StatLeader 2007 vs 2008

You may have noticed a few changes this year at StatLeader. If so, you are probably wondering what in the world is going on. Well, here is the lowdown.

The past few years we have given you our projections for fantasy football players under the default scoring systems found in several of the major fantasy leagues. Along with that you have been provided with the witty and amusing (not to mention brilliant) commentary of Mister 2 and myself (and a few others along the way).

This year, however, we have been rather quiet. "Why?" you may ask. Well, I'll tell you. (Actually, I won't tell you, you'll have to read it for yourself.)

To make a long story short, we are retooling all of our mathematical routines to bring you even better fantasy football projections for the 2008 season. We are also expanding our commentary into a few other areas (especially college football).

Now the best news, starting next season, all of our analysis numbers will be available at no charge. That's right, free, complementary, gratis, zero cost, no money required. Just come to the site and use them. Face it, in addition to the best projection for all the major fantasy football scoring systems where else can you find the great analytical mind of Mister 2 (other than possibly the chimp cage at the local zoo) and the rapier wit (whatever that means) of yours truly.

(And all for free at that)

More details later, meanwhile, in the true spirit of unbiased journalism:

As much as it pains me to root for the Bloomer Spooners...Go Oklahoma. Not this I have any liking for you or animosity (that means bad feelings, Michigan fans) towards Missouri, I just want to see my Buckeyes in the National Championship Game.

Gee, What A Surprise.

Yesterday I asked you to send me you thoughts on the BCS Championship Game situation. I should have expected the two things that resulted.

First, fans of the four teams cited strongly believed that their team would be in the top two.

Second, neutral fans (fans who didn't identify themselves a being for or against a particular team) lined up as follows. Most believe West Virginia is in and Georgia is out. They were split between Missouri and Ohio State with a slight majority (about 60%) favoring the Buckeyes.

Third, there were a few delusional individuals that still insist that BSC 5, 6, and 7 teams will mystically leap over Ohio State and Georgia. (Don't know what you're smoking guys but don't send the fumes my way)

Lastly, the group of Ohio State haters who didn't really care about the question posed but preferred to spend their time telling me why the Buckeyes don't deserve to be back in the BCS Championship Game, no matter what happens this weekend.

Discounting the ones from Michigan (can't write so good when you have to use a keyboard instead of a crayon, can ya?) and Florida (who's 9-3 and finished 3rd in the SEC East?) their arguments fall into two main categories. First, OSU's schedule was too soft and second, the Buckeyes don't deserve another shot after last year's disaster.

Let's look at the second point first. Last year's game was exactly that, last year's. The seniors and some of the juniors are gone and new players have stepped up to play. This team lost a lot of talent and under the cloud of a 41-14 loss could have had a terrible season. Instead, they outperformed every preseason prediction. The work done by this year's team has been exceptional and each and every member deserves a trip to the Rose Bowl or the BCS Championship Game.

So now you will say that their success is due to the soft schedule. OK, let's look at that as well.
Ohio State ranks 46th in Strength of Schedule, well behind Georgia and Missouri, but two places ahead of West Virginia. Face it Mountaineers, the only teams you beat that are currently ranked in the BCS top 40 are Cincinnati (#23) and Connecticut (#26). Your one loss was at the hands of mighty (and unranked) South Florida.

Georgia, despite it's higher Strength of Schedule ranking lost to 6-6 South Carolina (at home) and at #14 Tennessee. Missouri probably has the most impressive resume with wins over #5 Kansas and #15 Illinois, their only loss being at #9 Oklahoma.

How do the Bucks stack up? Well their one loss was at home to #15 Illinois but they had quality wins over #18 Wisconsin as well as #30 Michigan and #31 Penn State, both on the road. As for their out of conference schedule, these are set up years in advance when no one could predict that Washington would be in a down year.

Ultimately, any of the four teams at the top (along with one or two more) are well qualified to play in the BCS Championship game. Am I partial to Ohio State? You Bet. Will I present a somewhat biased view of the situation? Sure, but then again, it is my column.

Ohio State, West Virgina, Missouri, or Georgia?

The teams who will meet in the BCS Championship game will be known by Sunday night. Only four teams have a realistic shot at going to the dance. We all know the scenarios (for our University of Michigan readers that means "things that have to happen") for the Buckeyes, Mountaineers, Tigers or Dawgs to get into the game. I want to know who you think will meet in New Orleans and who the ultimate winner will be.

You can either post your response here or email me at docbitters@statleader.com.

My Choice, West Virginia and Ohio State with the Scarlet and Gray atoning for last year's train wreck, but then again what would you expect from die-hard Buckeye.

Fantasy Football News: Ricky Makes a Comeback!

You know we like to make fun of Ricky and his troubles...

But this time - the Miami Dolphins are in so much trouble (0 for the season) that they are welcoming Ricky Williams back into the family.

It appears that Williams will be back with the team starting with Monday's practice.

Fantasy Football Impact: If Ronnie Brown could be a fantasy stud with this team - maybe Williams can at least be a good #2 back. If you are 'lucky' enough to have Shaun Alexander, Laurence Maroney, LaMont Jordan, Ahman Green, Fred Taylor, or Rudi Johnson on your team - maybe its time for you to take a risk on Ricky!

Saints' Bush Sits Out Wednesday Practice

Saints' RB Reggie Bush sat out practice Wednesday with a wrap on his left knee. According to Bush, he bruised it late in the Saints' 41-24 victory over Jacksonville on Saturday.

Bush participated in 'walk-through' portions of practice and said he fully expects to play on Sunday when New Orleans hosts the St. Louis Rams.

Bush was among five Saints players, four of them starters, who missed part or all of practice.

Fantasy Football Impact: Bush is still a good start against the Rams!

Fantasy Football Update: Johnson Out at KC?

Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl player, has a sprained right foot and is 'highly unlikely' for Sunday's game against Denver according to coach Herm Edwards.

Edwards declined to speculate on how long Johnson might be out, saying he did not have enough information. "He's got a swollen foot right now so that's not good," he said.

Johnson's foot got caught under the weight of A.J. Hawk and twisted awkwardly as the Green Bay linebacker dragged him down from behind in the fourth quarter Sunday of the Packers' 33-22 victory. He was on crutches as he left the stadium.

Fantasy Football Impact: Johnson's absence brings in the opportunity for old-timer Priest Holmes to try and make a comeback. If you have roster room AND are desperate, pick the old fart up!