Boilermaker Banter

Required Reading 3/3

2009-03-03T19:35:00.003-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
The Obama Economy
The dismaying message here is that President Obama's policies have become part of the economy's problem.

Required Reading 12/19

2008-12-19T08:17:00.025-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Cinderalla vs. The Barracuda by Jonah Goldberg
A perfect example of the bowel-stewing self-indulgence of elite liberalism.

The Real Torture Disgrace
The left gears up to prosecute Bush officials for protecting the country.

Democrats Are The New Ethics Story
Blagojevich is just the tip of the iceberg.

Obama And The Rick Warren Flap
The president-elect needed someone to give the invocation. He wasn't going to pick Rev. Wright, was he?

'Tis The Season For Porn
Cultural Poison.

A Republican Stimulus Plan
Act now.

Caroline's Poll Fault
She skipped key elections, city files show.

Cronyism In An Era Of Change
The era of new politics is the same Vanity Fair as the old.

No Mercy For Jihad Johnny
A saboteur of American Freedom.

Power And Pedigree by Charles Krauthammer
If Princess Caroline wants a seat in the Senate, let her do it by election.

The Employee Free Choice Act Is Unconstitutional
Free speech and the takings clause are at stake.

Let's Restructure Washington While We're At It
Congress is at least as unresponsive to consumer demand as Detroit.

Who We (Still) Are
A little perspective for the pessimistic "age of the empty suit."

Required Reading 12/18

2008-12-18T09:32:00.031-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Better Than A Bailout
Giving Americans two months off from paying federal income and payroll taxes would prove a far more potent "stimulus" than any plan dreamed up by Treasury aides and Capitol Hill bureaucrats. Anything a few hundred Washington operatives can do with that bailout money, 150 million American workers and entrepreneurs can do better, faster, and smarter.

To Catch A Thief
Bernard Madoff's alleged $50 billion fraud is giving politicians and investors who failed to diversify another excuse to blame too little enforcement in U.S. financial markets.

Players' Drug Use Wrecked IU season
Sampson 'tried to stop it' but was focused on wins.

The Madoff Inheritance
It's so nice Congress and Sheila Bair want to bail out these poor souls who knew so little about borrowing. Bernard Madoff's victims will get no such succor, even the most deserving.

Madoff Exploited The Jews
Networks of trust are vulnerable. No law can change that.

The Kennedy Entitlement
Can David Paterson say 'No' to Caroline?

Organizing The White House Is Obama's First Test by Karl Rove
All presidents come to realize how much structure matters.

Obama Should Forget About Energy Independence
The only way to get there is job-killing taxes.

Deleveraging Can Save Jobs
A simple change in tax policy would make it easier for companies to retire debt.

Ford's High-Stakes Gamble by George Will
Seeking A Ford In Our Future.

Playing Bridge
A conservative approach to infrastructure.

One Plus One Equals 20 Extra Votes For Franken
If the Republican Party can't protect an election won by the incumbent U.S. senator in Minnesota, there is no point in donating to the Republican Party.

Campaign Rhetoric and Presidential Reality by Victor Davis Hanson
Consider this brief history of foreign-policy posturing.

Court The Big Three
Paulson & Detroit.

Required Reading 12/17

2008-12-17T09:04:00.003-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Could The Blago Scandal Ensare Team Obama by Byron York
If you don't think it can, you don't know prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald.

Bernanke Goes All In
If the current Fed believes there are limits to monetary policy, you can't tell from yesterday's Open Market Committee statement.

Put Madoff In Charge Of Social Security
Madoff's clients went on "reputation," which is to say they acquired their faith in Mr. Madoff more or less the way people acquire their faith in global warming and many other things, from people equally as ignorant as they.

Pyramid Schemes Are As American As Apple Pie
How President Grant was taken by the Madoff of his day.

Wait-Listed To Death
Improving incentives for organ donations.

Obama's Education Choice
A 'reformer' who doesn't bother the unions.

Defeat Malaria? Yes We Can.
Glaxo's vaccine shows promise.

Don't Pull Back
'Progressive' policies would cause economic regression.

Welcome To The Blagosphere
The governor practiced market-based management.

The Real Housewives Of Crook County by Michelle Malkin
First Lady by day, Dragon Lady by night.

Shock-And-Awe Easing by Larry Kudlow
Bernanke joins Team Obama.

Ghosts At Hyannis Port by Michael Knox Beran
Caroline Kennedy channels Grandpa Joe.

Postponing Reality by Thomas Sowell
The triumph of the non-judgemental philosophy of high-toned circles.

It's No Time To Panic by Jonah Goldberg
Let's take a national walk around the block.

Required Reading 12/16

2008-12-16T08:36:00.001-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Barack Obama-san
Not to spoil the party, but this is not a new idea. Keynesian "pump-priming" in a recession has often been tried, and as an economic stimulus it is overrated.

Let's Buy Pakistan's Nukes
If Pakistanis thought a bomb would be a net national asset, they miscalculated.

Condi's Korean Failure
Putting diplomacy above disarmament.

The Sole Of Liberation
Real change is afoot.

The Lessons From 30 Years Of Chinese Reform
One of the greatest economic booms in history, but an emerging turn back to the left.

How Blackwater Serves America
Think of our staff as soldiers who re-enlist.

Bankruptcy Is The Perfect Remedy For Detroit
Washington hates the idea because it would lose leverage.

Google Wants Its Own Fast Track On The Web
The celebrated openness of the Internet -- network providers are not supposed to give preferential treatment to any traffic -- is quietly losing powerful defenders.

Gitmo Lawyers Are The Latest In Radical Chic
How about some pro bono work for the government.

The Shoe 'Nuf Truth
On Sunday, President Bush ducked two shoes hurled towards him in Baghdad. But he never ducked his responsibilities in Iraq.

The Bush Legacy
It will take historians years to sort out the president's mixed record.

Dittohead Nation by Jay Nordlinger
Colin Powell, as you may have heard, has pronounced that, in order to rebound, the Republican party needs to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh. I say: The Republican party would be better off not listening to Colin Powell.

Paulson's Pliable Plan by Rich Lowry
In retrospect Paulson's conduct verges on bad faith.

Free Two Shoes by Mark Hemingway
Some may not have noticed, but the Zeidi incident demonstrates the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Good Obama Can Do by Mona Charen
Imagine him lecturing young people about the need to get married before having babies.

What's In A Middle Name by David Limbaugh
Surely, after Obama's acolytes scolded commentators for using Barack's Muslim-sounding middle name during the campaign, the president-elect himself wouldn't so quickly reverse course. But, in fact, he did.

Democrats Risk Losing Hispanics
One of the big bonuses Democrats enjoyed this year was a surge of support among Hispanic voters, a surge larger than the party would have dared to dream of just a couple of years ago.

Rush Responds To General Powell
The Republican Party is in the situation it's in precisely because of the people like Colin Powell and John McCain and others who have devised this new definition and identity of the party which is responsible for electing Democrats all over this country.

Keep Fitzgerald On The Job
Whether the case involves Mafia bosses, international terrorists or public corruption, Mr. Fitzgerald views bringing criminals to justice as a kind of moral imperative.

Making It
How Chicago Shaped Obama.

Required Reading 12/15

2008-12-15T08:55:00.007-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Fund Fraud Hits Big Names
Madoff's clients included Mets owner, GMAC chairman, country-club recruits.

Bush Blinks On The Auto Bailout
Now Barack Obama will have to face the UAW.

Innocents Die In The Drug War
Of all the casualties claimed by the U.S. "war on drugs" in Latin America, perhaps none so fully captures its senselessness and injustice as the 2001 CIA-directed killing of Christian missionary Veronica Bowers and her daughter Charity in Peru.

Disarming Ourselves
A new report warns Obama about our aging nuclear weapons.

Iran's YouTube Generation
Defiance on display.

Internet Attacks Are A Real And Growing Problem
A new report says cyberway isn't science fiction.

The Blago Scandal: What's The Rush? by Byron York
Are Obama allies stoking a crisis to push an embarrassing scandal offstage?

Dubious Dialogue by Amir Taheri
Obama has been toying with the idea of dialogue with the Islamic world for two years now - but he has yet to approach the idea of actually saying anything meaningful.

Sinise: A Man For All Services
Since war became a geographically distant but very real way of life after Sept. 11, 2001, no Hollywood star has stepped up to support active duty U.S. military personnel and wounded veterans like Gary Sinise.

Scientists Denounce AP For Hysterical Global Warming Article by Noel Sheppard
Scientists from around the world are denouncing an Associated Press article hysterically claiming that global warming is "a ticking time bomb" about to explode, and that we're "running out of time" to do anything about it.

Required Reading 12/14

2008-12-14T14:49:00.019-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Mitch McConnell's Finest Hour
By refusing to write a blank check to Detroit, Senate Republicans have started to reclaim some credibility on fiscal policy and the role of government in the economy.

Even Chicago's Crooks Are Appalled By Blagojevich
Extorting Children's Hospital is a new political low.

The 'Certified' Teacher Myth
It doesn't help classroom performance.

Bush Was No Unilateralist
The president's longest serving senior diplomat says conventional wisdom is wrong.

Media Mistakes On Detroit's Dive
Why is there no shame in helping to sell Toyota's p.r. campaign?

Obama's 'My Pet Goat' Moment
You'd have thought the Bears had failed to make the playoffs.

Bush Signs Security Deal In Iraq
President Bush signed a milestone security pact here Sunday during a surprise farewell visit to Iraq, followed by a trip today to Afghanistan to rally with troops.

Separating The Terror And The Terrorists
When 10 young men in an inflatable lifeboat came ashore in Mumbai last month and went on a rampage with machine guns and grenades, taking hostages, setting fires and murdering men, women and children, they were described by many labels.

Who's Losing The U.S. Car Business? by Larry Kudlow
Look no farther than the UAW.

Required Reading 12/12

2008-12-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
UAW Is Driving Detroit Off A Cliff by Henry Payne
The coddled union won't make concessions on its industry-killing contract.

Rezko Emerges With Central Role In Case
Mr. Rezko appears to be playing a key role in the case against Mr. Blagojevich, which, coupled with an unrelated, recently filed lawsuit in that state, could give Obama critics grist for their attempts to tie him to corrupt Chicago politics.

Blagojevich Thrived by Capitalizing on Connections
Prosecutors say Governor saw open Senate seat as escape hatch from mounting debt as new law was set to cut funding source.

Rescue Bid for Detroit Collapses in Senate
Common sense prevails.

Corporate Leadership And The Crisis by Carly Fiorina
As we watch the CEOs of the Big Three auto companies plead at congressional hearings for taxpayer money to avert "catastrophe," the great debate about the proper role of government continues with new urgency.

It Will Get Better
An interview with Charles Schwab.

Obama's Carbon Busters
A team of Al Gore's protégés takes over energy policy.

Wasting Paul Volcker
Obama needs him for more than 'car czar.'

Greece Is Burning
Lost principles have led to lost control.

Who Will Govern Illinois?
So who is Pat Quinn? By all accounts, he is a populist reformer, fiscally conservative for a Democrat and, refreshingly, an honest man. That's important in a state that has seen four of its governors indicted on corruption charges in the last 35 years.

Rectitude Chic by Peggy Noonan
The first Christmas in the age of restraint.

The Big Ten needs a Valiant bowl season

Obama Damage Control
He was elected president on a promise of "transparency" but barely five weeks later, Barack Obama is scrambling to meet his first big test on openness.

Obama Bungles Blago Response
"The rule of thumb is whatever you did, say it and get it over with and make it a one-day story as opposed to a three-day story. Politicians are always misjudging the intelligence of the American people."

U.S. Says It Will Bail Out Christmas
Easter and even Valentine's Day might be next.

Shelby, South Lead Resistance to Rescue
Foreign auto makers have favored the South in part because of its nonunion, low-wage tradition, and these senators argue that if the Big Three's labor relations more closely resembled those of the Southern plants, they wouldn't be in such trouble.

Carbon Caps 'Disastrous' For Texas
Gov. Rick Perry said federal regulation of carbon-dioxide emissions would be "absolutely economically disastrous" for energy-rich Texas, one of the few parts of the country still adding jobs.

On the Lawless Seas, It's Not Easy Putting Somali Pirates in the Dock
Though piracy is a globally recognized crime, few governments are willing to navigate the legal and logistical barriers that impede convicting seaborn bandits.

Top Broker Accused of $50 Billion Fraud
Sons Turned In Madoff After He Allegedly Told Them His Investment-Advisory Business for the Wealthy Was 'Giant Ponzi Scheme.'

Browner And Greener
Needless to say, the nation’s energy crisis is no longer Barack Obama’s top priority.

Down On Browner by Michelle Malkin
Regression We Can't Afford

Obama The Centrist? by Charles Krauthammer
The president-elect can boast of a moderate cabinet, but radical transformation remains his goal.

Another Modest Proposal
Forget Detroit. It's long past time we restructured America.

The Heart Of Blago by Rich Lowry
It's useful to remember that mkost politicians have an inner Blagojevich.

A Little Blago For Everyone by Jonah Goldberg
A cornucopia of corrupt crapulence.

Muslims Vs. Iran
It is widely assumed that the biggest victim of a nuclear Iran would be Israel. In fact, freedom-loving Muslims in neighboring countries know they have at least as much to fear.

Unusual Suspects
For President Obama, too, the first international crisis could be something that not one of us foresees (although, as always, events will seem obvious in hindsight). But there are also a number of potential crises hiding in broad daylight - and ignored.

Getting Warmer by NRO Editors
Obama promised to submit to the global consensus on climate change, but that consensus no longer exists as an operational political fact.

Required Reading 12/11

2008-12-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Obama Was Mute On Illinois Corruption
The president-elect could use his bully pulpit to drive a clean-up.

We Need A Bailout Exit Strategy by Christopher Cox
Let's not forget that free markets made America strong.

How The GOP Should Prepare For A Comeback by Karl Rove
Organization and ideas are what matters.

Whitewashing Fannie Mae
Congress begins its self-absolution campaign.

Bankruptcy Doesn't Equal Death
The auto industry could use the process to get competitive.

Minnesota Ballots: Land of 10,000 Fakes by Ann Coulter
Election recounts are never intended to get more accurate results. They are simply opportunities for Democrats to manufacture new votes and steal elections.

Don't They Know It's Fitzmas? by Eric Zorn
Tuesday was a great day in Illinois, a thrilling day, an exciting, hopeful day; one of the few happy days we've had lately.

Who Is Advisor B by Byron York
An unnamed Washington politico is apparently a key player in the Obama Senate-seat scandal.

Good Old-Fashioned Graft? by Mona Charen
Illinois and political scandal.

Blood And Diamonds by Roger Bate
Zimbabwe's kleptocrats are at war with their own people.

Blame Bush, Barack, Or Us? by Victor Davis Hanson
Unpopular policies concerning terrorism, energy, and finance are of long duration -- and not all will change.

Subsidizing Failure by NRO Editors
Politics has trumped prudence, and the real goal of this bailout plainly is not to help the automakers become sustainable businesses but to preserve union jobs and subsidize hybrid cars.

Blame The Bailouts On Mister Rogers
Mister Fred Rogers started every show telling us that we were “special” just the way we were.
When we weren’t.

Abe Should Belong To Indiana by Matthew Tully
Politicians in Illinois have made Lincoln roll over in his grave so many times he's now all the way back to his boyhood home in Indiana.

Required Reading 12/10

2008-12-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Democratic Culture Of Corruption by Michelle Malkin
Illinois invades.

Unpardonable by David Freddoso
An Illinois congressman tries to stop Bush from freeing a corrupt former governor.

