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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good Things Shrewing: The Danger of Too Much Losing
Notre Dame is playing about as this roster was expected to play. The issue is how many losses are adding up.
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.
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.
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?
BFN: Kyle Shanahan Played at Texas?
Feminded of something old every day.
NIT Bracketology: January 26th, 2024
The return of Penny Hardaway, Tony Bennett vs. Washington State, and a little bit of Zot. For the people.