November 2024 -- Jordan & NASCAR, Pressure, CFB & NFL Outlook
Ballfields & Blackboards
This month we talk about Michael Jordan's suit against NASCAR, why and how different athletes perform better or worse under pressure, and college and NFL playoff projections.
info_outline
October 2024 -- The Dilemma of Paying Average NFL QBs & Much More
Ballfields & Blackboards
This month we tackle the dilemma that some NFL teams face of paying their "average" QB a big percentage of their salary cap space or risking falling off a cliff. We also think about ways to stem the tide of MLB pitcher injuries, Formula 1 hype versus reality, and the ongoing NCAA payer player litigation.
info_outline
September 2024 -- PAC 12, Coach Prime, Gators & Billy Napier
Ballfields & Blackboards
This month we consider where the PAC 12 is headed, if anywhere, Deion Sanders' present and future in Colorado, and why so many coaches like Billy Napier at Florida can't transfer their lower-level coaching success to the bigger stage.
info_outline
August 2024 -- Olympics + NBA Mega Deal
Ballfields & Blackboards
We recap the fun, amazing, and weird from the Paris Olympic Games along with questions about the new $7 billion per year TV deal that the NBA signed with various networks and streaming services.
info_outline
July 2024--College Football Win Predictions & MLB 2-Way Players
Ballfields & Blackboards
We examine Vegas college football win totals betting lines, the MLB aversion to developing 2-way players like Paul Skenes, and more.
info_outline
May 2024 -- We're Back with Michael Penix & The NFL Draft
Ballfields & Blackboards
After a year off we're back at it and looking at the media consensus condemned the Falcons for selecting Michael Penix in the first round. Crazy or clever? Why trade up in the draft? Why take so many quarterbacks early when history says that most of them won't pan out? Plus, will the Caitlin Clark effect on women's basketball viewership last?
info_outline
June 2023 -- Last Episode
Ballfields & Blackboards
In this final installment of Ballfields & Blackboards we talk about bad behavior by parents & fans, the LIV merger with the PGA Tour, and the SEC's wrongheaded choice of an 8-game conference schedule.
info_outline
April 2023 -- NCAA Basketball, MLB & More
Ballfields & Blackboards
We discuss the growth of "mid-majors" in the Final Four in 2023 and since 2005 and whether that trend is likely to continue. Also, we look at the early results of the new MLB rules, LIV golf, and more.
info_outline
March 2023 -- NCAA Basketball Tournament
Ballfields & Blackboards
We dive into a variety of topics related to the men's NCAA basketball tournament. Why is parity increasing? Why are some of the big-name programs struggling? Why is the Big 12 the new ACC? What has happened to John Calipari's magic touch? Why does the selection committee hate Texas A&M? Who are the best bets for to make the Final Four?
info_outline
February 2023 -- MLB Rules Changes & NBA Viewer Losses
Ballfields & Blackboards
This month we consider a variety of topics including the new MLB rules, sinking NBA viewership, and a few other topics.
info_outlineWe look at the domino effect of the shifts in NCAA football conferences from the SEC and Big 12 down through the American, CUSA, and Sun Belt conferences.