Ballfields & Blackboards: Recent Episodes
Brian Goff
Where fan and academic perspectives meet with a lighthearted touch. We are professors in economics and marketing in the Gordon College of Business at Western Kentucky University with extensive study of sports, and we are also lifelong sports fans.
This month, we look back at the big off-the-field impacts of the FIFA World Cup as well as critique the on-the-field action. We also discuss the success of the young 800-meter phenom from the U.S., Cooper Lutkenhaus, and his interview with David Epstein on the pros and cons of hyper-specialization and hyper-competitiveness of youth sports in the U.S.
This month we look back at the first half of the MLB season to highlight the underachievers and overachievers as well as proposed changes to the draft that would restrict entry to those 20 or over. In addition, we talk about how the Broncos managed their salary cap purgatory and how other teams are or are not following that path, Dusty May's move from Michigan to the Dallas Mavs, and the restructuring of the PGA Tour.
We dig into the 24-team college football playoff idea, the connection between MLB franchise values and the likelihood of a strike, the renewed interest in the Indianapolis 500, and more.
We dive into the NFL draft and ask whether it makes sense to draft a running back as high as Jeremiyah Love, and why Ty Simpson went so high. We also look back on the first month of MLB, trends in MLS popularity, the standoff between the BIG 10 and SEC on composition of the football playoff, and the "Vrabel Affair."
We dive into a proposal from Senator Tommy Tubberville for ending the turmoil in college athletics along with a conversation about best strategies for the automated strike zone in MLB and other stuff.
This month we discuss the topsy turvey world of the College Football Playoff and why a coach like Curt Cignetti succeeds while others fail.
This month, we dive into the college football playoff setup, the Lane Kiffin drama, disappointment for NCAA with no Congressional intervention, the Big Ten's private investment strategy, and the trial for the lawsuit against NASCAR by Michael Jordan's 23XI.
This month we discuss the influences on the criminal indictments and investigations of athletes regarding sports gambling. We also examine why so many college football coaches are losing their jobs in October and November along with the YoutubeTV and Disney Settlement, and on-the-field action in pro and college football.
This month we engage in a lively debate about the firing of James Franklin by Penn State along with other college coaching ups and downs and a boost to MLB viewership.
This month, we offer a counterpoint to most media analysis of the Micah Parsons trade along with a conversation about skill versus luck in sports, and whether Alabama football has lost its advantage in the NIL era.
This month we take a look at the deal struck between ESPN and the NFL, whether teams should just shut up and pay up to players like Micah Parsons, and the influences behind MLB trade deadline deals and whether they make sense
We dive into the proposals and discussions about expanding the NCAA football playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Additionally, we discuss the emerging story of the $350 million deficit at USC and what it may indicate, as well as the positives and negatives of the MLB All-Star Game's "Swing Off" in place of extra innings.
This month we explore the factors behind the dramatic decline of Manchester United and possible lessons for other elite sports teams as well asking whether the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin should be praised for their consistency or questioned for their inability to advance in the playoffs in recent years. We quickly dabble back into the equity and sustainability of the NCAA settlement with former players.
We dive into Major League Baseball to consider ways to curb the rash of pitcher injuries, the breakup of ESPN and MLB, Hall of Fame considerations for Pete Rose and Joe Jackson, the Rockies dismal performance, and other stuff.
This month we tackle the coach firings in the lead-up to the NBA playoffs, the wrestling match known as the NCAA basketball final, and the roller-coaster, emotional win of Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament.
Where will the Rays relocate? Is the break-up of MLB and ESPN good or bad for MLB? Why did the ACC settle with Clemson and FSU and does the SEC want them? Will the PGA Tour and LIV ever reach a deal? We tackle all these questions this month
This month we consider the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, the Dodgers hoarding most of the MLB free agents by paying Ohtani practically nothing over the next decade, and Super Bowl stuff.
This month we discuss the outcomes for and tweaks to the College Football Playoffs, the emerging NFL playoff scenarios, whether any NBA stars will arise, and the UCLA basketball coach's media meltdowns.
This month we examine how the college football playoff selection and seeding panned out along with adjustments likely to occur down the line. Also, we discuss Juan Soto's new contract with the Mets and how much advantage the big money clubs have in MLB along with the most positive sports stories of the past year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We examine Vegas college football win totals betting lines, the MLB aversion to developing 2-way players like Paul Skenes, and more.
