GMU What!?!?!?

George Mason (16-12, 11-5) at Delaware (7-21, 3-13)

Mason is reeling with just 2 regular season games left before the CAA Tournament. They have lost 5 of 6 and are in danger of falling out of the top four of the CAA. However, Mason does control their own destiny and would earn a first round bye in the CAA Tournament with a win tonight, and then Saturday at home against Northeastern. A win Saturday is not likely, especially with the way the team has played in recent weeks, but a win tonight should be a sure thing. If Mason can't beat this horrible Delaware team then they might as well pack it in for the season.

The Blue Hens are in last place in the CAA and are essentially a two man team. G Jawan Carter averages 18.1 points per game, and G Alphonso Dawson averages 12.4 points per game. Every other player on the team averages 6.1 points per game or less. So game planning for the Blue Hens isn't very hard, Carter and Dawson can score their points, but shut down the rest of the team and you win. Mason G Cam Long has been struggling mightily during Mason's slide. Maybe a inferior opponent like the Blue Hens can help his confidence. Whether Cam wants it or not, he is the leader of the team. The chances of Mason winning when he doesn't play well are slim to none.

Mason has uncharacteristically struggled on the defensive end this season. Usually, a Coach Larranaga team that would score 83 points like Mason did Saturday against Charleston, would have been guaranteed a win. Since the Blue Hens have such few offensive weapons, a strong defensive effort should be expected for the Patriots.

This game has two possible extremes. If Mason plays how they should then it can be a much needed confidence building game for them. If Mason struggles and somehow loses to Delaware then the team will be completely deflated. I think Mason will play well enough to win and get some of their swagger back.

Prediction: George Mason 78, Delaware 66

GMU What!?!?!?

William & Mary (18-7, 10-5) at George Mason (16-10, 11-4)

The Tribe or the Pugs or whatever the heck they are now called come to the Patriot Center to take on the Patriots. This is a crucial game as these two are battling to finish in the top four and earn a first round bye in the CAA Tournament.

Mason will be without F Mike Morrison. He earned himself a 2-game suspension for getting two technical fouls against ODU on Saturday. He was only suspended a game by the conference, but then had another game tacked on by coach Jim Larranaga. I don't really agree with Morrison getting 2 games for this, whereas Tony Skinn in 06' got one game for hitting another guy in the nuts. I get that Larranaga is trying to send a message but I think the 1-game suspension by the CAA was sufficient.

William & Mary was garnering some at-large talk earlier in the season but a three game losing streak in January put an end to that. However, they are still a very dangerous team, and just knocked off first place Northeastern. Their best player is senior guard David Schneider, who leads them in points (15.6 per game) and rebounds (6.1 per game). G-F Quinn McDowell is their second leading scorer averaging 14.3 points per game. Another player for Mason to watch out for on the boards is F Marcus Kitts.

Mason has struggled all season with rebounding and the loss of Morrison for this game won't help. However, with Schneider, a guard being tied for the team lead in rebounds Mason should have a good chance to actually out rebound a team for a change. Mason will need Cam Long to be on his game, as when he struggles they stand almost no chance of winning. With Morrison out, forwards Ryan Pearson, Johnny Williams, and Louis Birdsong will need to rebound and pick up their scoring.

The Patriots have won 18 in a row at home in conference play and that is the biggest reason I think they can overcome the loss of Morrison and get a much needed win.

Prediction: George Mason 64, William & Mary 61

The Alley Oop

22 games this weekend feature Top 25 teams, but just one pits Top 25 teams against each other, as Tennessee travels to Kentucky. However, the game of the weekend will be the one I am attending, Maryland at #7 Duke.

Friday

#4 West Virginia (19-4, 8-3) at #23 Pittsburgh (18-6, 7-4)

The Backyard Brawl got ugly last time these teams met up with West Virginia fans throwing things onto the court. Hopefully, the Panthers fans will show a little more class. The Panthers were exceeding everyone's expectations to start the season but now seem to be coming back down to Earth. That fall will continue Friday night.

Prediction: West Virginia 75, Pittsburgh 69

#22 Cornell (20-3, 6-0) at Pennsylvania (3-15, 2-2)

Prediction: Cornell 82, Pennsylvania 49

Saturday

Iowa State (13-11, 2-7) at #1 Kansas (23-1, 9-0)

Kansas has a legitimate shot at going undefeated in the Big 12 this season. Iowa State figures to put up little resistance.

