Reject modernity. Embrace traditions.
It’s a good thing, maybe?
The Big Ten announced a new basketball scheduling format going forward. With 18 members and 20 games in the regular season for men’s basketball, teams will get to play each conference foe at least once per year. Per the conference, "Single-play home/away locations will rotate annually, and two-play opponents will be determined with consideration for competitive balance, geography and rivalries."
With all the changes in college athletics, keep some niche things that have value: rivalries. I have done the work already for the Big Ten conference. Each team should have three permanent two-play rivals. Here they are:
If you think any of these are wrong, let me know. I am a weirdo who already created pre-written justifications for every one of these decisions.
Three Big Developments in the Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Search
We broke down the latest news in the search for a new defensive coordinator in Green Bay yesterday on the ‘Sconnie Six Pack podcast. Since then, there have been three more pieces of news:
Green Bay will interview Baltimore Ravens linebackers coach Zach Orr. At 31 years old, it is another data point showing that the Packers are trying to find the next rising star in the defensive coaching ranks.
Green Bay will interview Orr’s fellow Ravens defensive coach Dennard Wilson. Wilson, who coaches defensive backs, is a hot commodity on the defensive coordinator market. He has interviewed with the Titans, Giants, and Rams. He is 41 years old. The Ravens consistently produce some high-level defensive coaching talent, so I like that Matt LaFleur is looking to Baltimore for candidates.
A candidate I mentioned in yesterday’s podcast episode has found his dance partner. Former Buffalo Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich has been promoted to Buffalo’s DC position.
We are now eight days removed from former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s firing. The last time Matt Lafleur hired a new defensive coordinator, the search ended after nine days. I do not believe that this search will wrap up as quickly, but it would not surprise me if this search concluded by the end of the weekend.
“It’s Isaac Lindsey Time.” - Greg Gard, apparently
Greg Gard told reporters yesterday that backup point guard Kamari McGee will be out for “two-plus weeks.”
Yesterday, for BadgerNotes, I broke down what Wisconsin Badgers basketball is losing with McGee off the floor. The story also touches on who is taking McGee’s minutes in the rotation. As former walk-on Isaac Lindsey’s internal monologue would say while chucking up an ill-advised three-pointer, “It’s Isaac Lindsey Time.”
Pack the Kohl Center on Sunday
Sunday’s Wisconsin basketball game against Purdue is going to be electric. Some of my favorite memories, including two court stormings, are from Badgers vs. Boilermakers. Be in the building for this top 10 matchup with a lead in the Big Ten standings on the line.
If you’re going to a game, you may as well save some money on tickets. Use TickPick and never pay service fees. If you find a better price somewhere else, TickPick will refund you 110% of the difference in credit toward your next purchase. If you use my link, you’ll save $10 on your first order: https://tickpick.page.link/7iyE [case sensitive].