Butler / Boise St. to the Big East

Butler University is the talk about the basketball world as they have reached the Final Four in their home city of Indianapolis. They have an excellent chance against Michigan St. their semi-final opponent. Needless to say they have been a solid basketball program for many years now, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they figure out a way to win this year’s Title. If things get crazy this summer and a school, say Rutgers leaves the Big East, the conference could invite Butler to join. This would be awesome for basketball, and since Butler doesn’t have D1 football team, the door would be open for Boise St. to join as a football only school. Yes Boise St. and even with them being in Idaho, it's not a problem from a football standpoint. You figure that's four trips a year for them to a Big East school, which will give them alot more exposure. It's only 1 trip a every two years for Big East Football Teams so doesn't seem to be a problem either. It certainly would let Boise St. prove it on a bigger stage. I think fan interest would be high, as even the casual college football fan would be interested in how Boise St. does in the Big East. This also adds two of the most famous venues in college sports with Hinkle Fieldhouse and the Blue Turf. Now wouldn’t a Butler/Boise St. combo, make the Big East better and of course more interesting?

Government Takeover of Pro Sports?

Now that the government has taken over the health care industry, are pro sports next? If they think some CEOs make too much, what do they think about Joe Mauer’s new eight year $184 million contract? Of course with unemployment the way it is, these sports salaries and ticket prices look even more ridiculous. However I highly doubt any government, state or federal will get involved in sports unless it’s to give taxpayer dollars to finance the next stadium. Congress much rather have you spend eight a day watching football, then worrying about what their doing. Remember to take a break from CSPAN — Watch my show tonight 7:30 live on Family-Life TV, and don’t forget to call in with your questions and opinions.

Champions League Draw: QuaterFinals

Inter vs. CSKA Moscow
Arsenal vs. Barcelona

Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United
Bordeaux vs. Lyon

Mike's Picks - Inter, Barcelona, Bayern, Bordeaux

NCAA Basketball Favorite & KP Bracket.

I know everyone can’t wait to fill out their brackets, so I’ve created a Kittanning Paper Group on ESPN.com. If you sign up for the free ESPN Tournament Challenge, click on join a group, and search “Kittanning Paper” We hope to see your entry.

I’ve already said I’m picking Kansas, I think they’re the best overall team, but that doesn’t mean much in this type of tournament structure. I think the Big East is going to make a lot of noise. West Virginia should have been a top seed, but either way they’re strong enough to reach the Final Four. Pitt looks to have an easy road to Sweet 16, and Kansas St. is certainly a team the Panthers can knock off. Don’t forget about Robert Morris, they go Villanova in the first round. No doubt in my mind that Kansas is the favorite, but if you don’t like going with popular choice Georgetown, Pitt could have a chance. Good luck with you selections.