So here we are. Gameday at the HP Pavilion. Vanderbilt is about a 3 or 4-point favorite against Murray State, a team that hasn't beaten anybody of note. If we're only a possession better than this team, then I guess I don't understand basketball. You'll hear that Murray State has a balanced attack, with five (nearly six) players averaging in double-figures. Easy to do against Eastern Kentucky, not against the SEC East. Look, I'm not trying to be naive. Murray State can beat Vandy; that's not why I'm saying. Media outlets are taking the losses on Senior Day to South Carolina and against Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament like those are the only two games they've played this season. I get why people like Murray. I would be rooting for them if I didn't love the Commodores.

(Also, I know that I sound like some BCS proponent when I say this. The same arguments are made against Boise State and TSU in college football. I hate when people do that. But I do think those arguments fit here.)

I don't even know what else to say. I'm frustrated. It's not that I'm mad that the 'Dores are getting disrespected. The logic just doesn't click with me.

Vandy rolls by more than 10.

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*As a quick side note, if I ever coached a college or high school team, I would always measure the basket anytime we went to play at a large arena. These guys are probably too young to remember Hoosiers, but shouldn't that be required? The thing about the NCAA volunteers here in San Jose is that they'll bend over backwards to help you out. I bet if Kevin Stallings of Bill Kennedy asked for a ladder and measuring tape, they wouldn't think twice.

So I think my enthusiasm and rookie media experience is showing this morning. I am easily the first "media" person here. I mean, the CBS people are here, but then its just me and a bunch of volunteers here in the media workroom. They are either thinking: "Man, this guy is a hard worker!" but more likely "Man, this guy got here too early. He has no idea what's going on." I would like to think I'm somewhere in the middle.

I got my first, "Hey, you can't be in here" moment this morning. I went onto the floor to grab a couple pictures. Since CBS is setting up everything, other media wasn't supposed to be in there. Whoops. I guess San Jose thinks CBS and its television coverage is more important than some random Vanderbilt blogger. Stupid priorities.

I have a little under three hours before tip-off. I'll try to get another couple quick posts up before then.

Thanks all!

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