But Was It Fair?

We are through Selection Sunday and I could rant about the fact that America's Team, the Syracuse Orange, were left out of the bracket despite the fact that they are clearly one of the 34 best teams in the country that did not win its conference tournament. With an SOS of 12 and an RPI in the 50's (even though I don't believe in the RPI), Syracuse actually has a better resume than some teams in the field and most of the teams "snubbed." Not saying we should be in, just saying it was worth showing us as snubbed.

That's not why I am here right now. I am here because I live in Atlanta and, like many, was in the path of the tornado Friday night. Forgetting the tragedy of the situation for so many, I would like to address the injustice that was the SEC Tournament. Congratulations to the Georgia Bulldogs, you are the "Champions." Or so we are told.

But was it fair?

Georgia - Kentucky was the postponed game as a result of the tornado that swept through Atlanta on Friday night and damaged the Georgia Dome. With game moved to Georgia Tech's campus on Saturday morning, and the threat of having to play two games on Saturday and three games in less than 30 hours, most felt that Georgia would wear down and be at a distinct disadvantage. I saw it the exact opposite way. I felt that Georgia was all of a sudden playing at an advantage and with house money.

Here is why...Kentucky travels better than any team in the country. You can count on Wildcat fans to turn any neutral arena in to a home away from home. Because of the switch in venue, Kentucky could not get fans into the arena. Only family, friends and and persons immediately related to the programs could get into the arena to watch games. As a result, the announced attendance in the 9,191 seat Alexander Memorial Coliseum was 1,458. The other two games were similar in fan representation and I thought this actually helped Georgia since they seemed to gain confidence with each game. At this time of the season, I don't see conditioning as a problem for 19 and 20 year old kids.

No matter. I don't expect Georgia to be around very long. They aren't a very good team and the SEC is not a very good conference this year. I do feel bad for Kentucky fans though. Not only did they have to travel to Atlanta, and possibly be displaced by the tornado that ripped through the downtown area, but after all that money spent (including the tickets), 99% of them did not see one second of a Kentucky game live.