The Morning Fade – 1.7.11

Helsley on why OSU needs 9 conference wins – “Over the history of the Big 12 Conference, 16 of the 19 teams finishing 9-7 found themselves gaining entry into March Madness.” I absolutely agree with him — 9 conference wins + 12-2 non-conference record = dancing.

Mike Baldwin predicts the Big XII finish – I would probably switch Mizzou and K-State because I think it’s tougher to go to Columbia than it is Manhatten but I generally agree with this assessment.

Jimmie Tramel on Page’s involvement in the offense – Travis Ford: “On tape, you wouldn’t believe how much San Antonio tried to take (Page) away. It was unbelievable what they were doing. And we used that to our advantage for the first time and had guys get to the basket and (had) other guys doing things and he did exactly what he needed to do and everybody was great. But I didn’t even recognize what they were doing until I watched it on tape. It was amazing. So we needed that.”

Seth Davis is selling Oklahoma State – “This one’s an easy call. The Cowboys have never been ranked this season and they’ve generated very little buzz, but they’re clearly not as good as their record. We found that out last Friday when in their first real test of the season, they got blitzed by 21 at Gonzaga. (They also lost by five to Virginia Tech on a neutral court.) Even while amassing wins against overmatched opponents, Oklahoma State revealed a tendency to commit too many turnovers and an inability to make three-point shots. That will spell trouble during a Big 12 schedule that will have the Pokes in their first six games playing Kansas State and Texas at home, plus Texas A&M and Baylor on the road.”

Lunardi has OSU as a “first four out” team come March – I can’t really argue with this. We haven’t beaten anyone of note and until we do we’re going to be on the popped side of the bubble.

OKBlitz.com says OSU and OU are reporting Saban’s Barry Sanders violation – ““My job is to deal with compliance on our campus, but when another coach from another institution comes in and starts doing stuff like that in our backyard it certainly causes us some concern,” said Kevin Fite, the Associate Athletics Director of Compliance at OSU.” I wonder how much Nick Saban cares about what Kevin Fite thinks about him?

Dave Hunziker gets the Bill Teegins award – “The Teegins Award is presented annually to an outstanding sportscaster with Oklahoma ties. In his 10th season as the play-by-play announcer for OSU football and men’s basketball, Hunziker has announced more than 400 Cowboy athletic contests and has been on the microphone for some of OSU’s most memorable athletic moments, including the basketball team’s run to the 2004 Final Four and the football team’s record setting season in 2010.”

Broyles is coming back – Your move Mr. Blackmon and Mr. Weeden.