An Introspective Look at Scheduling and Social Consciousness... or just scheduling

Here we sit, a mere 3 weeks and change away from the literal kickoff to the most glorious time of the year, fall practices have begun, teams are fine tuning (read: wholesale searching for answers), and more and more commentary regarding teams is percolating through websites, radio shows, and television. One thing that I’ve particularly enjoyed this offseason is the use of the term “sleeper” to describe several teams. A cursory Google search for “NCAA Sleepers” reveals Virginia, North Carolina, and yes, Utah as carrying that label. There are several aspects of describing a team as a “sleeper” that annoy most erudite college football fans, the foremost of which being that once a team is labeled as such, EVERYONE and their brother repeats it ad nauseum. This tends to negate the “sleepiness factor” that a team supposedly possesses - After all, when I hear the word “sleeper” I think of a team that could be surprisingly good.

This begs the philosophical question: “if everyone labels a team a sleeper, are they really a sleeper anymore?” Doesn’t being an “under the radar team” (another favorite by the way) mandate that you are better than your opponents think you will be? If everyone [and their brothers! – ed.] labels you as being potentially good, exactly how many opponents are going to overlook you? The way that the term has been utilized lately brings about a different connotation if you ask me.

Rather than simply saying that a team has a possibility of being “good” or “better” this year, many experts look at teams that lie outside of the major power conferences and dig deep into the murky colloquialism bag. What do they grab? Sleeper. Why? Well they wouldn’t want to damage their hard earned credibility by labeling a team as “good” and then end up being wrong would they? They’ve manipulated the game so that either way the team’s season turns out, they’re insulated from criticism. Who’s going to get upset at somebody for calling a team that flops a sleeper? It was just a hunch wasn’t it? People who make predictions that are more concrete stand to have their necks out on the line… see Kirk Herbstreit re: Anthony Morelli, or a certain Michigan Blogger printing National Title shirts prior to 2007. So now rather than going out on a limb and saying , “Hey I think team X has a shot at being solid this year!” analysts instead cushion themselves by using that other term (I’ve already typed it too many times).

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the point Champ?” Fair enough. Let’s take the team name “Utah” away, and instead simply look at the factors you’d normally examine to try to forecast a team’s season. You know, basics like difficulty of schedule, returning players, lost players, recent track record, coaching acumen, talent etc. If we do that for this Unknown team that resides in Unknownville and go ahead and crank this admittedly somewhat subjective data through the prediction machine, what do you come out with?

Returning Starters: 8 on offense (including all skill positions), 6 on defense

Momentum: Won 8 games in a row to close ’07 including bowl game against Navy

Coaching: Kyle Whittingham (ha…hahaha…. See, it’s dangerously close to Willingham… get it? Eh??) carries a 24-14 record in his three years since Urban Myer’s departure, and an impressive 3-0 mark in bowl games. Per the Utah media guide he is the first Utah coach EVER to take his team to a bowl game in each of his first three seasons. Not exactly chopped liver.

Schedule: There’s a reason many are saying that if Utah can get past Michigan they could run the table…

So what do we have here? A pretty decent outlook by most accounts no? So what would you call that? Me? I’d probably go with “a good football team with a good chance to be successful this coming season” but that’s just me. Hmmmm….

Here’s where things get interesting, and where I think the scheduling higher-ups at several schools could learn a key lesson or two. Utah (the somnolent one) has instant credibility available to it if it were to manage a win on August 30th. Michigan, despite many predictions of an abysmal season, stands to gain little from beating what, on paper at least, figures to be a pretty decent football team. Oh, and if they were to lose? Utah T-shirt sales would skyrocket in East Lansing and Columbus, because “hur-hur, yous lossst to thems!” Meanwhile, if Utah runs through its admittedly lackadaisical schedule with only a loss to the Maize and Blue, they will in all likelihood end up in a BCS bowl anyways. The decision to schedule Michigan is a win-win for the Utes.

