The bitter cold of winter has struck. And I’m not talking about Austin, where the Christmas day high is forecast to be 85 degrees.
What’s Going to Happen With the NIT?
There still is no plan announced for the NIT, and while we hope it goes on as planned, we’re beginning to brace ourselves. The hope is that this wave of covid isn’t terribly severe and passes quickly. Obviously, this is the hope for reasons other than NIT reasons, but the NIT counts. We’re running a small business here. Are there things more important than our business? Yes, of course. But at some point, we get to worry about our business, and we’re worrying about it.
As an aside, I wonder if we could do a reverse class-action lawsuit against the unvaccinated if the NIT does get stymied again this year. Sue all of them on our own behalf, make ‘em each pay us five bucks or something. If you’re a lawyer please tell us we can do this, and please mean it.
Who’s the NIT Favorite? UAB Edition
UAB is a solid team who didn’t do much in nonconference play and plays in a shitty league (sorry, Conference USA, we love you, but we love you in part because you’re shitty). We aren’t calling them the NIT favorite yet, but they’re on our radar. We’re watching them closely. They also seem likely to play even if it’s another Junior NIT, so there’s that. Man. This stinks. Sorry, gonna be negative notes today. Joe’s are negative too. Worse, maybe even. That man is down. Thank God Iowa State’s playing so well. Please furiously knock on wood with me now that I’ve typed that.
Casey Thompson’s Transferring
Former Texas football savior Casey Thompson is transferring, which makes sense for all parties but does give us another opportunity to remind everyone how confident the Longhorn press was that Thompson was going to turn the program around after that great game of his against—*starts giggling*—Rice. We like Thompson a lot and hope he goes somewhere noteworthy and does well there. This is not Casey Thompson hate. This isn’t hate at all. This is mirth at the expense of Austin media that just can’t help itself.
Burnley Got Canceled Again
During the pregame meal again. No match this past Saturday. The waiting continues. Next match is scheduled for Sunday against Everton. Boxing Day. We’ll see, guys.
The Sens Went to Overtime
The Senators took the Flyers to overtime on Saturday (their Sunday game was postponed due to Covid issues with the Bruins). I don’t know what the original schedule was but they currently aren’t set to play again until Monday.
***
Viewing schedule tonight (all times Texas Time):
6:30: Delaware vs. Iona – ESPN3
The Gaels are a legitimate NIT threat. Best to get to know them well now.
8:00: UConn @ Marquette – FS1
Shaka Smart’s looking for his first conference win, and looking to break a little two-game skid. Would be big for his national title hopes. Do you think Marquette would play in a Junior NIT? Ugh. This sucks so bad.
10:00 Nicholls State @ Oregon State – Pac-12 Network (I don’t know which one)
Weird number of Oregon State fan friends these days. The Beavers are looking for their second win. I don’t know what to cheer for, but seeing how sad Joe was with Iowa State last year…I don’t know, I still might want Oregon State to be futile. That’ll teach you to celebrate leapfrogging the NIT.
