That ESPY for "Biggest Upset" is 3 long years in the past: The Bucknell Preview

The mid-major world fell in love with the Bucknell University Bison in 2005 when it knocked off NCAA Tournament favorite Kansas in the Big Dance. They became renowned giant-killers, and backed that up with a few big wins against huge programs over next couple years. (And that ESPY they won was against some familiar competition).

Make no mistake: this is not the same Bucknell team, and the difference is nobody is afraid to play this year's version.

Bucknell was picked to finish 5th in the 8-team Patriot League... and that was before their preseason 2nd teamer and best player Stephen Tyree went down with a season-ending knee injury during a pick-up game (idiot). They still don't know who is going to pick up the scoring slack. And Tyree is a big forward who was the PL Defender of the Year, so right off the bat that helps us immensely because...

Scott Brittain is going to be missing from the lineup again - he's not even going to make the trip. And I can't blame him... a flight to Philly, followed by a 2 or 3 hour bus ride in the middle of nowhere. In the meantime, Scott, we need to get you better. According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing:

To speed healing and increase oxygen to the brain, and to prevent further damage after a concussion, supplement with antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, E and all the B vitamins, as well as the minerals selenium and zinc, are antioxidants. In addition to stimulating the healing process, vitamin C also enhances the *immune system, reduces *blood pressure and protects against *bruising and blood clotting. Vitamin C should be taken with bioflavonoids to improve its effects. Vitamin E works to repair damaged tissue. When vitamins C and E work together, they have a greater effect than when they are taken separately.

Also:

Arnica is an excellent homeopathic remedy for a concussion resulting from a blow to the head, reducing *pain and speeding healing. Use the 30c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue. Repeat for two more doses, every fifteen minutes for a severe injury, or an hour apart if less severe.

So yeah, BU Sports Medicine... get on that.

As far as the guys who are still on the court for us, I'm optimistic. Johnny Holland seems to have picked up right where he left off. The freshmen, Jake O'Brien and Jeff Pelage, are picking up rave reviews from the most unlikely of sources. Carlos Strong is doing some real good things. And, most importantly, Corey Lowe and Tyler Morris can't possibly shoot as badly as they did on Friday night.

Three days ago, Bucknell got destroyed by Maryland by 29 points. Three years ago, in the only prior meeting between the BU's, we lost by 6 and Corey Hassan was our leading scorer. Tonight, I'm looking for something right in between...

My prediction for the game: BU 70 Bucknell 57