Michigan, on the other hand, could stand to take a tactic from its arch rival in this regard. The Buckeyes have upped their OOC schedule in a very cunning way. Yes OSU plays USC this year, yes they’ve played Texas the past few years, and if you look ahead you’ll see a marquee matchup each season for the foreseeable future. What is hidden by these contests is a laughable remainder to the OOC schedule! OSU gets to play a big time game against a big time opponent (something most lay people would call a “high risk” game, but in fact is exactly the opposite), where a loss will NOT derail a season or a BCS hope (see: LSU vs. OSU last year), and where a win will scream “LEGITIMACY!” from the highest of peaks. All while having what amounts to exhibition games for the remainder of the OOC schedule. How is this not genius? How is it that Michigan locked themselves into playing Notre Dame for decades when they had an opportunity to say “Thanks for the rivalry, but maybe we should start seeing other people for a bit” a few years ago? Notre Dame has not added any panache to the Wolverines schedule over the past few years. I’m not discounting the tradition or the rivalry; it’s always a huge game to both schools. My point, however, is that Michigan simply doesn’t gain as much from playing ND as it did 15 years ago. Perfect example: after a blowout victory against the #2 ranked (!!!!) Fighting Irish in ’06, many were using that game as a “so-what” at the end of the year when “debate” raged over Florida or Michigan. What would have happened if Michigan had played, say, Oklahoma? Or Georgia? My guess is that UM would have gotten the nod for the rematch.

Instead, Michigan is now caught in the middle of a scheduling conundrum: with ND on the slate for God only knows how long, how do they put together a schedule that’s not too tough, not too cup-cakey, but juuuuuust right? Well you can’t; not by the national media standards anyway, and they matter, because well, they make the polls now don’t they? Despite the fact that Utah figures to be a solid football team, Michigan will not garner any votes or confidence from a victory against the Utes. A loss, however, will open up the opportunity to play every criticism card in the book. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I think a solid performance against Utah would be a huge confidence boost to not only the team and the coaching staff, but much of the fan base as well. The problem is that in this current system there’s more to it than that, and that ephemeral feeling that poll creators get when they see a big game win or loss as opposed to one against a mid major solid team is enough to make a huge difference these days.

So how does the sleeper thing fit into all of this? Pretty darn well if you ask me. The media at large has labeled Utah as a team that “could be good,” which conveniently means that if Michigan were to win on August 30th, the Utes probably weren’t as good as most thought, and perhaps Michigan might not be as bad as many said. What the sleeper “label” has done has put any actual evaluation on hold for Utah while reducing the likelihood of Michigan making any kind of impact on how it is viewed by those who vote in the polls.

While this might seem small in the grand scheme of things, I think it illuminates two things that Michigan has either looked at and passed on or failed to realize altogether: that scheduling a big time tough opponent early in the year is not as damaging as the prevailing notion makes it seem, and secondly, scheduling good teams that are not widely recognized as such poses the problem of large risk with little benefit.

Soapbox Time!

I don't want to get off on a rant here... but... (cue Tears for Fears)

For those who are unaware of James Hardy's existence, I can't fault you, but here's your synopsis: he was a highly talented receiver who through some sort of odd sequence of events ended up at Indiana University... set all kinds of records and was a veritable force in that offense, declared early for the draft and was picked up by the Buffalo Bills. Oh, oh yeah, and he also is a world class human being*, as exemplified by this, and oh yes, this...

Some might notice a bit of a "TREND" here... but hey, why not take a chance on this walking disaster? He's tall and can catch a football! It's stories like Hardy that aren't hard to predict, and in fact I'll go ahead and go out on a limb here and guarantee red and blue flashing lights await this individual in the near future, and it'll likely be something that'll be worse than his ol' pa deciding not to press charges despite taking a beating and being threatened with a weapon. It's mystifying how you hear things like "character issues" thrown out about players entering the draft and nobody ever makes too much of a big deal out of it... it's funny how that word covers things like "baby's momma beater" and "father beater" "threaten father with a gun in hometown" type of individual. Hey, congratulations Buffalo! He'll be a tremendous addition to your squad!

Come on over guys and check out my crib!!!

