| Posts from June 2012 |
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by Radio Joe
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posted Jun 28 2012 3:05PM
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Just a couple of days ago, 12 college presidents came together to reform the college football ranking system. Instead of a computer deciding who’s going to the national title game, a committee will decide who the top four teams are in the country, put them into a playoff style format, and see which team comes on top. While I believe this solution is better for college football, it doesn’t make everybody involved happy. Seriously, can we trust this committee? Who will it comprise of? Will there be bias? Is it a bunch of ESPN football analysts deciding this? Who knows? In the end, teams like Boise State will get suckered out because their schedule wasn’t strong enough.
I’ve decided to come up with a format of my own. Let me be clear – this is just an idea. Whether you believe this is better or not, is up to you. After all, every great idea always has its pros and cons. I was originally going to put this idea towards the NBA (and I still may do that in a future blog), but when this news broke about the rankings, I figured the system I would put in place here makes way more sense for college football.
There’s a lot of detail here, so bare with me.
European soccer has a format like no other. Take England, for example. There are probably 100 soccer teams throughout the country. Between these 100 teams, there are a series of leagues. The top dog league in England is the Premier League. This includes some of the best English soccer teams in the world – ManU, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, etc. There are 20 teams in the Premier league. Throughout the course of the season, these 20 teams square off against each other. Every team plays at home against the other 19 teams, and plays away against those same 19 teams. It’s a balanced scheduled, so every team is getting a fair shake. A crappy Premier League team like West Ham United has to play ManU twice, but so does a team like Man City. (The strength of schedule doesn’t exist). Again, this format goes for leagues all over Europe – Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, etc.
At the end of the season, the team with the highest point total in the Premier League (based on a points system: you receive 3 points for a victory, 1 for a tie, and 0 for a defeat) wins the Premier League title. There are no playoffs in this situation. (Just a side note, the Premier League and the other English leagues play each other in two bracket style tournament cups throughout the course of the season). Because every team has a fair shake in this league, whoever can overcome their schedule will win it. Man City or ManU does not have any more of an advantage on their schedule, than teams like Reading and Southampton.
Are you guys still with me?
While a champion is crowned in the Premier League, the bottom three teams in the standings are fighting for their lives. As I said earlier, there are multiple 20-team leagues in England. Here’s the order of the leagues:
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Premier League
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N-Power Championship League
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League 1
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League 2
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League 3
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There may be more…
The teams that are in these lower level leagues can either move into a higher league at the end of the season, or fall into the league below them next season. How does that work? In order to move up a league, the team must finish in the top three in standings at the end of the season based on point totals. If that team accomplishes that, they advance to a new league, and face a new crop of talent. If they were to play well in that league and finish in the top three there as well, they could move up again!
For example, a team like Brentford who plays in League 1 could theoretically play in the Premier League in two years. All they would have to do is finish in the top three in League 1 at the end of the year, move up to the N-Power Championship League and finish in the top three there, and then get to play with the likes of Man City, Man U, and Arsenal in the Premier League.
However, on the flip side, whoever the bottom three teams are in a particular league at the end of the season, can get bumped down a league. Not only is it competitive at the top of the league standings, but it’s also brutal at the bottom. For example, this season in the Premier League, Bolton, Blackburn, and Wolverhampton were trying to avoid finishing the season in the bottom three. In the end, they all failed. Instead of playing in the Premier League next season, they will compete with teams in the N-Power Championship League. If one of those teams played horrible next year in that league, and wound up in the bottom three again, then they would be bumped down to League 1. Hell, if Arsenal had two horrible seasons, they could end up in League 1 too.
Now that you have this in mind, can it work for Division 1-A College Football? I think it can.
While each English League has 20+ teams, there would have to be a smaller amount for football. I would say 15 teams per league. Why? Because it’s absurd to have young kids playing in 20+ regular season games throughout a season. They’re prone to more injuries than ever before. The NFL doesn’t go that far! Besides, it’s important that everybody plays each other at least once in the span of a season. Secondly, since there are an odd number of teams, you could still give a bye week for each team. In the end, each team will play the other 14 teams in that league – 7 at home, 7 away. I would do everything possible to make sure that a bad team faces a couple of top 5 teams at home, with the same balance for away games. If you want to challenge the strength of schedule that way, have at it. I don’t think it’ll make much of a difference.
