MML After 8 Weeks
Well, analyzing the season through the first 8 weeks is challenging for a number of reasons and not really definitive. It is a large enough body of work however, to be able to recognize some problems, trends, strengths and weaknesses. This is the MOST unusual season I can remember in terms of team scoring averages, in how low the averages are and the disparity; not just from the top two highest scoring teams to the third highest, but all the way through as there are literally 4 teams that look as if their players are all sick in bed when they are supposed to be in the lineup. How can there not be a team that has an average between 268 & 300?
I will evaluate the teams in order of the highest team scoring average to lowest-this does not indicate who I think will be the best teams going forward, not a ranking of any kind, just an analysis stat-wise. The more thorough analysis will come after week 11 with the pre-playoff look.
Statistically Elite
Deep Valley Grouchos (330.0 fppg)
So, you may say, what issues could the DVG’s possibly have? Well, as their GM I am not happy with the fact that their in-lineup spreads (in other words the spreads of the guys who are actually active in any particular week) are not matching up with their overall spreads (all games played whether active or sitting out). Translation: The DVG’s have to have more than a couple of guys playing really well each week (scoring a lot of fantasy points) to maintain their current position. Why is that a problem, you may say? Glad you asked. Because statistically, it’s more likely that players will perform to their spreads than consistently get high fantasy point numbers without doing so. For instance, the DVG’s are relying on getting one or two games each week that are 35-40, 40+, or, they could be in trouble because the guys that are underachieving in their spreads are getting 12-16 fantasy points when their season spread shows they should be getting more like 17-21 fantasy points when they are “off their game.” There are worse problems to have, for sure, but because of the team below, it’s a serious concern.
Maize And Blue Bloods (301.25 fppg)
The MBB does not have the problem with spreads that the DVG’s do and that puts them in a better position going forward. While their “bad spread week” is 4.8 and the DVG’s is 4.7 the MBB’s have pretty much, consistently seen their players perform on a weekly basis to their season spread averages, something that gives them an edge come playoff time IN addition to having some heavy hitters.
Should Be On Their Way Up Statistically
North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer (268.13 fppg)
Any team that has Hunter Dickinson will be a factor and now that Dickinson is finished with his “minor slump,” that will start to show more. They don’t have a great seven-man lineup but they have a good one. If Batcho starts rebounding like he has in the past they can be more than a tough out despite averaging 30+ fppg less than MBB & 60 fppg less than the DVG’s.
Hoosiers (255.63 fppg)
Right behind their divisional rivals NPFR we find the Hoosiers. Their spread average has been good and they are starting to score more. Some of that is due to Ballo’s emergence as an offensive threat at Indiana & the addition of Kooper Jacobi. There may also be a “re-emergence” of Tyson Dunn, judging by his first couple of MAC league games.
Psychos (255.0 fppg)
They’ve been doing some really good work in pumping up the roster to overcome the disappointment of Watkins, Lahkin, and, Rogers. While they’ve not been consistent, one could even say consistently inconsistent, I like where they are headed, which is up.
Prozac Pups (252.0 fppg)
Remember the song “Old Susannah?” “She’ll be comin’ round the corner when she come’s, etc., etc. Well, make it “Old Prozac” because he should be comin’ round that corner when he comes and it should be pretty soon. In my estimation, the 3rd best lineup, which is not too shabby as the old saying goes.
House of Sparky (245.50 fppg)
They are actually underachievers. The GM has made some really nice moves, but losing Roy has really hidden that fact. They can put out a good lineup without him but potentially, a great one with him.
Their Direction Moving Forward Is Anybody’s Guess
Gator Bait (245.13 fppg)
I once thought that GB had a better team than what their record indicated but now I think that they are who they are. Sort of a mediocre to possibly middle of the pack team. The GM has made some good moves but those have been balanced out by players whose performance has fallen short of the mark. So, they’re kind of stuck. Instead of getting “Waiting For Godot” from some players, they got “Waiting For Roofschneider,” (Godot was a famous long-running Broadway play. There is no such thing as Waiting For Roofschneider).
Hillbilly Maulers (243.63 fppg)
The Hillbillies now have some players available who could bump their average up a little, but, they have a low ceiling as far as scoring goes.
Virginia Gentlemen (239.13 fppg)
Erratic guard play, ditto but worse at center and no quality depth are keeping the VG’s from doing better things. Like GB, I thought they were better but as currently assembled they are in the correct group, that being a group of teams that treads water.
KC Warthogs (238.13 fppg)
Buchanan, Lee, and, Shumate. Not a list of famous 19th century Americans but a current list of the three main things holding this team back, as in disappointing-and, then some. Some other poor pickups mean they are also stuck in this group.
Hardwood Heroes (224.25 fppg)
HH is famous for making impactful additions at the 25th hour but they are really hurting for guards and having to often start three freshmen is not conducive to making a run.
The Hoop Guru (219.00 fppg)
Doesn’t 219.0 pretty much summarize it? They haven’t made any horrible moves but haven’t made any great moves either. They’re not even treading water. They are on the treadmill…
Can’t See Any Light Because I Can’t See The End Of The Tunnel
Vindaloos (218.75 fppg)
The Vin’s have a strategy…that in this age of “the portal” I don’t agree with. They have been loading up on young players to form a nucleus for next year. Pre-portal that’s a really great plan. Now that we are in the portal age, horrible plan. Some of those young players having good seasons will transfer up. They are better off grabbing seniors so they can acquire as many draft picks as possible. Still, I do wish them the best of luck…and I do like that their logo is that of the Marist Red Foxes!
Sam Jacobson Went To Class (214.63 fppg)
The “Sams” move in mysterious ways…at least to me, or, they don’t move at all. 5 freshmen on a team that is young but not really built to be much more than they are now, next year.