I disagree. It's tough for any program to do what Murray is doing, regardless of the league they are playing in.

 

I don't disagree that it's tough for a team to totally dominate their conference the way Murray has - you don't see it all that often. The disagreement is that Murray's schedule brings into question the credibility of their high ranking.

 

And though, best of luck to them. Always fun to root for one of the smaller programs to do well in the tourney.

You didn't answer my question Clyde! How many times have you seen Murray State play this season, or even play in person ever?

 

BTW two years ago after Murray beat Vandy, they came within two points of beating Butler, who BTW made it to the Championship Game and lost that game to Duke by, two points!

 

I haven't watched them other than highlights.

 

In order to be considered a legit team ie top 20 you need to PROVE you can beat good teams on a consistent basis. Their schedule does not allow them to prove that. Yes, they look good but a lot of teams would look good against that schedule. No one can say they have SHOWN they can compete night in night out in the better conferences, thus, I can't call them a legit top 20.

 

Great story. Glad for their success. If they make the Sweet 16 they will have had a great season.

For a low end mid-major they play as tough as a schedule as one will see. Not saying it is difficult, just the reality of the situation. Really Murray is in a no-win situation. They win every game, the schedule gets thrown back at you, lose a game it is "I told you so." It is extremely rare to see a team go this late in the year without a loss. I can never recall a low end mid-major being in this position. Saying they are not one of the top 20 teams is like saying the sky is blue. It is obvious they are deficient in many areas such as rebounding, ball handling, length, and overall skill. But they can normally shoot the ball as well as anyone in the country, get to the foul line, apply pressure, and are well coached. Amazing ride thus far.

WKU Hilltopper Here...Go Racers...:thumb:

Questions Clyde? Do you believe that only teams from the Major Conferences should be ranked? Do you think that only teams in the Major Conferences should be allow to play in the NCAA Basketball Tourney? Do you think that teams from small schools like Murray, Morehead and Butler who have won games in the Tourney should just not show up, as how can they win a game from the big boys. Ask Vandy, ask Louisville, or ask the many teams that Butler beat over the last two years in the Tourney, if the small school can compete and play.

 

The NCAA tourney is what it is because it is open to all whether from a big conference or a small conference and remember, there isn't a year that goes by, that one of the elite teams from a big conferences doesn't go down in flames from thinking, great we are playing so and so and they can't be good, as they don't play a big time schedule!

 

Go Racers.....

Questions Clyde? Do you believe that only teams from the Major Conferences should be ranked? Do you think that only teams in the Major Conferences should be allow to play in the NCAA Basketball Tourney? Do you think that teams from small schools like Murray, Morehead and Butler who have won games in the Tourney should just not show up, as how can they win a game from the big boys. Ask Vandy, ask Louisville, or ask the many teams that Butler beat over the last two years in the Tourney, if the small school can compete and play.

 

The NCAA tourney is what it is because it is open to all whether from a big conference or a small conference and remember, there isn't a year that goes by, that one of the elite teams from a big conferences doesn't go down in flames from thinking, great we are playing so and so and they can't be good, as they don't play a big time schedule!

 

Go Racers.....

 

As a rule I do not reply to silly questions.

Here's a question I have: If Murray gets beaten in the OVC Tournamnet, do they still have enough to get an at-large bid lto the NCAA? (Bring out the talk about of "strength of schedule, " look test," etc.)

 

I had a discussion about this with someone who works for the OVC. If it played out that Murray State rolls through the regular season but loses in Nashville, he believes they would still get an at-large bid and the OVC would get 2 teams for the first time since sometime in the 80's.

Did you noticed the shoes on the tree in the video and wonder whats that all about?

 

 

A stone’s throw away from Pogue Library, the shoe tree sits in the sun, at least 50 pairs of mismatched shoes nailed to it. Although no one on campus can say when the tradition of the shoe tree began, it has become an integral part of Murray State's history. If two students meet at Murray State, fall in love and then marry, they will have good luck if each partner nails a shoe to the shoe tree. Lovers usually write their anniversaries on their shoes as well. It is also common for people to return to nail a baby shoe to the tree when they’ve started their family. The current shoe tree is actually the second, because the first was struck by lightning and subsequently caught fire. Even today, the shoe “tree” is more of a stump because its limbs have been cut off to minimize the risk of fire.

 

My daughter and her husband each nailed a shoe to the shoe "tree" around Christmas, when they were in Murray seeing friends!

 

See Link for picture of the tree.