game. A good game by him and ISU walks out a winner. A subpar game and BU fans have a reason to smile for awhile.

[WSUbballer]

whhhooooaaaa, so its ok for you to pull the upset card.......isn't that dis-respectful to the birds, and how come you aren't impressed with ISU and all that they have done, how can you pick BU over ISU, aren't you so impressed with what ISU has done.

....may Karma spite you.

He did say 'upset' in his post, meaning he has respect for ISU and despite being at Bradley, it would still constitute as an upset. On the road in the Valley, you should never be ridiculed for picking the home team. I don't care who you are..


(Well, minus Evansville and WSU.. )

[shaunguth]

I'd be VERY surprised if Bradley was favored to win this game, so yes....it would be an upset if the Braves were to win. That said, I think Bradley loses another heartbreaker at home. I hope I'm wrong!

My prediction:

73 - Illinois State
70 - Bradley

:braves:

[redbirdfan21]

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/odds/las-vegas/

has ISU as 3 point favs

[DannyCooksey]

I have to say I thought there'd be a lot more chatter on this game. I understand the game is a sellout. That's cool.

[Phantom]

Gonna be a tough game tonight. In recent years, BU has played out of their minds against us in Peoria, though they don't quite have the firepower they used to, and we arent nearly as bad as we used to be either. Big game for both teams, but pretty much a must-win for us if we want to keep pace with DU and keep CU at arms length for now. Should be a good one...

:redbirds: :braves: :valley:

[Brave2001]

I can't stand this.

Will the love fest please end. I predict a close game, Should be a good game, Cant wait for the game, I hear its a sellout. Cool.

You people have gone soft. Both BU and ISU fans. Pathetic.

War on 74, my ***. Its more like the Politically Correct Meeting on Interstate 74.

***** ISU.

Bradley stomps the Deadbirds by 10 at least....and If I'm wrong...at least I had the freaking guts to do what any proud BU fan should do to ISU fans....talk smack.

No way is some first year newb *** Head Coach coming to Peoria and winning. Not happening. This is the same guy whose expectations for ISU is just to make the damn dance because they are a mid major. What the hell should I expect from a school who is considered a stepping stone for coaches to real basketball.

Freaking Pansies.

[DannyCooksey]

I can't stand this.

Will the love fest please end. I predict a close game, Should be a good game, Cant wait for the game, I hear its a sellout. Cool.

You people have gone soft. Both BU and ISU fans. Pathetic.

War on 74, my ***. Its more like the Politically Correct Meeting on Interstate 74.

***** ISU.

Bradley stomps the Deadbirds by 10 at least....and If I'm wrong...at least I had the freaking guts to do what any proud BU fan should do to ISU fans....talk smack.

No way is some first year newb *** Head Coach coming to Peoria and winning. Not happening. This is the same guy whose expectations for ISU is just to make the damn dance because they are a mid major. What the hell should I expect from a school who is considered a stepping stone for coaches to real basketball.

Freaking Pansies.

I hope you feel better? :doh:

I do my talking after the game win or lose, but rest assured if the Birds win I will hammer you tomorrow for being a moron. I may have to wait in line though. Suicide lines are open. Sounds like you need to reach out.

[Mc Bulldog]

I'll be watching via stream. I expect this to be a very entertaining game. I'd like to see some seperation from Drake in the standings. So for karma's sake. -

IlSU 117
BU 32

:braves::redbirds:

[kevinmitchell]

As a fan my trash-talkiness increases with the confidence I have in my team, players, and coach. I'm not a big fan of trash talking when I don't have said confidence.

If Jim Les were PLAYING---trash talk and confidence. Jim Les COACHING--not so much.

However, in the season of the War on 74 can I at least say: "If you can't go to school go to State" or maybe "I Stupider than U" or how about "you can't spell I SUCK without ISU." Fair enough? :)

[shaunguth]

My hope is that Bradley beats the **** out of isu tonight. However, my confidence in this program is at a season-low right now and I'm not sure we can even defend Carver against isu anymore. I'm sticking with my initial prediction of yet another home heartbreaker and a 3-point loss, this one magnified even more because of the opponent.

[CaliRdBrd]

I can't stand this.

Will the love fest please end. I predict a close game, Should be a good game, Cant wait for the game, I hear its a sellout. Cool.

You people have gone soft. Both BU and ISU fans. Pathetic.

War on 74, my ***. Its more like the Politically Correct Meeting on Interstate 74.

***** ISU.

Bradley stomps the Deadbirds by 10 at least....and If I'm wrong...at least I had the freaking guts to do what any proud BU fan should do to ISU fans....talk smack.