It just amazes me that somewhere, someone is willing to pay an epic failure of a person like Hardy MILLIONS OF DOLLARS despite every piece of evidence that states this guy is destined for a number on his back that is damn sure going to be longer than two digits... it's this portion of sports that causes me to frown as a fan. Where are people's backbones? Integrity? Where's the ability to tell some sleeze-bag like this to go ahead and pull it out his own ass? Sorry James, you sure have all the physical tools, but you're a complete dumbass, we're going to look elsewhere.

The saddest part is that I have literally zero doubt in my mind that this kid will be a colossal problem and likely end up literally hurting someone in the process. In fact, take it to the bank and lock it up, and go ahead and remember I said so when everyone gets "stunned" by the most recent act of violence by a professional athlete.

*Or a complete low-life scum sucking failure who will no doubt be involved in some sort of heinous violent act against a family member or loved one within the next 3 years... you know, whatever works better for you.

Rant off.

WARNING: This post contains an Iowa-like substance

Once, in the land of the great Midwest, there was a small group of people dedicated to learning, and furthering their potential as human beings. Gathering at a small juncture betwixt two rivers, the group would meet to discuss matters of intellect and humanity: namely how to resolve the rapidly widening margin between the two. They called themselves Hawkeyes, and quickly the University of Iowa was born. Then they decided to have a football team, and this happened:



That image, culled from the social networking site facebook.com, prompted the University of Iowa to crack down on the "egregious" pictures and "politically incorrect statements" found on athlete's pages. Basically, athletes will have to sign a form outlining the department's guidelines for social networking sites, and will be subject to punishment should any random search (conducted by the department) turn up any "partial or total nudity, sexual misconduct, underage alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, hazing and obscene gestures."

There are numerous problems with this, all stemming the one overarching problem with social networking sites in general. That problem is this:

The individual in question does not have control over what gets posted to social networking sites. I don't do anything illegal (that I know of), yet I'm sure that at the next party I attend, you would be able to take a snap shot of me looking pretty downright filthy. And if that picture gets posted to facebook? I can detag myself - and that's it. There is no control over what gets posted to these sites, and thus, is it really right to hold the athlete responsible for what gets found? There is nothing you can do about somebody posting a picture of you in cyberspace. All you can do is hope it doesn't get found.

My question for the University would be this: What is this policy aiming at stopping? Is this really the best way to combat athletes making themselves look like imbeciles, or is it the best way to combat the public finding out about it?

The steps to "this policy stops athletes from acting STUPID" goes like this:

a) Athlete does something stupid
b) Random frat-dude takes a picture
c) Random frat-dude posts pic to facebook
d) Admin finds out about it
e) Athlete is punished

IF (and it's a LARGE "if" here, folks) the athlete is smart, he or she will connect the dots as such: I don't have control over what goes on facebook, so I'd better be on my best behavior 100% of the time. This is the only logical way that this plan will combat the larger problem of athletes acting stupid. Oh sure - it may stop the CityBoyz from posting cash-eating pictures, but it won't stop dudes from throwin' signs half-cocked at a party. I don't think I'm going way out on a limb saying that this is a reach.

This policy may pull the wool down over the public eye, but it certainly doesn't curb the larger problem of athletes being stupid. All it does is add a confusing layer to the already muddled waters of "social networking sites," while at the same time being horribly unfair to the athlete, who is playing the roll of unwilling participant in a photo shoot that he/she was not aware of. Go out and act stupid - just make sure it doesn't end up on facebook, boys.

Maybe an actual analysis of Iowa football forthcoming. Maybe.

VLSPSBET

Beauford and I haven’t teased this out yet, so consider the following a trial run… and I PROMISE this is the last time I mention Billy Packer for months… anyways, Monday when Packer continually failed to recognize that the Kansas Jayhawks were utilizing a zone defense in the second half, it got me thinking about many of the misnomers or misconceptions that are continually reinforced by your average sports announcer… and as a result by your common sports fan.

Well gentlemen and madams, when has average ever been acceptable? You’re not that type of sports fan; you’re not that type that lets somebody in your group talk about yesterday’s game, totally BLOW the description and let it slide… no, Beauford and Champ know you better than that. You expect to converse on a higher level when you enter into an intellectual debate within the sports genre; and you expect those conversing with you to have a base of understanding so that you may effectively communicate with them. It’s an unwritten rule that’s simply understood.

