MUST WIN? NEED TO WIN? by ST

After Sunday night's dismal performance in losing to Oregon State it might be premature to call this early evening game against Arizona State a MUST win, but it's in the neighborhood. As it appeared these young guys were turning a corner after the nutty win at Wazzou then the domination of the Huskies in Washington, clearly a step was taken back in the Civil War. The most disturbing aspect was the repeated mistakes. Not blocking out on the defensive backboards, the insistence of Tajuan Porter to drive to the bucket like he's 6'7, instead of 5'7, the inability to get Michael Dunningan the ball. It goes on. Now they'll face an Arizona State team that excells defensively and is annoyingly patient on offense. ASU has played 15 games this year, and in just over half, 8 of them, have held the opponent to their season low scoring total. With the Pac 10 obviously way down this year, defending the home court will be critical for teams hoping to finish in the top half and perhaps get consideration for the Big Dance. For the first time in almost 23 years, no conference team is ranked among the Top 25 in the Associated Press poll. That's astonishing! This is the freaking Pac 10. With the ACC and Big East, one of America's elite basketball leagues.
This weekend's NFL playoff games are interesting beyond the obvious. Super Bowl implications with the winners Saturday & Sunday making up the pro football version of the Final 4. It really appears most teams are very healthy which is unusual this time of year. It also renders all those who felt the Colts and Saints should play their regulars for a meaningless unbeaten record as knuckleheads. As the Cardinals prep for New Orleans, they're hopeful stud wideout Anquan Boldin's ankle will heal enough for him to go. He sat out the shootout overtime victory over the Packers. The thing is with Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and newcomer, Early Doucett, they're loaded at that position anyway. One key ding to keep an eye on in that Saint secondary is corner Malcolm Jenkins, their rookie from Ohio State. He's been limited in practice and while not a starter, is a key cover guy in obvious passing downs as a nickel back.
Of more concern is the Viking defense as they host the red hot Cowboys. Run stopping tackle Pat Williams is nursing an elbow injury and has not been practicing full tilt. The leader of their secondary, Antoine Winfield, is also far from 100% with a foot problem. I'm really leaning towards Dallas in this one.
Much more as we rally the troops for a shorty edition of SportsTalk today from 3-5pm before we break out early to bring you Oregon women's hoops. Enjoy!