And The Best Executive M.B.A. Programs in 2008 Are....
In the Journal's first survey, two schools stand far above the rest.

Calling All Cars: Trouble At Chuck E. Cheese's, Again
Kid-Centric pizza parlors become stage for adult bad behavior, as mama-bear instincts kick in and fight breaks out.

M.B.A.'s Veer Off Path To Big Finance Jobs
As recruiting season begins on business-school campuses, the collapse of major banks on Wall Street has many soon-to-graduate M.B.A.s rethinking their post-graduate paths.

NPR To Cut Work Force By 7%
In March, it will cancel "Day to Day" and "News and Notes," currently broadcast nationwide on member stations.

Ranking The Returns On Executive M.B.A.s
Applications for most executive M.B.A. programs are due early next year, and many working executives are weighing whether to make such a hefty investment in an uncertain economy.

Questionable Associations Of Obama
In his life and career in Illinois, President-elect Barack Obama has crossed paths with some notable figures who have drawn scorn and scrutiny.

Required Reading 12/9

2008-12-09T10:31:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
The Chicago Way, On Tape
This wiretap was golden.

Stimulus Shouldn't Be An Excuse For Pork
The nation's mayors have presented a revealing wish list to Washington.

Oklahoma Case Shows System Isn't Okay
Texas 45, Oklahoma 35. That score got my attention.

Why Did Fitzgerald Act Now? by Byron York
A corruption investigation stopped short.

A Day In The Life Of Chicago
Psst! Wanna buy a Senate seat?

Required Reading 12/8

2008-12-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
How To Do Public Works Right
In urban areas like New York, economic growth is physically constrained.

Fairness Doctrine Based On Scarcity Of Fact
That Orwellian name was designed to disguise the doctrine’s use as the government’s instrument for preventing fair competition in the broadcasting of political commentary.

Small Isn't Beautiful by William Kristol
conservatives should think twice before charging into battle against Obama under the banner of "small-government conservatism."

O.J. Simpson Transferred From Vegas To Nevada Prison
O.J. to begin serving nine to 33 years for his felony convictions in a gunpoint confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers.

Indy Shifts Its Surveillance
Tough areas lose 4 police cameras to the Monon Trail.

The Obama Health-Care Express
What Democrats learned from the fall of HillaryCare.

Now For An Honest Debate On Gitmo
A funny thing happened on the road to Barack Obama's inaugural: America became open to rational debate on Guantanamo.

Required Reading 12/5

2008-12-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
He Did Good by Mona Charen
But the Left won't give Bush credit.

O.J. Simpson Judge Known For Tough Sentences
The tough judge in O.J. Simpson's Las Vegas robbery-kidnap trial is refusing to let the fallen football star and his co-defendant appear in civilian clothes during sentencing on Friday.

Hoosiers Snapping Up Guns, Ammo
Some Hoosiers, fearing Democratic restrictions, are rushing to buy firearms and ammunition.

With Gas Prices Down Brokaw Wants To Tax Them To $4 A Gallon
If you needed any more proof that liberal media members don't give a darn about the state of the economy or the American people, and instead just want to raise taxes, you got it.

Pirates, Terrorism, And Failed States
It's time to get serious about bringing order to palces like Somalia and Pakistan's tribal areas.

Required Reading 12/4

2008-12-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Change Or No Change? by David Freddoso
Which Obama Will Be President?

No New Deal For Big Three by NRO Editors
Last month, it was $25 billion. This month, it is $34 billion. Does anyone need a clearer illustration of what we’re getting into if we bail out the Big Three automakers?

What's Left Of Freedom by Thomas Sowell
A non-opposition position.

Checking In With A Quartet Of Contenders by Seth Davis
Purdue is still one of the favorites to win the Big Ten, but the loss to Duke, coupled with its overtime defeat to Oklahoma in Madison Square Garden last week, exposed two fundamental problems.

Center Grove Avenges Lone Loss, Brings Home Indiana Class 5A Title
It was a championship eight years in the making, but it took an incredible six minute finish to close the deal.

Carmel Drama Looks Familiar To Outsiders by Matthew Tully
For at least one night, Carmel's government didn't look nearly as pretty as its City Hall.

In 17 Months, Will Burton Be Challenged? by Matthew Tully
On the political front, it's never too early to start thinking about the next election.

Free Plaxico Burress
New York City's gun law is unconstitutional.

D.C. Gun Ban Proponents Ignore The Facts by John Lott
While it may seem obvious to many people that banning guns will save lives, that has not been D.C.'s experience.

Obama's Environmental Test
The president-elect's picks for his energy and environment team could undo any smart moves so far.

Opening At The Fed
How to think about the world's most important job vacancy.

Required Reading 12/3

2008-12-03T09:29:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
The Bailout So Far
With pundits threatening the economy with deflation and another Great Depression, none have really been able to argue effectively against this expansion of government responsibility and interventionist zeal.

Eric Holder's Politics
His years at Clinton Justice don't inspire confidence.

McCain Couldn't Compete With Obama's Money by Karl Rove
America affirms Chicago's Golden Rule.

Obama's Not-So-Bold Job-Creation Promise by George Will
To the extent that his ambition is clear, it is notably modest.

The News From 2015: Senate Recount Is Settled At Last
The court held that lower courts had erred by refusing to count three decisive absentee ballots for Franken found two years ago jammed in the filter of a Brooklyn Park woman's vacuum cleaner.

The Cleanest State Meets The Pushiest Person by Ann Coulter
Until Now, Minnesota was always famous for its clean elections.

Back To The Old 9/11 World by Victor Davis Hanson
Now Obama gets the deal with Islamic terror, and has no Bush to blame.

What's RightWorld Doing Wrong?
A closer look at the current issues.

Bush Derangement Syndrome
There would be no cure with W. in the White House.

An Ugly Attack On Mormons by Jonah Goldberg
The easiest targets for an organized campaign against religious freedom of conscience.

Say No To Newspaper Bailouts by Michelle Malkin
Why not bring back town criers with public subsidies, as well?

Could John McCain Lose Again? by Byron York
After a presidential defeat, the Arizona senator starts a new run at home.

Barack Obama - Steady As She Goes by Rich Lowry
It's as moderate as any Democrat's national security picks could possibly get.

Required Reading 12/2

2008-12-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Travels With Hillary
Two Secretaries of State for the price of one.

Media Narratives Feed Terrorist Fantasies
Why has the media been so intent on magnifying genuine scandals?

Wetzel's Playoff Plan: I'll drink to that
Before we get to the playoff, let’s start by giving the Bowl Championship Series some credit. It might not be a good system, but it is better than the old one.

Iraq's New Dawn by Michael Yon
Victory Across The Board.

Why Notre Dame Has Fallen Behind In Quest For Talent
By placing the school's primary mission above athletic success, they chose correctly.

Required Reading 11/26

2008-11-26T09:03:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
The Battle For Minnesota Is Just Getting Started
Al Franken demands to know the identity of every voter whose absentee ballot was rejected.

A Car Wreck In Washington
Can Democrats afford to let Detroit succeed?

Weis' Buyout Smaller Than Believed
The common perception of Weis' buyout is not accurate.

Sorry Charlie, You Gotta Go
It's about time Notre Dame faces the fact that Charlie Weis isn't what they thought he was.

The NCAA's Indiana Ruling Was As Favorable As IU Could Expect
Getting off easy.

Notre Dame Is Like Everywhere Else by Gene Wojciechowski
Irish Program Used To Be Special, now it just isn't.

The Story ESPN Doesn't Want You To Know by Jason Whitlock
No one cares about Ball State.

NFL Big Men Don't Always Fit In
Livin large ain't easy for an NFL Big Man.

Nutt Having Solid First Year At Ole Miss
Thanks to Ed Orgeron.

Required Reading 11/21

2008-11-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Home-field advantage Has Left The Building by Bill Simmons
The Colts willingly gave away the trump card of a deafening Hoosier Dome.

IU's Legal Tab Nears $500,000
School releases bills it had accumulated through July, including hearing in Seattle.

An Interview With Bob Ley by The Big Lead
One of the good guys.

Bail Out Capitalism, Not The Big Three
The pitative bailout of Detroit's Big Three is quite different from TARP, as it will only postpone the inevitable.

Bucket List Is Complete For A Regular Joe by Bob Kravitz
Thanks Joe.

Joe Tiller Ends Career In Fitting Fashion By AOL Fanhouse

ESPN Crew Has Fun With Big 12

Could Weis Be Cooked? By Dan Wetzel

Northwestern's Struggles Prove Tough To Overcome by Bob McClellan
Futility, thy name is Northwestern basketball.

Despite Bells And Whistles, "Office Of President-Elect" Holds No Authority
Obamaganda at its worst.

NPR Sends Wiccan Preistess To Public Prayer Booth
A pagan priestess runs into the president of the atheists in a phone booth in New York.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Pat Forde
Dashing Through The Notre Dame Irish Snow.

Required Reading 11/20

2008-11-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Obama Health Plan Emerges
Liberals think the political moment has finally arrived to achieve what has eluded every other Democratic President from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.

Ignore The Stock Market Until February
The current volatility is less about fundamentals than forced selling.

Let's Have A Real Middle-Class Tax Cut by Newt Gingrich
Obama's tax credits won't stimulate the economy.

Now Obama Has To Govern
There may be more difficulties than he realizes in closing Gitmo.

Electoral Polarization Continues Under Obama
The truth about Obama's polarization.

GOP Voters Were Apathetic by Gary Andres
Turnouts hurt McCain and others.

Why Doesn't Liberalism Have To Change When Democrats Lose? by Rush Limbaugh

Bridge Loan To Nowhere by Jim Manzi
Bailout can't fix Detriot Woes.

Detriot DIP by NRO Editors
There is no saving GM in its present state and no good argument for trying.

Failure Is Not An Option by Victor Davis Hanson
Today it seems the grossly incompetent and inefficient must be preserved at all costs.

Familiar Faces by David Freddoso
The new House GOP Leadership.

Hoping For Change In Education? by Liam Julian
The early signs indicate Obama has sided with the public-school status quo.

Confirming Fears by NRO Editors
In choosing Eric Holder to be Attorney General, Obama has taken a step toward confirming his return to the September 10th mentality.

Obama's War by Clifford May
In Afghanistan, the change we need is a shiny new COIN.

Doc Daschle by James Capretta
One cook in the health-reform kitchen.

Better Together With Barack by Jim Geraghty
Obama and the dinner-party crisis.

Genius, Thy Name Is Obama by Ann Coulter
Historians have just named Obama the best president-elect ever.

Bush's Legacy: European Socialism by Dick Morris
Without a vote, we are suddenly members of the European Union.

Purdue's Outgoing Football Coach by Tom Kubat
Joe Tiller leaves lasting memories.

All Or Nothing by Eric Neel
The University of Buffalo has been invited to one bowl game in its 102 seasons. This is the story of why the players chose not to go.

For The GOP, A Page From Daniels' Playbook by Matthew Tully
Many in the GOP are looking to Indiana's top boss for clues on how Republicans can emerge from a nasty political slump.

Required Reading 11/19

2008-11-19T09:57:00.001-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Let Detroit Go Rankrupt by Mitt Romney
Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.

The Right To Win by Thomas Sowell
Wrong.

Married To The Mob by Michelle Malkin
Insane same-sex marriage rage.

'No' To Obama's Experimental Government by Jonah Goldberg
Give it a rest.

The Great Right Hope
Hillary Clinton?

The Presidential Honeymoon?
Already headed for divorce.

The Case Against Early Voting
Making Election Day obsolete invites vote fraud and civic disengagement.

Party Of Privilege...
...Party of plumbers.

Iraq Pact
By the Editors.

Lungren's Run
For House Minority Leader, there's really no contest.

An Exercise In Leadership
Rejecting the status quo.

'A Matter Of The People'
Careening toward chaos in Caracas.

Auto-Bailout Mechanics
Industry insiders say "burn them down and start over."

It's Priceless by Thomas Sowell
The alternative reality of political rhetoric.

Required Reading 11/18

2008-11-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Tarp The TARP by Larry Kudlow
It's time for a reality check about what works and what doesn't in fighting recession and promoting long-term economic growth.

How Obama Got Elected
A 10 minute documentary showing how Obama voters' views were shaped by the mainstream media.

The Environmental Motor Company
Making Detroit a subsidiary of the Sierra Club.

'No Excuses' For LIberals
With the election of Barack Obama and huge Democratic majorities in Congress, liberals must now practice something other than the politics of mostalgia and what-if.

Iraq 'Fails' Upward
Iraq's security deal with U.S. shows gains amid 'failure' mantras.

Why GM Deserves Support by Rick Wagoner
Short-term government backing can preserve a vital industry.

Pirates Exploit Confusion About International Law
The connection between human-rights scolds and the rise of crime on the high seas.

Pirates' Delight
Other thugs will come if we don't punish the Somali pirates.

The Lieberman Pardon
Democrats decide they still need the Connecticut Senator.

I'm Still Inspired By John McCain
He was right to keep Rev. Wright out of it.

Obama Hears A Giant Sucking Sound
His legacy is spent before he gets his hands on it.

It's Time To Give Voters The Liberalism They Want
Don't believe pundits who say there's a centrist mandate.

Our Spendthrift States Don't Need A Bailout
Governors need to learn to use fat years to prepare for lean ones.

Required Reading 11/17

2008-11-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Why Bankruptcy Is The Best Option For GM
Chapter 11 would better preserve the valuable parts of the company than an ad hoc bailout.

Spitzer As Victim
This guy makes Bill Lerach seem remorseful.

Dodd's 'Democrat' Tightens His Grip
The next logical step in what is the Venezuelan president's drive to seize all power and silence all dissent.

The $639 Million Loophole
Obama's riches, and the humiliation of campaign reformers.

To Prevent Bubbles, Restrain The Fed
Obama would be a fool to trust his economy to the discretion of central bankers.

As California Neighborhood Burned, Two Little Houses Survived
Conejo Road homes cheated flames through flower power -- and sheer luck.

Fighting Traffic Jams With Data
Researchers develop ways for cars to 'talk' to each other and send warnings.

Ex-Rivals Stand To Gain From Meeting
McCain and Obama working together....scary.

George W. Hoover by William Kristol
A moment of opportunity for Republican governors.

Recession Will Be Less Damaging Without Bailouts
When times are bad, you find out who you are.

Republicans Ask: Just How Bad Is It?
Generational differences in the GOP.

Love In The Time Of Darwinism
A report from the chaotic postfeminist dating scene, where only the strong survive.

A Future For U.S. Conservatives
There's a great deal of stuffing left in the Reagan coalition.

SEC Charges Mark Cuban With Insider Trading
From the IU School of Ethics.

Charlie Weis Alienates Irish Supporters
Losses, criticism piling up for Irish's Weis.

Mark Cuban And The Insider-Trading Deal From Hell
Not even for a profit.

Cuban Wrongdoing Case Not What The NBA Needs Right Now by J.A. Adande
It would be easy for the NBA to downplay the insider trading allegation against Mark Cuban if not for that nefarious referee Tim Donaghy.

Is An MBA Worth It?
Taking shelter during the downturn.

Required Reading 11/16

2008-11-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
The Surest Path Back To Prosperity by George W. Bush
If you seek economic growth, social justice and human dignity, the free-market system is the way to go.

Corporate Hell-Raiser
An interview with Carl Icahn.

Palin's Coattails
Her popularity saved Don Young.

The Meltdown That Wasn't
A primer on credit default swaps, the latest Beltway scapegoat.

Martian Triumph
A cause for hope in a year of uncertainty.

Stimulate Car Buyers, Not Car Makers
Government rebates would do less harm than a bailout.

