Crean expects the turnaround to begin now. He knows it has to or his job and goodwill on campus may start to wane.

On Saturday night, Crean mentioned Big Ten and National Championship to the Assembly Hall crowd. While those goals are lofty for a squad that went 12-20 a season ago, it provides a sense of hope. The Assembly Hall faithful want something to root for. Hopefully, Tom Crean can provide it.

I took some pictures from Hoosier Hysteria. Keep in mind I am literally 3 rows from the top. Hopefully my season tickets are a bit closer.

My favorite picture is of the banners coming in a bit blurry. To me, it resembles the past is farther away than anyone wants to admit.

Check out more information on Hoosier Hysteria here.

Being from the Tri-state area, my loathe for Philadelphia is pretty high. They are brash, rude, and often have an inferiority complex when it comes to  New York.

Every world out of Jimmy Rollins mouth is always anti-Mets. Even when they won the World Series in 2008, he went out of his way to mention Johan Santana.

Yet, here we are three years removed from that title and a sense of entitlement seems to follow not only the Phillies but, the Eagles as well. “The Dream Team” Eagles fell to 1-4 after completely flat-lining against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Within a span of three days, the ‘best team in baseball’ Phillies and ‘The Dream Team’ Eagles lost. A season ended for the Phillies while the Eagles are on the cusp of extinction, something many of the talking heads are in shock about. The Philadelphia sports fan has went from their high-horse to playing the blame-game.

Let’s start with the Phillies. I have gone on record saying the Phillies are in a ‘win now’ mode. They have thrown all their eggs (money) into the current run they are on which I agree with you. It is rare in sports when you have a group of players that are good enough to work together to bring home multiple titles. They have won five division titles and appeared in two World Series with this group. Not bad. But let’s be honest, simply not good enough.

With the likes of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels all being apart of at least two postseasons a piece, I personally thought this was a make-or-break year. Hamels, is surprisingly the only one with a World Series ring out of that group. With age now becoming a factor, it will be interesting to see how long these guys can all hold up.

The offensive group led by Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino, will also all be a year older and with Howard out with a torn Achilles, (not to mention a 5-year $125 million contract that beings next season) there is a huge hole in the middle of that lineup. They have declined in runs the last four years and to be frank, are not as dangerous. I’m not saying my Mets will be much of a threat, but the Phillies may not be as far as we once thought.

The window is closing for the Phillies and they know it. To be remembered as a great team, they need to win at least one more World Series. The question is: Is it to late? Or will they become the Braves of this era?

Now for the Eagles. As I stated in my preseason picks, the Eagles were overrated (and not a playoff team). They were thrown together, much like the Yankees of the 2000′s, the Red Sox of 2011 and the Lakers in 2004-05, with high-priced in hopes that an all-star team can win. Money and all-stars rarely keep everyone happy. Not to mention a limited preseason, teams had very little time to gel thus creating cohesion issues.

Dream Teams don’t win Super Bowl. Winning in the NFL is done through the draft. Ask the Redskins and Raiders. They haven’t won because they don’t build through the draft.

More times than not, all-start teams do not win or sustain success. Sure, the Yankees won a World Series in 2009 by throwing more than $400 million at free agents but what has happened since? A.J. Burnett has been the worst pitcher in the American League, A-Rod, Mark Texiera, and Derek Jeter continue to age, and they like the Phillies, aren’t enjoying the ride. When the goal is to win every year, the goal becomes a means to an end instead of an accomplishment.

With both situations, the Philadelphia fan went from a “We are better than everyone else” to scratching their heads and being put back to where they belong, their place. The city has won 1 world championship over the last 31 years and yet a sense of arrogance has somehow taken over the pride for both teams.

Welcome back to reality Philadelphia, your exactly where you belong.

Giants get lucky, steal a win.
Late in the 4th quarter, Giants receiver Victor Cruz fell to the ground after being UNTOUCHED, and let the ball go. What should have been a fumble was called down by contact and on the next play the Giants scored, to go ahead of the Arizona Cardinals. They would wind up winning the game. It was a terrible call, and the Giants got the win. The league needs to look at this situation and get the rule corrected sooner rather than later.

