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 Wednesday, February 7, 2001
Ranting and Ravens
By Brent Musburger
Special to ABC Sports Online
Each week, ABC Sports play-by-play announcer Brent Musburger gives his take on news and notes in the world of sports.
As we close in on Super Bowl XXXV, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict the Baltimore Ravens will defeat the New York Giants 20-13. The only significant edge I can give the Ravens is their kicking game, and in a tough, low-scoring football game, that just might be enough.
|  | | Matt Stover was the Ravens' most consistent offensive player this season. |
Matt Stover has had a superb year kicking field goals for the Ravens. He was 39-for-44 this season, including 2-for-3 from 50 yards and longer. A more subtle edge goes to punter Kyle Richardson. He led the NFL in punts downed inside the 20-yard line with 41. If the game evolves into a field position contest like the experts are predicting, Richardson's ability to pin opponents could be the significant factor.
While everyone seems to be taking shots at Trent Dilfer this week, let's not forget two things: First, he has quarterbacked the Ravens to 10 straight victories. Second, he is returning to a stadium where he enjoys a little bit of comfort, even though he failed as quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Yes, the New York Giants were extremely impressive in beating Minnesota 41-0, but there is no comparison between the Vikings' defense and the one the Giants will play Sunday.
This Raven defense truly is something special. Consider that the Ravens allowed an average of 8.9 points per game away from the friendly confines of PSINet Stadium. By way of comparison, the awesome Chicago Bear defense, which won Super Bowl XX, allowed an average of 15.5 points in its road games.
Now on to some other thoughts to keep you occupied while the chili is simmering in preparation for the Big Game.
|  | | Shane Battier leads the ACC in 3-point field goals made with 66. |
Head of the class
The Duke Blue Devils are becoming an awesome force in college basketball. Their 85-62 dismantling of No. 8 Wake Forest Wednesday night was stunning. The Devils opened up a 45-29 lead at the half. They shot 47 percent from the field and hit a staggering 54 percent (14-26) from beyond the three-point arc, led by Shane Battier and Jason Williams, who hit five triples apiece.
Not to be outdone by their neighbors in the Triangle, North Carolina's 88-81 victory over Virginia ran the Tar Heels winning streak to 13 games. Matt Doherty's troops are now 16-2, 6-0 in conference play, and coincidentally, are undefeated since Ronald Curry and Julius Peppers returned to the lineup. Folks, they're not even playing their best basketball yet.
While we've been raving about the Atlantic Coast Conference as the nation's finest, it is coming down to that familiar refrain of Duke and North Carolina for the championship. They meet for the first time this season next Thursday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Dick Vitale and I will be at the Dean Dome for the rematch on March 4, as the two powerhouses close out the season on ABC.
The two then could have a third meeting on March 11 in the ACC Tournament final, and wouldn't it be something if Round Four came at the Final Four in Minneapolis?
NBA quick hit
While we're talking hoops, the NBA appears to be a bit more up in the air than we might have imagined. The Los Angeles Lakers are not playing like a dynasty in the making. At home, Vancouver pushed them into overtime before the Lakers won a controversial game. Then the Miami Heat came to town and shut the Lakers down in the fourth quarter.
The chemistry problems arising from the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant power struggle presents Phil Jackson with his toughest coaching challenge since Dennis Rodman discovered neon in Chicago. In those days, however, Phil had Michael Jordan to fall back on. This time, his stars are locked in this ego battle. What it all means is that Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio all have excellent shots at knocking the Lakers off in the West.
Around the horn
Earlier this week, I attended the St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner, and the star of the night was Will Clark. Even with all the affection from the crowd, who chanted, "One more year. One more year," Will insisted that his career as a player was finished.
While we're talking about the Cardinals, manager Tony LaRussa is extremely optimistic about his team's chances in the National League Central Division. Mark McGwire spent the off-season losing 15 pounds. He looks trimmer than at any time last summer, which should take some pressure off his back. Hopefully for the Cardinals, it won't play havoc with his power numbers.
So there's a little potpourri for this Super Bowl weekend. Enjoy the game, the company you keep, and everything that goes along with this festive occasion.
Brent Musburger is a play-by-play commentator for ABC's coverage of college football and college basketball. He is a regular contributor to ABC Sports Online.
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 Baltimore Ravens News Conference.
RealVideo: | 28.8
New York Giants News Conference.
RealVideo: | 28.8
The Giants offensive line talks about how they going to protect their starting QB Kerry Collins.
RealVideo: | 28.8
 Ray Lewis comments on how former great NFL defensive players have changed the face of the game.
wav: 191 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Trent Dilfer says the Ravens thrived on winning all season long.
wav: 142 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Shane Battier takes his man baseline for the slam.
avi: 1060 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Duke's Mike Dunleavy steals the ball and dishes to Jason Williams for the trey.
avi: 1270 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
UNC's Joseph Forte steals the ball then takes it the other way for the deuce.
avi: 728 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
UNC's Brendan Haywood is open under the hoop for the two-handed jam.
avi: 1191 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
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