So without further ado, we present to you a possibly ongoing series here at State of Game:

The Verne Lundquist School of Proper Sports Broadcasting Etiquette and Technique

Or VLSPSBET if you’re into that whole brevity thing.

Why Verne Lundquist you ask? Because there is no finer sir, and I’m offended that you asked in the first place. SEC folk (shudder) have been privy to his talents for years. Verne is still whipping young pups in this broadcasting game with his smooth delivery, clutch performances, and salient understanding of several sports. All of that while a myriad of analysts out there can’t seem to get a grasp on just one. Think about this, in the Masters alone, Lundquist has been immortalized TWICE:

1986: Nicklaus sinks his birdie putt on the 17^th part of the greatest 9 holes of golf ever played at Augusta, and that moment will inexorably be tied with Lundquists epitome of perfection: “YES SIR!!!!!!!”

2005: Woods holes the up and back chip for birdie on the 16^th proving that golf balls do in fact have a flair for the dramatic. Again, this will never be separated from Verne’s sublime: “In your LIFE have you ever seen anything like that?!”

So there’s your reasoning right there… In these sections, we will deal with all sorts of errata of the announcing type, and likely harbor some very ill will toward several individuals in particular. Who you ask? Well you’ll just have to keep checking back to see won’t you!!! Onward.

Today’s topic for VLSPSBET: The old trusty reverse, what it is, and what it is NOT!

Few plays in football are so poorly understood and so often mistaken by announcers. The reverse is not a new play, it has been around for a quite a while… and yet, it appears that somewhere in the textbook of football commentating, the “END AROUND” was mistakenly switched with the definition of “REVERSE”… naturally, then when a team runs a true reverse, the fools in the booth fall all over themselves to add to its grandiosity, labeling the play “a DOUBLE reverse”!!!! Don’t be that guy dear readers, don’t be that idiot who stands up and screams reverse during a football game when the play is merely an end around, you’d disappoint Verne.

So how do you avoid this most basic of mistakes? How about actually recognizing what each play entails? Without futher ado:

An END AROUND: Is a play where the quarterback hands off to a wide receiver in the backfield. The receiver motions into the backfield as the ball is snapped and receives said handoff from the quarterback, he then proceeds (if all has gone well and according to plan) towards the opposite end of the line from where he lined up, hoping to, as they say, “catch the corner”. If we had a dollar for every time this simple play (and dare we say, when properly used, effective) was exasperatedly called a reverse, we would be enjoying many fine things.

A REVERSE: A reverse is usually built off of your basic sweep play, in which the quarterback takes the snap and pitches the ball to the tailback, who for the purposes of this discussion proceeds to run towards the eastern sideline. Meanwhile, the receiver who started out on the east side of the formation begins to motion in the opposite direction… that would be westward. The tailback then proceeds to hand-off or pitch the ball to the receiver, who is now headed towards the western sideline and hopefully in the opposite direction of all 11 players on the defensive side of the ball. Note the key here is that the ball REVERSES DIRECTION… Not exactly a difficult concept to grasp now is it? What about the ever so rare double reverse? Well gentle reader, simply add yet another exchange on the end of your usual reverse with the ball now in the hands of the third ball carrier on the play (HB – WR – WR) and headed back in the original direction that the play began in, for us, east.

So there you have it, a brief and succinct breakdown of the difference between the end around and the reverse… keep track and savor the moment the first time this season that someone fails to recognized the simple difference between the two!

It's on....

...like Donkey Kong, bitches. Which is to say that something that should have happened months ago is now taking place Wednesday. OMG Recruit 2008 will be announcing which school he will attend on Wednesday, noon Eastern. If he places an OSU hat on his head, look for thousands of "we didn't want him anyways" posts and bulletins from Ann Arbor. If he places a UM hat on his head, look for a mushroom cloud over Columbus.

Seriously, would that be the most devastating blow a recruit has ever landed on a school? I mean, Ohio State fans have bought for the past 3 months the "Pryor is soooooooo going to Ohio State" line, what would happen if he..like..didn't? OMG! I'm so excited!