Some thoughts for a Northern Nevada weekend.
Does anybody else think that the NBA playoffs are way too long and have way too many teams involved?
There is something wrong when you have 16 or so teams in the playoffs AFTER an 82-game schedule. Eighty-two games isn't enough? Sheesh give me a break. Cut the field down to eight teams, and you can get it done in three weeks, not two months like it takes now.
The television stations that hype the NBA like cheap pitchmen are always talking 30 games in 30 nights and nonsense like that. Who really has time to watch all those games? And, who really cares?
When is the NBA going to get a clue. Check out the ratings. Historically, the ratings have been average, and that's even when Michael, Larry and Magic played.
Give me college basketball any day of the week. At least the kids aren't jaded yet.
PLAYOFF NEEDED
I read recently where the college bowl folks (I'll just call them the clueless bunch) are searching for another poll to help them make their decisions since the Associated Press doesn't want to be a part of the process any longer.
The only way to have a true champion is through a playoff system. If it works at Division I-AA, Division II and Division III, why wouldn't it work with the big boys? It doesn't prolong the season any more than the current bowl schedule does.
Heck, if you had a 16-team playoff, you would be done in four weeks. All you would have to do is not have any regular-season games scheduled after Thanksgiving. For some of the schools that always seem to play in December, start playing games in late August. The weather is certainly going to be better.
If the networks love the NCAA hoop tournament, just think about the response toward a football playoff. It could be huge, and even bigger than basketball. If there's a way to incorporate the bowls into the playoff system, by all means do it.
However, I think a true football fan would rather see a true playoff to decide a champion; they would rather see it decided on the field, not by a vote. Leave it to the people that play the game, not the people who watch.
PACK OPENER
I have yet to see a time released by ESPN for Nevada's season-opening football game against Washington State at Mackay Stadium. The game is scheduled for a Friday evening, either at 4:30 or 7 p.m. from what I can gather by talking with Nevada officials.
The earlier time would be favorable because it means that people back East can see the game, and Nevada would get more nationwide exposure which it needs as it tries to beef up its schedule in the coming years.
A 4:30 start is the best, but it could keep the crowds down. Will people be able to get off work quickly enough to grab the wife and kids and get to Mackay on time? The worst thing that could happen is if there are a bunch of empty seats like Nevada had for the Boise State game when a freak snowstorm kept people at home.
A 7 p.m. start wouldn't be good because it would interfere with high school football games in the area. It forces fans to make a choice, and my sneaking hunch is that Nevada might lose out.
Nevada officials have indicated that they will make an even bigger attempt to be family friendly, which is the biggest reason why the October and November games were switched to 1 p.m. unless TV gets into the picture. The afternoon games, as long as the weather stays mild, should be a good situation for kids. It would be even better if Nevada can somehow get a kids' area set up behind the big end zone.
CONN GAME
Kudos to the recent play of Carson High softball player Robin Conn. Normally a centerfielder, Conn did a nice job filling in at short for Liz Rankl, who was hampered by a pulled muscle.
Conn is now back in center and Rankl at short as the Senators start a push toward a spot in the regionals. Carson, Wooster and North Valleys are fighting for the last two playoff spots. Reno and Douglas appear to be locks for the top two spots.
Darrell Moody can be reached at nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281
