Exploring the obvious. Also: Kyle Shanahan is still a strength, Arizona’s back in the national title picture, and Ryan Grubb adds a degree of difficulty for rebuilding Alabama.
Joe’s Notes: Why You Should Expect the 49ers to Win This Super Bowl
Dueling simplicity. Also: Nebraska and the bubble, Gonzaga and the bubble, and eleven other places our model and the consensus disagree.
Joe’s Notes: Trade Deadlines and Inefficient Markets
The odd economics of trades in professional sports. Also: Ranking the Boras Four, the Bulls’ empty deadline, and looking towards Opening Day.
Joe’s Notes: The Big Ten’s New Big Game (For a Year, Anyway)
Out: Ohio State vs. Michigan. In: Ohio State vs. (blank) Also: The NCAA didn’t win the VA/TN lawsuit, Iowa State didn’t lose in Austin, and the Bulls need to sell but that’s a problem with the NBA.
Joe’s Notes: Understanding Brock Purdy
The quarterback is the same as he was as a freshman in college. He’s also, paradoxically, still getting better. Also: The fourth down calls, LMU cuts six sports, and Washington State should focus on basketball.
Joe’s Notes: What Luka’s 73-Point Night Says About Our Children
The three-point shot is generational. Also: The NFL’s next great QB debate, Iowa State hosts Kansas, and the Big Ten’s new tournament format.
Joe’s Notes: How Badly Did Michigan Want Harbaugh to Stay?
The weird ending to the glorious era. Also: What comes now in Ann Arbor? Is Bill Belichick unwanted? A 36-team NHL might work. And Northwestern fans have a presence now.
Joe’s Notes: The Bucks Let Giannis Learn
There’s a mistake chain in Milwaukee. Also: Joe Barry’s out, the Brewers got Rhys Hopkins, another NDSU move, and the Houston Cougars keep winning ugly.
Joe’s Notes: Calling Jim Harbaugh a Liar
Jim Harbaugh might imminently be the coach of the Chargers. Also: The transfer cycle, the Iowa gambling twist, and putting numbers on an NFL ref conspiracy.
Joe’s Notes: Brady/Mahomes, Manning/Allen, and…Belichick/Reid?
We’re doing all the comparisons. Also: The Ravens might be it, Josh Hader’s contract is risky but it had to be, and Novak Djokovic has some funky odds.
Joe’s Notes: Mike McCarthy Is Not a Bad Coach
Firing McCarthy would be like hiring Rodney Terry. Also: What each remaining team needs to do to make this year a success, and Alabama’s talent flow.
Joe’s Notes: Does the ACC Want Florida State to Stay?
A question surrounding the pair of FSU/ACC lawsuits. Also: James Dolan is Adam Silver’s boss, Amazon is shaking up the baseball blackout saga, and does NET consider forfeits?
Joe’s Notes: What Did Ohio State See in Ross Bjork?
Ohio State’s new athletic director is a surprising choice. Also: Taulia Tagovailoa got screwed, Wild Card Weekend reactions, and Audi Crooks steps onto the national radar.
Joe’s Notes: Wild Card Weekend Desperation Rankings
Who needs this Super Bowl the most, and…Washington’s DeBoer replacement, what FSU did, load management and baseball, and the Australian Open.
Joe’s Notes: Who’s Next for Alabama?
A congratulation to Nick Saban, then: speculation on his replacement, speculation on the new college football power structure, bracketology thoughts, and the Cubs’ big day.
Joe’s Notes: When Will the Pistons Win?
How unlikely the Pistons’ losing streak has become. Also: Revisiting Joe Flacco’s HOF case, a potential good sign for Cody Bellinger, and assorted games this weekend.
Joe’s Notes: What if Mick Cronin Doesn’t Fix This?
Also: Terrence Shannon Jr.; the realignment latest; a potential rest rule loophole; and Connor Bedard’s moment, which continues to arrive.
Joe’s Notes: The FCS Playoffs, and Hopes for Variety in the 12-Team CFP
If you think a 12-team CFP will get more teams involved, think again. Also: Uncertainty in the FCS semi’s, big-time college basketball, redshirt resolution, and we cannot win bets these days.