Busy day, lot going on. Fargo had her latest vet appointment this afternoon and we got a good report—the pneumonia continues to clear up, her belly continues to recover, we’re able to reduce the pills a little bit more (though not all the way yet). We’re moving apartments this weekend, so hopefully that doesn’t stress her out too much. Guessing she’ll be fine. That kind of thing doesn’t seem to bother her outside of having to figure out her new bathroom spot (she’s finnicky about that). But cross your fingers for the pup, if you think of it.
Fresh NIT Bracketology
We’ve got it. Dayton fans are pumped, and you know what? They should be. It’s an honor to be projected to make the NIT, and none should take it lightly. Flyers will have a bit of a free play tomorrow in St. Louis against the Billikens. 2:00 PM EST, ESPNU. Game of the NITe of the Weekend.
NIT or NOT? BYU
Wasn’t expecting this one. It’s still NOT, but after their third straight loss, this one a home defeat to outgoing NIT favorite San Francisco (really didn’t need that win, Dons, and yes, we should probably name a new favorite on Monday), it’s time to ask the question. BYU does have that fourth-quadrant loss, which helps things a lot, but their nonconference schedule was pretty good and their overall numbers are a bit high, still. Thankfully, they’ve got four more great chances to pick up quality losses, so as long as they don’t do something crazy tomorrow against Gonzaga, they aren’t out of our grasp just yet.
Other NIT Weekend Action
We’ve got eyes on Toledo at Ball State tonight—the Rockets could theoretically need an at-large bid, since Ohio could theoretically win the MAC. (Yeah, yeah, Toledo would have to lose for that to happen…but that’s what makes the at-large bid a question!) We also have eyes on Creighton at Seton Hall and San Diego State at Colorado State, all bubble teams. St. Bonaventure and Richmond are out of our sights. Sorry, guys. Not dead yet, but definitely close.
Tomorrow, we like Mississippi State/Arkansas, feels like we’re due for some Eric Musselman intrigue. We like SMU/Wichita State as well, with Wichita State due to make a push. And, of course, we like the entire ACC slate. Really. All of it. Every single ACC game tomorrow has NIT implications.
On Sunday, it’s mid-major time. Missouri State hosts Loyola. Cincinnati hosts Houston. Fresno State hosts the Boys. Rick Pitino is coaching against Greg Paulus and we won’t watch that but it’s kind of fun! Big day for the medium guys.
Burnley Needs a Win
On the pitch, Burnley needs to beat Watford. It’s a tough situation, with Maxwel Cornet returning from AFCON, Wout Weghorst new to the team, Ashley Barnes I don’t think back yet, Matěj Vydra dealing with that groin issue, Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson out with an appendectomy, Chris Wood still at Newcastle (getting the idea that might last), and that’s just the strikers (or what passes for strikers under duress). But Burnley needs to find a way to win. Game’s at 12:00 PM Texas Time, only on Peacock Premium. Might be time to break out the big guns (the free trial, if they have one).
Burnley, as it stands, is only two points back of Watford despite having played two fewer games. The bottom of the table goes:
17. Norwich: 16 points, 22 games played
18. Newcastle: 15 points, 21 games played
19. Watford: 14 points, 20 games played
20. Burnley: 12 points, 18 games played
The bottom three get relegated, so…you get the picture. Also, Burnley’s at home. Also also, it’s their first home game in about two months due to the Covid. Big, big day. Lot of season left either way, but big, big day.
The Clasch
If NASCAR wanted to clear up confusion between their preseason race and one of the key players in the original wave of British punk rock (thanks for handling my phrasing, Wikipedia), they’d just rename the Busch Clash the Busch Clasch. I have to do everything around here, I guess.
Anyway, the Clasch is this weekend at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and it appears the broadcast starts tomorrow at 5:00 PM Texas Time on FOX. I’ve admittedly been a bit out of the loop lately, focusing more on basketball and my dog’s intestines, but I understand they’re doing heats, and it’s a very short track, and it should be a good time, especially if you’re bored or NASCAR-curious. If you’re NASCAR-curious and you have to miss it, though, don’t sweat it. It’s just preseason. Not missing anything besides excitement, which we can bring you plenty of down the line.
The Bryan Harsin Thing
According to our records, I haven’t mentioned college football in these notes since January 11th, so let’s mention the Bryan Harsin thing.
Just once, I’d like a college team to outline their official rules about creepy relationships between coaches and assistants. How many wins do you have to average to get away with one? With a lot? With one but a lot of lewd details were leaked? What if you’re a widower? What if you have kids? What if those kids are grown?
All I’m saying is, there are rules and no one’s publishing them. Maybe it’s something we have to sort out ourselves.
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Enjoy the weekend, everybody. We’ll be back on Monday from the new digs. Or so we hope. Really hope the transition goes well for the Fargs.