The GOP Can Again Be A Power In Michigan
Low taxes worked for Obama. Why not for Republicans?

Don't Bail Out My State
South Carolina's governor says more debt isn't the answer.

Nightmare On Constitution Avenue
'Election Day' won't end until Democrats have 60.

Funnies Of The Day

2008-11-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

Required Reading 11/14

2008-11-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Bush Shows Obama The Way by Larry Kudlow
The president reminds the president-elect that free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.

GameDay Flag Relay Is Worth A Salute
The story behind the WSU flag.

Gingrich Says GOP Is Outmatched
The Republican Party right now is like a midsize college team trying to play in the Superbowl.

Biden To Meet Cheney At Vice President's Mansion
The 'most dangerous VP in history.'

Sometimes ESPN Just Can't Win by Le Anne Schreiber
ESPN has miniscule margin on mistakes, apologies.

The Healer: Tom Crean Wins Over IU Family By Honoring Past by Terry Hutchens
We've heard this before Terry.

Weis' Answers To Critics Should Be Alarming by John Walters
Notre Dame is getting better players, but the coaching is what's lacking.

Targeting Your 401k
Congress has an eye on the tax break for your retirement.

That G-20 Show
Obama is right to keep his distance from this photo shoot.

Stable Money Is The Key To Recovery
How the G-20 can rebuild the 'capitalism of the future.'

Nancy Pelosi's Motown Juggling Act
If there was a moment that highlights to what extent the Democratic Party has become captive to its special interests, this might be it.

How To Win In Afghanistan
A minisurge is not enough. We need more Afghan security forces.

Why Spending Stimulus Plans Fail
What Congress gives to some it takes away from others.

Zimbabwe Is On The Ropes
What the world can do to help.

Restoring Financial Stability
Use Japan's experience as a guide to near-term problems...then think bigger.

America Throws Long
If Obama doesn't connect, more than the game is lost.

Can Newt Save The GOP?
He may be the jolt of energy his party needs.

Palin, The Governors, And The New Power In The Republican Party by Byron York
After an across the board defeat, charting the future.

Barack The Youthful by Rich Lowry
Youthfulness is the idiom of the American politics.

Obama Lexicon by Mark Hemingway
Neologisms for the age of hope and change.

Keep Right by Jonah Goldberg
The GOP would simple cease to exist as a viable party without the support of social and religious conservatives.

Sanctimonious Stone Throwers By David Limbaugh
Speaking of elitists, its time to address their contempt for rural and southern America, particularly their ongoing smear of the South as racist.

The Encroaching Command Economy by Charles Krauthammer
Dems want you to subsidize an industry made unprofitable by Dem policies.

Hank Paulson, Naked Emperor by Michelle Malkin
The man who doesn't know what the hell he's doing.

Next Up For Nationalization: The Internet
Network neutrality means less technological innovation...and less freedom too.

Bailout To Nowhere by David Brooks
Granting immortality to Detriot's Big Three does not enhance creative distruction. It retards it.

Purdue Aims For The Top Of The Big Ten
3 years ago, Purdue was last in the Big Ten, this season its favored to win it.

History of NSA Leaves Out Its Successes
Agency tells story but keeps victories secret.

Couric Studied With Anti-Palin Advisors Before Palin Interview
MSM Malfeasance.

Required Reading 11/13

2008-11-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
History Favors Republicans in 2010 by Karl Rove
The 2008 election numbers aren't as stark as the results.

A Barack Market
No President-elect in the postwar era has been greeted with a more audible hiss from Wall Street.

How To Put The Squeeze On Iran
Cutting off its gasoline imports may be the only peaceful way to get Tehran to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

Empire State Implosion
The financial meltdown and the welfare state.

MSNBC Retracts False Palin Story
Network runs correction on air after reporting an adviser to John McCain had identified himself as the source of an embarassing story about Sarah Palin, information stemming from a hoax.

Code Name Obama
Government trivia tidbits.

The Greens Get Harpooned
The Supremes save the Navy from the whales.

Obama And Missle Defense
On this critical issue, the president-elect is not off to a good start.

It's Time To Rethink Our Retirement Plans
Let's fix what isn't working, before the next financial crisis.

China Can Help
How else will the Dems finance their spending programs?

Obama's Second Thoughts On Iran
Obama appears to be having second thoughts about the wisdom of an idea announced largely as a means of strengthening his anti-Bush message rather than dealing with a dangerous foreign foe.

Reaching Hispanic Voters
Democrats' ground game paid off.

GOP Vote Declines Less Than NYT Profit by Ann Coulter
For the first time in 32 years, Dems got more than 50% of the country to vote for their candidate in a national election, and now they want to lecture the Republican Party on how to win elections.

After Taking Some Shots, She Fires Back
Palin aims at detractors in remaking her image.

Weis' NFL Experience Not Helping Him Now by Jason Whitlock

Willingham's Failure Doesn't Make Weis Better

Nice Time To Ride To The Rescue, Charlie

Obama & Gitmo by Andrew McCarthy
End the demagoguing and know the facts before making policy.

The Same Old Change by Victor Davis Hanson
And some of it, we weren't even waiting for.

Center? What Center?
The center is never a fixed position to move toward.

Entering Casablanca by Liam Julian
The hope and change candidate is now the president-elect of tempered hope and difficult change.

Bitterfest '08 by Jay Nordinger
Now is the time for graciousness, optimism, and all that jazz.

Will Republicans Learn? by David Freddoso
House leadership elections are one test.

Required Reading 11/12

2008-11-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Obama's Car Puzzle
If consumers really wanted green cars, no mandate would be necessary.

Obama's Lame Duck Opportunity
Let Bush take the free-trade heat.

Is Now The Time To Buy Stocks?
Here is what the historical evidence suggests.

Mischief In Minnesota
Al Franken's recount isn't funny.

Same Old Berlin Wall
In Germany, a limit to the change we can believe in.

Kurdistan Is A Model For Iraq
Our path to a secular, federal democracy is inspired by the U.S.

This Election Has Not Realigned The Country
What 2008 has in common with 1980.

Goodbye To All That
A cheap cynicism has brought us to disaster. Let's try a little audacity.

The Palin Factor
What the polls say about Sarah.

Win One For The Messiah by Victor Davis Hanson
Excuse me if I remain unmoved by the misguided religious fervor.

To Your Battle Stations by Tony Blankley
Calling all hearty conservatives.

Camille Paglia On Obama, Palin And The Next Four Years
I still like Sarah Palin.

Four More Boilermakers
Meet the 2009 Recruiting Class.

McCain Defends Palin In Post-Election TV Interview
'She inspired people. She still does.'

I'm A Strong Believer You Have To Obey The Law
A look ahead at Obama's immigration policy.

The GOP Looking Glass by Jonah Goldberg
Was George W Bush a conservative president?

GOP Comeback? Been There, Done That by Michael Medved
Drawing parallels to 1992.

Here Are Your Assignments by John Pitney
The road to political recovery.

Dubya And Zuni by Michelle Malkin
The rest of the story on Obama's illegal-alien aunt.

Yes, He Can! by Dave Konig
Celebrate Joe.

GOP Looking Glass by Jonah Goldberg
The Right future.

Broadcast Blackout Of Left's 'Fairness' Doctrine Push
The Censorship Doctrine.

'Why Believe In A God?' Ad Campaign Launches On D.C. Buses
There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Detroit Comes Begging by Rich Lowery
Can we save corporate dinosaurs that have been mismanaged for decades? Yes we can!

Economic Change We Need by Iain Murray
Challenging Obama and Congress to demonstrate they're all about change.

President Palin? Alaska Governor Ponders Her Future
Palin moves deeper into the spotlight.

The New Face Of The Republican Party
Some perspective.

Required Reading 11/11

2008-11-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
'Intellectuals' by Thomas Sowell
Ignorance has consequences.

Tiger Woods On Golf, Obama, And The Economy
"My father would have cried."

The Culture War And Barack Obama by Bill O'Reilly
You dance with the one who brung ya.

McCain Owes Sarah Some Straight Talk
Where is John McCain's honor when we need it?

Take Some Political Risks by Paul Ryan
The greatest threat to our nation's future prosperity is the explosion of entitlement spending.

(D.) For Vendetta
The champagne is barely off the ice and Dems are already celebrating their new majorites by punishing a few heretical colleagues.

John Edwards To Reemerge At Indiana University
Go back in your hole.

Soldiers Of The Great War
Whether our costly achievement in Iraq will hold depends largely on our willingness to support the Iraqi government and steel it against its own fascistic challengers.

The Bailout Of The Bailout Of....
The rescue medicine was killing the patient.

Diversity Is Destiny
Targeting the hispanic vote.

Stay Faithful To Core Values
To regain a majority, Republicans must embrace core values with such conviction that Americans will welcome where Republicans will lead them in the future.

Listen. Adapt. Be Positive.
Words from the future leader of the RNC.

What Would Reagan Do?
This is not the first time that conservatives have stared into an electoral abyss.

Above All, Obama's A Pol
Barack Obama may be the King Of Cool, but his followers are afflicted with brain fever.

Liberal Censorship And Its Roots by David Limbaugh
Obama and the Censorship Doctrine.

Put California In Play
Hispanics show traditional values but pull the lever for Obama.

Is 2008 A Realignment?
Realignment is an overused term.

Obama Urges Bush To Help Auto Industry
A head start on socialism.

Obamas Depart White House After Meetings With First Couple
The Obamas get a tour.

Minnesota Ripe For Election Fraud by John Lott
There is nothing funny about Minnesota's recount.

Obama Victory Raises Social Significance Of Basketball by Scoop Jackson
What happens when ignorant people write.

Soldiers Win by David French
Post-election reflections on Iraq.

Pride Of A Nation by James Robbins
Vets Day.

GOP Gears Up For 2012
Looking at the future of the GOP.

Palin Allies: She's No Diva
'I never asked for anything more than a Diet Dr Pepper'

White House Kitchen Staff Prepares for Obamas
The First Family has the privilege of putting its own personal taste on the presidential mansion.

Required Reading 11/10

2008-11-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Five Days At The End Of The World by Andrew Klavan
My visit to Afghanistan, and the War on Terror movie that Hollywood would never make.

Why I'll Miss President Bush by Jim Towey
He had a charge to keep, and he kept it.

Crichton's Wisdom
He understood that even scientists fall to temptations of fame, profit, and power.

Ryan For Republicans
The party needs an economic spokesman.

Rahm Emanuel: "Do What You Got Elected To Do"
The incoming chief of staff says expect a pragmatic White House.

The Polls Show That Reaganism Is Not Dead by Scott Rasmussen
Mr. Obama ran like Reagan. Will he be able to govern that way too?

What An Obama Victory Means For Racial Politics by Juan Williams
Barack Obama's election is both an astounding political victory, and the end of an era for black politics.

Nationalizing Detroit
The irony of government stepping in to solve another crisis they created themselves.

Pay As You Go Is Gone
The double standard of government spending in an Obama administration.

Don't Repeat Errors Of New Deal by Amity Shlaes
The New Deal inspired but it is the wrong deal for the country, even now.

The Lost Art Of War by Andrew Klavan
Hollywood's anti-American war films don't measure up to the glories of its patriotic era.

First Bush-Obama Meeting: Hard Feelings And Hand Sanitizer
As President Bush and President-elect Barack Obama prepare for their post-election meeting at the White House on Monday, memories of their first encounter linger.

Obamas Arrive For Meetings At White House With First Couple
President-elect Barack Obama arrived early with his wife Michelle to meet with President Bush and first lady Laura Bush for a discussion about the transition of power.

Braggistan In The America Of The Imagination by Andrew Klavan
Why the military loses the information war.

GOP Dog Days by Bill Kristol
It could be a tough 8 years for conservatives.

Washington Post Concedes Bias For Obama
The WaPo ombudsman tells us what we already know.

America's True Genius
There goes that change word again.

Post-Racial Preference America by Ken Blackwell
Race is not an insurmountable obstacle to success in today's America.

Restoring Reaganism by Deroy Murdock
Tis the season for recriminations.

The Death Of The American Idea by Mark Steyn
An electorate living high off the entitlement hog.

Required Reading 11/7

2008-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
Aliens Cause Global Warming by Michael Crichton
R.I.P. Michael Crichton

Palin And The GOP
Love Sarah Palin or hate her, there seems to be little in between, the Alaska Governor has become a national political figure.

Obama Needs A Strong Foreign Policy
Voters continue to harbor doubts about Democrats on security.

How To Block The Liberal Agenda
Democrats won big on Tuesday, but not big enough.

The Children Are Watching
America makes history, but the mandate is for moderation.

Emanuel's Elbows
Mr. Emanuel is likely to be a restraining influence on the wackier members of Congress.

Cowards by Michelle Malkin
The character assassination of Sarah Palin.

Compassionate Conservatism Was A Mistake by Dick Armey
John McCain has long suffered from philosphical confusions about free markets, and his presidential campaign reflected as much.

Conservative Power Brokers Strategize
Obama untruthfully campaigned on traditionally Republican issues.

The GOP's Worthy Nominee by Charles Krauthammer
In the excitement and decisiveness of Barack Obama's victory, we forget that in the first weeks of September, John McCain was actually ahead.

Conservatives, Don't Be Hypnotized by David Limbaugh
Being gracious in defeat does not mean we should for one minute abandon the vigorous pursuit of our ideas. The left never does, and we cannot afford to.

Progressivism's Achilles Heel by Jonah Goldberg
Obama has some major unprogressive coattails.

Protect And Defend by Oliver North
Obama clearly intends to change the commitments, capabilities, and cost of America's military.

Mitt Romney On Obama's Challenges
Obama should forget entirely about reelection and focus solely on helping the nation at a critical time.

A Flag, On A Hill by Bill Whittle
We're gonna lick 'em out of their boots.

Why McCain Lost by Michael Reagan
Barack Obama is president-elect of the United States because the Republican Party and John McCain handed him the presidential election on a silver platter.

Palin's Tricky Path Back
'2012 sounds so far off that I can't even imagine what I'd be doing then.'

2008 County By County Results

2008-11-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

Look at all that red.

Required Reading 11/6

2008-11-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
How The President-Elect Did It by Karl Rove
The new voters changed the game.

Great Black Hope
The reality of President-Elect Obama.

Make Haste Slowly, President Obama by Victor Davis Hanson
Your win over Senator McCain was not a mandate for radical change.

Obama's Paradox by Michael Knox Beran
His election vindicated America's ideal of equality. Will his policies promote a paternalism that erodes it?

Obama's Real Opposition
WSJ gets carried away with the theory of Obama governing as a centrist.

Preventing National Suicide
Tips on conserving and protecting from across the pond.

Republicans Look For Rising Stars To Shape Party's Future
The next generation of Republicans will have to steer the party back to its conservative roots.

Silver Linings, And More Dark Clouds by David Freddoso
Election surprises, pleasant and unpleasant.

The Obama Realignment by Lanny Davis
This could be the start of a lasting Democratic majority like that created by FDR.

The Treatment of Bush Has Been A Disgrace
What must our enemies be thinking?

Winning Proposition
Marriage success.

Obama's Dour Vision
How much change do we really need?

Pence Moves Up In GOP Shake-Up
Change I Can Believe In.

BBC Shunned Me For Denying Climate Change
'Consensus Science' strikes again.

Election Questions No One Ever Asks by Jonah Goldberg
Speaking of children, the national obsession with the 'youth vote' is one of the great embarrassments of deliberative democracy.

Obama's Post-Racial Promise
Barack Obama seduced whites with a vision of their racial innocence precisely to coerce them into acting out of a racial motivation.

