COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Greetings Buffs fans!
I’m already nestled into my work space at Reed Arena ahead of today’s Colorado-Texas A&M game.
Last week I read a very interesting blog by Jesse Newell, who covers Kansas hoops for the Lawrence Journal-World.
Newell did an anonymous poll at the Big 12 media days in October with players from all of the teams.
Reed Arena was ranked as the third-best venue to play in behind only Allen Fieldhouse and the brilliant new Mizzou Arena.
Students were lined up outside this place when I arrived two hours before tip.
The Coors Events Center was considered the worst venue in the Big 12 to visit by the players. Not the most intimidating, the worst.
Some of their comments included:
• “There’s nobody there. It’s terrible.”
• “Every time we go there, there’s never anyone there.”
Remember, this poll was conducted before the Buffs got off to such a strong start at home. The CEC was rocking a week ago when Kansas State visited.
The players in the survey also said CU has the worst fans. One player commented:
• “They really didn’t have any student crowd. They didn’t have anybody backing them up when they were playing.”
Again, the student body has been showing up for Big 12 play since this poll was taken.
For a complete look at the poll go to: http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/newell_post/2010/jan/19/big-12-straw-poll-what-are-players-favoritesleast-/
Now, on to today’s game.
Entering the week, I felt like the Buffs had a much better chance to get a road breakthrough in College Station than in Stillwater.
I think CU will have a chance to win this game if they take care of the ball.
Texas A&M is 13-0 when holding opponents under 70 points.
Prediction: A&M 70, CU 67