Prediction: Kansas 81, Iowa State 63

#12 Tennessee (18-5, 6-3) at #2 Kentucky (23-1, 8-1)

The Vols were routed at Vanderbilt earlier this week and now have to go to Lexington to take on the Wildcats. Kentucky is led by stud freshman's G John Wall and F DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has a great case to be named SEC Player of the Year. Vols F-C Wayne Chism will have his work cut out for him dealing with Cousins and F Patrick Patterson. The Wildcats size will provide matchup nightmares for Tennessee.

Prediction: Kentucky 76, Tennessee 68

Providence (12-12, 4-8) at #5 Villanova (21-2, 10-1)

The Wildcats bounced back nicely from their loss at Georgetown by winning at West Virginia on Monday. The Friars have lost four in a row and with them giving up 79 points a game, will have a hard time slowing down Villanova, who averages 85 points per game.

Prediction: Villanova 84, Providence 70

Iowa (9-16, 3-9) at #6 Purdue (20-3, 8-3)

The Boilermakers are coming off a statement making win at overrated Michigan State. A win against Iowa on Saturday won't register any sort of statements other than "meh".

Prediction: Purdue 74, Iowa 58

Maryland (16-6, 6-2) at #7 Duke (20-4, 8-2)

Kind of surprised that the Twerps haven't broken into the Top 25 yet. They will have not played in almost a week heading into this one, as their Tuesday game against UVA was cancelled due to the snow. Duke seems to have more of an inside presence this year with the improved play of F Miles Plumlee, F Kyle Singler, and C Brian Zoubek. Twerps F Jordan Williams has been a force inside, averaging almost 8 rebounds per game. G Greivis Vasquez is making a case to be ACC Player of the Year, averaging 18.1 pts, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. This will be a fun one to watch in person. Maryland has had some success at Cameron in the past so I think they will give the Dookies a battle, but it won't be enough.

Prediction: Duke 85, Maryland 83

Colorado (11-12, 2-7) at #9 Kansas State (19-4, 6-3)

The Wildcats have been a surprise this year, I didn't them mentioned in many people's pre-season Top 10 lists. Should be a relatively easy night for them at home against the Buffaloes.

Prediction: Kansas State 83, Colorado 70

#10 Michigan State (19-6, 9-3) at Penn State (8-15, 0-11)

What the hell happened to Penn State? NIT champions last year, they have hit rock bottom this year and have yet to win a Big Ten game. The Spartans have dropped three in a row and will be desperate for a win. Good time to have the Nittany Lions on the schedule.

Prediction: Michigan State 69, Penn State 63

San Diego (9-16, 2-7) at #11 Gonzaga (19-4, 7-1)

Gonzaga doesn't impress me much, their true test will come Tournament time.

Prediction: Gonzaga 85, San Diego 57

Indiana (9-14, 3-8) at #13 Wisconsin (18-6, 8-4)

The Badgers will look to rebound from a rare home loss against Illinois earlier this week. Another Big Ten power fortunate to be playing a weak opponent.

Prediction: Wisconsin 72, Indiana 61

Nebraska (13-11, 1-8) at #14 Texas (19-5, 5-4)

Will Nebraska win an NCAA tournament game in my lifetime? The Longhorns continue what seems to be the theme of the weekend; struggling teams facing exactly the opponents they need to get back on track.

Prediction: Texas 78, Nebraska 68

#15 Butler (21-4, 14-0) at Cleveland State (12-12, 8-4)

The Bulldogs are cruising through the Horizon. Cleveland State's overall record isn't impressive but they should give Butler a challenge at home. This one will come down to the wire.

Prediction: Butler 68, Cleveland State 66

Air Force (9-14, 1-9) at #17 BYU (22-3, 7-2)

Cougars are 14-0 at home, Falcons are 0-8 on the road. A 1 month old could pick this game.

Prediction: BYU 85, Air Force 62

#18 Northern Iowa (22-3, 13-1) at Bradley (12-12, 7-7)

Northern Iowa barely survived Bradley at home last month and now get to face the Braves on the road. Another game that will be closer than the experts think.

