In The Dig: It's Battle of 1-10 Part II Game Day Central; BleedCrimson.net gives Miner fans some highlights from round 1; Derrick Caracter highlight you can't miss; More Bowl Speculation; Some news from around the league; and some good volleyball news.
The Battle of 1-10: Part 2
UTEP has another opportunity to narrow NMSU's 102-97 all-time advantage in the Sonic Jalapeno Popper Battle of 1-10 tonight. For those who missed yesterdays announcement, the game will be available for free on ESPN3.com. Tip is set for 7:00 pm MST. Beau Bagley of KTSM has a nice game preview up here. Also, if you're stuck in New Mexico for some reason, the game will be televised on Comcast Stations Fox Sports Arizona and ESPN Full Court. Details on NM TV here.
All Part of the Fun: Paydirt Pete and Pistol Pete had a friendly arm wrestling contest in anticipation for tonights game. Speaking of Paydirt Pete, don't forget to vote for him in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. He's in the semifinals.
A True Opponent's Perspective: "Basketball Diaries" is an NMSU blog dedicated to Aggie Basketball kept by Las Cruces Sun News reporter Jason Groves. Groves has a nice article up discussing Tim Floyd's decision to play Julyan Stone on Troy Gillenwater.
"I wasn't surprised. He is one of their best defenders," Gillenwater said. "He made me work for every bucket I got. He has long arms and is quick. He's a point guard but not an average point guard. I'm pretty sure they are going to do the same thing. They doubled me in the post and whenever I caught the ball in the post, I looked over my shoulder and there was two people right there."
Payday: The 2011 C-USA Basketball Tournament will pump an estimated $3 million in to the El Paso economy.
WANTED: Video of Randy Culpeppers dunk against Michigan. You got it? I want it. Send me a shout at minerrush@gmail.com if you would be kind enough to pass it on.
Speaking of Miner Basketball Video: BleedCrimson.net, which provides the best overall coverage of NMSU athletics, has a nice highlight video from the first round of the Battle of 1-10. Check out the highlights below:
Bowl-a- Rama
Nawleans: Bob Stull says that if he had to guess, he'd bet the Miners are headed to New Orleans to meet up with the Sun Belt Champion (likely Florida International).
The Boss: Speaking of Stull, the EPT has a nice feature up on his tenure as Miner athletic director. There's no denying that UTEP has been better off with Bob Stull running the show.
Hawaii Out? The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is reporting that the Hawaii Bowl will likely pair the host Hawaii Rainbows with UCF or Tulsa. If SMU wins the C-USA Championship game, UCF goes. If UCF wins, Tulsa will be surfing while SMU will stay home to host their own bowl game.
Too Awesome Not to Post
Former UTEP Miner Derrick Caracter is having solid rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Check out this REJECTION DC had against Luol Deng. Watch this video all the way through.
NMSU football coach Dewayne Walker is playing the "resources" card. Teddy Feinbers says resources or not, the Aggie football team just stunk.
The Marshall Thundering Herd basketball team is looking good for Tom Herrion. The Herd gave Louisville all they could handle.
Did the Rice Owls have a better football season than the Houston Cougars? The argument is compelling.
This Memphis writer is just happy that the Tigers football season is over. This is sad. If you hate Memphis, read it.
I’ve been covering University of Memphis sports for a decade now, and Saturday’s football season finale is the first time I’ve felt relieved by a season’s conclusion. There’s been disappointment before (2006 football), even heartbreak (2005 basketball), but this is the first time on my watch a Tiger team was overmatched — clearly inferior — from a season’s start to finish.
Where will UAB football go from here? Steve Irvine has the story.
Poor Kid: Boise State kicker Kyle Brotzman is getting harassed and threatened by students and fans on social media sites after he missed two short field goals in BSU's loss to Nevada. Speaking of Boise, they are all but assured of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco. And, check out OBNUG today for a post written by a Nevada blogger- he won the bet, so he got to post on the Boise State fan site. He handled the opportunity to gloat with class.
A Rare Volleyball Post
UTEP commits Madison Morris and Ashley Peak have both officially signed with the Miners. Here are some highlights of Madison Morris.