From The Ashes Of This Election, A New Conservative Insurgency Will Arise
Over the years, America has experienced countless zigs and zags in economic and social policy, but has repeatedly proven its ability to right itself and avoid long-term damage.

Required Reading 11/5

2008-11-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

Now Govern by Jonah Goldberg
Expect the Democrats to stream into Washington and dive into the federal treasury like giddy caddies cannonballing into the swimming pool in Caddyshack.

Obama Presidency Open Thread
Mourning with Newsbusters commenters.

Daniels Re-elected In Landslide
His victory is an exception to many Republicans' woes elsewhere in country.

What Sank McCain by Byron York
Could anything have prevented this defeat?

Hope Amid The Ruins
Liberals will shortly be in the driver's seat in Washington in a way they have not been since the Great Society.

The Possibilities Of A President Obama
In historic victory, he reaches out to the loyal opposition.

We Have A New President by Michael Novak
Sharing in hope.

The Children Gather by David Freddoso
Idealistic Obama fans celebrate a blank screen in Chicago.

To Conservatives Who Are Thinking About Tomorrow
Conservatism always has been and always will be a force to reckon with because it most closely approximates the reality of the human condition based on the cumulative judgment and experience of the people.

The Democrats' Shadow Party by Tom DeLay
What Republicans need to do to win in 2010.

Exit Polls Show Huge Increase in Incomes Since 2004, Will Media Care?
The percentage of poor voters showed a huge decrease since 2004, while the percentage of folks making over $200,000 doubled. Yes, doubled.

And The Winner Is.....Peggy The Moocher by Michelle Malkin
Obama effectively channeled Oprah Winfrey's Big Give.

A Funny Thing Happened by Matthew Tully
More on Daniels landslide victory.

Can We Agree by Gerard Alexander
Post-election issues.

Five Myths About The Great Depression
Herbert Hoover was no proponent of laissez-faire.

Required Reading 11/4

2008-11-04T08:26:00.000-05:00

READ OF THE DAY
What We're Fighting For by John McCain
Protectionism and tax hikes are wrong for the economy.

Leap of Hope
Sometimes the gambles pay off, sometimes they don't.

The Change We Need by Barack Obama
I will run the country into the ground.

Are Obama's Friends Fair Game?
Prof Khalidi thinks your associates matter.

What If Wright Played A Bigger Role?
It was the dog that didn't bark.

Predicting Tonight
Hope and change.

Vote Today
Today is election day. Unhappily, that fact matters less than it once did, since Americans now have been voting for weeks.

Where Was The Ad by Bill Whittle
And there must be some excellent reason we didn't see this from the McCain campaign, right?

Soldiering Suffrage by Mark Hemingway
Fighting for their votes.

Why The Polls Overstate Obama's Lead
His best and worst demographics are notoriously difficult to predict accurately.

United States Of France
The same policies that have failed in Europe won't work here.

Will Americans Really Vote To Fundamentally Transform America?
Today, Americans decide on whether, in the words of Obama, to fundamentally transform the United States of America.

Sorry, But Obama Scares Me by David Limbaugh
Obama's entire campaign has been based on the need for radical, transformational change, which implies there is something very wrong with America.

Voters Think Obama's The Ronald Reagan Tax-Cutter Of The 2008 Election by Larry Kudlow
Wouldn't it be the height of irony if Barack Obama wins this election as the Ronald Reagan tax-cutter? His tax plans are severely flawed and his campaign narrative to support them is all wrong.

A Sound Economy by Thomas Sowell
The truest thing that Senator McCain said during this election campaign is what got him in the most trouble.

Where The Polls Went Wrong
Flashback to the 1980 Election.

Professor Brags About Stealing GOP Signs
Liberal coward.

Affirmative Action And Gay Marriage by Thomas Sowell
None of us has a right to other people's approval.

Who Failed The Right The Most Tonight?
A poll by Newsbusters.

Required Reading 11/3

2008-11-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

What We Know About Obama by Stanley Kurtz
The illusion of pragmatism advances far-left goals, in baby steps.

My Heart And My Values Didn't Change
In Bush, loyalists see a good and steadfast man who has gotten a bad rap.

The Morning After: Half Of Us Will Be Disappointed
In a deeply divided nation, every ray of victory's sunshine brings a corresponding thundercloud of defeat and bitterness.

Fighting To Hold Down Congressional Losses
Competing in in districts George Bush carried by large margins in 2004.

Upsides, Down The Ballot
States set to vote on gay marriage bans among other things.

Required Reading 11/2

2008-11-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

Obama Says He Didn't Know Aunt's Illegal Status
The Illinois senator's aunt has been residing in Boston public housing since her request for asylum was denied four years ago.

A Cut For Life by Stephen Spruiell
You can never be reminded often enough of what does really matter, and for that, I probably owe that barber more than $17.25.

Loving Sarah In Middle America by Byron York
With the vice-presidential candidate in must-win Ohio.

Gap Gets Serious About Vote Fraud by Deroy Murdock
The company says it will no longer sell "Vote Twice" buttons.

McCain's Honor
The John McCain of this campaign is the same as he ever was.

I Haven't Always Just Toed The Line
An interview with Sarah Palin.

Why Obama Is Competitive In Indiana by Matthew Tully
Confused & ignorant Indiana voters.

John Kerry's "Understanding"
Will Obama tap him for the 'no preconditions' portfolio?

Obama vs. Clinton by John Berlau
Running against prosperity.

SNL Skewers Olbermann As A Pompous Dishonest Buffoon
Hilarious video.

Halloween Funny

2008-10-31T15:57:00.001-04:00

Required Reading 10/31

2008-10-31T14:57:00.001-04:00

READ OF THE DAY
The End Of Journalism by Victor Davis Hanson
Sometime in 2008, journalism as we knew it died, and advocacy media took its place.

For Sarah Palin, Ship Happens by Byron York
With the candidate in small-town Pennsylvania

The Choice by NRO Editors
The choice we face is between a liberalism that is checked and one that is not.

Thanks, Senator Obama! by Rea Hederman
My transition from wonk to star.

Top Ten Reasons To Vote For McCain/Palin
A last minute roundup.

Redistribution You Can Believe In by Rich Lowry
American workers should beware the siren song of "The Redistributor."

McCain's Moment...Still by Hadley Arkes
The detainees and the courts.

St. Paul's Going To Go For This?
Al Franken is a jackass.

Security Should Be The Deciding Issue
Dangers abroad cannot be understated, even in a time of domestic financial turmoil.

Mitch Daniels Builds Lead For Second Term
Now leads 56% to 35% over Jill Long Thompson.

Hoosiers For My Man M'Obama
What happens when ignorant people vote.

Blast From The Past: Purdue Scores 56, And Loses
From the last season that Purdue went winless in the Big Ten.

Obama's Mediscare Tactics by David Gratzer
John McCain will suck your blood and leave you for dead. Or not.

Plundering The Plumber's Records by Michelle Malkin
Suddenly, the Left isn't concerned about privacy.

Joe The Vet Endorses McCain In YouTube's Most Popular Election Video
A two minute YouTube video of an Iraq War veteran has become an internet sensation.

Further Left Than LBJ by Charles Krauthammer
Obama is no centrist, and we already know what he has in store.

McCain Gets My Vote by Charles Krauthammer
I'm for the guy who can tell the lion from the lamb.

Obama, Powell, And Popularity by Thomas Sowell
America doesn't need to rehabilitate itself in the eyes of the world.

American Compared To What by Victor Davis Hanson
America's political, social, and economic system is still by far the most resilient in the world.

Red Hoax, Blue Hoax by Ann Coulter
Keith Olbermann is a tool.

Ayers: Radical Loon When Obama Was Only 47 by Ann Coulter
Roughly 80% of former Weathermen are full college professors.

Required Reading 10/30

2008-10-30T10:48:00.000-04:00

Obama's 'Redistribution' Constitution
The courts are poised for a takeover by the judicial left.

Most Presidents Ignore The Constitution
The government we have today is something the Founders could never have imagined.

Palin Shows How To Transcend The Culture Wars
A society should be judged by how it treats its weakest members.

Dreams From Frank Marshall Davis
Much attention has been paid to Obama's relationship with communist-terrorist Bill Ayers, but much less paid to Obama's childhood mentor Davis.

Snow Blankets London For Global Warming Debate
How Parliament passed the climate bill.

Obama And The Politics Of Crowds
The masses greeting the candidate on the trail are a sign of great unease.

Obama's Stock by Pat Toomey
The market is afraid of Obama's New, New Deal.

Life Of The New Party by Stanley Kurtz
A redistributionist success story.

Obama's 'Redistributive Change' And The Death Of Freedom
Beware the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights.

Millionaires' Club by David Freddoso
Democrats' House-race spending.

Obama Judges by Peter Ferrara
Courting Left.

Gunning For Victory by Dave Kopel
Second Amendment voter guide.

'A Lot Of Nerve' by David Freddoso
A rare audio glimpse of Obama in Springfield.

The Deadly Side Of Spreading The Wealth by Dorinda Bordlee
Three ways a President Obama will use your tax dollars to fund elective abortion on demand.

The L.A. Times's Strange Notion Of Journalistic Ethics by Andrew McCarthy
Give us the tape...or at least a transcript of Obama's radical shindig.

Listening To Sarah by Michael Novak
She is a happy American warrior.

Pennsylvania's M&M Brothers Have Gotta Go!
On Iraq, Murtha and Murphy would rather repeat damaging lies than admit their misjudgments.

Obama And The Supreme Court by Edward Whelan
What's really at stake.

Study: Palin Coverage Negative
Negative stories about Palin were shown over positive stories at a rate of 18-1.

What's In Store For The Loser?
White House or bust.

Required Reading 10/29

2008-10-29T14:52:00.000-04:00

READ OF THE DAY
Barack Wrote A Letter...
The Born supremacy, and other meltdown myths.

Racial Profiling: The Myth That Never Dies by Jack Dunphy
The ACLU says the debate is over. Is it really?

Oliver's Insult by Mark Hemingway
The 'W' director thinks Americans don't know propaganda when they see it.

Obama's Media Landslide by Brent Bozell
The election results aren't in yet, but there is one set of surveys with an unmistakable conclusion.

Can Biden Be Good Until Election Day?
Don't let Biden be Biden.

Why McCain Is Getting Hosed In The Press
Politico attempts to justify their alarming bias.

L.A. Times Refuses To Release Tape Of Obama Praising Controversial Activist
Video of farewell party for PLO worker shows Obama toasting 'friend and dinner companion' with questionable past.

Undecideds Should Break For McCain by Dick Morris
As Obama surged into a more or less permanent lead in October, animated by the financial crisis, he has assumed many of the characteristics of an incumbent.

Obama Infomercial: Smart Or Overkill?
While Obama hasn't made many strategic mistakes in his campaign, he has shown a weakness for extravagance.

The Man Behind 'Fair And Balanced'
Brit Hume began to feel that there was "nothing really new or different here" when listening to candidates speak in the current presidential race.

Conservatives Plan Secret Post-Election Strategy Session
Conservatives are anxious to reassert the core values they believe have not always been followed by Bush.

Required Reading 10/28

2008-10-28T10:51:00.000-04:00

McCain Doesn't Look Competitive In Pennsylvania
Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than ever.

An Obamanomics Preview
Tax and spend, but not in that order.

Obama vs. His Advisers
On health care, they once liked McCain's principles.

In Pursuit Of Votes
The Democrats sacrifice one of their own.

Dems Mull Post-Election Axelrod Role
No subject is more avidly considered in the corridors of Democratic power than the future role of his chief adviser.

Shame, Cubed by Bill Whittle
Three separate reasons to be appalled, each more disgusting than the last.

Unqualified by Mark Goldblatt
Let's talk about Joe Biden.

Judge This by Thomas Sowell
Obama and the law.

Justice On The Ballot by Jonathan Adler
The Ohio supreme court has become more restrained. Will this continue after November 4th?

The L.A. Times Suppresses Obama's Khalidi Bash Tape
Obama, Ayers, and PLO supporters toast Edward Said's successor, but the press doesn't think it's quite as newsworthy as Sarah Palin's wardrobe.

John McCain, Against The Wind by Byron York
Behind in the polls? It's amazing he's still in it at all.

The Palins On The Trail by Mark Hemingway
Swinging through the swing state of Virginia.

Common-Sense Justice In Alaska by Marie Gryphon
The Lower 48 would benefit from the Last Frontier's loser-pays rule.

From Panic To Depression by Phil Kerpen
The dangers of blaming free trade, low taxes, and flexible labor markets for our current troubles.

Required Reading 10/24

2008-10-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

Something New Here by Stanley Kurtz
Radical? Check. Tied to ACORN? Check. Redistributionist? Check.

The Real Forgotten Man by Connor McLaughlin
McCain campaign savior.

Sarah, Pro and Con by Myrna Blyth
Palin never acts like a victim.

Sarah Shows The Way by Michelle Easton
Success that inspires.

Funding Notes by Ron Robinson
Obama seizes a key advantage.

The Audacity Of New Taxes by Deroy Murdock
If Obama voters think The One can tax us into prosperity, they're in for a rude awakening.

Ohio State's Loss Would Be Big Ten's Gain
Why the league would benefit from a Penn State win over the Buckeyes.

Will The Election Drive The Dow?
The key issue on Wall Street minds is corporate taxation, which is why the market might prefer McCain and his promised rate cuts over Obama.

Murtha Race Tightens After Racist, Redneck Remarks
John Murtha finds himself in a statistical tie as Western Pennsylvanians take issue with being called 'racist' by their congressman.

Buckeyes, Paterno Fight Back Against Critics, Odds by Ivan Maisel
Big Ten Bashing.

What If SNL Mocked Michelle Obama by patrick Buchanan
Perhaps the only institution in America whose approval rating is beneath that of Congress is the media.

Torment Before Isiah Collapse
Seethed over Knick snubs and dreamed of a coaching comeback.

Required Reading 10/23

2008-10-23T14:51:00.000-04:00

America Will Remain The Superpower
If the next administration is wise, it will do what it can to help the markets clear, let the recession take its course, and do what it can to preserve intact a financial system that has served us splendidly.

Don't Sell Hedge Funds Short
They were the first to signal troubles at Tyco, Enron and now Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and banks.

Barack Obama Vows To 'Change The World'
The Messiah has spoken and we're going to change the world.

State's Job Loss Less Than Neighbors
My Man Mitch.

Rays' Astute Moves Take Them From Cellar To Summit
Andrew Friedman goes from Bear Stearns to the World Series.

Vulgar Mockery Of Christians: Is This What We Want In A U.S. Senator
Franken's one-liners were just for yucks, right?

Joe The Bumbler by Brent Bozell
Yet another controversy that is virtually ignored by a national press corps that has become an institutional embarrassment.

Police Prepare For Unrest
Police departments in cities across the country are beefing up their ranks for Election Day, preparing for possible civil unrest and riots after the historic presidential contest.

Required Reading 10/22

2008-10-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

READ OF THE DAY
Obama's New Tax Welfare by Peter Ferrara
The truth behind the 95.

How Palin Governed by Byron York
Behind all the criticism and controversy, what really happened.

General Blind Spots by Claudia Rosett
Questioning Powell's judgment and global perception.

Universal Coverage Kills by Michael Cannon
Don't resist innovation.

Black Like Me by Kathryn Jean Lopez
An overload of identity politics.

Fake Donors, Phony Pledge by David Freddoso
On campaign finance, Obama declared independence from his promises.

Paging Arthur Schlesinger by Michael Knox Beran
Eggheads who embrace Obama should be wary of the dangers of [intellectual whoredom][hero-worship].

Great Society Redux by James Capretta
Senator Obama's economic program is a throwback, not change.

