Is it about the comeback? Or do you have to be a player? Also: Chekhovian doinks, Joe Barry chaos, and MLB vs. Flopping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stu’s Notes: Tom Brady Is Bailing Out Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen is getting moved to the best position in sports. Also: We address the UNC issue, we explore Villanova history, and we ask whether we should care about the 24-hour race at Daytona.
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.
Stu’s Notes: Is Ed Cooley Even a Good Coach?
Being good with people is only part of the job. Also: Joe Kelly’s Nobel Prize candidacy, Yasiel Puig’s innocence, and when do the Jared Goff chants get old?
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.
Stu’s Notes: Yet Another Massive College Football Transition
They’re replacing the hedges in Athens. Also: Luka vs. Zion vs. food, a coed idea for Team USA, Nick Dunlap Bust Watch, and a potential Game of the NITe of the Year.
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.
Stu’s Notes: The Hall of Fame Is Doing Just Fine
Cooperstown will eventually admit steroid users. For now, enjoy what we have. Also: Hockey Canada clarity, more court storming, Chicago vs. Hiroshima, and—as always—the Game of the NITe.
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.
Stu’s Notes: What the NBA Just Took From Us
The NBA got exciting these last 24 hours. Too exciting. Also: Will Wade is free, Tom Rinaldi’s a weasel, Shane Waldron is doomed, and The Henry Ford is not what you might think.