Prediction: Northern Iowa 63, Bradley 58

#19 New Mexico (22-3, 8-2) at Utah (11-12, 4-5)

I could pretend to know something or act like I care about this game, but I don't and I won't.

Prediction: New Mexico 75, Utah 65

#20 Georgia Tech (17-7, 5-5) at Wake Forest (17-5, 7-3)

The Demon Deacons were throttled by the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta, but are a much better home team. Tech has had their struggles on the road this year. I think the Demon Deacons will get this "upset" on the strength of F Al-Farouq Aminu, and earn themselves a spot in the Top 25.

Prediction: Wake Forest 77, Georgia Tech 69

Rhode Island (19-4, 7-3) at #21 Temple (19-5, 7-2)

People are saying the Atlantic 10 could possibly get 6 teams into the field of 65 this year. Reminds me of when I was a kid and the Atlantic 10 was relevant and not considered a mid-major conference. The Rams are trying to avenge an overtime loss to the Owls from earlier this season. This will be a competitive game throughout, the Rams will win a squeaker.

Prediction: Rhode Island 63, Temple 60

#22 Cornell (20-3, 6-0) at Princeton (13-5, 4-0)

The two unbeatens in the Ivy League face off. Big Red F Ryan Wittman is one of the better players in the country you haven't heard of. Cornell crushed Harvard and I expect the same in this one.

Prediction: Cornell 68, Princeton 54

LSU (9-15, 0-10) at #24 Vanderbilt (18-5, 7-2)

Another what the hell happened to them team is LSU. The Tigers can't score at all in SEC play. With them being 0-8 on the road and the Commodores being 12-0 at home makes this an easy call.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 88, LSU 57

#25 UNLV (19-5, 7-3) at San Diego State (17-7, 6-4)

UNLV being in the Top 25 also hearkens back to my childhood. Rebels G Tre'Von Willis averages 17.7 a game. The Aztecs don't have one main guy, as four players average double figures. F Kawhi Leonard will muscle the Aztecs past the Rebels.

Prediction: San Diego State 74, UNLV 71

Sunday

Louisville (15-8, 6-4) at #3 Syracuse (24-1, 11-1)

Louisville is fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives while the Orange have surprised everyone by being so dominant. F Wesley Johnson is earning most of the praise and rightfully so, averaging 16.1 pts, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. The Orange will get their twelfth win in a row.

Prediction: Syracuse 80, Louisville 74

#8 Georgetown (18-5, 8-4) at Rutgers (12-12, 2-9)

After last year's slip up the Hoyas seem poised to make some noise come March.

Prediction: Georgetown 77, Rutgers 72

#16 Ohio State (19-6, 9-3) at Illinois (17-8, 9-3)

Both these teams come into the game hot with 5-game winning streaks. Buckeyes G-F Evan Turner is the talk of the country and he is having a dominant season. He averages 19.2 points per game, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. I think he can will the Buckeyes to a tough road win.

Prediction: Ohio State 77, Illinois 76

Record: 1-0

GMU What!?!?!?

VCU (17-5, 9-4) at George Mason (15-9, 10-3)

With football season now over (single tear) it is time to focus on college basketball. George Mason is a surprising 10-3 in CAA play, despite being one of the youngest teams in the country. I didn't expect much from Mason this year, but their recent 7-game winning streak raised mine and the rest of Mason fans expectations. Because of this, their recent two game slide has people concerned. It doesn't get any easier tonight as the Patriots host arch-rival VCU.

The Patriots are led by G Cam Long. Long is averaging 13.3 points a game and 3.1 assists. As he goes, so goes Mason. Cam will have to get back to the level he was playing during the 7-game winning streak for Mason to have a chance against VCU. Other guys that will have to step up tonight are F Ryan Pearson, who leads Mason in rebounding with 7.0 per game. Rebounding has been an issue all season for Mason, and it has been confusing to me that freshman F Johnny Williams hasn't seen more playing time, as he really the only big body Mason has. G Andre Cornelius has been shooting very well from three point land this year, while F Mike Morrison has been consistent with his inconsistency. The most promising freshman has been F Luke Hancock. Hancock is averaging 7.4 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The future is very bright for him and when watching him play it is instantly recognizable that the talent level Mason is bringing in is light years ahead of where it was a couple of years ago.

