Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
A Kentucky feud
When some Ohio State football players said they could beat the basketball Buckeyes in a five-on-five pickup game, it was all in good fun and wholesome. The same cannot be said for what has taken place between Kentucky's basketball and football teams over the past few days.
It all started when John Calipari called the Wildcats a “basketball school,” suggesting he wants a new basketball facility on campus. Mark Stoops responded with a single tweet.
Basketball school? I thought we competed in the SEC? #4straightpostseasonwins https://t.co/xUoKmUeonH
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) August 11, 2022
The head football coach didn’t stop there.
#BBN begs to differ! Dont disrespect our great fans like that. https://t.co/7yCGQzmbuW
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) August 11, 2022
Has Kentucky's football team ever lost to Saint Peter's? Didn't think so.
The feud was expected to move quickly and be over prior to the weekend. That was before athletic director Mitch Barnhart chimed in, saying the Wildcats aren’t planning to build a new basketball practice facility any time soon and that Calipari and Stoops need to hash out their disagreement as adults.
“Not real thrilled with where we are,” Barnhart said. “The grownups are going to have to figure it out, be a little better. I think sometimes you get a little success you can be a little entitled. We’re going to make sure we’re not entitled. … We will not be an entitled department. We will be grateful for what we’ve got.”
How much is too much March Madness?
March Madness is one of the best times of the year in sports. There are games on all afternoon, buzzer-beaters, upsets and excitement for nearly a month straight.
That said, how much is too much college basketball in March?
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said this past week the NCAA has to take “a fresh look” at the NCAA men's basketball tournament; as in, expansion of the current 68-team field.
Whether we all like to discuss it or not, the NCAA will do whatever is needed to make more money. But at some point, there needs to be a limit on the number of games and teams in the NCAA Tournament before it just becomes an “everyone makes the tournament” type of postseason. Money only goes so far.
Well done, Michigan
Sometimes, it's important to take a step back and focus on the good things that Michigan does, even if it is tough to do so. This is one of those times.
Dametrius Walker had a dream of playing for the Wolverines and received 10 Division I football offers. Those dreams and aspirations came to a sudden halt when the former Muskegon standout was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Now in hospice care, Walker was able to achieve his goal of playing at Michigan and even scored a touchdown in Michigan Stadium on Saturday, when Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines invited him to participate in their practice.
A special moment for a special person. @Meechie468, a former high school player at Muskegon who had a goal to play for the Wolverines, has a rare bone cancer and is in hospice care. pic.twitter.com/I5UD5m0jRE
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 13, 2022
Kudos to you, Michigan.
ICYMI
Jim Knowles Ups the Expectations for Restructured Ohio State Defense, Aims for “Top-Five” Unit in 2022
Griffin Strom writes about first-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles wanting to have a "top-five" defense in the country in 2022, more than a month after Ryan Day claimed he wants the Buckeyes to have a "top-10 defense" this fall.
(1,008) Days of Winter
Ramzy Nasrallah breaks down how many days separate Ohio State's last win over Michigan and the Buckeyes' season opener against Notre Dame on Sept. 3, getting into some specific details (and games) in the 1,008 days that separate the two games.
Kamryn Babb Becomes Third Buckeye to Receive Block 0 Jersey
Babb deserves all of the praise and special recognition that come with the Block 0 jersey, which he received for the 2022 season on Saturday.
Up Next
Twenty days. That's all that separates Ohio State from its season opener against Notre Dame on Sept. 3. Prior to the top-five showdown in Columbus, Eleven Warriors will host a 2002 Champs Reunion the night before the game. Don't forget to buy your tickets to what should be an extraordinary night on Home Opener Eve.
Your Notre Dame weekend just got better. Join us for a legendary evening on Friday, 9/2 at @LandGrantBeer.
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 13, 2022
Stay tuned for ticket details and additional information.#Champs20th pic.twitter.com/O44Vc97Gw3