The Increasingly Erratic, Super-Gaffetastic Joe Biden by Michelle Malkin
Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Believers in Barack by Thomas Sowell
Apparently, Obama-love is blind.

The Media vs. Joe The Plumber by Jonah Goldberg
Suddenly the questioner matters more than the answer.

Right You Are, Joe by Pete Hegseth
America's enemies will see Obama as weak.

Opposing Murtha by Mark Hemingway
Meet the Iraq vet running for his congressional seat.

Are The Polls Accurate by Michael Barone
Reading them right is more art than science.

Required Reading 10/20

2008-10-20T15:06:00.002-04:00

READ OF THE DAY
Is Capitalism Dead?
The market that failed was not exactly free.

Joe The Plumber Paves Way For Tax Offensive by Dick Morris
The top 1% of earners currently pay 40% of all income tax revenues.

Bad Weather Was Good For Alaska Glaciers
Never before in the history of a research project dating back to 1946 had the Juneau Icefield witnessed the kind of snow buildup that came this year.

Thirty Years Of Warmer Temperatures Go Poof
The number of climate change skeptics is growing rapidly. Because a funny thing is happening to global temperatures.....they're going down, not up.

How Felons Who Vote Can Tip An Election by John Lott
How much is your vote worth? Apparently, less than it used to be. The registration and multiple registration of so many people who shouldn't be voting means your vote is diluted by fraudulent votes.

Required Reading 10/17

2008-10-17T10:57:00.001-04:00

READ OF THE DAY
A Liberal Supermajority
Get ready for 'change' we haven't seen since 1965, or 1933.

Obama Shows His Cool, But McCain Draws Blood on Taxes by Dick Morris
Finally coherent in a way that he had not been in previous debates, McCain repeatedly turned Obama's spending plans against the Democratic candidate.

Buy American. I Am. by Warren Buffett
Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.

The Axelrod Method by Matthew Kaminski
The 'change' president could be in for a rough ride on Capitol Hill.

Obama Makes It Up
Repeating union distortions.

Senator Government
Joe the Plumber cuts to the heart of the Presidential choice.

Obama Hasn't Closed The Sale by Karl Rove
Both candidates continue to tinker with their strategies.

Required Reading 10/16

2008-10-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Obama's Cover-Up by Peter Ferrara
The truth about deregulation.

Community-Organizer-in-Chief by Mark Hemingway
The ACORN vote.

Obama Squirrels Away His Links To ACORN by Deroy Murdock
But the truth is, they are old and dear friends.

His Invisible Friend Joe The Plumber by Kathryn Jean Lopez
Don't ignore this man.

Young And Entitled, And Loving Obama by Kevin Williamson
Late night at Hofstra.

The Things They Thought And Did Not Say by John Pitney
Where was Jerry?

Shame Trade by Stephen Spruiell
The presidential candidates travel to Colombia.

I Am Not President Bush by Byron York
The simple sentence it took John McCain 2 years to utter.

Clinton Supporters Aid Palin
Gov. Sarah Palin met with a group of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's former supporters Tuesday evening at a special fund-raising reception organized for them on behalf of the Republican ticket.

Long Thompson Hurts Herself With Potshots by Matthey Tully
With a petty performance, Democrat Jill Long Thompson spoiled what could have been an insightful gubernatorial debate.

Bailout Role Elevates U.S. Official by Charlie Savage
It's amazing to me that a guy who is only six years out of business school has been given this kind of assignment, because it would be an enormous challenge for someone with 30 years of experience.

Did Biden Get It Wrong? You Betcha by John Lott
When you interview for a job, here is a hint: make sure you know what the job is. Joe Biden failed that test last Thursday. He couldn't even get right what a vice president does, but the media didn't notice.

Taking Hard New Look At A Greenspan Legacy by Peter Goodman
If Mr. Greenspan had acted differently during his tenure as Federal Reserve Chairman from 1987 to 2006, many economists say the current crisis might have been averted or muted.

President Barack Hoover by Hugh Hewitt
They like Obama, I like Obama, nearly everyone likes Obama. But I don't want to put the country through Great Depression 2.0, and I don't want a vast army of academics and social engineers descending on D.C. with plans on how to remake America in their own extremist image.

Straight Talk Express Hit By Slowdown by James Antle
Republican candidates don't like the town hall style debates, especially not during times of economic turmoil.

Required Reading 10/14

2008-10-14T14:49:00.000-04:00

Obama's Infanticide Lie by Amanda Carpenter

Absolute proof that Obama distorted his position on the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.

Still Time For Voters To Wake Up by David Limbaugh

Sadly, most Obama supporters have no clue what Obama is ultimately about or how his innocuous sounding ideas could permanently destroy our freedoms.

Obama vs. Economics 101 by Armstrong Williams

While Americans may understand how much money they will get up front from tax relief or government assistance, the broader impact of the policies come from the way they influence certain types of behavior in the future.

Obama's Abortion Extremism by Robert George

Barack Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion candidate ever to seek the office of President of the United States.

There Are Two Irreconcilable Americas by Dennis Prager

The right and the left do not want the same America.

Wright 101 by Stanley Kurtz

Obama funded extremist Afrocentrists who shared Rev Wright's anti-Americanism.

A 91-0 Football Game Tough To Take For Both Sides

Naples vs. Estero

Required Reading 10/13

2008-10-13T09:01:00.000-04:00

The Light At The End Of The Crisis by Larry Kudlow
Much good may ultimately come at the end of this terrifying correction.

Not Over Yet by Victor Davis Hanson
Reasons for hope on the first Tuesday in November.

What's Left Of McGovern by David Freddoso
Barack Obama is there with Big Labor.

Jive Turkey Rides Again
Liberal politics and ACORN.

An Obama Panic? by Charles Gasparino
Investors know the devil is in the details, and the details of Obama's economic plans are anything but reassuring.

Required Reading 10/12

2008-10-12T07:44:00.000-04:00

Investors' Real Fear: A Socialist Tsunami
The U.S. is about to turns it back on the free-enterprise system that made the world's most prosperous economy all possible.

Ficticious Donors Found in Obama Finance Records
Good Will, Doodad Pro, Test Person, and Jgtj Jfggjjfgj among questionable donors.

Confronting Barney by Bill O'Reilly
Barney Frank presided over the collapse of Fannie & Freddie with a casual disdain for the American Investor.

Fox's Lying, Slacker Jesus By Brent Bozell
The people at Fox Entertainment clearly don't care one itoa about offending the millions of Christians who see Jesus as the central figure in their hopes for eternal salvation.

McCain Letter Demanded 2006 Action on Fannie and Freddie
Sen. Obama did not sign the letter, nor did any other Democrat.

Required Reading 10/10

2008-10-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Obama Witch Project
Republicans don't need to dress up for Halloween this year.

An Unprecedented Candidacy
Associations are important, they provide an insight into character.

Cramer On Colbert: Dems To Blame For Fannie, Freddie Debacles
Dems got loads of campaign contributions as part of "big circle."

The Best Laid Plans by Jonah Goldberg
It's all absurd intellectual vanity.

NYT Blogger Discovers Another 'Lifelong Republican'

More Good News In Iraq, TV Networks Remain AWOL

Required Reading 10/9

2008-10-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

Mr. Magoo Goes To Washington by David Freddoso
Obama and the failure of the Annenberg Challenge.

Hating the New York Times, Part 573
I'm growing tired of non-Jewish Jews who substitute liberal politics for religion.

Sen. Satus Quo by Thomas Sowell
On education reform, Obama talks a great game.

McCain Needs Hillary by Doug Heye
Losing North Carolina.

Let's Get Specific by Carrie Lukas
On the media double-standards trail.

What Is A Right and How Do We Know? by Bill Whittle
Wherein we take down Obama's "Right To Health Care"

Wall Street 101 By Victor Davis Hanson
If a promised return on an investment seems too good to be true, it probably is

The Snoozer In Nashville by Byron York
A boring debate ends in a lot of bad feelings.

Will McCain Make The Investor Connection?
If he does, it could well tip the balance of this election.

Obama Closes Gap In Indiana by Christopher Cooper
A gloomy economic outlook is providing a ray of sunshine for Barry

74% of CEO's Believe Obama Would Be Disastrous for the Nation
Obama's programs would bankrupt the country within 3 years.

Pull The Hair Plug On This Guy by Ann Coulter

Indiana: More Registered To Vote Than Eligible by Todd Huston
Congratulations go to Indianapolis for having 105% of its residents registered.

Seeing How The Other Half Lives by Dean Reynolds
The McCain plane is better than Obama's, which is cramped, uncomfortable and smells terrible.

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending by Steven Holmes
New York Times circa 1999 predicts disaster.

The ACORN/Obama Voter Registration "Thug Thizzle" by Michelle Malkin
Systemic corruption of our election process continues.

Sarah Biden by Victor Davis Hanson
Vice-Presidential meltdown.

Sarah Palin, the Winner By A Wink by Byron York
Team Obama tries to understand her performance.

How Allies Of George Soros Helped Bring Down Wachovia Bank by Ed Lasky
Big Money, the Sandlers, and George Soros.

Reckless Mortgages Brought Financial Market To Its Knees by John Lott
The true cause of the financial crisis.

Guess Again Who's To Blame For U.S. Mortgage Meltdown by Drew Zahn
Analysts point not to greed, but to socialist activist politics.

Dear Congress, Put The Gun Down by Michelle Malkin
Paulson pushes a crap sandwich.

McCain Lawyers Push Back On Obama Keating Five Charges
McCain should never have been dragged into the ethics case to begin with.

Media Gives Obama Pass On Deregulation Smear by Bill Hobbs
Apparently Obama wants you to forget about Sarbanes-Oxley.

EMBARRASSING.

2007-11-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

Iowa Prediction

2007-10-19T12:05:00.000-04:00

The Purdue Boilermakers will look for a little revenge and redemption this weekend as they host the 3-4 (1-3) Iowa Hawkeyes. Purdue will look to halt its two game losing streak and avoid the midseason swoon that has ended recent promising starts. Purdue will also look to avenge the 47-17 thumping they took at the hands of the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium last year. Iowa, picked to contend for the conference title, is struggling mightily this year having already lost to lowly Indiana and Iowa State. They do however, have a little momentum on their side after knocking off the Fighting Zookers last weekend.

EAGER FOR REVENGE
As mentioned, the Boilers were humbled last season in a 47-17 beatdown that currently stands as the worst loss of the Tiller era. At the time, Iowa was coming off a tough loss to Ohio State and used the Boilers to take out their frustration. This time its the Hawkeyes who are starting a first year QB and are ripe for the picking. Word is that Coach Tiller has had this game circled on the schedule for some time. Expect the Boilers to come out fired up and ready to go. Just ask Ryan Baker how much he is looking forward to this game.

SEASON IS NOT LOST
The last two outings for Purdue have been embarrassing. They were disturbing. The good news is that the Boilers are not penalized for losing ugly. Two losses to the best 2 teams in the conference does not constitute the end of the world or a lost season. Purdue was over matched physically on the lines and lost to teams that were their superior. This team can regroup and finish the season strong. Every game remaining on the schedule is very winnable. Tom Kubat of the J&C provides some well stated perspective on this topic.

A LOOK AT THE HAWKEYES
The Hawkeyes are led at QB by former 4 star recruit and current disappointment Jake Christensen. Jake leads an absolute anemic Iowa offense that ranks #109 in the country as far as yards per game, averaging a mere 313.9 yds per. The Hawkeyes have struggled with offensive line play of late and made several changes last week at Illinois. Those making their Hawkeye debut were true freshman Bryan Bulaga and also Dan Doering, a former 5 star recruit. The Hawkeye defense has been stout ranking 14th nationally and giving up 301.9 yards per game, but haven't yet faced an offense quite like Purdue's.

PREDICTION
Playing a team without elite talent of an Ohio State or Michigan is just what the doctor ordered for this Purdue offense. Purdue should also get a much needed boost with the early return of Jaycen Taylor from a broken arm. Look for the offense to get rolling again and moving the chains like they did in the first 5 games of the season. Painter has a much better day throwing the football as he will actually have time to throw. Dorien Bryant returns from his one week vacation and has a big day.

PURDUE 28
IOWA 13

Humbled.....Again

2007-10-14T09:43:00.000-04:00

Purdue was blasted by the boys in maize and blue yesterday 48-21, and it was never really that close. Michigan dominated the Boilers in every phase of the game, even special teams. The final score could have been 60-7, had Lloyd Carr not called of the dogs for the entire 4th quarter. After two early losses to start the season, Michigan has righted the ship and is playing some damn good football.

TURNING POINT

After forcing Michigan to punt on their first possession, it looked like Purdue was off to a great start. That was until the ensuing punt hit gunner Terrell Vinson in the back and it was recovered by Michigan. Michigan punched it in 2 plays later on a 24 yard Henne touchdown pass to Manningham. Purdue never recovered.

AMAZING STATS

-Purdue turned the ball over four times. Michigan scored touchdowns after all of them.

-Purdue didn't get its 100th offensive yard until midway through the 3rd quarter.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

A masterful defensive play by defensive end Keyon Brown led to the only meaningful Purdue points of the day. As Henne dropped back to pass deep in his own territory, Keyon Brown came on a speed rush to the outside and stripped the ball from Henne's grasp. The fumble was recovered by Purdue and Purdue punched it in to tie the game 7-7.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

Coach Joe Tiller on staying positive in the face of consecutive embarrassing defeats, "But we have to be accountable, too," he said. "We can't just sweep things under the rug and pretend it never happened." I agree Joe. Let's start working on that gameplan for the Hawkeyes.

LOOKING AHEAD

Purdue's shot at redemption comes next week in the form of an up and down Iowa Hawkeye team. Iowa upset the #19 Fighting Zookers of Illinois this weekend 10-6, which ended their streak of 9 straight conference losses. Kirk Ferentz is sure earning that $2 million dollar paycheck these days.

Michigan Prediction

2007-10-12T12:14:00.000-04:00

The Wolverines aren't ranked, but they are a more talented team than the Boilers. In fact, this is the first time since 1993 that neither Purdue nor Michigan are ranked going into this game. Michigan has the better QB in senior Chad Henne and the best player on the field in Mike Hart.

Michigan isn't as dominant as Ohio State, especially on defense. I look for the O-Line to give Curtis Painter more time to pass and for the offense to get rolling. Stanford Keglar and Anthony Heygood need to have great games on D taking Mike Hart down with the first hit. Michigan is 21-4 when Hart gets his 100 yards.

The only way Purdue can win this game is with a big play on special teams. Special teams has been the biggest sore spot for the Wolverines this year, so anything is possible.

THE PICK

The Boilers lose their second straight game to a national power and the losing streak in The Big House continues.

MICHIGAN 37

PURDUE 21

Like Eric Gordon Only Better

2007-04-11T21:00:00.000-04:00

Recruiting master Matt Painter has replaced the departed Chris Lutz, and he did it in less than 5 days. Purdue filled that opening last Saturday night, when Bridgton (Maine) Academy shooting guard Greg Hill verbally committed to the Boilermakers. The Merrillville, IN native was also sporting offers from the likes of Kansas State, Georgia, Nevada, and Utah. Illinois was also close to offering. Hill bolsters Purdue's already very impressive recruiting class and will have four years of eligibility with the Boilermakers.

Hill provides some nice size on the perimeter at 6'2'' 215 and according to Coach Painter has a nice stroke from long range. Before enrolling at Bridgton to get his grades in order, Hill played on the same AAU team as fellow Purdue signees Robbie Hummel, Scott Martin, and E'Twaun Moore. The chemistry they developed as teammates on the very successful SYF Players should be a big positive for years to come. Hummel and Martin even made the trip down to West Lafayette from Valparaiso to visit Hill when he was on his official visit.

