On Saturday, (then No. 19) No. 11 IU handed (then No. 9) No. 23 Illinois a loss so bad, I’m thinking of sending flowers. 💐

But it sure feels good to be a Hoosier fan (and alumni) right about now!

Just to catch you up: IU football has SUCKED (and that’s putting it mildly) for most of my life. I mean…there’s a reason people really only know IU for it’s basketball program.

But then…IU’s athletic department found Curt Cignetti in 2023, and that’s when everything changed. Last year, he led the Hoosiers to their first-ever 11-win season and went undefeated at home. They even made it all the way to the College Football Playoffs, losing to Notre Dame in the first round, but it was still a high to ride!

This year? Cignetti is quietly leading the team to victory after victory, starting the season 4-0. Now, we just need the rest of the college football to start giving respect where respect is due! Because knocking off the No. 9 as the No. 19 deserves it! But I get into all that down below…

– jen

Top headlines in today’s memo:

AND MORE!

PS: Be on the look out for an up-and-coming NFL Football Guide!

Babe, if you’ve ever tried to make sense of NFL conferences and divisions with little to no context, you probably ended up with a headache and a map that looks like it was drawn after one too many tailgate beers. So here’s your cheat sheet – no mansplaining required!

The NFL is split into two main conferences: the AFC (American Football Conference) and the NFC (National Football Conference). Back in the day (we’re talking pre-1970), the NFL and the AFL (American Football League) were totally separate leagues, each with their own teams, drama, and championship games.

Then, in 1970, the two leagues merged—because money, obviously—and the NFL decided to keep both conference names as a nod to their roots. That’s how we got the AFC and NFC, each with 16 teams, further split into four divisions: North, South, East, and West. Sounds logical, right? #LOL.

Here’s where it gets funky: the divisions were set up to preserve old rivalries and TV ratings, not geography. But some teams had to switch from the AFC to the NFC, and vice versa. That’s why you’ve got the Dallas Cowboys chilling in the NFC East (despite being, you know, in Texas), and the Miami Dolphins hanging out in the AFC East with teams from New York and Massachusetts.

Yeah…geography? Never heard of her.

So, next time Chad or Brad tries to quiz you on why the Seattle Seahawks are in the NFC West but used to be in the AFC, just hit them with this: blame history, TV deals, and a deep love for keeping the drama alive.

Interested in a deeper dive BONUS issue? Respond and let me know!

It’s that time of year when we get hit with a wave of teary-eyed goodbyes to some baseball greats.

Last week, I told you Anthony Rizzo hung up his cleats after a stellar career with the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.

Well, this past week, baseball said goodbye to Clayton Kershaw – an LA Dodgers’ lefty legend. Kershaw’s résumé is basically a trophy case: three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and that 2020 World Series ring. He’s been the face of LA pitching for over a decade, and honestly, baseball won’t be the same without his curveball.

Meanwhile, the playoff race is heating up – expect drama, walk-offs, and maybe a Cinderella run or two.

More MLB coverage is on the horizon.

Whether you’re brand new, a diehard fan, or just WNBA-curious, the playoffs are the perfect time to jump in, and here’s why:

These playoffs are the ultimate showcase of badass women doing what they do best – competing at the highest level. Think: jaw-dropping buzzer-beaters, no-fluke athleticism, and team chemistry that’ll make you want to call your own girl squad for a pick-up game. If you love seeing women win (literally and figuratively), this is your Super Bowl.

From A’ja Wilson’s dominance to Sabrina Ionescu’s deep threes and Breanna Stewart’s all-around brilliance, the WNBA is stacked with icons. These women are breaking records, landing endorsement deals, and rewriting what’s possible. Plus, the sideline fits? Chef’s kiss.

Forget predictable outcomes – these playoffs are all about upsets, buzzer-beaters, and clutch performances. Last year’s finals? Instant classic. This year, the field is wide open, with the Fever going to battle without their star and the Lynx on a revenge tour.

The WNBA is having a moment. From collabs with major brands to court side appearances by celebs (hi, Gabrielle Union and Lil Wayne), the league is everywhere. Watching the playoffs means you’re in on the culture. Plus, you’ll have fresh talking points for your next group chat or office convo.

These athletes are leading the way on social justice, mental health, and community impact. Supporting the WNBA means backing women who use their platform for real change. Plus, you’ll get all the feels watching their passion, on and off the court.

Here’s the deal: college football rankings aren’t just for stat nerds or ESPN drama. They’re the velvet rope. The bouncers. The “you can’t sit with us” of college football.

But who’s actually making these lists? Glad you asked.

Every week, the AP and Coaches polls shuffle teams around like a game of musical chairs.

Win big? You might move up. Lose to a rival? Slide down.

Get completely ignored for no reason at all? Hello, IU’s entire vibe this season.

And here’s the salty part: IU just flattened Illinois, 63-10. We made a statement. But are we in the top 10? Nope.

Not in the AP. Not in the Coaches Poll. Not even a wink from the CFP committee. Apparently, winning isn’t enough if you’re not already on their “cool teams” list.

So yeah, these rankings matter…A LOT. At the end of the year, the CFP committee uses them to decide who gets a shot at the national title and who gets iced out. 🥶

If you’re not ranked, you’re not dancing.

Until IU gets the respect it deserves, I’ll be here, side-eyeing the polls and plotting our underdog revenge tour. Stay tuned.

This is embarrassing to admit but…I’m 0-3 in my fantasy league! 🥲

But while watching Sunday night’s game, I got to thinking about different winning strategies that worked for me last year and this is one of my favorites:

I always make sure I have a guy (or 2) playing on Monday night.

But WHY? Simple: It either solidifies my win, or it’s my last-ditch effort and I squeak by, which has happened more times than I can count.

Now, I will say that when I implement this strategy, I tend to make sure it’s either my QB, a RB, or WR…three of the biggest point earners on any fantasy team.

So, in WK 4, why don’t you give it a try and let me know how you do!

Get trade advice ahead of Week 4.

A sack is every quarterback’s nightmare and every defender’s dream. It happens when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage – before he can throw or hand off the ball. Not only does it fire up the defense (and the crowd), but it also kills the offense’s momentum and usually results in lost yardage.