The Rams got off to a slow start in CAA play but seem to be finding their groove. Early struggles were to be expected with them losing head coach Anthony Grant, and star PG Eric Maynor. F Larry Sanders has been an absolute beast, averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds per game. Pearson, Morrison, and Williams will have their work cut out for them. Sanders embarrassed Mason in the CAA championship last year, and he has the potential to do it again. G Joey Rodriguez is a great scoring and passing threat for the Rams, averaging 11.5 points and 6.1 assists per game. I wish Mason could get that kind of distribution from Cam. Other threats at the guard position for the Rams are Bradford Burgess and Brandon Rozzell.

I don't really have a good feeling about this game. The Rams have won 8 of their past 9 games with all 8 of those wins coming by double digits. Then again, the Patriots have always played well at home, and have won 17 straight home games in conference play. Hopefully a lot of people can make it to the game, despite the never ending snow we seem to be getting. ESPNU will be there and this is the type of game where the home crowd can make a huge difference. My head says VCU will win but my heart has to pick Mason.

Prediction: George Mason 69, VCU 65

The Hail Mary - Super Bowl XLIV

Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints (15-3) vs. Indianapolis Colts (16-2), Indianapolis favored by 5

The two best teams in the NFL all season long meet in Super Bowl XLIV to determine the greatest team in the NFL this year. These two were both 13-0 at one point and both dreaming of perfection. While those dreams didn't come true, a far greater achievement awaits one of these teams on Sunday night.

The Colts and Saints are similar in makeup. Both are led by fantastic QBs, the Colts by 4-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning and the Saints by Drew Brees. They have multiple options at the running back position. The Colts run the ball, albeit not well, with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. The Saints have Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell (who has disappeared in the playoffs), and Reggie Bush. Both Manning and Brees have a plethora of options at WR and TE. Manning has Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark. Brees has Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meacham, Devery Henderson, and Jeremy Shockey. Offensively, I would call it a wash between the two teams.

Where the difference will come in this game is on the defensive side of the ball. The Indianapolis Colts are simply better than the Saints. The big storyline heading into Super Bowl XLIV is the status of DE Dwight Freeney for the Colts. I expect that Freeney will play but will see limited action. However, I don't think him being limited will hurt the Colts enough for it to matter. The Colts have tremendous team speed on defense, which will neutralize the effectiveness of the Saints playmakers. The Saints defense is mostly smoke and mirrors. They really aren't that good, where they have been successful has been forcing teams into turnovers. Peyton Manning and the Colts won't fumble the ball six times like Minnesota did, and Manning won't throw mind-numbingly dumb passes like Brett Favre did. The Saints forced 5 Vikings turnovers and still barely won the game. They were completely dominated on their home-field in every statistical measure besides turnovers. Now I know you can't necessarily base one game on another but the Saints strength of causing turnovers figures to be a non-factor in the Super Bowl. When their defense isn't causing turnovers the Saints are usually getting shredded on the ground and through the air. The Colts haven't had a running back go over 100 yards this season so that doesn't figure to be an issue, but Manning had little trouble with a much better Jets defense, so he could put up eye popping numbers in this game.

The other strength of the Saints defense is getting to the quarterback. They didn't record a single sack on Favre in the NFC Championship but anyone watching that game knew Favre got the crap beat out of him. Once again though, their strength is likely to be nullified by Manning. Manning gets rid of the ball so fast that teams never get to hit him. Even if they do have a chance, Manning will usually fall to the ground, rather than allow himself to be pummeled. The Saints won't rattle Manning and because of this their defenses true colors will be shown.

Sometimes you just have to look at a matchup, and the Colts are a terrible matchup for the Saints. I think the Saints will be able to hang in this game because of Drew Brees and the offense, but their defense will not be able to get stops when needed. I like the Colts to win their second Super Bowl in four seasons, and Manning to win his second Super Bowl MVP in four seasons.