QUOTE OF THE YEAR

When asked to describe his game Hill said, "I'm probably another version of Eric Gordon, but I pass a lot and get my teammates involved more." Great quote. Simply oustanding.

2007 INDIANA ALL-STARS

Purdue signee Scott Martin, his Valparaiso teammate Robbie Hummel, East Chicago's E'Twaun Moore and Franklin Central's JaJuan Johnson made history Saturday, becoming members of the first Indiana All-Star team to include as many as four Boilermaker recruits. The selections mark the first time since the 1998 team - Maynard Lewis, John Allison and Rodney Smith - that Purdue had this many all-stars on a single team.

Busy Week In Boiler Sports

2007-04-07T08:01:00.000-04:00

During a time when the basketball season has just wrapped up and spring football practice is barely getting started, who knew there could be so much news surrounding Boilermaker Athletics. This time of year, no news is good news. Here is a recap...

JOE MAD AT BLOGS
It's never good when comments made by Joe Tiller make an appearance on a site like Deadspin. Those internets and the knuckleheads that write on them are certainly no friend of Joe's. For the rest of spring and for fall practices, Tiller is moving his team to the Mollenkopf Athletic Center and the outdoor fields beside it, where the Boilermakers practice during the season. Tiller had this to say about the decision, "I'm tired of blogging and guys talking about our practices and postings and all that stuff. All it is is more problems than it is value." The guys at Boiled Sports have a hilarious commentary about Joe and his grumpy attitude.

RIP DARRYL STINGLEY
Former Purdue standout wide receiver Darryl Stingley was found dead in his Chicago home this week at the age of 55. Stingley was an All-Big Ten wide receiver in 1971 and went on to play in the NFL. Stingley was paralyzed from the neck down due to a vicious hit from Jack Tatum in a 1978 preseason game. Strangely enough, Tatum never even reached out to Stingley to say he was sorry. Was it a dirty hit? You decide for yourself.

FOOTBALL MALFEASANCE
Disturbing. That is the best way to describe the recent events involving Torri Williams and Selwyn Lymon. Both were out late on the morning of Thursday March 29th and involved in some unfortunate incidents. Lymon was stabbed in an altercation outside of Nick's Nightclub at 3am and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he arrived in critical condition. Williams was arrested the same night on suspicion of DUI. Williams has been suspended indefinitely while Lymon was just released from the hospital and will make a full recovery.

There are a couple things that really bother me about these events. First, why isn't anyone stepping forward and taking responsibility for this? This football team badly needs some outspoken leaders to hold others accountable. This means you Stanford Keglar and Dustin Keller. Second, why in the hell were these guys were out late on a school night when they had practice at 8am. What kind of dedication is that? Apparently, Purdue is not the only Big Ten school having these kind of problems right now.

BASKETBALL ATTRITION
Purdue's most improved player during the 2006-07 season and Big Ten's best three-point shooter is leaving town. In a move that on the surface doesn't make much sense, guard Chris Lutz has announced his plans to transfer from Purdue due to homesickness. With the departure of Lutz, Marcus Green is the only one remaining of Matt Painter's inaugural recruiting class at Purdue. Hell, even Purdue's fire chief is leaving town.

Purdue Arizona Storylines

2007-03-14T16:21:00.000-04:00

Purdue will face the Arizona Wildcats Friday evening in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament. It's a tough draw for a Purdue team that has gotten by this year largely by playing tough defense and generally overachieving with modest talent. Arizona scores the most points of any team in the Pac-10 averaging 78 points per contest and also is second in field goal percentage hitting 48% of their shots. The Indy Star not surprisingly is going with the Wildcats, but were nice enough to map out Purdue's path to the Final Four. The following are some storylines heading into Friday's game.

ARIZONA'S OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER

As mentioned earlier, Arizona boasts the most potent offense in the Pac-10. They are led by Marcus Williams (18 ppg), Ivan Radenovic (16 ppg), super frosh Chase Budinger (15 ppg), and Mustafa Shakur (14 ppg). Arizona has been held to less than 70 points eight times this season, losing six of those contests. Arizona coach Lute Olsen has said that he feels his team is ready for Purdue's defensive style of basketball after facing UCLA and Washington State in conference play. The Bruins and Cougars play a similar style to Purdue's and went a collective 4-0 against the Wildcats this year. Keys to victory for Purdue is to slow the game down and disrupt the Wildcats' transition offense. Mustafa Shakur....meet Chris Kramer.

LOOKING AHEAD TO FLORIDA

As soon as the Midwest bracket was announced everyone, including Arizona coach Lute Olsen, started looking ahead to a matchup between #8 Arizona and #1 Florida. GOAZCATS.com has written about how unfair Arizona's seeding is because they have to go through Florida and also about how Arizona's seniors want to leave a legacy by making the Final Four. It would certainly be to Purdue's favor if the Wildcats were looking past them as much as the Arizona media. There is no date with Florida without a win over Purdue.

PURDUE'S TURNAROUND

Matt Painter's rebuilding project of the Boilermaker basketball program is definitely ahead of schedule. A turnaround of 9 wins to 21 wins and a NCAA Tournament berth for a team picked to finish 8th in the Big Ten really shows what an outstanding coaching job Painter has done this year. Even if the Boilers are one and done in the NCAA Tournament, this season is an overwhelming success. That said, Coach Painter's Boilers are not just happy to be there, they want to "do some damage."

Sizing Up The Arizona Wildcats

2007-03-13T10:08:00.000-04:00

Purdue will face Arizona in the 8 vs 9 matchup Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Arizona, one of the most dominant programs in all of college basketball, is having a down year by their standards. They are coached by the legendary Lute Olsen, who has 4 Final Four appearances and 1 National Title to his credit. Arizona is a very dangerous and talented 8 seed, with no one giving Purdue much of a chance.

RESUME

Conference: Pac-10

Record: 20-10, 11-7 in conference

RPI: 14

How They Got In: At-large

BIG WINS

Arizona started the season strong by knocking off tournament teams UNLV, Illinois, Louisville, Memphis, & Stanford. They were 12-1 (3-0) at that point and ranked #7 in the country. Once the Pac-10 regular season got going they weren't able to build off their early season momentum. Their only 2 big wins during that time came @ Oregon and @ Stanford.

NOTABLE LOSSES

Arizona endured somewhat of a brutal Pac-10 season by their standards, losing twice to Washington State, USC, & UCLA. The Wildcats exited the Pac-10 tournament in the first round with a 19 point loss to Oregon, marking the second defeat at the hands of the Ducks this season. The ugliest loss by far was a 92-64 shellacking at home courtesy of North Carolina.

KEY PLAYERS

Arizona is led statistically by Marcus Williams, a sophomore shooting guard who averages 18 point per game. The key to an Arizona win might be the play of Mustafa Shakur, their senior point guard who averages 14 points and 7 assists a contest. The Arizona coaches feel that Shakur isn't playing his best basketball right now and needs to set the tone for their team as a senior who's been there before.

LET'S GO DANCING

2007-03-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

Purdue 74, Iowa 55.

Purdue Doesn't Stand A Chance

2007-03-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

Does anything seem wrong with the above image? It's part of a 12 picture slideshow called "Battle of the Bubble," by AOL Sports. Forget the fact that they put teams with worse records and worse RPI's ahead of Purdue, or the fact that they are way off the money with the assertion that Purdue will be "playing for its bubble life against OSU." You'd think they could at least get Purdue's record correct (they are 20-10, 9-7). It looks as though Purdue is in for a tough battle to make the tournament this year with AOL Sports tacking on losses after the season is over and ESPN removing key nonconference victories. Gary Parrish at CBS Sportsline continues to be one of the few voices of reason in the national media. He's had Purdue "in" since last Saturday.

WHAT PURDUE NEEDS TO DO
Beat Iowa. If Purdue can't beat Iowa on a neutral floor, then the Boilers don't deserve an invite to the dance. It would also help to play Ohio State tough, something they've done twice this year already.

THE CASE FOR PURDUE
-Won 7 of their last 10 (2 of those losses to #1 Ohio State).
-Nonconference wins against RPI #40 Virginia & #68 DePaul.
-Blowout wins against Michigan, Michigan State, & Illinois.
-20 regular season wins, 9-7 in the Big Ten, & RPI of 48.

CRITICAL GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
-Memphis, 27-3, 16-0, needs to win the Conference USA Tournament.
-Nevada, 26-3, 14-2, needs to win the WAC Tournament.
-Xavier, 23-7, 13-3, needs to win the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
-Losses by Illinois and Michigan State in the first or second round of the Big Ten Tournament would also help Purdue's cause.

Seniors Go Out In Style

2007-03-04T18:33:00.000-05:00

Purdue thrashed Northwestern 73-50 yesterday in Mackey Arena on Senior Day to finish the regular season on a three game winning streak. Purdue was led once again by seniors Landry and Teague. The dynamic duo combined for 38 points and 18 rebounds, with Chris Lutz chipping in with 14 points. With the victory, Purdue reached the 20 win plateau for the first time since going 24-10 during the 1999-2000 season. The Boilers also improved to 16-1 at home, which marks the first time since Mackey Arena opened in 1967 that they've won 16 home games in a season.

At 20-10 (9-7 in the Big Ten), things are looking good for at large bid for the Boilers. They finish the season tied for 4th in the Big Ten, with an RPI of 47. Michigan, Illinois, & Michigan State all losing on Saturday will certainly help their case as well. As mentioned previously, Purdue's nonconference wins over DePaul, Oklahoma, Missouri, & Virginia will likely be the difference. Barring a one and done disaster in the Big Ten tournament, it appears as though Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue, & Michigan State are in prime position to carry the flag for the Big Ten in the NCAA Tournament. Gary Parrish of CBS Sportsline has Purdue as an eleven seed with Illinois and Michigan on the outside looking in.

Purdue will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in the four versus five matchup in the first round of the Big Ten tournament on Friday. The Boilers were blown out in Iowa City earlier this season, and will certainly be looking for some payback. If Purdue gets past Iowa, they will likely get another shot at #1 seed Ohio State.

Whether or not Purdue makes the NCAA Tournament, Carl Landry and David Teague's contributions to this program cannot be understated. I could not have said it better than Bob Kravitz, amazingly enough. Thank you David and Carl, you will be missed.

One Step Closer

2007-02-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

Purdue edged one step closer to an NCAA Tournament berth by earning their second road win of the season Saturday at Northwestern. The Boilers topped the Wildcats and Tim Doyle's hair 75-68 in Welsh-Ryan Arena behind another strong outing from David Teague. Teague had 26 points in the win, and reserve Chris Lutz chipped in with 15 points going 4-7 from three. Purdue struggled with Northwestern's tricky zone defense, until they broke it open with a 22-6 run that put them up 19 with 7 minutes to go.

Up next for Purdue are games are against 2 of the 3 worst teams in the Big Ten in RPI #177 Minnesota and RPI #167 Northwestern. With Painter's Boilers hungry for the postseason, one would think there's no way Purdue can drop either of these games at Mackey Arena where they are 14-1 this season.

Working in their favor are some strong non-conference wins and some convincing wins against other middle-of-the-pack Big Ten teams. In the non-conference, Purdue knocked off RPI #60 DePaul, #38 Virginia, and #75 Missouri. In league play, Purdue throttled RPI #21 Michigan State by 24, #23 Indiana by 13, #31 Illinois by 17, and #54 Michigan by 14. At this point it would seem the Boilers are guaranteed a tournament bid if they can close out the season with 2 wins to finish at 20-10 (9-7).

In other conference action today, Ohio State knocked off the Wisconsin Badgers 49-48 to claim their second Big Ten regular season title in a row.

Catching Up With -- Melvin Buckley

2007-02-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Does that name ring a bell? It should. Melvin Buckley made a splash at Purdue as a freshman by scoring 20 points in Purdue's first round NCAA tournament victory over LSU in 2003. As a freshman, he led Purdue in three point field goal percentage by hitting 42.6% of his shots. Having Buckley as a deep threat to compliment David Teague gave Purdue a lethal combination on offense.

As a sophomore, Buckley's playing time and scoring opportunities increased, but it wasn't up to his standards. In a puzzling move he left Purdue after his sophomore season, taking his shots at the program on the way out the door. Had he stayed in West Lafayette, he would have been in prime position to crack the starting lineup for his final two seasons. He claimed he "was going to the ACC, where he could get more love."

Buckley didn't quite make it to the ACC. He opted for the South Florida Bulls, doormat of the new Big East. How is Buckley doing in the sunshine state? After going 1-15 in the Big East last year, the Bulls are 12-14 (3-9 in the Big East) and have lost to the likes of Richmond, TAMU CC, Missouri State, & Mike Davis' UAB Blazers. But most importantly to Melvin, he can shoot lots of 3's and not have to worry about defense. He is averaging 38.5 mpg and 15.5 ppg, and is on pace to finish #2 all-time for three point field goals made at USF.

When recently asked about his career at USF, Buckley replied, "When I came here three years ago, I wanted to be able to say I helped turn the program around and built the foundation for a powerhouse." Way to go Melvin.

How Sweet It Is

2007-02-15T22:26:00.000-05:00

81-68.

It's Payback Time

2007-02-13T12:12:00.000-05:00

Matt Painter and his Boilers will certainly be looking for some revenge tomorrow night when they host their rivals to the south. Couple that with the fact that Purdue absolutely needs this game to get an invite to the big dance, and you have all the makings of a heated rivalry game.

When Purdue was blown out at Assembly Hall earlier this season, IU guard Earl Calloway gave Coach Painter some trash talk after burying a three. Much was made about this, and the fact that Sampson did nothing to discipline his player. As much as Painter says its not a big deal, by the looks of the following David Teague quote, it certainly is.

"Calloway was a little disrespectful down there in Bloomington, and we haven't forgotten about that," said Teague, when asked if he hopes the Purdue student section picks up on it. "All you can do is take it out on the court and try to prove who the best team is and who has the most character and the most class. Trash talk among players, that's part of the game. Sometimes, it's even fun. But when you cross the line and talk trash to a coach, there's no reason for that and no place for that, no matter what the situation is. It's the ultimate sign of disrespect."

Purdue HAS to get to 20 regular season wins if they hope to make the NCAA tournament. They would get there by winning at Northwestern and holding serve at home against IU, Northwestern, & Minnesota. That would put the Boilers at 20-10 (9-7) and in prime position for a dance ticket. The first step is to get some revenge against the hated Hoosiers and their dirty coach tomorrow night at Mackey, as Landry certainly doesn't want to go winless against the Hoosiers for his career.

So Close

2007-02-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

Purdue followed up their impressive home thrashing of Michigan State with a valiant effort on the road in nearly upsetting the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. In a game where Purdue wasn't given much of a chance as 12 point underdogs, the Boilers gave Ohio State all they could handle and then some.

At one point late in the second half, Purdue actually led and looked to be on their way to what would have been the biggest upset in college basketball thus far this season. With just under 8 minutes to play, a David Teague three pointer capped a 8-0 run and put the Boilers up 51-46. From there, it was all downhill for the Boilers. After being benched due to foul trouble, Greg Oden came back into the game and sparked a 17-5 run that put the game away. Teague led the Boilers with 17 points and Landry chipped in with 13 points and 9 rebounds, but it was Tarrance Crump who was the player of the game for the Boilers. Crump did an amazing job creating his own shots late in the second half scoring several key baskets that kept the Boilers in the game.

