Referee Analysis: Louisville Vs. Kentucky

Since the annual Dream Game is this Saturday, I thought it was appropriate to put together my first referee analysis of the season. The refs for the 2012 Dream Game were announced: John Cahill, Doug Shows and Ed Corbett.

My initial reaction whenever John Cahill is announced is "you have to be kidding, not again". But as I analyze the W/L numbers (below), I think John is actually going to be okay. All that UL fans can ask for is for the game to be called like a typical Big East game, where our pressing style is effective and touch fouls are not called. When playing an out of conference opponent, it is believed that the visiting conference assigns the officials. For this game we have three refs that work both the Big East and SEC, which is about all that we can ask for. They work a number of our games and yes, they blow a few calls here and there, but we are still allowed to play our style and they will not be surprised with our pressure defense.

Doug Shows has worked a large number of Kentucky games and they have won 92% of the games he has worked over the last 4+ season (UK has won 80% of all games in that same period). Kentucky has won 73% of their games this year, 95% in 2011-2012, 76% in 2010-2011, 92% in 2009-2010 and 61% in 2008-2009 (thank you Billy G). This is somewhat concerning, but the %s don’t take into account quality of opponent.

Here is the way I see this game going. Cahill in his older age has become fairly predictable in how he calls the game. Unless he is working with officials that are not as seasoned as he is, he tends to let 'em play, which benefits UL. He is not afraid to let someone else make all of the calls. In the past, I thought he wanted his camera time, not so much lately. I thought we received the benefit of the doubt on more calls in the last UL game that he worked,which was Memphis. I hope he refs the same type of game this Saturday.

Doug Shows is the one who makes me nervous. I didn’t think we received a friendly whistle in the Final Four game and most of the 50/50 calls made by Doug seemed to go against us in that game. I think Cal will try to work him over early, especially if we are causing turnovers. Ed Corbett could be the wildcard here. He is the only one of the three that doesn’t have any experience with this rivalry. Part of me says he knows our style of play by working 22 of our games since 08-09, but I have booed him with fire in my eyes before at some home games, so I’m not sure about him. He may be looking for some TV time during this game. I think the best UL fans can hope for is for him to call it like a Big East game.

John Cahill

Doug Shows

Ed Corbett

The chart below summarizes both teams’ W/L records when one or more of these guys work their games.

Interesting Notes about the games above:

John Cahill and Doug Shows– I will never forget the game UL-UK game in the 09-10 season. Cahill and Shows were a part of the biggest "no-call" that I have ever witnessed, the forearm to Jared Swopshire’s face (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRN7cCsP3MQ). Both of these guys had views of this crime and stood by and did nothing. This was a sign of things to come for Cousins.

John Cahill – Worked the miracle on Main game vs. Marquette (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGl7pOaZOIY) in the KFC Yum Center and also worked the Kyle Kuric coming out party, also known as the final Cardinal game in Freedom Hall vs. Syracuse. John also worked the game the last time UL beat UK during the 2008-2009 season (again…….thanks Billy).

Doug Shows – Worked the Final Four game in New Orleans last year and on a positive note, he worked the Sweet 16 game in 2009 where the Cards embarrassed Arizona by 39 points.

Ed Corbett – Ed doesn’t have the UL-UK history, but is pretty popular amongst UNC Asheville fans. He was the zebra that called the phantom lane violation in the Syracuse (#1 seed) vs. Asheville (#16 seed) game in last year’s NCAA tournament. The love is so great that a Facebook page was created and dedicated to him (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ed-Corbett-is-the-Worst-Referee-Ever/261015540651296). He was on hand for one of UK’s losses this year, the loss at Notre Dame. He also worked the tournament game between UK and IU last year in the Sweet 16.

John Cahill – in his spare time away from basketball, he is an attorney with Messina & Cahill in Albany, NY. This ad is very appropriate for John since a lot of his games resemble Car Accidents, Insurance Claims, Nursing Home Abuse and Personal Injury (http://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/john-cahill-1127034). John also has a son that was a walk on for Boston College (http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Cahill-branches-out-836426.php). Wonder if papa ever worked any BC games?

Doug Shows - In his spare time, he does push-ups. He loves his guns. Do yourself a favor and get to your seats in enough time to witness Doug’s pregame warm up (usually starts when the teams come out 30 minutes before tip). He stretches and jogs more during warm ups, the only thing missing is a trip through the layup line. Cahill will watch in awe of the physical specimen that is Doug Shows. When Rick and Cal argue with him, it just takes a small flex of the bicep to get them in their seats. Doug is a Rome, GA resident and serves as the VP for Insurance and Investments for Heritage First Bank in Rome, GA, so stop in and see him if you are in the area.

Ed Corbett – The only interesting thing that I could find on Ed is that he is quoted in an article claiming that he would "like an increased per diem, presently $75 per day for all meals, and the ability to book plane tickets and hotel rooms on their own" rather than having to use the NCAA’s travel agency. Please look for Ed at Jeff Ruby’s on Friday night.