No way is some first year newb *** Head Coach coming to Peoria and winning. Not happening. This is the same guy whose expectations for ISU is just to make the damn dance because they are a mid major. What the hell should I expect from a school who is considered a stepping stone for coaches to real basketball.

Freaking Pansies.

Atta boy! That's what we need to get this fire started.

Not bad coming from someone who's school is named after a board game. Which reminds me, what do you after you get your associates degree? Are you now eligible to attend a 4 year accredited institution?

[STLRedbird]

A three pointer at the buzzer would work for me.

[Hortonfldhse]

42-42 early in the 2nd half

[bearsfan5]

Illinois State 38
Bradley 37
at halftime

[kevinmitchell]

Bradley wins 76-75.

Theron Wilson makes one free throw with :08 left, Eldridge misses on the other end. Heck of a game. Intense. Hard fought. Emotional. Five technicals called in the game.

Ruffin played and had 11 second half points. Wilson had 20 for BU. Richardson, Holloway, and Johnson all played really, really well for ISU. Bradley had to have that game.

More thoughts tomorrow.

[Mc Bulldog]

WOW! Braves win by one, 76-75. One tough chipy game. Five T's called in this one.

[OnceABrave]

And BU wins 76-75 in ANOTHER nail biter! :braves:

[bugregshu]

BRAVES WIN!!!

ISU hit a 3 to tie it at 75 all.

Braves took it down the court, Ruffin took an off balance shot and missed. Odiakosa got a rebound and traveled with 13 seconds left.

Braves inbounded, Theron Wilson drove and got fouled. Made one free throw, Eldridge drove the court, took an off balanced shot and missed.

76- Bradley
75- ISU

GOOD JOB BRAVES:braves:

[DannyCooksey]

BU made the plays to win the game. 76-75

Bad loss for ISU who are not as good as their 6-0 record indicated.

[Brave2001]

I hope you feel better? :doh:

I do my talking after the game win or lose, but rest assured if the Birds win I will hammer you tomorrow for being a moron. I may have to wait in line though. Suicide lines are open. Sounds like you need to reach out.


So How'd that work out for you?

ISU still can't beat Bradley.

[Mc Bulldog]

6-0? :helpsmilie: 6-1 is what you meant, now 6-2. ILSU has a hellva of a ball club. Bradley has a hellva ball club with Ruffin back.

:braves::redbirds:

[jaypharmalum]

Congrats Bradley - wish CU would have played you guys early in the conference season when things weren't going so well. Something tells me Bradley is going to make some noise yet in the MVC.

[DannyCooksey]

6-0? :helpsmilie: 6-1 is what you meant, now 6-2. ILSU has a hellva of a ball club. Bradley has a hellva ball club with Ruffin back.

:braves::redbirds:

No ***** sherlock

They were 6-0 and have lost 2 straight. hence...........they weren't as good as their record because they let 2 winnable games get away

[DannyCooksey]

So How'd that work out for you?

ISU still can't beat Bradley.

It didn't work out. they lost by a point. Congrats. You are 3-5 in the Valley

I could be a BU fan wuss like you and some of your boys and use the injury excuse with Slack being hurt but I am better than that.

See you in Redbird Arena

[cpacmel]

Congrats to BU. Typical War on 74 battle. Never a dull moment. Very much looking forward to the re-match in Redbird.

[Mecha_Bulldog]

5 techs? What happened?

[Majik45]

Now that was more like it, the kind of game I like to see between ISU and Bradley, a tough hard fought game that comes down to the last posession. I was kind of sick of us kicking ISU's *** all the time. ISU is a totally different team from last year, and I give them a lot of credit, they looked very good tonight. I was impressed. Bradley was able to pull out another 1 point win though. Bradley fans are getting their money's worth at games now as it has been 3 one point games in a row.

Really impressed with how good Ruffin looked tonight. He definitely did not look like he has been out for a month. He hit some 3's, penetrated and created open shots for his teammates, and even threw in a "Ruffin" shot too. That's one of those terrible shots that he likes to take, off-balance falling away, and yet somehow it goes in.

Really look forward to the rematch at Redbird.

I hope Slack isn't too hurt either. He really crashed hard into the basket support.

[Majik45]

5 techs? What happened?

Lots of different stuff. 1 on Les when Bradley got called for offensive basket interference. 1 on the redbirds (Boo maybe) when he didn't like a no call on a strip. Another one on a redbird for hanging on the rim after a dunk. Another on Jank on a charging foul he didn't like. One on Bradley's Salley for almost tackling a guy who drove to the hoop. He must have said something, not sure. No fights or anything.