This road loss is certainly a moral victory for Matt Painter's Boilers. They have come a long way since getting blown out in Terre Haute earlier this season, at a time when it looked as though Purdue would never be competitive on the road. Since then, they have gotten that elusive Big Ten road victory and also played #2 Wisconsin and #3 Ohio State very tough on their home floors. Purdue now sits at 16-9 (5-6 in the Big Ten), and still has plenty of opportunities left to reach their goal of 20 wins. Purdue's RPI is currently at #38, good for 4th in the Big Ten. Up next for Purdue is Indiana on Wednesday night at Mackey Arena, a game in which the Boilers are no doubt looking for some sweet revenge.

Purdue Finally Wins Road Game

2007-02-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

Purdue beat Penn State today at University Park to end its road losing streak of 29 games. The 69-59 win over the Lions in front of an announced crowd of 9,151 (can you say neutral site?) in the Bryce Jordan Center marked the Boilermakers' first road win since Feb. 21, 2004, when Gene Keady's Boilermakers beat Minnesota 65-47 in Williams Arena. Melvin Buckley was the leading scorer in that game, remember him?

After being up only 5 at half, the Boilers broke it open in the second half behind stellar play from Carl Landry and a stifling defense. Despite his muscles, tattoos, and chest pounding, Jemalle Cornley (2005 Big Ten freshman of the year) couldn't do a damn thing on defense to slow Landry, who finished with 26 points. The play of the game came with Purdue up only 6 with 5 minutes to go in the second half. As the Lions were looking to cut it to a 4 point game, Chris Kramer had other ides as he stole the ball and was fouled intentionally on the other end. A nice 6 point swing.

This win not only gets the road win monkey off Purdue's back, but also bolsters its NCAA tournament resume. Anytime you can get a conference win on the road, it will certainly help your case come March. Speaking of NCAA tournament resumes, Purdue's non conference wins are starting to look more and more impressive as the season wears on. Virginia upset Duke this week and now sits at the top of the ACC at 6-2.

Purdue Stays Perfect At Home

2007-01-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

If only Purdue never had to leave the friendly confines of Mackey Arena. After a disappointing loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor last weekend, Purdue gladly returned to West Lafayette to face Bruce Weber's Illini.

Purdue defeated the Fighting Illini 64-47 in wire to wire dominating fashion. Feeding off the energy of the home crowd and a sold out Mackey, Purdue jumped out to a 24-4 lead and never looked back. Illinois got within 10 at one point in the second half, but then David Teague took over and carried the Boilers to a 17 point win.

Teague poured in 28 points on 10-17 shooting and also grabbed 9 boards. His 28 points was a career high and he no doubt enjoyed that his performance was against the coach (Bruce Weber) that nearly recruited him to Southern Illinois. Landry chipped in with 17 points and Chris Kramer added an emphatic dunk at the end of the game for good measure.

It is maddening how different this team is at home compared to on the road. The prime example is how Purdue defeated Michigan 67-53 at Mackey Arena, and then a mere 5 days later lost 71-55 to the very same team at Crisler Arena. Purdue now sits at 14-7 (3-4 in the Big Ten) and will look to stay undefeated at Keady Court when they host the Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday night.

Boilers Blown Out At Assembly Hall

2007-01-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

Matt Painter's Boilers were blown out last night by the Hoosiers of Indiana 85-58 and it wasn't even competitive. Stats here and pics here. Purdue was down 34-22 at half and it got much uglier in the second half as they were down by 30 at one point. It was Purdue's most lopsided loss to the Hoosiers since a 106-65 beat down in Bloomington in 1992, a game Matt Painter played in for the Boilers.

After such a promising start to the season where Purdue beat Oklahoma and DePaul in Maui and was on the brink of cracking the top 25 after beating previously unbeaten Missouri, it appears as though Purdue is going backwards. They are having scary problems with perimeter defense as Purdue's last three opponents are shooting 60 percent (18-of-30) from beyond the arc. The biggest thing missing from last night's effort was hustle on defense, an area that is most important to Matt Painter and essential for his undersized team to be successful.

An emerging storyline from last night's rivalry game is the apparent bad blood developing between Coach Painter and Coach Sampson. IU's Earl Calloway apparently had some words for Painter after knocking down a three, and Painter told him to stick it up his crimson and cream ass. Also, the handshake between Painter and Sampson at the end of the game wasn't the most cozy encounter. Coach Painter, who is very close with Illinois coach Bruce Weber, no doubt feels the same way as the rest of the Big Ten coaches about Sampson and the way he handled the Eric Gordon situation. Let's just say that it will be very interesting to see what happens in Mackey Arena on Valentine's Day.

Champs Sports Bowl Recap

2006-12-30T12:21:00.000-05:00

Purdue was upended by the Terrapins of Maryland last night in the Champs Sports Bowl 24-7. Stats here and pics here. Purdue never got into an offensive rhythm and was thoroughly dominated on both sides of the ball. For Purdue fans, this is more of the same. Another bowl game, another slow start, another scoreless first quarter, another early deficit, another loss. This game recap post will be half-ass, because that's exactly the kind of effort the Boilers gave last night.

WHAT PURDUE DID WELL

Celebrate routine tackles made on defense on 10+ yard runs by Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore. Make mediocre QB Sam Hollenbach look like an All-American.

WHAT PURDUE DID POORLY

Show up.

MOMENT OF THE GAME

Maryland CB Josh Wilson showing his jersey to the camera yelling, "Dats da truuff!!" while a pre-recorded video of him at bottom of the screen showed him talking about how important academics are to him.

Landry On A Tear

2006-12-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

In case you hadn't noticed, Purdue has been winning some basketball games lately. The Boilers currently stand at 8-1 and are on the cusp of being ranked in the top 25. The reason? Carl Landry. Landry has been on an absolute tear lately, recently winning Big Ten Player of the Week for the third consecutive week. He is the first player in conference history to win the award in back to back to back weeks. Not even Glenn Robinson can match this accomplishment, though he did win the award 5 times during the 1993-94 season.

Purdue started the week with a 78-62 win over the Ramblers of Loyola Chicago. Loyola was picked as the preseason favorite to win the Horizon League, the league in which ranked Butler calls home. Landry poured in 22 points, grabbed 8 boards, and dished out 3 assists in the victory. In Purdue's second match up of the week, the Boilers downed the previously unbeaten Mizzou Tigers in Mackey Arena 79-62. In the winning effort, Landry had 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Landry's stellar play this season is a testament to Matt Painter's coaching more than anything else. Coach Painter has Landry committed to being an enforcer on the glass and on defense unlike any other point in his career. Painter views Landry's accolades as just as much a credit to the team as to Landry himself. "That's key, that we're 8-1," Painter said. "If we're 1-8, he doesn't get any of these awards with the same numbers."

Purdue looks to continue their winning ways this weekend as they take on #18 Butler at Conseco Fieldhouse in the 7th Annual Wooden Tradition. Butler started this season on a tear of their own beating Indiana, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Gonzaga on their way to the Preseason NIT Championship. If Purdue can get by Butler this weekend, there is a very good chance that the Boilers will crack the top 25. It's been a long time since the Boilers have been ranked, a draught that spans 73 games. "If we beat Butler, I think we deserve to be ranked," Painter said. All I can say is its a good thing IU homer Terry Hutchens only has one vote.

A Look Back -- Iowa

2006-12-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

A week after losing in South Bend to Notre Dame, Purdue hit the road for Kinnick Stadium to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. There was much optimism among the Purdue faithful despite being 11 point dogs and not having won in Iowa City under Tiller. Iowa (4-1) was ranked 19th in the country and was coming off a disappointing 38-17 loss to #1 Ohio State at home in primetime. There was sure to be a big game hangover or a letdown, or so we thought. We couldn't have been more wrong. In perhaps the biggest beatdown of the Tiller era, the Boilers fell 47-17 and it was never even close as Iowa racked up 539 yards of offense.

WHAT WE THOUGHT THEN

In 2004 and 2005, the Boilers' first loss sparked some ugly losing streaks that ruined very promising seasons. After this schelacking, it appeared that Tiller and Co. were headed down that same slippery slope as this marked their second loss in a row. The way that Purdue gave up 286 yards on the ground to an offensive line that went through 3 centers in the first half was alarming to say the least.

WHAT WE KNOW NOW

This was one of many valleys during an up and down year. This was true for Curtis Painter and the team as a whole. Both the Purdue offense and defense would bounce back in a big way the following week against Northwestern winning 31-10 in dominating fashion. The finish to Drew Tate's career has been a major disappointment. Tate burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2004 leading Iowa to a 10-2 record and a dramatic last second comeback victory over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Tate made First Team All Big-Ten that year. Since then, he has regressed and Iowa has gone 7-5 and 6-6 in his final two seasons.

WHAT WE KNEW ALL ALONG

That Iowa is very tough to beat in Kinnick Stadium when they are not decimated by injuries. ESPN sucks for putting good football games on ESPNU. Iowa still travels well, even at 6-6.

A Look Back -- Notre Dame

2006-12-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is the first of a series of posts that will take a look back at some of the key Boilermakers' wins and losses of the 2006 season comparing the perceptions then compared to now. We will start with everyone's favorite, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. In the 5th week of the season, Purdue (4-0) went into South Bend to face the Irish (3-1) as 8 point dogs. The Irish were coming off their miracle comeback against Michigan State and the Boilers were eager to see how they matched up against a respectable (term used loosely) opponent. Purdue fell 35-21 and was never really close, but there were many positives to take away from this game such as the play of Curtis Painter and Selwyn Lymon.

WHAT WE THOUGHT THEN

Lymon's 238 yard performance was an indication of what's to come the rest of the season and he would emerge as Purdue's #1 receiving threat. If Purdue can put up those kind of yards against a top 10 team, they can challenge for a Big Ten title.

WHAT WE KNOW NOW

Lymon's performance was mostly a product of Notre Dame's horrible secondary and their bracketing of Dorien Bryant. Lymon struggled with consistency and route running the rest of the season and never really emerged as the go to guy. Notre Dame isn't that good and is still really really bad on defense. Their secondary lacks speed and awareness, and the rest of the unit is very average. Rushing 3 against a good passing team won't get the job done. This was a strategy employed by Brock Spack against Hawaii and Notre Dame, and it failed miserably both times. In the second half Purdue held the Irish to 7 points by pressuring Quinn, the same defensive strategy used by UCLA in their near upset.

WHAT WE KNEW ALL ALONG

That Brady Quinn is the most overrated college football player of all time. Quinn is ranked as the 14th best QB in terms of passer efficiency this season. 14th! Throw out BYU, Stanford, and the service academies and he is 18-17 as a starter. That is Heisman material? He has failed miserably in Notre Dame's biggest games this year in getting clobbered by Michigan and USC. Yet, Brady is headed to New York for the second year in a row.

Fear The Turtle

2006-12-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

The wait is over. It was announced today that Purdue will face Maryland in the Champs Sports Bowl on December 29 in Orlando, Florida. Clemson and Boston College were also in the discussion, but officials of the Champs Sports Bowl ultimately felt, "Maryland and their fans had a lot of excitement for Orlando." The Terps finished the regular season at 8-4, 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

As I mentioned in my analysis of potential bowl opponents a week ago, the Terps have managed to win a lot of games this season without doing anything spectacular. Their last 6 wins came by a combined 17 points. The Terrapins rank sixth in the 12-team ACC in total offense (304.7 yards per game), including fourth in rushing offense (124.9) and eighth in passing offense (179.8). The Terps are seventh in scoring (21.7). Defensively, Maryland ranks 10th in the ACC in total defense (366.9 yards per game), including 12th against the run (174.8) and sixth versus the pass (192.2). Maryland is 10th in scoring D (23.1 points per game).

Ralph Friedgen's Maryland program and Joe Tiller's Purdue program are similar in a lot of ways. Both coaches enjoyed a lot of success early in their career as Friedgen started his Maryland career with three 10 win seasons in a row. Both programs missed the postseason last year going 5-6, and both are back this year after going 8-4 (I am not counting Hawaii) this season.

Much more analysis of the Terps Boilers match up to come.

Garret Bushong Done at Purdue

2006-12-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Junior tight end Garret Bushong's Purdue career is over. Perhaps now Purdue University needs to start their search for his replacement to "run this place." It has been announced that he has been granted a medical redshirt so that he can keep his scholarship while not playing football. Bushong has been troubled by back problems that have kept him off the field this year and last. He played sparingly as a true freshman but never saw the field again as he was passed on the depth chart by Dustin Keller, Charles Davis, and Jerry Wasikowski. Bushong came to Purdue as a blue chip 4 star recruit sporting offers from the likes of Florida, Michigan State, and Nebraska. His career was a disappointment to say the least.

Bushong will almost certainly be remembered at Purdue not for playing football, not even for being a underachieving blue chip recruit, but for his infamous letter to Purdue's student newspaper The Exponent. Bushong was arrested for driving under the influence and it was reported in the Exponent the following day. Apparently, Mr. Bushong doesn't realize that playing football at Purdue puts him more in the media spotlight than the average student as he took offense to the publicizing of his offense. Not only was this all over the news at Purdue, but word of Garret's remarks quickly spread to all ends of the internet. Here is the letter that he wrote to The Exponent:

"This letter is a shoutout to all of the athletes of Purdue. I am personally sick and tired of all the bad ink we are getting, and it is really time to put an end to it. Yeah, I got an OWI, so what! It’s over, and everyone now knows about it. It’s not like 300 other students on this campus haven’t gotten one, yet the names of those people are not put on the front page of the Exponent followed up three months later by a headline on the back page of the Sports section. I know all those people putting the paper together don’t have anything better to write about, and I am not mad at them for that. I am mad because they continously are publishing articles that make us look so bad. If I am not mistaken, you guys go to Purdue too and I thought you would have a little more respect for your fellow classmates and the people who bring millions of dollars into this university year after year. So to all of my basketball players, football players, soccer girls, softball girls, wrestlers, cross country, track and field guys and girls, divers, golfers, tennis girls and guys, volleyball girls and baseball players, forget what ya heard. We’re here to stay, we all know what we do for this school and what we give back. We run this place and if anyone begs to differ, I’ll say what my good buddy Brandon Kirsch once said. “You know where to find me, locker number three, so come and say what you need to say to my face.” Lastly I would like to give another shoutout to the athletes who have gotten bad ink in the Exponent lately. I feel for ya! Represent in 2006."

Garret Bushong

Junior, College of Consumer & Family Sciences

Perhaps his first mistake was being "good buddies" with Brandon Kirsch, but that is a topic for another blog. For him to sidestep responsibility for his drunken actions is a complete joke, but what bothers me most is the comment about "running this place." His scholarship wouldn't be possible without the generous contributions of the John Purdue Club that make Purdue Athletics possible. Garret, you don't run shit.

Purdue Does Their Part

2006-11-30T09:29:00.000-05:00

Purdue did their part in contributing to the Big Ten's effort in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge this week downing #25 Virginia 61-59 in Mackey Arena last night. The Boilers were down 57-53 with less than two minutes remaining, but quickly took a two point lead with consecutive 3's from Chris Lutz and David Teague. Virginia then tied the game at 59 on 2 free throws setting the stage for Tarrance Crump's game winner, knocking down an 8 foot runner with less than a second remaining. Here's a great amateur video of the game winner taken from the stands.

''He's our best ball handler, the quickest player we have,'' Painter said. ''He does the best job breaking people down. ... If he goes fast, he causes teams to get in a bind on ball screens. They hedged and he saw a seam and made the shot.''

