Pollyanna or Half Empty?

Skip Myslenski continued with his gushing over the basketball Badgers despite their rather pedestrian performance against Purdue last evening. He contends that all that stands between the Badgers running the table is themselves. While he's probably right, the likelihood of this happening is slim and none from where I sit. Illinois almost accomplished the feat two years ago before losing their final game to OSU on the road. Indiana was the last team to do so in 1976. Here's why a 30-year drought will become 31 before February yields to March (January 20th and 31st are also potential pitfalls).

1. The Badgers aren't nearly as balanced or talented as the 2004-2005 Illini.

2. The league is more competitive top-to-bottom than it was in the mid-1970's. One need look no further than the resurgence of Wisconsin basketball.

3. The Badgers aren't a particularly strong shooting team, from the field or at the line. This lessens the margin for error, particularly on the road.

4. The Badgers will be lucky to win 1 of these 4 road games: Illinois, Indiana, MSU, and OSU. Wins at Penn St., Minnesota, and Iowa likely secure a conference championship, assuming 5 more wins at home.

Don't get me wrong, I hope Skip's on the mark. By weathering a miserable shooting performance by our top two scorers last evening, not to mention horrible FT shooting, Wisconsin still beat a NCAA tournament bubble team. They can't replicate this act on the road in any BT venue, however. Bo should have their eyes in practice today and tomorrow because Bucky won't be riding Jason Chappel's back to Atlanta.