ForecastinFloyd

First and foremost, I want to say that I don’t throw out a POY lightly and without extensive research.  Today, there’s something extraordinary that’s been building in the forecast. A unique play, a once in a year type of play where everything points to it being the one to load up and pull the trigger.  I have been spending the last week looking at variables surrounding this game, the line, prospective match-ups, game tempo, and promotions surrounding the big match-up held in the Hulman Center, travel schedule (the Shockers are now not flying out until 7:30 Wednesday game morning), it’s all been looked at.  The end result with all of these things considered is Indiana State shocking the basketball world and beating Wichita State, convincingly. 

This is a very difficult venue for any team to be traveling to and pull out a W, but right now the pressure is on the Shockers to now run the table and potentially grab a one seed.  The school is running a “paint the town” blue promotion, heck, Larry Bird is rumored to be in attendance, and I fully expect them to be fired up from tip to buzzer.  The sales pitch from the coach is simply win this game, get into the at-large discussion and forget about the earlier meeting and protect the Hulman Center just as you’ve done all season. 

Ive watched the Shockers last few games, and it’s looked like the pressure of staying undefeated is starting to affect their game play struggling against bottom tier teams.  Indiana State is coming off of a road win where they beat Northern Iowa, who hadn’t lost at home.  One of the more impressive things about this victory for Indiana State was that all of their starters scored in double digits, and it’s going to take another group effort to put down Wichita State.  Indiana State has been streaky at times, but the balance is there across the board to make this game competitive and jump out early and match/up with the Shockers, control tempo and play from ahead at home rather than behind.  Odum struggled mightily in their first contest.  The likelihood of that happening again is very slim.  Indiana State has had its fair share of good luck getting wins over ranked opponents.  This will be its 4^th in last 5 tries.

As far as my numbers go, it’s indicative that this won’t be a close contest.  I’m playing the points, and playing it just as if I would any other play of the year, with my chips pushed in and confidence maxed out.  To anyone who decides to play it, I wish you well.  And I wish you all the best on all of your plays today regardless of your sides.    

Forecasting Floyd’s POY Play

Indiana State +4.5

Forecasting Floyd’s POY Forecast

Indiana State 78

Wichita State 62

FF