Last season's struggles seem like a distant memory with Purdue knocking off 3 solid opponents already this season. Purdue beat Oklahoma and DePaul in Maui, and the ranked Cavaliers in Mackey. That's more quality wins right there than they've had the last 3 years combined. Despite Purdue's win, the Big Ten fell to the ACC in the Challenge for the 8th year in a row. 8th year in a row! Overall, the ACC won 8 games to the Big Ten's 3. This trend will be reversed in the years to come with the influx of talent coming into the Big Ten next year. Purdue, Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan, and Ohio State all have top 10 caliber recruiting classes coming in for 2007.

Hawaii Recap

2006-11-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

Purdue lost a meaningless game last night at Aloha Stadium to the Warriors of Hawaii 42-35. Stats here and pics here. Early on it appeared as though Purdue would get blown off the island after falling behind 17-0 to end the first half. Purdue stormed back in the second half behind stellar play from Curtis Painter and turnovers forced by the defense. Purdue scored a touchdown on each of their first 5 possessions of the second half and took a 35-27 lead. In the end Purdue couldn't hang on as they couldn't stop Colt Brennan and the explosive Hawaii passing offense when it had to.

Purdue paid a heavy price for making the trip losing starting left tackle Mike Otto and starting right tackle Sean Sester to injury. Hopefully they can recover in time for the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 29.

The game looked a lot like a typical Purdue bowl game. Come out flat and get behind big in the first half, catch fire and take the lead in the second half, then run out of gas in the final minutes. The only things missing to make this a bowl game atmosphere were knowledgeable college football fans (sorry island savages) and a quality opponent (sorry Warriors). The above picture tells you all you need to know about how much this differed from a normal college football game.

The way the Hawaiian announcer, who had a lot of trouble with the English language, kept talking about earning respect you'd think they were playing Ohio State. Someone needs to inform the Hawaii faithful that Purdue didn't sniff the top 25 all season. Aloha Stadium is a helluva home field advantage with shirtless island savages banging drums and screaming nonsense, one can only wonder what would happen if they were forced to leave the islands and come to Ross-Ade. All in all, it was a great comeback effort by the Boilers in overcoming the early deficit and hostile environment.

Purdue Hawaii Prediction

2006-11-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

Purdue travels to the island of Oahu this weekend to take on the Warriors of Hawaii in Aloha Stadium. Hawaii has put up some gaudy numbers on offense this year behind the performance of their star quarterback Colt Brennan. Brennan has thrown for better than 4,000 yards and 48 touchdowns in thrashing just about every defense in the WAC. Can they inflict the same damage on a defense from the Big Ten, albeit a weak one?

Much has been made of this being an unnecessary road trip for the Boilermakers at the end of a very grueling 13 game season. This will be the 13th game in as many weeks for Purdue, and one that requires 13 hours of travel. Purdue doesn't have much to play for this weekend, as their bowl destination is already known. Purdue has already punched their tickets for the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. Also, there is no financial motive to play this game as Tiller said that the Purdue Athletic Dept could actually end up losing money as a result of this trip.

It's been well documented that Tiller has tried to get this game cancelled on numerous occasions and who can blame him. Who wants to risk injury for a game that doesn't count for much of anything? Perhaps the only thing that Purdue has to play for is a chance at 10 wins, something that no other Tiller coached Purdue team can claim. "We've talked a lot about an opportunity to win a game against a quality opponent on the road," Tiller said, "try to win the ninth game of the year. We've challenged them with that." Hopefully that will be enough motivation for the Boilers.

There are two keys to the game for Purdue. One of them is Anthony Spencer. Spencer leads the nation in tackles for loss and is a disruptor on the defensive side of the ball unlike any Hawaii has seen this year. If Spencer can get to Brennan it will disrupt the timing and rhythm of the Hawaii offense, a key to their success. The second key for Purdue is its rushing offense. Kory Sheets and Jaycen Taylor have hit their stride in recent weeks and make for a great 1-2 punch running the ball. For Purdue to win, the offense needs to play ball control and keep the Hawaii offense on the sideline.

This game won't be nearly as high scoring as most think. Spencer will make a living in the Hawaii backfield bolstering his case for an All-American selection. Like recent weeks, the Purdue offense will do just enough to get the win.

PURDUE 31

HAWAII 27

Purdue's Bowl Opponent

2006-11-22T14:21:00.000-05:00

Which team from the ACC would Purdue prefer to meet in the Champs Sports Bowl? The four likely candidates for an invite are Wake Forest, Boston College, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. Here is how each team including Purdue is ranked by SI.com:

#18 Boston College Eagles
#19 Virginia Tech Hokies
#20 Wake Forest Demon Deacons
#26 Maryland Terrapins
#36 Purdue Boilermakers

From these rankings it would appear that Purdue will be an underdog no matter the opponent. My early assessment would be that Wake Forest and Maryland are the most favorable match ups. Let's take a look at each team one by one.

BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles are a solid 9-2 so far this season after demolishing Maryland last weekend 38-16. The Eagles are probably the most balanced of the 4 ACC teams with Matt Ryan throwing the ball and Whitworth and Callender running the ball. The Eagles have had some impressive wins this year in defeating Clemson, Virginia Tech, & Maryland. If it weren't for laying an egg versus a horrible North Carolina State team, the Eagles would be positioning themselves for a higher bowl. Boston College is solid on both sides of the ball, but are somewhat schizophrenic losing to North Carolina State one week and beating Clemson the next. Boston College would be a tough match up for Purdue, but one that is definitely winnable. Eagles by 3.

VIRGINIA TECH
The Hokies were left for dead after getting waxed 22-3 by Boston College earlier this season. Since then they have come on strong and are currently on a 5 game win streak. They have beaten Clemson, Miami, and Wake Forest during that streak. The Hokies are led by their star tailback Brandon Ore, who would be a handful for the Boilermaker defense and has already ran for more than 1,000 yards this season. The Hokies passing game is rather anemic this season with Sean Glennon completing less than 55% of his passes. The Hokie D is well-known for their "lunch-pail" approach to the game and has played well this season, most notably shutting down Clemson's CJ Spiller and James Davis in a Thursday night prime time beat down of the Tigers. If the Boilers and Hokies met in Orlando, it would play out very similarly to Purdue's loss to Penn State earlier this season. Virginia Tech is very similar to the Nittany Lions and would present the same challenges that Purdue faced at Ross-Ade earlier this season. Hokies by 17.

WAKE FOREST
Jim Grobe has done an amazing job with the Deacons this season. Taking a perennial doormat to the doorstep of the ACC Championship is nothing short of amazing. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that they lost their starting QB and RB at the beginning of the season. The way the Demon Deacons demolished the Seminoles at Doak-Campbell Stadium 30-0 was a huge statement. The difficulty of Wake's schedule has been rather light, but still managed big wins at Florida State and against Boston College. Wake Forest has gotten to 9-2 this season without doing anything spectacular on offense and without any bondafide superstars. Despite their impressive record, Wake Forest presents the most favorable match up for Purdue and would have a hard time slowing down the Boilermaker offense. Purdue beat a ranked Wake Forest team in 2003 and would do the same in the Champs Sports Bowl. Boilers win by 14.

MARYLAND
The Terps are back in the postseason after consecutive 5-6 seasons. It wasn't long ago that Maryland put together three straight 10 win seasons, and they hope to reach that plateau again this season. Maryland is led by their senior Quarterback Sam Hollenbach who has had a solid senior season under the tutelage of head coach Ralph Friedgen. Darrius Heyward-Bey is their impact player on offense, but hasn't crossed the 600 yard mark in receiving yards. Maryland is very similar to Wake Forest in that they have put together a lot of wins this season without doing anything spectacular. Maryland isn't particularly stout on D giving up almost 400 yards a game and should have trouble stopping Curtis Painter & Co. This is another favorable match up for Purdue and one that could go either way. Boilers win by 10.

Purdue Headed To Orlando

2006-11-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

It was announced yesterday that Purdue will play in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Florida on December 29th. The game will be played in the Citrus Bowl, the same venue where Purdue lost to Georgia 34-27 in the 2004 Capital One Bowl.

Purdue will face a yet-to-be-determined team from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The four most likely opponents are Wake Forest, Boston College, Maryland and Virginia Tech. All 4 teams stand at 5-2 in the ACC.

"Purdue has a chance to be a nine-win team and boasts one of the most exciting offenses in all of college football," Florida Citrus Sports executive director Steve Hogan said in a release. "The Boilermakers have one of the more passionate fan bases and will follow their team to Orlando to see what should be a top bowl match up against a very good ACC opponent."

Kickoff for the Champs Sports Bowl is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, and the game will be televised by ESPN.

Champs Sports or Alamo?

2006-11-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

With Purdue's win over Indiana on Saturday, the bowl picture is starting to take shape. Thankfully for many Purdue fans, the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas no longer has a tie-in to the Big Ten. Here are the following non-BCS bowls with ties to the Big Ten listed in order of selection.

Capital One -- Big Ten #2 vs. SEC #2

Outback -- Big Ten #3 vs. SEC #3

Champs Sports -- Big Ten #4 vs. ACC #4

Alamo -- Big Ten #5 vs. Big 12 #4

Insight -- Big Ten #6 vs. Big 12 #6

Motor City -- Big Ten #7 vs. MAC

There was a scenario many thought possible where a Michigan Ohio State rematch in the BCS Championship game would allow Wisconsin to go to the Rose Bowl. However, BCS rules state that no more than two teams from a conference can play in BCS bowl games. So if Michigan and Ohio State play in the BCS Championship game, no other Big Ten team could play in another BCS game including the Rose Bowl.

At this point it seems as though Purdue's likely destination is either the Alamo Bowl or Champs Sports Bowl. The Alamo Bowl is played closer to January 1st and has a higher payout, but the Champs Sports Bowl actually selects their team first. Penn State is likely headed to the Outback Bowl, a place where Purdue would most likely get waxed by a better SEC team. It's probably a good thing that the Boilers aren't headed there this year. They aren't ready to compete with the likes of an Arkansas, Tennessee, or LSU. Before this weekend, it looked like Iowa was Purdue's main competition to get a bid to the next best bowl in the lineup. Minnesota did Purdue a favor and knocked off the Hawkeyes, sending them to the land of 6-6. Its hard to imagine the Champs Sports Bowl people selecting a 6-6 team over an 8-4 team, yet they did select Champs Sports as their corporate sponsor so anything is possible. Purdue's likely opponent in Orlando is Wake Forest. I like that match up much better.

Boilers Dispose of Hoosiers

2006-11-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

In a wacky, sloppy game filled with fumbles and interceptions galore, the Boilers outlasted the Indiana Hoosiers 28-19. Game stats here and pics here. At one point in the second quarter the two rivals turned the ball over 5 times on 7 plays -- two of them coming on the same play. That play was a wild sequence of events that started with Jaycen Taylor running the ball 30 yards into IU territory only to fumble the ball. It was then scooped up by IU's Tracy Porter and it looked as though IU would score as he raced towards the endzone, but Jake Standeford caught him and punched the ball through the back of the endzone. Purdue gets the ball back at their 20, 1st and 10. That is the kind of game it was. It seemed at times that no one wanted to win. "From a turnover point of view," Tiller said, "it was down to the last man standing."

The score was 7-3 Boilers at the half after all those turnovers. In the second half, both offenses came to life a little bit. Painter finished the day 18-of-32 for 260 yards with a touchdown, along with 4 interceptions. Two of those interceptions were tipped off of his receivers hands, and a third occurred when Selwyn Lymon didn't come back to the ball. In short, the Purdue offense had trouble getting in rhythm at times but scored when it had to. Most notably when Indiana scored to close the gap to 21-19. Taking over at its own 14, Purdue marched 76 yards on nine plays, capped by Dorien Bryant's 15-yard touchdown run on a reverse.

I think Coach Tiller said it best. "I don't think we played our best football in winning the football game," Tiller said.

Indiana was playing for bowl eligibility and came up one win short. They finish the season 5-7 and will be home for the holidays for the 13th straight year. Purdue finishes the Big Ten season at 8-4 (5-3) and tied for 4th with Penn State. Purdue has one game remaining on its schedule as the Boilers must travel to Hawaii to take on the Rainbow Warriors, a game that has little effect on Purdue's bowl prospects. Tiller has said that he expects to know his team's bowl destination before they leave for Hawaii this week. It looks as though the Boilers are headed to the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando or the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

Game of the Century Prediction

2006-11-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

"The Game" is considered by many to be the biggest rivalry game in all of college football, or even in college sports in general. It is one of the most anticipated match ups every season, but this year it has reached a whole new level. Both teams enter Saturday's contest undefeated and looking for a berth in the BCS Championship game. Ohio State is the favorite playing at home in the Horseshoe. Michigan is the talented underdog with an amazing defense.

Legendary ex-Michigan coach Bo Schembechler passed away this week giving Michigan something else to play for. Some would say it will give Michigan added motivation and they will come out that much hungrier for a win. It reminds me of 2000, when an inspired Penn State team playing for paralyzed teammate Adam Telifaro ruined Purdue's bid for an outright Big Ten title. If Michigan needs help getting motivated for this game they are in serious trouble. This game is huge and both teams know it.

Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Mario Manningham are some of the most talented players in the Big Ten and the nation. Troy Smith, Antonio Pittman, and Anthony Gonzalez have the intangibles and play on another level. It's those same intangibles that led the Buckeyes to that comeback victory last season in the Big House. Ohio State is 7 points better than Michigan, throw in 3 points for home field and Ohio State wins by 10.

OHIO STATE 24

MICHIGAN 14

Bucket Game Prediction

2006-11-15T08:24:00.000-05:00

The Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana Hoosiers play this Saturday for the Old Oaken Bucket. It is the 82nd meeting between these two in-state rivals. The Boilers hold a 66-35-6 advantage in the series, that is a lot more P's than I's. Under Coach Tiller, Purdue has only lost once to Indiana in 9 seasons. That loss came in 2001 when Purdue lost 13-10 in Bloomington under monsoon-like conditions.

Indiana is a much improved team, having won 3 Big Ten contests this year. When they upset Iowa earlier this season, it was hailed as a "toppling of a Big Ten behemoth" by the Indy Star. IU received much national attention as an upstart program from talking heads such as Lou Holtz & Mark May. Terry Hoeppner even called his program a "shooting rocket" in a post-game interview. A couple weeks later, IU comes back down to earth after a blowout loss to the high-powered passing offense of Minnesota. Its also now very apparent that Iowa was a tad overrated this year. Even though the Big Ten teams Indiana has beaten this year are at the bottom of the conference standings, the fact that they've beaten anyone is a big step forward for Terry Hoeppner and their program.

I would give the Hoosiers a chance in this game if it were played at Memorial Stadium, but it is not. The game is at Ross-Ade stadium and the Boilers are two touchdown favorites. If Indiana gets burned by the passing offense of Minnesota, just imagine what Curtis Painter and his receiving corps are capable of. I predict a Bucket Beatdown just as Kyle Orton gave the Hoosiers in 2004. Curtis Painter and the Boilermaker offense is too much for the IU secondary.

PURDUE 47

INDIANA 10

Boilers Return to Bowl

2006-11-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

Purdue proved Vegas wrong (2 point dogs to Illini) for the second week in a row, defeating Illinois 42-31. The Boilers continue to improve on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. During one sequence in the game, the Purdue D forced Illinois into 3 turnovers on 4 defense snaps. Dorien Bryant led the offense with 9 catches for 120 yards and two scores.

Purdue now sits at 7-4 overall (4-3 Big Ten), after two straight road victories. They've beaten the teams they're supposed to beat, and lost to the teams they were supposed to lose to. With the amount of youth on this team, I would take a 8-4 record in a heartbeat.

If Purdue can manage to get past the lowly Hoosiers this weekend, that would put them at 4th in the league and most likely give them a berth into the Alamo Bowl. I would say that's a helluva step forward for this program after last season's debacle.