I feel really good about tomorrow

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

I'm not making any predictions about margin or who will lead or whatever but I feel strangely confident and comfortable heading into tomorrow's game.

I feel like the team is focused singularly on getting to the Elite 8 and I just don't believe they'll be distracted.

Just seems like a much more focused group than the last two years

[brewcity77]

Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.

One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.

This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.

[muguru]

Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.

One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.

This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.

Exactly. MU is taking this game as all business. They are focused and ready. Miami seems to be more of "basking in the glow". Just happy to be there. I have a strange feeling MU is going to really take it to them tomorrow. It will be "shock and awe".

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

No disrespect for TC and the 2003 FF but it seemed like everything he talked about was for the players to "enjoy this." Of course that's awesome for the players and it's an incredibly special time for them, but it really seemed like that was their destination.

I dunno maybe I'm way off but I feel like as long as you're in the tournament you've got to be not satisfied to advance.

Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.

[tower912]

There are years when it is 'ok' to just be happy to be in the dance.   09-10 comes to mind.   A team shorter than most good high school teams with no depth makes the tourney.    Phenomenal.    This year's team has reached what I thought was its absolute ceiling at the beginning of the year.    Compete near the top of the Big East and the sweet 16.  I want more, but if MU loses I will not look back in regret one bit. 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

No disrespect for TC and the 2003 FF but it seemed like everything he talked about was for the players to "enjoy this." Of course that's awesome for the players and it's an incredibly special time for them, but it really seemed like that was their destination.

I dunno maybe I'm way off but I feel like as long as you're in the tournament you've got to be not satisfied to advance.

Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.

Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.

I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."

[wardle2wade]

I feel good as well.  There is a boatload of tournament experience on this MU roster, and it has showed with their poise to come back when losing down the stretch.  The stakes are high, but pretty everyone has been here already.  

Also I felt prior to the tourney that if MU could get past Davidson (bad matchup), MU will have a run to the final four.  We'll find out soon enough.  

[jficke13]

Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.

I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."

Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."

[MUFC9295]

We've been blown out (Florida), but have seen the team play tough games all year win or lose.  There is little reason to think this Miami team is any better than what we've seen or is more prepared for tomorrow than we are.  Win or lose, MU will do us proud.

[jesmu84]

Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.

Don't sell yourself short. I've seen you win plenty of great beer pong games.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."

true - I was referring to the lead-up to the Kansas game

[statnik]

Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.

One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.

This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.

Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga.  Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga.  Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.

People used this argument last year regarding Otule.  That argument was wrong.  Never underestimate a huge body down low and how it affects other aspects of the game.

[Henry Sugar]

Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke lost to Wake Forest and Georgia Tech once this year, and a team that, when IS NOT healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga.  Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise and defense, like that matters), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.

And also, Miami doesn't force turnovers.

FIFY

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga.  Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.

Ah the transitive property... how does that match up with our handily beating a UW team which beat both IU and Michigan twice this year?

[MU82]

Just got my tix via overnight mail.

So psyched!

I almost always worry, and I can't lie ... I'm worried about this, too. But hey, I was REALLY worried about Davidson (for good reason) and Butler as well, and those turned out OK. Heart-attack inducing, but OK.

[klyrish]

There are years when it is 'ok' to just be happy to be in the dance.   09-10 comes to mind.   A team shorter than most good high school teams with no depth makes the tourney.    Phenomenal.    This year's team has reached what I thought was its absolute ceiling at the beginning of the year.    Compete near the top of the Big East and the sweet 16.  I want more, but if MU loses I will not look back in regret one bit. 

I couldn't agree more. Going into this "rebuilding year," I was actually kinda dreading this season. I figured we'd be 9-9 in BE play if lucky and MAYBE have 20 wins total.

This season has been amazing and is probably my favorite since the 2003 season. I would never, EVER trade being a freshman that year for anything, but this year is a close second.

[NavinRJohnson]

So with all that red and orange filling the Verizon center, who are they likely to get behind in this one? I suspect MU since Miami is perceived as (and perhaps is in reality) the better team.

[wardle2wade]

Cuse fans have to get behind MU.  We beat them, and we're also big east in a year where the big10 got all the accolades.

I imagine the IU will also cheer for MU as we'll be viewed as the inferior team in their eyes.

[Golden Avalanche]

Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."

He also did it when they played Tulane that season.

I remembering being impressed that the kids, as young as they were, really took it to heart when we drove by the Superdome.

[murocky01]

Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.

I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."

And judging by the result against Kansas, MU was just happy to get to the Superdome in '03.

[bkooncy]

I don't feel good about tomorrow, and either way I think this was a great season.  Before the year started I thought sweet 16 was right about where we should get to.  Any less would have been a disappointment, and more is special.  This is not one of the 8 most talented teams in the country but we have a good shot at making the elite eight, which shows how good buzz is as a coach and motivator.

[brewcity77]

Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga.  Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.

Miami was 5-2 against top-150 teams without Johnson. Their biggest win was over North Carolina without him, a UNC team that uncharacteristically isn't as deep as our team is. Miami has 6 reliable players without Johnson. He is the best offensive rebounder on a team that simply isn't that good on the glass. The only way Miami beats us is if they shoot absolutely lights out. While they are capable of it, I feel that the waves of pressure we can apply will wear them down allowing us to dominate the second half. The more I look at this match-up, especially without Johnson, the more confident I am that we are going to the Elite 8.

[Goose]

Cannot say I feel good yet, but off the charts jacked up. I will be at MU campus watching and hopefully buying shots for some co-eds after the game. The shots will be to help my kid have a chance and not for my benefit.

[NavinRJohnson]

Cannot say I feel good yet, but off the charts jacked up. I will be at MU campus watching and hopefully buying shots for some co-eds after the game. The shots will be to help my kid have a chance and not for my benefit.

Still creepy.