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?
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.
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.
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?
This month we consider a variety of topics including the new MLB rules, sinking NBA viewership, and a few other topics.
This month we examine the sense or nonsense of the long and large free-agent contracts in MLB along with how college football bowl games may fare with an expansion of the CFB playoffs and a bit on the Brett Maher extra points drama.
This month we dig into the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams along with discussing the pros and cons of the World Cup tournament and NFL games in Europe.
In this episode, we consider the structure of the MLB playoffs and how teams like the Braves last year and Phillies this year are excelling after fairly average seasons. We also discuss the dilemma of the $95 million guaranteed contract to Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher along with other coach compensation and selection topics.
This month we consider places where various sports might play a one-off game like the Iowa "Field of Dreams" game. We also delve into possible incentives and the shape of a LIV and PGA Tour merger down the line, big-name free agents in MLB, John Calipari, and Manchester United's struggles.
This month we dive into possible implications of the Big Ten's adding USC and UCLA along with looking at LIV Golf from more angles than just the Saudi financial sponsorship.
We try to find some of the positive things going on in Major League Baseball as well as exploring a few other topics such as politics in sports and Dusty Baker's managing decisions.
We focus on the trend for MLB and other sports to move more content to exclusive streaming platforms. It may well drive existing viewers away and also fail to attract the younger demographic that they seek.
What's going on over the past few years with the big names of college basketball like Kentucky, Duke, Carolina, and Kansas struggling to make the Final Four and more little guys making noise? We talk about the influences and why schools like Vanderbilt aren't joining in. Also, we get into a spirited discussion of whether teams like the Braves letting Freddie Freeman get away makes sense.
We engage in a lively discussion of ways that MLB and other leagues might better set up their revenue sharing to allow younger players to make more when most productive, reduce incentives for losing games and still maintain a reasonable competitive balance.
This month we dig transfer issues in college football along with the ACC's opposition to current playoff expansion after first covering some rugby questions
It isn't just Urban Meyer. Bad behavior of some form by coaches seems the norm more than the exception. This month we discuss why that is the case along with the college football playoffs and MLB's collective bargaining issues.
This month we discuss the tenuous status of regional sports networks in the era of growing streaming services and declining cable subscriptions. We consider the fallout for revenue in MLB, NBA, and NHL along with implications for collective bargaining problems. We also follow up on the college football conference reshuffle and a variety of current topics.
We 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.
This month we discuss the best and worst sports stadiums and atmospheres. Beware if you are a Red Sox fan! Also, we dig deeper into the impact of NCAA realignments.
This month we discuss which teams are rising and falling in MLB along with our favorite and not-so-favorite MLB announcers. We also ponder the attendance questions for the NFL.
We discuss the implications of the SEC admitting OU and Texas, perspectives on the Olympics, and the Aaron Rodgers diva show.
We talk about the NCAA's hammering by the Supreme Court, silly rules or structures within sports, MLB's crackdown on doctoring baseballs, and NBA & NHL playoffs.
We go less scripted and talk about MLB injuries, lack of NHL viewers, the NBA playoff structure, the Olympics, and other stuff.
We discuss rule changes in MLB that might increase balls in play and other improvements, hockey's icing rule, and the idea of a Super League of top European soccer teams to replace the Champions League
This month we discuss the current Final Four along with memorable NCAA tournament games, make predictions for the upcoming MLB season, and ponder the future of college sports if the Supreme Court blows up the compensation restrictions of the NCAA.
This month we explore why Indiana basketball isn't elite anymore, our current sports interests, impacts of billionaire owners, and how a golfer can become the top endorsement draw
We examine the paradox in college football of 4 teams dominating the playoffs while underneath that there is a lot of competition. We also look at the problem of "tanking" in sports leagues, the struggles of John Calipari and Kentucky Wildcat basketball, and take guesses as to whether Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens make it into the Hall of Fame.
We discuss the college football playoff structure and teams, the sense and nonsense of big buyouts for college coaches, and identify our favorite and least favorite sports-related events for 2020 along with the NFL no-bubble decision and a new name for the Cleveland Indians.
We talk about the pending restructuring and takeover of minor league affiliations, locations, and operations by MLB along with reasons for the decline in viewership across sports since the restarts during the pandemic.
