Gloating Part II

So I was right in predicting a Florida-Ohio State national final and a Florida victory. Where’s my prize? This at least proves that I am a better predictor of sporting events than marshmallows.

The CBS coverage was the usual. Billy Packer obsessed over the big guys getting winded the entire game — aren’t these guys barely 20 years old and able to run around for forty minutes? — and Jim Nantz obsessed over everyone’s parents. After the game was over, an uneasy Nantz and Packer stood by while an excitable Joakim Noah made no sense. You know, I think he’s right: Packer and Nantz probably did have no idea what he was talking about (at least he didn’t start dancing this time). Nantz ignored the rant and plowed ahead by asking MOP Corey Brewer about his father.

The game itself was unspectacular as the Gators used their balanced attack to wear down Ohio State for the win. Every time Ohio State looked ready to get close in the second half, Florida would score off a loose ball on some back-breaking play. It must have sucked to watch this for Ohio State fans. Greg Oden put up strong stats (25 points, 12 boards) in defeat, even prompting Packer to suggest he might win MOP honors. It was probably enough to cement his #1 NBA Draft status by showing he could produce in the biggest college game there is. Nantz picked Al Horford (18 points, 12 boards) for MOP honors, and both broadcasters proved wrong as Brewer was chosen.

The result is leading to all sorts of discussion about the back-to-back titles and Florida’s place in history. I’ll leave that one to the experts and simply note that it must be pretty sweet to be a Gator fan these days. It reminds me of the “cup runneth over” feeling I had when the Red Sox and Patriots held championships simultaneously a few years back.

Joakim Noah might want to stick to playing basketball for a career

I haven’t found video yet of Joakim Noah’s seizure/dance to celebrate Florida’s victory in the SEC basketball championship this afternoon, which seemed to catch poor Verne Lundquist a little off-guard (fortunately the late Al Maguire wasn’t there to join in or things might really have gotten out of hand). Despite the lack of graceful moves, I will stick with the Gators as my pick to repeat as NCAA champions.

I’ll post my full NCAA picks in this space later in the week because I enjoy having my wrongness be a matter of verifiable public record. I had a nice vacation, thanks for asking.

UPDATE: Video here (via Deadspin).