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, New Orleans 24

Last Week Against the Spread: 2-0
Overall Against the Spread: 133-129-4

Last Week Straight Up: 1-1
Overall Straight Up: 169-96

Year in Review - Indianapolis Colts (16-2), AFC South and AFC Champions

The Colts came into the 2009 season with many questions. Would Jim Caldwell be an adequate replacement for coach Tony Dungy? Would Peyton Manning miss WR Marvin Harrison, who had been his favorite target for years? Would they reclaim the AFC South throne from the Tennessee Titans? In typical Colts fashion, they went out and quickly put any of these questions to rest.

The Colts opened the season at home against Jacksonville. It was a typical Colts/Jaguars game that went right down to the end. Manning was relatively held in check and as would be a theme throughout the season, the running game did nothing. However, another theme that eventually emerged was the improvement of the Colts defense. They held the Jaguars to just one touchdown and helped preserve a 14-12 win. Week 2 saw the Colts travel to Miami for a Monday night game. The Colts offense only saw the ball for 15 minutes but they took advantage of their opportunities. The Colts came from behind four times in the game, eventually winning it 27-23. In Week 3, the Colts again were in prime time, this time on the road against the defending NFC champion, Arizona Cardinals. Manning played a great game, finishing with 379 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. The Colts defense smothered Arizona, leading the Colts to a 31-10 rout. The schedule eased up a bit in Week 4 as the hapless Seattle Seahawks visited Lucas Oil Stadium. Manning threw for over 300 yards for the fourth straight game and the Colts rolled to a 34-17 win.

In Week 5 the Colts traveled to Tennessee to once again play on a Sunday night. The Titans were 0-4, but were hoping a win could turn around their season. Instead the Colts ripped their hearts out and asserted their dominance of the AFC South. Rookie WR Austin Collie had 2 TDs, proving to be a great new target for Manning to have. The Colts defense held the Titans without a touchdown in the 31-9 victory. After a bye, the Colts went to St. Louis in Week 7. Manning didn't throw for over 300 yards for the first time but he threw for 3 TDs in the 42-6 win. In Week 8 the Colts got a dog fight from the San Francisco 49ers. Manning and the offense had trouble finding the end zone, but RB Joseph Addai threw for a TD, and the Colts hung on for a 18-14 win. In Week 9, the Colts hosted the upstart Houston Texans. The Texans came into the game 5-3 and were trying to prove that they were an upper echelon team. The Colts jumped out to a 13-3 lead but the Texans eventually fought back and had a chance to tie the game at the end of regulation. K Kris Brown missed a 42-yard field goal and the Colts won 20-17, improving to 8-0.

Week 10 saw a rivalry renewed as the New England Patriots traveled to Indianapolis. The Patriots came out on fire, building a 24-7 halftime lead. This game is of course famous for Bill Belichick choosing to for it from his own 28 on fourth and two, with the Patriots leading 34-28. The Colts stopped the Patriots and Manning coolly led the team down the field, hitting Reggie Wayne for the game winning touchdown. Things didn't get any easier for the Colts in Week 11 at Baltimore. The Ravens physical defense kept the Colts offense in check all game, but the Colts defense was ready to do their part. The defense forced a Ravens field goal after the Ravens had first and goal from the one. Then former Ravens kicker, Matt Stover hit the game winning field goal, earning the Colts a narrow 17-15 win. In Week 12, the Colts clinched the AFC South win a 35-27 win over Houston. The Texans jumped out to a 20-7 halftime lead but once again were unable to hold a lead over the Colts at home. The Colts scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and won 35-27. In Week 13, the Titans came to Indianapolis looking for revenge. After starting the year 0-6, the Titans had won five in a row. However, they still were no match for Indianapolis. WR Pierre Garcon had a huge game, catching 6 passes for 136 yards and the Colts won 27-17. The Colts were now 12-0 and just four games from perfection.

The Colts clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a 28-16 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 14. Despite allowing Brandon Marshall to set an NFL record with 21 catches, the Colts controlled the entire game. Manning had an up and down game, starting off with 3 TDs, but eventually finishing with 4 TDs and 3 INTs in the game. The big question going into their Week 15 game at Jacksonville was how much would the Colts starters play. Their fans wanted them to go for perfection but the team wanted to be cautious with home field clinched. The starters ended up playing the entire game and the Colts won another close game against the Jaguars, 35-31. Manning threw for 4 TDs and 308 yards, and Wayne had 5 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown. Week 16 saw perhaps the oddest scene in NFL history. A team that was 14-0 was booed out of their own building. The starters played the first half against the New York Jets, earning a 9-3 halftime lead. However, in the second half, coach Caldwell decided to rest his starters and the back ups were destroyed by the Jets. The Colts ended up losing 29-15 and their chance at perfection was gone. In Week 17 the starters played a quarter and the Colts were crushed by Buffalo, 30-7.