[BUBraves55]

my prediction in normal: 3 ts total

[tmmroy]

Didn't get to see the game, but this one sort of surprised me, as I expected ISU to win. Nice win BU, I'm glad we already took our trip to your place. (very, very glad)

[Mecha_Bulldog]

nm

[tmmroy]

Didn't get to see the game, but this one sort of surprised me, as I expected ISU to win. Nice win BU, I'm glad we already took our trip to your place. (very, very glad)

Just realized that I probably wish ISU had won this. I was still hoping for the MVC to get three teams to the tourney, and ISU separating itself and staying close to Drake (can't have everything) would have helped, aw well, still a good win for the Braves, and good luck to ya both.

[Phantom]

Pissed off at the heartbreaking result, but a great game nonetheless. Just as a rivalry game should be. Refs were totally out of control with the T's (though with Sanzere and Higgins in there it's really no surprise.) Very physical game, lots of action, never a dull moment.

Hopefully Slack is OK. Glad he didnt have to be taken to the hospital. BU got a big lift emotionally and performance-wise from Ruffin. Once again, the Braves play over their heads against us, but to our discredit, we gave them WAY WAY WAY too many open looks. (Same as we did @ DU.) At this point, our defense, which was once stellar, is starting to concern me.

We'll see the Braves in Normal on Feb 9th (and the Bulldogs before them on Feb 5th.) Until then, we have the Sycamores next on Sunday.

Good job Braves. Way to gut out a win. Tough game, but you guys earned it. The War on 74 is back!

:braves: :redbirds:

[bcg]

5 techs? What happened?

3 guys showed up thinking that 11k came to Carver Arena to see them. These were weak technicals. They didn't even fire up the crowd at the moment they happened because they didn't deserve them. The coaches and players on both sides that got them didn't get their money's worth.

[Mikovio]

Awesome.

This is the first War on 74 game (Peoria edition) I've missed in 10 years, and it turns out to be the best. Figures.

[doublem23]

Long time lurker, but after last night's win, I'm feeling pretty good.

Everything I could say has been said, it's just nice to see the offense click a little more with Ruffin in. Hopefully the Braves can go on a roll here, get out of the Friday games for the Valley tourney, and make some noise in St. Louis.

:boxing:

Why not?

[btisu22]

We'll see the Braves in Normal on Feb 9th (and the Bulldogs before them on Feb 5th.) Until then, we have the Sycamores next on Sunday.
:braves: :redbirds:

I hope all of you keep the mind set.....look forward to Bradley and Drake....The Sycamores aren't playing well on the road, but if we can win there we tie you! Just think.........Drake...Bradley...Drake...Bradley!:i nnocent:

[kevinmitchell]

It didn't work out. they lost by a point. Congrats. You are 3-5 in the Valley

I could be a BU fan wuss like you and some of your boys and use the injury excuse with Slack being hurt but I am better than that.

See you in Redbird Arena

Danny...what fan on this board ever used an injury excuse for Bradley's poor play? However by saying "I could use the injury excuse....." is kind of like using the injury excuse.

Either way--great game. ISU will beat Bradley in B/N.

[cufan]

Refs seem to have shorter fuses this year than in past. Opposing coaches have received technicals in three or four CU games already this year. Watched a little of Georgia Tech/NC State game. Whats his face from NC State got T'd up. Announcers were talking that coaches' behavior and keeping coaches in the box was a point of emphasis this year.

[DannyCooksey]

Danny...what fan on this board ever used an injury excuse for Bradley's poor play? However by saying "I could use the injury excuse....." is kind of like using the injury excuse.

Either way--great game. ISU will beat Bradley in B/N.

Maybe not here on VT. I was more so referring to your board where tears flowed daily about how Ruffin's absence caused this loss and that loss.

No excuses here. Redbirds blew the game and should have won it even without Slack playing.

[kevinmitchell]

Maybe not here on VT. I was more so referring to your board where tears flowed daily about how Ruffin's absence caused this loss and that loss.

No excuses here. Redbirds blew the game and should have won it even without Slack playing.

Im not trying to be a jerk but go to whatever board you are talking about and complain to them. Personally, I don't ever go to a Bradley only message board. I like more objectivity in the stuff I read.

Both teams played pretty well. ISU didn't do enough inside to make up for BU's lack of punch in there. Holloway, Richardson, and Johnson played very well--better than usual. Of course BU is easy to score against--but, with Ruffin also very tough to guard.

