Rob Manfred is retiring. In 2029. Also: Learning which hockey players are good, Austin has two Dillos, and the best fireballs so far in the young stock car season.
NIT Bracketology: Friday, February 16th
Last four in, first four out, and how close Memphis is to missing the cut.
Stu’s Notes: The NIT TV Schedule Is Official
And our favorite tournament is moving up. Also: What’s holding up an NIT video game, Scott Boras is holding up Jordan Montgomery’s signing, and the Super Bowl should stay on Sunday.
Stu’s Notes: Chris Holtmann’s Firing Makes Ohio State an NIT Championship Contender
How the move puts the Buckeyes back in the thick of the NIT race. Also: Ranking the losses by Indiana State, Texas A&M, and Virginia.
Stu’s Notes: The Latest MLB Fiasco – Fanatics Made Bad Uniforms
Major League Baseball reloaded its foot-shootin’ gun. Also: Technology destroyed morale, golf got too drunk, and can the NIT and NCAA T*urnament coexist?
BFN: The Red River Rivalry Has Crested
College softball’s Opening Day brings Oklahoma into the focus, and reminds us: The Red River Rivalry is about to recede.
Stu’s Notes: John Calipari Isn’t Bringing Championships to Kentucky
Once a national champion at Memphis, Calipari’s performance in Lexington has never matched the promise of 2013. Also: Patrick Mahomes’s kids names, the world vs. Caitlin Clark, and Morgan Rielly didn’t want to fight.
Stu’s Notes: What Does ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ Mean?
Is it about the comeback? Or do you have to be a player? Also: Chekhovian doinks, Joe Barry chaos, and MLB vs. Flopping.
NIT Bracketology: February 9th, 2024
Featuring: The Thad Matta Bowl.
Stu’s Notes: The Other Reasons Trevor Bauer Hasn’t Signed
It’s more than the assault allegations. Also: The Bears try to get softer, Nick Saban inches towards professional wrestling, and a study on Target Field’s target.
Stu’s Notes: The Big Ten’s Big NIT Hopes
The dream of Midwestern NIT prominence is not yet dead. Also: Kelvin Sampson is a baseball coach, Armando Bacot and the grind, and a women’s basketball question we promise is earnest in its nature.
Stu’s Notes: Will Wade’s Buyout – The Man Has Done It Again
Hahahahahahahahaha. Also: Tylor Perry’s repeat MVP quest, Joel Embiid’s on midlife crisis watch, and Las Vegas doesn’t want the A’s.
Stu’s Notes: Hey NFL. The NIT Was There First.
Holding your championship in Las Vegas? *Yawn.* Also: College sports should have a World War, the Bulls should be allowed Hope Bankruptcy, and we play a round of NIT or NOT.
BFN: Rodney Terry and the Hot Seat
Is he on it? If not, when?
NIT Bracketology: February 2nd, 2024
Welcome back, Villanova.
Stu’s Notes: Damian Lillard and Blazers Fans Need to Settle Down
At some point, you have to say goodbye. Also: Saleh vs. Hackett, Sean Miller saw the devil, and Lane Kiffin’s had another busy week.
Stu’s Notes: The Jets Might Be Dumb
A shocking twist. Also: Can Netflix make people like sports? Does F1 hate America? And what is going on with figure skating’s math?
Stu’s Notes: The Risky Thing About Nepotism
Florida State has made an interesting accusation. Also: What’s up with the Kelces, Doc Rivers is 0–1, and we have thoughts on wheelchair pickleball.