A Couple Random Thoughts for Your Friday

First, a premature Happy 30th goes out to Greg Weeser*, whose birthday is tomorrow. Welcome to hell.

Second, I'm getting really sick of snow. When is this global warming thing going to kick in?

Third, I was glad to see the Hoosiers show up last night. Then again, they were playing in the Kohl Center, which means that they were guaranteed to get called for at least 10 more fouls than Wisconsin. Last night was no exception, as the Hoosiers managed to collect 24 fouls, while the Badgers only picked up 14 fouls and shot 14 more free throws than IU. Seriously, since the 2003-2004 season, in 37 Big Ten home games, Wisconsin has committed more fouls than its opponent exactly once (a 2006 victory over IU) and as many fouls as their opponent exactly once (a 2005 loss to Illinois), meaning that in 35 of the last 37 home games their opponents have magically committed more fouls than they have. Whereas, in away Big Ten games over that same span, they are a more even-keeled 16-18-1 in foul disparity (meaning they committed fewer fouls than their opponent 16 times, more fouls 18 times, and the same number of fouls once). Something is rotten in Madison, and I think its name is Bo Ryan. As Jamie pointed out, do you see how irate he gets the rare times when Wisconsin actually does get called for a foul? Yes, I'm bitter, but fuck you, I have the stats to back it up.

And in case you're wondering, yes, I have been keeping foul disparity statistics in Big Ten games since the 2003-2004 season. What you may not know is that I might be slightly autistic. One day I may share my findings with the world, or certainly with Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney or Head of Officiating Rich Falk. I think they would be very interested in my research.

On a brighter note, I don't know about you guys, but I am absolutely thrilled that Hollywood finally bowed to public pressure and made a sequel to Step Up. It looks like Valentine's Day had made plans for me this year, rather than the other way around.