Will Tony Romo ever be great?
We all saw what Tony Romo did in the 2nd half week 1 against the Jets. Fast-forward 3 weeks later against the Lions and the “Brett Favre” impersonator struck again . After showing some toughness the last 2 weeks playing, and winning, with broken ribs, took yet another step back Sunday when he threw 3 second-half INT’s as the Cowboys lost to the up-and-coming Lions. Romo looked clueless in the second-half with the Cowboys up 27-3 and just needed to play smart football. He didn’t, and cost his team a game in the standings. The gunslinger mentality Romo plays with needs to be changed or else he’ll always be a sub-par NFL quarterback.

“Dream Team” Eagles having nightmares.
The Eagles were crowned by the sports media as the best team in the NFC and a shoe-in to play in the NFC Championship. But after Sunday’s collapse against the 49ers, Philly finds itself on the bottom of the NFC East. The Eagles are looking like the Boston Red Sox; a ton of talent, but can’t put it all together. They play swiss cheese run D and Vick doesn’t look like he did last year. Eagles better pick it up soon.

-Calvin Johnson is the best WR in football, and it’s not even close. You can take any bum off the street who can throw a football up in the air, and he’ll bring it down. There is not a defensive player in the NFL who can cover him.

The Texans had a very good showing against one of the better teams in the AFC Sunday, beating the Steelers 17-10. Yes the Steelers D looks mediocre, but this is a big for Houston’s confidence. If Arian Foster can stay healthy the rest of the year, maybe Houston can live up to the hype they’ve had the last 3 years.

Let’s stop bragging about how good the Jets are and get a few things out in the open. First off, the Jets offense so far this year looks bad. Mark Sanchez looked terrible Sunday night against the Ravens, and the Jets “ground and pound” offense isn’t working. Currently they’re ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Secondly, their defense doesn’t look great either. The Jets are ranked 28th in rushing defense so far this year. They can be scored on, and they look like the 3rd or 4th best team in the AFC right now. I’d put New England, Houston, Baltimore, and maybe the Bills and Chargers over them at the moment.

Phillies vs. Cardinals

The favorites versus the comeback boys. The best team in baseball versus ‘they really made the postseason’? team. Naturally, no one gives the Cardinals no shot in this series. The Phillies have the big four in Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt. The Cardinals of Carpenter, Garcia, Loshe, and Jackson. Clearly the Phillies have the advantage.

The one advantage the Cardinals do have is they are 6-3 against the Phillies which gives them confidence in possibly beating the Phillies. The key to the series for the Cardinals is to steal Game 1. If they don’t expect, a short series.

I like the Phillies in 5. It won’t be easy.

Diamondbacks vs. Brewers

I’m going to be honest, I have no idea what to make of this series. I have seen very little of the Diamondbacks all year. From what I know Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson have been spectacular but after that they have very little.

The Brewers are awesome at Miller Park (57 wins). Their stud 3-4 hitters in Fielder and Braun will carry this team in the postseason. Let’s not forget they have great pitching at the top in Gallardo and Grienke. Shaun Marcum is not a bad number 3.

This will be a fun series because no one really knows what to expect. Will anyone be watching?

I like the Brewers in 4.

Anyone who knows me knows I love baseball, particularly postseason baseball more than any other sport. Football takes a backseat (except when Jets are on), when the script for October is being written. Let’s take a look at the American League first.

Yankees vs. Tigers

I never have liked teams who have not played it through. The Yankees have been on cruise control for the better part of 10 days. Let’s not forget that A-Rod is not 100%. In my opinion, C.C. Sabathia has to take Game 1 from Justin Verlander. Verlander was unbeatable during the regular season and is the best pitcher in the American League. Ivan Nova has been great but I believe he will struggle in his first postseason. Does Freddy Garcia really scare anyone?

The Tigers have been hitting on all cylinders, finishing 30-9 down the stretch and scored more runs in September than any other team. Mariano Rivera is clearly the most feared closer in baseball but we can’t forget Jose Valverde was perfect on the season in converting save opportunities.

Many pundits are picking a long series in the Yankees favor, and personally I don’t know why. The Tigers have the better starters, offense, and are the better team right now.

I like the Tigers in 3.

Disclaimer: This is not a Anti-Yankee pick. I simply don’t think they matchup well with the Tigers.

Rangers vs. Rays

The defending American League Champions are in a position to repeat. The lineup is still very dangerous with the likes of Josh Hamilton, Elvis Andrus, Nelson Cruz, and David Murphy. Unlike last year, they do not have Cliff Lee to carry them to the World Series. C.J. Wilson will need to step in and fill the void as the ace in the postseason.

