mWwednesday November 20, 2002 michigandaiiy.com sportsdesk@umich.edu SPORTS 9 Buckeyes blamed for BCS breakdown Consistent play earns Abrams starting spot By David Horn Daily Sports Editor The BCS is everyone's least favorite acronym. Each year of its existence it has seemed to raise a new controversy, and the 2002 version is carrying on that infamous legacy. The team at the top of the Bowl Championship Series rank- ings last week - the Big Ten's own Ohio State Buck-_ eyes - now sits at FOOTBALL No. 2, and many believe that even if AnalySiS Ohio State emerges victorious in its rivalry game this Satur- day against Michigan, it will not be the rightful opponent for No. 1 Miami (Fla.) in the Fiesta Bowl. So just how did the Buckeyes end up in this enviable position? The first thing that separates Ohio State from the rest of the national pack is the digit in its losses column: Zero. In mid-October, as the undefeated teams dwindled from 11 to eight to four to two, Ohio State maintained its unblem- ished record with wins against San Jose State, Wisconsin and Penn State. But those wins, and many of those that followed, were far from convinc- ing. Ohio State has done nothing this season if not win close games. Five of its 11, including four of its last five wins have been by less than a touch- down. But coach Jim Tressel points to the fact that all but one of those games has been on the road, and relies on the old Big Ten axiom that any road win is a good win. "I know our guys have been playing hard and we have had a lot of battles," Tressel said. "We have gone on the road and come out on top. I am proud of how our guys have been playing." The coach's pride, however, is not factored into the BCS. Nor is it likely factored by the critics, who question a No. 2 team that has struggled offensive- ly against vastly inferior Big Ten oppo- nents. What is factored in is a team's "quali- ty wins," of which the Buckeyes have one: Washington State. Ohio State is so close to Miami right now (the two teams are separated by .01 points) because of its 25-7 trouncing of the Cougars during the nonconference schedule. Washington State is currently ranked third in the BCS, which earns Ohio State a deduction of .8 from its See BCS, Page 10 By Chris Burke Daily Sports Writer AP PHOTO Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel is pressured by Illinois defender Joe Bevis. A win against the Wolverines on Saturday will send the Buckeyes to the Fiesta Bowl. There was little doubt in the mind of Michigan basketball coach Tommy Amaker that freshman swingman Lester Abram would play an impor- tant role for the Wolverines this year. But with a bevy of players stocked up at the shooting guard and small forward positions, it was unclear how BASKETBALL soon Abram would earn significant Notebook minutes. Following his performances in Michigan's two exhibition games, the youngster has made it difficult to keep him out of the lineup. In the first start of his career, Abram poured in 15 points in 32 min- utes - the most on the team - last Friday in Michigan's 81-77 victory over Nike Elite. That came on the heels of an impressive 13-point, seven-rebound showing in the Wolverines' first exhibition win against Wayne State on Nov. 1. "I think he's shown to be a pretty effective player this far for a young kid," Amaker said. "I don't talk about him and that's a good thing I can count on. That's a very comforting thing to say, but it's a little unnerving because he's a freshman and freshmen will be up and down. "But he's been fairly consistent." That ever-growing consistency looks like it will make it increasingly difficult for sophomore Dommanic Ingerson and senior tri-captain Gavin Groninger to find minutes at the shooting guard spot. Ingerson has played just five min- utes in the Wolverines' two contests, while Groninger played 14 minutes against Wayne State but dropped to 12 against Nike Elite. "It was (just how we played it for) our exhibition," Amaker said. "We have competition and have depth and I like that. What we're trying to find are the guys that complement our key guys - that's what we're doing, we're looking at complements. "It's a long horse race. Just because (getting a lot of minutes) may not happen today or tomorrow, whc knows who's going to be injured of sick or in foul trouble. You have to be sure when opportunity knocks for you that you're ready." Despite the number of minutes Amaker has played Abram so far - and how impressed he claims he has been with the freshman's play - the Michigan coach insists that just because Abram might see the court a lot doesn't necessarily mean that Groninger and Ingerson will be