The Colts entered the playoffs 14-2 but because of the bitter taste left from how their season ended, people doubted the Colts. Also, contributing to those doubts was the Colts past playoff failures. The Colts hosted the Ravens in the Divisional Round. The Ravens could get nothing going on offense the entire game, and the Colts did just enough on offense, winning 20-3. Their AFC Championship opponent would be the surprising Jets. The Colts players wanted to show that had they played their starters the whole way they would have beaten the Jets the first time. Instead, the Jets surprised everyone by passing their way to a 17-6 lead. However, before the end of the first half Manning marched the Colts down the field, hitting Collie on a 16 yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to four heading into the half. Then in the second half the Colts offense dominated the Jets defense. Manning finished with 377 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. With Wayne made obsolete by amazing CB Darelle Revis, it was Collie and Garcon that came up huge. Garcon finished with 7 catches for 151 yards and a TD, while Collie had 7 catches for 123 yards and a TD. The Colts would go on to win 30-17, earning their second trip to the Super Bowl in four years.

Year in Review - New Orleans Saints (15-3), NFC South and NFC Champions

The 2009 season was a make or break year for the New Orleans Saints. After back to back 8-8, playoff-less seasons, coach Sean Payton was on the hot seat to deliver another playoff berth to the Saints. Many thought the Saints could be a playoff team but many also had doubts about the Saints defense. Defensive guru Gregg Williams was brought in to improve the defense, so they could complement what was already an outstanding offense.

The Saints opened the season at home against the hapless Lions, and dominated, winning 45-27. QB Drew Brees threw for 358 yards, and 6 TDs. S Darren Sharper had 2 INTs, making it known early that he would be a fantastic free agent pickup. The Saints put the rest of the league on notice in Week 2, destroying the Philadelphia Eagles on the road 48-22. The Eagles were without QB Donovan McNabb but still the blowout win was very impressive. However, questions still remained about the defense which allowed Kevin Kolb to throw for 391 yards in his first career start. The defense showed up in a Week 3, 27-7 win at Buffalo. The defense forced two turnovers, and held WR Terrell Owens catch less for the first time since his rookie season. The Saints led just 10-7 going into the fourth quarter but then the defense took over, stopping the Bills from getting a first down on their final five possessions of the game. Week 4 saw the Saints hosting the upstart New York Jets, who were also 3-0. The Saints brought the Jets down to Earth, forcing three Mark Sanchez interceptions, two of which Sharper returned for touchdowns, in a 24-10 win. The Saints finished the quarter mark of the season 4-0 for the first time since 1993.

After their bye, Week 6 saw another undefeated New York team come to the Superdome. This time it was the New York Giants. The Giants defense was exposed as the Saints scored at will the entire game. Brees threw 4 TDs and threw for 369 yards in a 48-27 rout. The Saints faced their first real adversity of the season against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins jumped out to a 24-3 lead, and the upset seemed assured. But in the second half, Brees and the offense got going, and the Saints outscored the Dolphins 22-0 in the fourth quarter, winning the game 46-34. On a Monday night against the Falcons, the Saints did everything possible to lose the game. They turned the ball over four times but thanks to their defense creating three turnovers, were able to hold on to a 35-27 win. The Saints continued their dominance over the NFC South in Week 9, handling the Panthers 30-20. The defense again forced three turnovers, while Brees threw for 330 yards and a TD. The Saints were 8-0 and thinking of possible perfection at the halfway point of the season.