Let’s say the highest league in college football (equivalent to the Premier League) is called the ‘Zenzola League’. This league would have the top 15 teams in the country. If we were starting this new league format next year, we could take the top 15 schools from the top 25 list, and throw them into the Zenzola League. The schools ranked 16-25, and those just on the edge would be in the league below that. Then, you could rank schools based on record, and place them in leagues below that. The bad teams will face the bad teams in deeper leagues, and the best of the best will play each other in the higher leagues. Like I said, strength of schedule should no longer be an issue here. If Boise State is in the Zenzola League next season, they can have a serious crack at a national title because their schedule will no longer consist of teams from the Mountain West Division. Rather, they’ll face teams like Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma State, etc.
Furthermore, if you’re a team not starting the season in the Zenzola League, it will be your job as a school, to fight your way to get there, and then to stay there season in and season out. Remember, if schools battle their way into the top three or fall into the bottom three in a specific league by the end of the season, that is the only way they can move out of the league they’re currently in.
This system can work. However, can fans deal with it? Here are some issues…
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Are there bowls?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, who says we have do to exactly what the Europeans do in their soccer league? Obviously, the Zenzola League will have the best of the best teams. The top two teams will square off in the National Title game at the end of the regular season. The two teams in 3rd and 4th place will square off in the Rose Bowl. The 5th and 6th place teams will face in the Orange Bowl, etc. If there is a tie for first, second, third, etc., the tiebreaker can consist of an accumulation of points the team made in football games (adding all the touchdowns and field goals together). If your team can score 60 points in a single football game, more power to you. Because these teams are in the best of the best league, they should deserve the best bowls. What’s the problem with that?
The lower name bowls like the Capital One, Chick-fil-A, Ticket City Bowl, Outback Bowl, etc., would carry over into the leagues below the Zenzola League. After the 3rd or 4th league down, teams that low will have no chance at a bowl. It’s their job to get out of those deeper leagues as soon as possible. No matter how you slice it, every single Division 1-A football team has a shot at making it to the Zenzola League...at some point...
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So no more divisions and rivalries?
That’s right. No more Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12, Mountain West, etc. etc. etc. New rivalries can be form based on the league your team is in. Just because rivalries were created out of regional divisions for so many years, doesn’t mean that has to stop. You may be stuck with those teams anyway, if you happen to be in the same league.
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Are there too many teams in Division 1-A to do this?
Look, if I’m doing my math correctly, there are almost 120 schools in Division 1-A Football alone. If you divide that by 15 teams per league, you’ll have 8 leagues. It would look something like this…
1. Zenzola League (Top League)
2. League 1
3. League 2
4. League 3
5. League 4
6. League 5
7. League 6
8. League 7
Like I said before, if this system began next season, teams like Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Idaho, would find themselves in either League 6 or 7 because these are horrible football programs with horrible records. If they ever want to get to the Zenzola League, they need to get their acts together, and duke it out with some of the worst in the country. Someone will come out in 1st place no matter what, like in League 7, for instance.
I hope my gibberish made some sense here. I wonder if this idea has already been considered…
What do you think? Am I wrong?
Again, follow me on Twitter @RadioJoeZenzola.
In my next blog, 'What I would like to see in return if the Brewers trade Zack Greinke'…
Until next time, Milwaukee…
| | | Tags : Topics : SportsSocial : SportsLocations : Alabama, Blackburn, Bolton, Duke, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Man City, Milwaukee, Reading, Southampton, WolverhamptonPeople : Zack Greinke
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by mike wickett
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posted Jun 27 2012 9:41PM
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On the day before the 2012 NBA draft, the Bucks sent F Jon Leuer, F/C John Brockman, G Shaun Livingston and the 12th pick to the Houston Rockets for the 14th pick and C Samuel Dalembert. This did not solidify the Bucks at the top of the centeral division, but it did make them better.
