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.
Joe’s Notes: Hope for Chicago State
Chicago State has a path to relevance, and all it took was one big win. Also: The redshirt/restraining order mess, Ohtani’s opt-out, Hoskins vs. Bellinger, and some miscellany.
Stu’s Notes: Sean Stellato’s Existence, and What It Implies About Taylor Swift
The NFL might be rigged. Also: Heinous act draws NBA ejection, Draymond struck a man, Juwan Howard might’ve been set up, and Louisville is being Louisville.
Joe’s Notes: Does the NFL Have Too Many Good Teams?
It’s hard to win. Also: The Joe Barry question, more on Ohtani’s money, Oregon State & Washington State’s reign of terror, Connor Bedard, and the Bulls should trade Coby White.
Joe’s Notes: How Much Is a Shohei Ohtani Worth?
Why the deferred money matters, and why it doesn’t. Plus: Matt Entz leaves NDSU, a Joe Flacco Hall of Fame thought, and the Bulls’ long December.
Joe’s Notes: But What If Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani Went to the Same Team?
On the one side, there’s money. On the other…
Stu’s Notes: What’s on the Line for Shaka Smart in Maui*
Shaka Smart is undefeated, lifetime, in the Maui Invitational. And he’s never even been to Maui.
Joe’s Notes: Revisiting the Kyle Schwarber Non-Tender
Three years later, it’s non-tender day again. Also: The Packers could make the playoffs, why injury reports exist, and the competitive stakes of F1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Stu’s Notes: Chris Partridge vs. Computer
Also: The A’s run F1, the Cubs care what we think, and Burnley has received justice but it might not help.
Joe’s Notes: The NCAA Didn’t Screw James Madison. Here’s Who Did.
Plus: Coaching changes, Michigan and the B1G cut a deal, the MWC/Pac-2 alliance takes shape, and Justin Steele made a million.
Stu’s Notes: What Aaron Rodgers Knows About When He’ll Return
Aaron Rodgers didn’t fake an Achilles tear. But he’s definitely up to something. Also: JMU resembles a certain other Cinderella, Arch Manning Bust Watch returns, and a thought on Thursday weddings.
Stu’s Notes: Michigan’s Many Crimes
Keeping Michigan’s scandals straight, plus: Arch Manning Bust Watch, Moscow’s vibes, more NIT format thoughts, Nilla Wafer timing, and more.
Joe’s Notes: It’s the Pitching, Stupid
Why top MLB seeds are going down. Also: West Virginia vs. Houston, the dawn of Connor Bedard, and a charitable thought towards Matt LaFleur.
Joe’s Notes: Is the NFC Bad?
The Lions don’t need to be great this year to have a great season. Also: Aaron Jones, Marcus Stroman, the Ohio Bobcats, the Bristol night race, and Taj Gibson.
Joe’s Notes: Jerry Reinsdorf Doesn’t Solve the White Sox’ Problem
Plus: the David Ross complaints, the core John Fisher problem, the Royals’ ballpark plans, the Nick Lodolo what-if, Chris Jones’s holdout, Rashan Gary’s return, Reggie Bush’s lawsuit, Ohio State’s new president, Jaden Rashada, and Marcus Ericsson.
Joe’s Notes: Pat Hughes Goes to Cooperstown
Sunday is the day.
Joe’s Notes: Who Doesn’t Want to Play for the Heat?
Damian Lillard’s demand makes a whole lot of sense.