ISU will be there in the end--maybe the most talented team in the league with Slack. They will play in the postseason that's for sure. Bradley is still very flawed (they don't defend, don't rebound) but they can be a pain in the butt. If they play small (Ruffin, Maniscalco, Crouch, Warren, and Wilson) and then some random big guy they cause major matchup problems on their end, pass the ball well, and shoot the heck out of it.

Saturday's game in Wichita will be big for the Braves.

[tBU]

Maybe not here on VT. I was more so referring to your board where tears flowed daily about how Ruffin's absence caused this loss and that loss.

No excuses here. Redbirds blew the game and should have won it even without Slack playing.

Come on Danny....if ANY team had arguably the best player in the Valley go down like BU did with Ruffin you don't think fans from the hometown site would not discuss the effects of not having said player around.

Do you not think BU would have been arguably better with Ruf vs without Ruf.

I'd say BU would be sitting at 6-2 if not 7-1 right now with him. It hurts without Danny...thats not whinning its a fact.

And people HAVEN'T usued it as an excuse. I'd say a majority have said NOT having DR is NO excuse for our poor play to date. We should have beat DU, WSU Ruffin or no Ruffin. I have been surprised the DR excuse, VALID as it is, hasn't been thrown around much at all considering how big a hit it is.


More importaintly...great game last nite. 5 techs. but it really never was a dirty game. Salley's foul was hard but fair IMO. Ruffin at 60 % was the difference. This team had its heart cut out when he went down. Thats a compliment to DR and a shot at JL and the rest of the team. Someone needed to step up and didn't.

TO me Levi and Ruffin were the difference. Ruffin in a good way Levi in a bad way...he had a rough nite.

[DUBulldog]

Come on Danny....if ANY team had arguably the best player in the Valley go down like BU did with Ruffin you don't think fans from the hometown site would not discuss the effects of not having said player around.

I could make an argument that Josh Young is arguably the best player in the MVC....Drake was without Young for 3+ games, and he was far from 100% at Creighton. I think it worked out ok for the Bulldogs, despite the fact that his replacement did virtually nothing.

[Mc Bulldog]

Negative prack!

[kevinmitchell]

Creighton lost Funk a few years back and went on to the NCAA. Creighton lost McKinney and did the same thing. Drake lost Young and hasn't lost. Bradley lost Anthony Parker for a long stretch and went to the third round of the NIT. Pitt lost two of its best players and continues to play well.

Daniel Ruffin, a nice player, isn't any better really or more important than any of those guys and those teams/coaches found ways to win without those guys. Bradley fans sometimes A) overvalue Ruffin and B) act like he's the only good player to have ever gotten hurt.

Daniel makes Bradley better--no doubt. But I'm not sure it's to the lengths some people think. Again, other teams/programs have won without star players.

[tBU]

I could make an argument that Josh Young is arguably the best player in the MVC....Drake was without Young for 3+ games, and he was far from 100% at Creighton. I think it worked out ok for the Bulldogs, despite the fact that his replacement did virtually nothing.


We can argue Young vs Ruffin but the point is had DU been struggling DU fans (rightfully so) would have been pointing out that losing Young had been a HUGE factor. My point is thats not whining...just the facts.

[MoValley John]

We can argue Young vs Ruffin but the point is had DU been struggling DU fans (rightfully so) would have been pointing out that losing Young had been a HUGE factor. My point is thats not whining...just the facts.

Nope. That's whining.

http://static.flickr.com/96/236979644_2e657b9ee3.jpg

[Dawg_tired]

Keno found a way to coach around the loss of Young. Les didn't coach around the loss of Ruffin. Instead he used it as an excuse.

[Murph]

Maybe not here on VT. I was more so referring to your board where tears flowed daily about how Ruffin's absence caused this loss and that loss.

No excuses here. Redbirds blew the game and should have won it even without Slack playing.

Danny, your such a respectful cordial poster, then your team loses and you turn in to a bitter s*** head.....:crybaby:

[tBU]

Keno found a way to coach around the loss of Young. Les didn't coach around the loss of Ruffin. Instead he used it as an excuse.


You COULDN'T be more mistaken. Les never ONCE used Ruffin as an excuse...quite the opposite.

Fans discussed how not having DR hurt us....wow imagine that.....but did not use it as the reason we were under performing.

[DannyCooksey]

Danny, your such a respectful cordial poster, then your team loses and you turn in to a bitter s*** head.....:crybaby:

Nope..............I'm fine. Thanks for your support though.