Dalembert immediately provides Milwaukee with a starting center. Is he Dwight Howard? No. But he's a big body who can rebound and block some shots...and he's much better than ANYTHING the Bucks have at the position. Now Drew Gooden can go back to the PF spot and Udoh/Sanders can be interchanged at the PF/C spots.
As for what they gave up?? They did what i hoped: They trimmed the fat.
Brockman: 12th guy on the bench & 6th pf? buh bye.
Livingston: backup point guard? buh bye.
Leuer: 2nd round pick...PF...buh bye. Yes, i know he's a Badger...but he's still Jon Leuer.
They traded 3 bench players for a legitimate starting Center. Do the math. This was a good trade, NOT a great trade. But the Bucks got better on wednsday.
Now...what will they do at #14? Like Bart Scott said..."CAN'T WAIT!!"
cheers...
~mw
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by Mike Wickett
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posted Jun 26 2012 1:15PM
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Let's recap, shall we??
2 Shortstops...1 1st Baseman...1 All Star caliber catcher...your 3rd starting pitcher...your 5th starting pitcher...your 6th starting pitcher...1 center fielder...
That's what the Milwaukee Brewers have lost for at least 2 weeks a piece this season! Now, I'm not trying to make excuses but that's pretty tough for any team to overcome. Couple the injury situation with slow starts for Aramis Ramirez & Rickie Weeks, a very inconsistant year for Corey Hart and a bullpen which has been completely unreliable as of late...and that’s how you get to this point for the Brew Crew (33-40). Thank god Ryan Braun has had a fantastic year or this could be much much worse.
Most likely to turn it around: John Axford
Least likely to turn it around: Corey Hart
X factor: Rickie Weeks
If this team can SOMEHOW play consistent baseball from now til the trade deadline at the end of July, watch for owner Mark Attanasio to be a "buyer" as opposed to selling off Zack Greinke.
~mw
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by Chuck Freimund
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posted Jun 26 2012 11:54AM
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Im holding out hope that the Brewers can still turn this thing around but my patience is waning... The starting pitching is definately championship level while the offense is way below that. The back end of the bullpen is better than they have pitched and the middle relief,is just like the rest of baseball,,mostly inconsistant. Its painful to see the Brewers at 33 and 40. Especially coming off last season.
Im going to give it a few more weeks before I think about trading Greinke or K-Rod. Although if they drop the next two in Cincy,its going to be very difficult to come back down 9 and half games in the race.
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by Tim Allen
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posted Jun 22 2012 9:09PM
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So here we are Brewers fans, mid to late June, and the crew has put themselves in a somewhat vulnerable position. It’s vulnerable because an extended losing streak 'could' put the Brewers out of a playoff chase. Call it injuries, lack of talent, underachieving, etc...the situation is what it is. That being said, EVERY win is a big one. Not just because you're a Brewers fan, but because the season is teetering. When you listen to the Rupena’s Baseball Post Game Show, one may wonder why I'm excited after a victory. Even when that win is against a bad team, it still falls into the 'W' category, and from what I just wrote, means it's a big one. Known as the eternal optimist, I would get fired up whenever the crew wins, but now even MORE, since they have put themselves into the situation that they're in. How would fans feel if Axford doesn't blow 3 saves in the span of 8 games? Not to put all the blame on Axford, but it's an example of how close the crew is to competing, despite everything that has occurred. Take the 3 losses away from that column, and place them in the win column. What you have then, is a team that is above .500, and in the thick of the NL Pennant race. Is it that simple? You answer that.