The Rays are the team of destiny this postseason. The hottest team ever to enter the postseason after overcoming a 9 game deficit in September has to be a bit exhausted. With Matt Moore, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, and David Price, the Rays have the best, young rotation in the American League. The lineup is not as formidable as in postseason past but still have Evan Longoria leading the way.  Let’s not forget the Rays want revenge for last year’s ALDS loss to the Rangers.

I am going to stick with the hot-hand.

I’ll take the Rays in 5.

Granted, the Jets have not been to the promise land since 1969 (I am only 26), but overall the Jets have been one of the better franchises since 1997.

Let’s take a look at the last 14 full seasons of the New York Jets.

1997 – 9-7  Missed Playoffs by one game.

1998 – 12-4 Won first division since 1969. Lost AFC Championship Game 23-10 to the Denver Broncos

1999 – 8-8 Super bowl Favorites, lost Vinny Testaverde during the first game of the season.

2000- 9-7 Collapsed down stretch losing their final 3. Al Groh’s only season

2001- 10-6 Lost to Raiders in Wildcard round.

2002 – 9-7 Started season 2-5 and won the division. Beat the Colts 41-0 in Wildcard round. Lost to Raiders following weekend.

2003 – 6-10 First below .500 season since 1996 (1-15)

2004 – 10-6 Beat Chargers on road in Wildcard round. Beat Lost to Steelers because Doug Brien missed two field goals late in the 4th quarter, costing Jets AFC Championship game berth.

2005 – 4-12 9 starters sent to IR

2006 – 10-6 A team of Nobody’s make playoffs. Lost to Patriots in Wildcard Round.

2007 – 4-12 More injuries cost team season.

2008 – 9-7  Brett Favre costs Jets season, playing with torn bicep.

2009 – 9-7 The Rex Ryan era beings with 2 road playoff wins taking them to AFC Championship Game before losing to Colts

2010 – 11-5 Rex Ryan guides Jets to 2nd straight AFC Championship Game appearance before losing to Steelers.

While the only thing alluding the Jets is a Super Bowl appearance, the records above show a lot of stability within the organization. They HAVE NOT had back to back losing seasons nor have they gone more than two seasons without making the playoffs. Out of the 14 seasons listed above, 10 of them were 9-7 or better, 7 playoff appearances (probably should have been at least 9), 6 road playoff victories, more than any other franchise, and 3 AFC Championship Game Appearances (Only the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts in the AFC have more). Let’s not forget they have been through 6 different coaches (Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Al Groh, Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, and the current head coach Rex Ryan) which is remarkable in regards to their success.

Two of the great franchises in the sport, the Redskins and Cowboys, have only won 3 playoff games combined and have been a laughing-stock for a better part of the last 14 years.

They have also had the unfortunate fate of playing in the same division as the Patriots, which have prevented the Jets from playing home games in the playoffs.. Much Like the Knicks during the Michael Jordan Era, the Jets have been hurt by having a dynasty in their way.

So what am I saying? Have the Jets been great? No. Have they been very good? Yes. As a Jets fan, the success of the Jets during my lifetime has been more than a lot of fan bases can ask for. Yes, the last two season’s have been tough to swallow but I’d rather have a shot at the belt than to have no dog in the race like my New York Metropolitans.

Hopefully, 2011 is the year.

New England 31 Buffalo 27 The Bills will keep things interesting, but no defense can stop Tom Brady. I see 300+ yards and 3 TD’s in Brady’s future as the Pats keep rolling.

Houston 27 New Orleans 21 This will be the first big test for the new and improved Texans defense. The front 7 will give Drew Brees fits, and the Texans will get their first big win of the year.

Green Bay 30 Chicago 20 Big division game for both teams. Packers offense is clicking on all cylinders. Packers continue to show the league why they’re still the class of the NFC.

Dallas 31 Washington 17 DeAngelo Hall talks a good game. To bad his team will be on the losing end of it. Dallas’ home opener with a division rival will end with the Cowboys earning a W.

I’m not a numbers guy, but when you breakdown what Rivera has done as closer of the Yankees, the numbers are astonishing.

- 602 saves
- 14 seasons with 30+ saves
- 42 post-season saves
- 2.22 career ERA/ 0.71 ERA in the post-season
- 12 time All-Star
- 5 time World Series champion

His accomplishments obviously make him a shoe-in first ballot Hall of Famer, but it’s how he’s carried himself throughout his career. When Rivera steps on the mound in the ninth, he acts like a professional. He doesn’t come sprinting from the bullpen nor makes himself look like an ignorant fool after he earns a save. Unlike so many other Rivera is uncommon.  He’s a professional and other pitchers could learn a thing or two from him.