Their Week 10 game at St. Louis was expected to be an easy win, but the Rams fought the Saints until the bitter end. The Rams had the ball at end of the game with a chance to win, but came up short, losing 28-23. In what had started to become a disturbing trend, the Saints offense turned it over 3 times. Facing another lousy team in Week 11, the Saints played as expected and blew away the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-7. The offense committed no turnovers, while the defense forced 4. Brees threw 3 TDs, and RB Pierre Thomas continued to serve notice to the NFL that he was the Saints newest weapon, running for 92 yards on just 11 carries. Week 12 saw the Saints back at home on a Monday night, facing the standard bearer of the NFL, the New England Patriots. Many people, including myself, thought this was the game where the Saints would show that they weren't ready to compete with the elite. Instead the Saints dominated the Patriots from start to finish. The defense harassed QB Tom Brady throughout, forcing him into 2 INTs. Brees continued his outstanding play, throwing for 371 yards and 5 TDs. The Saints were now 12-0, and just four wins from a perfect season.

Week 13 saw the Saints travel to Landover, MD to take on the hapless Washington Redskins. I attended that game and was expecting to see the Saints destroy the Skins. Instead, the Skins came to play and looked like they would head into halftime with a 17-10 lead. Kareem Moore intercepted Brees and began returning the ball, when WR Robert Meacham stripped the ball from Moore and returned it for a touchdown, tying the score at 17. The Skins would overcome it and led 30-23 late in the fourth quater. K Shaun Suisham then missed a chip shot, giving the Saints life. The offense went down the field with ease, tying the score at 30. Then in overtime, the Skins won the toss, but FB Mike Sellers fumbled, and the Saints would take advantage, winning the game on a Garrett Hartley field goal, 33-30. In Week 14, the Saints traveled to Atlanta to take on a depleted Falcons team that was missing QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner. However, much like the Skins, the Falcons gave the Saints all they could handle. It took two huge defensive plays by LB Jonathan Vilma, and 3 TD passes by Drew Brees to allow the Saints to eke out a 26-23 win. Week 15 brought the Dallas Cowboys to the Superdome to play in prime time on Saturday night. The Cowboys had started December 0-2 and it was assumed their December swoon would continue against the 13-0 Saints. Instead, the Cowboys jumped out to a 24-3 lead, before eventually hanging on for a 24-17 victory, ending the Saints dreams of perfection. The defense struggled, giving up 439 total yards to the Cowboys. The next week the Saints shockingly lost at home to the awful Buccaneers, 20-17 in overtime. What was even more astounding about the loss was that the Saints blew a 17-0 lead. The defense struggled again, giving up 439 yards of total offense for the second straight week. Despite still having a 13-2 record and having clinched home-field advantage due to the Minnesota Vikings late season collapse, there were many questions surrounding the Saints. Their final game of the season provided no answers, as the Saints sat most of their starters, content to lose to the Panthers 23-10, finishing the regular season 13-3.

Having not played a truly competitive game in 3 weeks, people had no idea which Saints team would show up in the NFC Divisional Round against the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. Things got off to a grim start as Cardinals RB Tim Hightower ran for a 70-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. The Saints offense then retaliated right away tying the score at 7, and from there it was all Saints. The defense forced two turnovers and battered Cardinals QB Kurt Warner all day, causing him to miss the end of the second quarter. RB Reggie Bush had an outstanding game, returning a punt for a touchdown, and rushing for 84 yards and a TD on just 5 carries. The Saints cruised to a 45-14 victory and resoundingly told their critics that their late season swoon was not a precursor of things to come. They then hosted the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. Both teams had clearly been the best teams in the NFC the entire season and it was expected that the game would be amazing. It lived up to those expectations and might have exceeded them. The teams went back and forth but it turned out to be the defense that would get the Saints into the Super Bowl. They forced 6 Vikings fumbles, three of which the Saints recovered. With the score tied at 28 late in the game, the Vikings were marching down the field for a game winning field goal. Then the Vikings got a ridiculous 12 men in the huddle penalty, followed up by QB Brett Favre once again throwing a back breaking interception in an NFC title game. The Saints won the toss in overtime, and helped by some questionable officiating were able to set up for a game winning 40-yard field goal. Hartley had missed a kick that would have won the game against Tampa Bay in Week 16 and hadn't had a chance since to redeem himself. He coolly sent the ball through the uprights, giving the Saints a 31-28 win and their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Check back in a couple days when I review the Indianapolis Colts road to Super Bowl XLIV.