Numbers can be spun in many different directions, but 3 wins, and 3 less losses changes the dynamic of the season. Does it mean that the Brewers would be buyers instead of sellers? Only Doug Melvin can answer that. When I speak of a losing streak killing the season in terms of the playoffs, what then, does a winning streak do for them? I can answer, along with you. Playoff fever catches. Will the crew get on that streak? Only time will tell. The main point is that each and EVERY win is big...I mean BIG. Since they put themselves into this situation, they have put me, the fan, into it as well. Fist pumping after a win, and well...you know what happens to me after a loss. One thing for sure, we'll be there for you after each game. Smile Milwaukee, the World WILL Smile Back.
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by mike wickett
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posted Jun 22 2012 7:45PM
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Well it appears the Bucks will draft a big man. Scouting Director Billy McKinney made that pretty darn clear yesterday when we talked to him. I would've liked to see a scoring 2-3 at #12 next year, but it appears a PF/C is coming to Milwaukee. The "experts" seem to think GM John Hammond will choose UNC big man Tyler Zellar. I don't really care for this. McKinney basically told us Zeller won't get a lot better in the NBA. Really? That's the guy you're using your 1st round pick on? take a gamble. Take a risk. Why not? Here's a list of 3 players I'd rather see the Bucks take over Zeller at pick #12
-Austin Rivers, SG- Duke. If Monta Ellis is gone after this year, the 6' 5" SG would slide in with his instant office nicely.
-Perry Jones III, PF/C- Baylor. TREMENDOUS "up-side". Big man who can run the floor, block shots & clean up a mess.
-Terrence Jones, SF/PF- Kentucky. At 6'9" a tremendous mismatch with ability to score everywhere. And i like players coming out of Calipari's system.
we shall see....more on the draft next week..
cheers...
~mw
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by Ramie Makhlouf
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posted Jun 15 2012 9:18PM
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You know Dad wants steak for Father's day, but why have just have any steak? Give it some spice and give Dad that Brazilian steakhouse experience without the Brazilian steakhouse cost, with a little help from Roberts' Specialty Meats...
Ingredients:
For the beed tenderloin
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1 beef tenderloin (2-3 pounds)
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1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup coarse salt
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Cracked black peppercorns
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1 tsp crushed red pepper
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2 Tbsp dried oregano
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3 cloves of garlic mashed
For the tomato-onion salsa
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1 large red ripe tomato
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1/2 sweet onion, chopped
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1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
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3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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3 Tbsp lime juice
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Coarse salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the grill to high.
Make the salse simply by combining all the ingredients in a nonreactive serving bowl and make sure to taste-test for enough salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Combine the olive oil, garlic and spices and rub liberally all over the tenderloin.
The tenderloin is best cooked on a spit (rotisserie) over high heat for 25-30 minutes for rare (internal temp of 125 degrees); 35-40 for medium rare (internal temp of 145). If you don't have a spit, cook the tenderloin for about 5 minutes on each side until well-browned, then turn the burner under the meat down to medium or low and cook, turning every 3-5 minutes, until you reach your desired internal temp.
To serve Brazilian Style, bring the tenderloin whole to the table and slice the desired portion onto each eater's plate...Of course, Dad first.
Enjoy and have a Happy Father's Day!
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by Chuck Freimund
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posted Jun 11 2012 12:39PM
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It is the first day of summer vacation in the Freimund household and I best not come home this afternoon and find my kid playing Playstation. This new device,an earpiece, that allows kids to play each other over wireless, is the absolute worst. I hate to act "old school" here, but how come kids dont play pick up basketball or baseball games anymore??? 4 on 4 games, pick your field, strikeout, whatever.. The baseball fields in Lomira are untouched during the day. Same goes for the basketball courts. Kids dont play pick up games anymore. Take for example yesterday, I told my 15 year he should be outside playing ball,not watching the Brewers game with me on TV. The only people getting exercise in my neighborhood are us parents jogging at night. We are more active than our kids.. |
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by Mike Wickett
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posted Jun 11 2012 12:13PM
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Think Milwaukee Brewers Manger Ron Roenicke has it easy? With Corey Hart, Nori Aoki, Carlos Gomez, Nyjer Morgan all available to play the outfield, it gets confusing. And with Taylor Green's bat, RRR's options get even more complicated...Here's what he has to contemplate before each game, when it comes to filling out the CF/RF/1B spots..
