Sports Time

So Butler knocked off Indiana this weekend.  When Yogi Ferrell knocked down the 3 to force overtime, I really thought it was over for Butler.  Two of their key players had fouled out, and Indiana went into the huddle after the end of regulation smiling and confident.  I think Indiana believed they had withstood the Butler storm and would run away with the game in overtime much as they did in the overtime game against Georgetown.

But somehow Butler hung in there in the overtime, falling down early but regaining the lead with dead-eye 3-point shooting from Rotnei Clarke and Chase Stigall.  Then the walk-on aspiring basketball coach found a gap in the Indiana defense to knock down the game winner. 

Such an entertaining game to watch.  I remain stunned that Brad Stevens hasn't been lured by a major program with millions to spend on a quality coach.  UCLA comes to mind.  But there are programs all over the country that I'm sure would happily pony up the big bucks to pry Brad away from Indianapolis.  There's something to be said for having a job you love in a place you feel at home, so I respect Brad for fending off those offers.  Gotta think he's going to get the one he can't refuse this year, though.

Indiana shouldn't worry too much about losing their spot in the national polls.  They're still a good team.  Now they know they are vulnerable, and maybe it will tighten their focus going into the Big 10 part of the season.  I think they'll probably lose at least 2 games against Big 10 opponents.  I can see them being beaten by Illinois, Michigan, or Michigan State.

I was curious to see how the Colts would do this weekend against the Texans.  The outcome was pretty much what I expected.  Most Colts fans probably stuck with the game until there was no hope left, given the history of comebacks this year.  No comebacks against Houston, unfortunately.  The Texan team is just too good.

The Colts will get into the playoffs, probably by beating Kansas City next week.  They could possibly beat the Texans at home in the last game of the season, presumably because by then the game will have no impact on either team's playoff position and Houston might rest some of their starters.

Right now it looks like the Colts may play the Ravens in the wild-card game.  The Ravens would probably be favored, and the Colts haven't been very good on the road.  But if they manage a victory, I can't see them making it past the second round, most likely against the Broncos or the Patriots.  A second round matchup with the Broncos would be fun to see.