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.
Stu’s Notes: Are the Dodgers the New Duke?
The Dodgers are looking like a particular type of villain. Also: Game of the NITe of the Weekend, two types of Friday news dumps, the deal with St. Thomas, and the return of Sean Dyche.
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.
Joe’s Notes: The Alexandria Wizards
A proposal to keep teams from fleeing to the suburbs. Also: the FSU “lawsuit,” the transfer lawsuit, and the Dodgers’ Sisyphean pursuit of triumph.
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…
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.
Joe’s Notes: Why the Padres (Evidently) Need to Trade Juan Soto
The second-biggest prize of the MLB offseason. Or so we’re told. Also: Jim Harbaugh’s suspension (?), the Iowa under, Duke vs. Arizona, and a hockey question for the room.
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.
Joe’s Notes: TCU Might Miss a Bowl, and That Is Good for College Football
Cinderella still exists. Also: Clearing up the JMU bowl situation, the funniest Michigan scenario, Milan Momcilovic’s debut, and the Cubs chase the latest market inefficiency.
Stu’s Notes: Is FAU an NIT Contender?
The Owls have us hooting. Also! UNT raised a banner, Connor Stalions has a strange LLC, the Dodgers might be bankrupt, and the Cubs hired a personal enemy.
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.
Stu’s Notes: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift, and Confidence
Football and relationships, plus: Tim Wakefield, who to cheer for in the MLB Playoffs, Ryder Cup reflections, college football demons and Devils, and more.
Then, the Rain Came: Where the MLB Playoff Race Stands Entering the Weekend
The Mets had to be involved somehow.
Stu’s Notes: The Braves Chose Their Fate
Also: Dusty Baker strikes again, Taylor Swift’s favorite network, Northwestern prep, the best neutral site, Brady Tkachuk’s face, and some NIT art.
Joe’s Notes: How Does the Ryder Cup Work?
Also: How many steals is 70, Bakhtiari to the IR, Connor Bedard debuts, and the Brickyard returns to NASCAR.
Stu’s Notes: I Have Created a Problem for Myself
A Cubs & Joe Kelly fan reckons with the possible path ahead. Plus: Lou Holtz fires back, Joe Kelly fires, and Damian Lillard should’ve been a Beekeeper.