RF- Corey Hart
CF- Nori Aoki
1B- Taylor Green
RF- Hart
CF- Carlos Gomez
1B- Green
RF- Hart
CF- Nyjer Morgan
1B- Green
RF- Aoki
CF- Gomez
1B- Green
RF- Aoki
CF- Gomez
1B- Hart
RF- Aoki
CF- Morgan
1B- Hart
RF- Morgan
CF- Aoki
1B- Hart
RF- Morgan
CF- Gomez
1B- Hart
RF- Morgan
CF- Gomez
1B- Green
ok...that may not be all of them...but I've made myself cross-eyed...and that was just a few decisions...there's about 127 other decisions a manager's got to make every game. Pretty tough, huh?
BRING ON THE ROYALS!!
Cheers...
~mw
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by Radio Joe
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posted Jun 10 2012 4:16PM
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I’ve learned that it’s never a good thing to brag about yourself. Because I’m new to the airwaves, though, I believe it’s important for listeners to know what kind of person they’re listening to. Who the hell is Radio Joe Zenzola? Hopefully, this little bio will answer that question.
Name: Joseph Victor Zenzola
Age: 22
Residence: Pleasant Prairie, WI
What do I do for WSSP? I’m a fill-in producer and anchor for Chuck and Wickett, The Bill Michaels Show, and The Big Show. During the winter months, I run the sound board for our coverage of the Admirals games. I’ve also covered the Bucks, Golden Eagles, and Brewers for the last year. Currently, I’m doing one-on-one interviews with players from the Brewers and players from the opposing team; that’s probably one of the coolest gigs to this job. Josh Vernier hired me as an intern last summer, and after working my butt off during the summer and fall months, I landed a part-time producing job. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have this…We have some great interns at WSSP, and I always tell them to continue to work as hard as they can. You never know when that phone will ring…
Other jobs? I’m a waiter for House of Gerhard in Kenosha. I’ve been working there for the last six years. I’m also an umpire for Kenosha and Lakeland Little League (not an easy job).
Favorite hobby: Golf. My goal is to break 40 for 9 holes; Best round 42.
Favorite food: Schnitzel…Google it.
Smoker? Absolutely not. Never got into it, and I would hate to die of lung cancer.
Drinker? Absolutely. However, I’m very responsible.
Favorite movie: Goodfellas. That’s definitely the Italian in me (and no, my family does not have ties to the mob).
Favorite T.V. Show: There’s a few…Mad Men, The Walking Dead, The Wire, The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Survivor, and Seinfeld.
Do I travel? I’ve only been to five states in my life. However, I’ve been to six different islands in the Caribbean. I also spent close to three weeks between London, England, and Barcelona, Spain. I’m actually going back to Europe in January 2013 (as long as the world doesn’t end).
Education: St. Joseph High School in Kenosha, and Carthage College in Kenosha. Yes, I had very good grades in school, and received some nice academic honors. However, I can be an absolute bonehead/moron/dumb-dumb (my parents and the guys at the radio station can attest to that). By the way, Miss America is an alumnus from both schools. She’s only two years older than me, and I think she’s still available…I think…
With that being said, I’m currently single. Hopefully, that special lady for me is out there somewhere…Ladies, call me.
Cats or Dogs? Cats. I’ve grown up with cats my whole life. If that makes me soft, so be it. Strip my man card if you will. I don’t care. I love cats.
Biggest goal in life? Success. I have no clue where this business will take me, but sports has become my life. I would love to meander into television at some point. If I had the opportunity to be a television sports anchor, I would take the job in a heartbeat. I interned for Fox 6 Sports this past spring, and I really enjoyed what Tom Pipines and Tim Van Vooren were brewing over there. After experiencing and working in that medium, I’m confident I can do it.
Ok, enough is enough.
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RadioJoeZenzola
Teaser for my next blog – How I would change the league and competition format for the NBA…
Until next time, Milwaukee…
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