rele- gated to the bench. "In football, you'll have a depth chart at positions, but for us, we don't coach that way," Amaker said. "We have a style and a system where different guys can play together in combinations depending on oui opponents. "We have post guys and perimetei guys and we mix and match accord- ingly." HOPING TO HEAL: The Wolverines are crossing their collective fingers in hopes that the warm Virgin Islands climate will help heal the team's wounds when Michigan heads down there for the season-opening Paradise Jam this weekend. Graham.Brown,,who played just six minutes against Nike Elite, continued to be bothered by a lower back injury. But had the injuries stopped there. Amaker might consider himself lucky. Instead, Brown was joined on the list of the Wolverines' walking wounded by center Chris Hunter and forwards LaVell Blanchard and Bernard Robinson. Amaker said that Hunter had been sick on Monday and that his status foi practice this week was up in the air. Blanchard, meanwhile, continues tc struggle with his ankle problems. while Robinson's foot was bothering him and Abram was dealing with an unspecified injury. "I'm going to try and find out who's available and then we'll gc accordingly," Amaker said. "We're a little banged up." * Grapplers say goodbye to classic Lehigh arena By Eric Chan to go down there and I think this is really going to be a Daily Sports Writer great dual meet." Next year, the renovated Grace Hall will include This season, one of the biggest tests for the skybox seating along and a new press box. Michigan wrestling team just happens Before the classic structure becomes to be its first. Friday, No. 7 Michigan part of wrestling history, it will play host to will travel to Bethlehem, Pa. to wrestle BETHLEHEM, PA. one of the nation's most anticipated match- No. 9 Lehigh. The Wolverines will Who: No. 7 Michigan (0-0) es of the season at 197 pounds. wrestle in what happens to be the last vs. No. 9 Lehigh (0-0) Jon Trenge, who is currently ranked at match in the original Grace Hall - When: 7 p.m. the top of his weight class by every col- one of the most legendary venues in latest: Grace Hall, home lege-wrestling poll, will square off against college wrestling. Grace Hall (capaci- to many of wrestling's Michigan's Kyle Smith. Trenge was in the ty of 2,676) is known for its hostile classic moments, will host national final last year but lost to Iowa crowd that comes right up to the mats the Wolverines' season State's Cael Sanderson, who compiled a to cheer on its Mountain Hawks. opener on its final night record of 159-0 in his four-year career. "There have been some classic dual bore renovation. Smith (ranked No. 5 by Wrestling Interna- Sunday, Smith did not appear to be the same wrestler who took seventh at the 2002 NCAA Championships. Toward the end of each bout with Verdoorn, Smith seemed tired and passive. "I hope he's got the bugs worked out," McFar- land said. Lehigh also features some of the best young talent in the country, including Troy Letters at 165 pounds and Travis Frick at 184. Senior Pat Owen, who was denied his spot at 157-pounds last year by All-American Ryan Bertin, slid back into the Michigan lineup at 165- pounds and hopes to start his season off on the right foot against Letters. Frick will square off against Michigan redshirt freshman Willie Breyer, who will make his varsity debut against the Mountain Hawks. "I just hope our younger guys wrestle the way I know they can, and I hope nothing else, like being nervous, gets in the way," McFarland said. "I just want our guys to go out there, go after them, and wrestle our aggressive style." meets in Grace Hall," Michigan coach Joe McFarland said. "The match is completely sold out. There are some big wrestling fans in Eastern Pennsylvania, and it's going to be loud in there. I think our team is excited tional Newsmagazine) and Trenge are two of the most explosive wrestlers in the country. Against fellow Michigan wrestler Chase Ver- doorn at the Maize and Blue Intrasquad this past PLAYBOY AND 4W OFEROAD FURY 2 FOR PLAYSTATION*2 INVITE YOU TO CONQUER TE TERRAIN! Join Playboy Playmate, Stephanie Heinrich, For a night of cool prizes (yes, cash!), awesome online ATV gaming competition Featuring a new jammin' soundtrack, complimentary snacks and what is sure to be the biggest game-oFF the Field. You'll get to play ATV gFroad Fury 2 on PlayStation 2 online against Ohio State University students and have the chance oF ultimately winning $500! Who l What nd in an online Where Touchdowr When Thursday, N ATV OFFroad Fury 2 F Michigan vs. Ohio Stat; tournament i CaFe 1220 South Unve ovember 21st, 10PM t1 ty m