I usually try to be as unbiased as I can (as I always say...I call it as I see it), but today I say forget it.

We're approaching tip-off and I'm so nervous I can't even eat (I'm trying as hard as I can because they served pulled pork sandwiches today...a staple here in Charlotte). Everyone is telling me, "Just be happy that they're in the Sweet 16." Don't get me wrong...I am happy! I just don't want to see this run come to an end. I think everyone can agree with me there.

Here's a question for you...what did the Cougars ever do to become so disrespected by the rest of the country? More people are picking Western Kentucky to upset UCLA than the Cougs to knock off North Carolina (in fact, I haven't heard one person to pick the Cougars over the Heels). Yes, UNC is good...but Wazzu can give them a run (I guess I should say slowed down pace) for their money.

Here are two more keys to keep an eye on: The Cougs need to stay out of foul trouble and can't fall behind. Tyler Hansbrough draws more contact and fouls than anyone in the country. If Aron Baynes gets in early foul trouble (which he usually does) and Robbie Cowgill follows right behind...beware (if we see Chris Henry in the game at any point the Cougars are in trouble...Chris if you read this: I'm really sorry)!

On the other point...I hope WSU learned something from their first meeting of the year against UCLA. They fell behind and never really stood a chance. Seven threes in the final 1:15 will likely never happen again. Just like the Bruins, the Tar Heels are too athletic to chase on the scoreboard.

I'm not really sure what else to say...

Oh, we did a quick report with some Cougar faithful here in Charlotte. We were surrounded by crimson...that's the best I've felt in this city yet.

Speaking of the city...we had a good chance to drive around today. Just like any big city, there are nice parts and not-so-nice-parts. I really like uptown Charlotte (I called it downtown this morning and the photographer I was working with (from a local station) nearly slapped me and told me it was uptown). There are a lot of professional people walking around the streets (I've heard this is the second largest banking center in the US. If they show any city shots...the tallest building is the Bank of America Building and the second tallest (shaped like a jukebox) is Wachovia).

It's time to wrap this up...

P.S. Brian, thanks for the props on the Cougar Madness Special...we put a lot of hard work into that and I'm glad you enjoy the blog (keep the comments coming).

P.S.S. Kim...thanks for the heads up on the Carolina Blue message boards. I told you they take this stuff very seriously! Go Wazou!

P.S.S.S. Ryan...Merry Sweet 16! Choo Choo Chooooo! Roy Williams seemed like a nice guy, but he likes to jump on his soap box. He just goes off on weird tangents. For example...the media makes too big of a deal about the Tar Heels playing in Charlotte...he says it doesn't matter his team could win in Siberia if they play well (he seriously said that).

P.S.S.S.S. Go Cougs! I hope I'm reporting on a win tonight!

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