In this episode, we discuss whether bans against the use of performance-enhancing drugs make sense along with minor-league risk sharing plans, and our views on the home run surge in MLB playoffs.
This month we discuss the dilemma facing sports leagues in dealing with politicized topics like racial discrimination. We also pick out some of the best moments in sports over the last few months and debate the expansion of MLB's playoffs and 2 out of 3 structure of the first round.
We discuss the current turmoil surrounding the decision of the SEC, Big 12, and ACC to continue on track to play college football in the fall in spite of the Big 10 and Pac 12 calling off their fall season. In addition, discuss restarts in MLB and other sports -- which ones got it right and which rule changes we like and don't like. Finally, we consider how much of a long term impact the year's disruption may cause.
This month we make predictions for playoff berths and the World Series for the shortened Major League Baseball season along with discussing directions for the re-naming of the Washington Redskins, and whether and how the college football season will and should take place.
We discuss the state of MLB's season and the sticking points between owners and players in negotiations. We also look at MLS' very cool World-Cup style tournament, the NBA's resumption, and short and long term issues in NASCAR
We discuss the potential impact on NCAA basketball of a big increase in salary structure for star 18-year olds in the NBA's G-League. We also throw out names of MLB's current and all-time most overrated and underrated players, including some names likely to surprise like Rivera and Jeter.
We discuss the options and complexities of possible restarts of MLB, NBA, PGA, and other sports along with proposals by commissioners of major college conferences to suspend low-revenue sports because of the revenue impact of COVD.
With baseball and all other sports on hold, we discuss a variety of baseball topics including possible restarts to the season, which teams would benefit from a shortened season, not-too-longshots to win league pennants, favorite games of all-time, and most painful games
We debate the sense or nonsense of the Mookie Betts trade from the Red Sox to the Dodgers, reasons behind the growing number of upsets and struggles of big teams in college basketball, and the accuracy of media estimates of pro sports profits
We discuss the cheating scandal involving the Houston Astros and likely other teams along with the obstacles to paying college players and the MLB free agent signings.
We discuss the reasons for sports sponsorships, trends in television viewership and what they mean for leagues, and the blindspots in the application of sports analytics
We discuss the NBA-China blowup and widen out to the broader topic of tradeoffs between making money and upholding various ethical principles whether for the NBA, MLB in the Astros-Osuna situation, or various NFL cases. We also take a brief look at the Rugby World Cup and why big money college athletics programs can't seem to make money.
We examine the setup of the MLB Wild Card playoffs with suggestions for improvement, make projections for the playoffs, and discuss the implications and broader context of the California legislation permitting NCAA athletes to generate income.
A discussion of the decline in college football attendance, causes, and remedies. The new NFL season, viewership trends, Andrew Luck's retirement, and Cowboys big contract to Ezekiel Elliott. Why the Astros hit homers but don't strike out much.
Who are our most liked and disliked sports figures? What are the limits of the use of analytics for managerial decisions in sports? Are extreme shifts for defensive purposes bad for baseball and should they be limited?
We examine the forces behind the moves in the recent big moves in the NBA free agency and trade market. Then we discuss whether MLB has a crisis on its hands with the explosion of home runs and what they might do about it. Last, we look at the issue of whether the difference in pay for the US National Women's and Men's soccer teams is about discrimination or economic fundamentals
We discuss the ongoing pace of play and length of game problems for MLB, automation of calling balls and strikes, Rougned Odor, Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel, and player pay
We consider the NHL's strengths and weaknesses, the revival of scoring in the NBA over the past 20 years, and the cities on MLB's short list for possible expansion sites.
We examine how the dominance of some superstars like Tiger Woods and some teams boost the popularity of a sport rather than diminishing it. We at the best of 7 playoff format for the NBA, and possible fixes for the high rate of strikeouts in MLB. We finish with a little bit on Bruce Pearl.
We address whether the new contracts for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper make sense, the positives and negatives of NCAA men's basketball, and differences in "fan experiences" particularly for teams we have followed such as the Mets or Kentucky basketball.
We consider the decline in the 2019 Super Bowl viewership in context with the uptick in viewers for the NFL regular season and playoffs. We examine pace of play proposals for MLB along with how Atlanta has become a soccer center in the U.S.
Looking at questions of whether mega contracts for free agents like Bryce Harper or Manny Machado make sense for clubs and why picking good NFL or college coaches is so difficult.