Early on in his career he depended on a 95+ MPH fastball and a nasty cutter that he still throws to this day. He still throws the cutter as his out pitch, but over the years he’s lost some life on his fastball and had to adapt to getting batters out. The most remarkable part of his game is the hitters know what is coming, and yet they still can not hit it.

I truly believe that there will never be a closer as dominant as Mariano Rivera. Looking at the all-time saves list, the next active closer is 300+ saves away from him and how the game is being played today and the closer roles on teams changing year in and year out, Rivera’s save record will not be surpassed for a very long time, if ever.

The final total saves number will not define anything Rivera has accomplished. He is the best player ever to play his position and the single most important reason the Yankees have won their last four World Series. Every year fans complain about their closer. The Yankees have never had that worry. Of course he has blown saves from time-to-time and when he slumps fans wonder if the end is near. Through it all he has always remained one of the classier players in the game.

Congrats Mariano. It is well deserved.

1. Green Bay Packers (2-0) – In a game that was supposed to be a blowout ended up being tight. The defending champs probably overlooked the Cam Newton lead Panthers. They need to be better defensively but are still on track to defend their Super Bowl.

2. New England Patriots (2-0) – Another week, another big day for Tom Brady. 29 straight regular season home wins (misleading stat since he lost a couple playoff games at home). Patriots are on a mission for revenge.

3. New York Jets (2-0) – The Jets righted the ship after a not-so-great performance in Week 1 dominating the Jaguars in every facet of the game. Mark Sanchez continues to be the Achilles heal of this team. They have a tough 3-week road stretch which ends in New England in Week 5.

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) – After winning their “Super Bowl” against the Steelers in Week 1, they came down to earth and lost to a Tennessee team that is not good. They need to show me something if they are going to compete with the Patriots and Jets. Joe Flacco is the Tony Romo of the AFC.

5. Detroit Lions (2-0) – This pick my surprise some people but they have looked really good. Scoring 75 points and the Stafford-to-Megatron connection looks unstoppable (3 touchdowns already). Detroit goes to Minnesota this week. With how they are playing, they should move to 3-0.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) – After getting whitewashed by Ravens they bounced back nicely, beating the Seahawks at home. They will need to get better on offense as 24 points against the Seahawks is not good enough.

7. Houston Texans (2-0) – The defense has only given up 20 points. Granted they have played only the Manningless Colts and the Dolphins, it is light year’s better than last year. A huge test this week when they go into New Orleans. Matt Schaub is going to have to have a big game.

8. Buffalo Bills (2-0) – This may be the last time they ever end up on the Elite 8 all season. A thrilling comeback yesterday (down 18 at one point) has people in Buffalo believing. Going to New England this week may end there ‘precious little field trip’.

On one hand, the Patriots offense can not be stopped. Tom Brady has begun the 2011 regular season right where he left off in 2010. He has thrown for almost 1,000 yards and looks unstoppable in many ways.There only question mark is there ‘can’t stop a noise bleed’ defense. There has been little improvement on that side of the ball. The Dolphins and Chargers were able to throw all over the field.

On the other hand, you have the Jets. Coming off a hard-fought win against the Cowboys, they demolished the Jaguars in every facet of the game. The defense which struggled in the first half last week, has spent the last 6 quarters of football showing everyone how damn good that defense is going to be. They are the only team in the AFC that has the defensive personal to matchup with the Patriots passing game. Mark Sanchez needs to be smarter and make better throws. When the lights are bright, this kids plays his best.

You may be saying what about the Ravens? They showed you how inconsistent they can be. A week after demolishing the Steelers, they lost a game to a Titans team that got beat by the Jaguars a week ago. That same Jaguars team that was awful against the Jets. Until they get consistent, I can’t see them winning in the playoffs. Especially against the Jets or Patriots

The Steelers? They bounced back nicely against the Seahawks today,  but I think they are over-the-hill. The age will show as the season progresses.

The Jets and Patriots met in three weeks in Foxborough. The Patriots are at home and playing the a Jets team who will be playing their 3rd road game in as many weeks. The Jets are in the Pats and Brady’s head. It will be interesting to see who has the early leg up.