In this podcast episode, Professor Mike Lewis assesses the inevitable Tom Brady - Cam Newton comparisons as well as Bill Belichick's willingness to run Cam Newton into the mouth of an NFL defense. As is always the case in Fanalytics, Mike approaches these topics from a unique analytics-focused angle that helps sports fans to understand how sports analysts make in-game decisions. Then, Mike and co-host Doug Battle discuss the common in-game decision that played an integral role in determining out...
Sep 15, 2020•42 min•Ep. 80
Analytics and advanced statistics(whatever that means)are used in front offices and in the media. However, while these new statistics are frequently mentioned, it is rare that anyone explains how these metrics are developed, what they really mean and what their shortcomings might be. As a starting point for considering advanced basketball analytics, we investigate a variety of basketball efficiency statistics. We start with the NBA Efficiency Stat, then we discuss the Player Impact Estimate (PIE...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 79
COVID-induced chaos has seemingly awakened NBA and college football players to the power they possess. In a two-day NBA players strike that threatened to end the 2020 Playoffs, LeBron James and his fellow player representatives pushed team owners to retool their arenas as polling sites for the upcoming election. This occurred after players had already secured $300 million in donations to black communities from team owners as well as league-sponsored ads promoting social justice. While the player...
Sep 01, 2020•41 min•Ep. 78
MIke Lewis opens the podcast with a discussion of WWE and how scripted sports can serve as a case study in sports marketing. Then conversation between Mike and co-host Doug Battle turns to this week's NBA headlines. Mike and Doug observe Luka Doncic's place among the NBA's elite amidst his historic playoff debut before predicting what's next for the recently eliminated Philadelphia 76ers. In a brief segment toward the end of the episode, Mike and Doug discuss how a saturated sports season has li...
Aug 25, 2020•43 min•Ep. 77
In today’s class we focus on the realities of decision making. In Classes 4 and 5 we discussed advanced statistics for player evaluation and decision support for choices of in-game tactics. But, sports decisions are made by executives rather than computer programs. Today we discuss the relationship between statistical models and human decision makers. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network ...
Aug 20, 2020•50 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, Professor Mike Lewis and co-host Doug Battle discuss how a lack of community has impacted viewership for professional sports this Summer. Then, the two discuss Justin Fields's petition to play, the Big 10's stance, and concerns surrounding college football as camps begin. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fa...
Aug 18, 2020•45 min•Ep. 75
Following a rumor-filled weekend in the college football world and a resilient stand by high profile athletes, Mike Lewis and Doug Battle discuss all sides of the rumored college football shut down. Then, the two break down how various potential outcomes could affect college football, college basketball, the NFL, and the NBA G League. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of...
Aug 11, 2020•37 min•Ep. 74
Can we use statistics to make better in-game decisions? In class 5 of Fanalytics University, Professor Mike Lewis breaks down how analytics can impact situational decision making for 2 point conversions in football, subbing players in basketball, and bunting in baseball. This class features teaching on the Markov Decision Process (MDP)and dynamic optimization models. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm ...
Aug 06, 2020•46 min•Ep. 73
Professor Mike Lewis and co-host Doug Battle discuss broadcasts of fanless NBA/MLB games and how they affect fandom. Then, Mike breaks down why recent Pac 12 player demands have major implications for the future of college athletics. In the show's final segment, Doug updates listeners on conference schedule adjustments for the upcoming college football season. Mike discusses the importance of rivalry in sports and which rivalries will suffer the consequences of exclusively inner-conference play....
Aug 04, 2020•44 min•Ep. 72
We're less than one week into Major League Baseball's return to play, and the league has already delayed multiple contests due to the Marlins' COVID-19 cases. Professor Mike Lewis and co-host Doug Battle discuss the situation and contrast MLB's disastrous return with the NBA Bubble's promising start. Mike and Doug also discuss implications for the NFL and NCAA as teams approach their targeted Fall camp start dates. In the show's final segment, Mike and Doug talk Edgar Berlanga's 14 straight firs...
Jul 28, 2020•34 min•Ep. 71
When we think Fandom we usually think sports or entertainment. But Fandom is also a key driver of success in the political world. In today's conversation, Professor Mike Lewis digs into underlying polling issues such as the differences between registered and likely voters and whether or not pollsters are under sampling Republican voters. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense...
Jul 21, 2020•32 min•Ep. 70
In Class 4 we get to what many consider the heart of sports analytics: sports statistics. Statistics have long been a part of sports, but recent times have seen an explosion of new, improved, advanced statistics. In this class we talk about several examples of advanced statistics and then discuss methods for developing new player performance metrics. In this episode Professor Mike Lewis breaks down the NFL Passer Rating Statistic, On Base Plus Slugging (OBPS), and the most common approach to adv...
Jul 16, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 69
Professor Mike Lewis and co-host Doug Battle discuss the MLS is Back tournament, which quietly kicked off at Disney World last week. The two also recap early player complaints from the NBA's neighboring Disney World bubble. Doug then shares the latest on college football's plan for a 2020 fall season, and Mike observes potential implications. In the show's final segment, Mike and Doug continue last week's discussion on the Washington Football Team Brand after Dan Synder announced his intention t...
Jul 14, 2020•33 min•Ep. 68
As speculation builds regarding a Washington Redskins rebrand, Professor Mike Lewis and co-host Doug Battle explore options for the Washington football franchise moving forward. Then, Mike and Doug discuss what makes a mascot "problematic" as well as the non-Redskins franchises / brands facing challenges in the modern social landscape. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense o...
Jul 07, 2020•39 min•Ep. 67
Following the Patriots' widely praised acquisition of Cam Newton, Professor Mike Lewis applies concepts such as The Winner's Curse and Probability Distribution to evaluate the deal from an analytical angle. Then, Mike and co-host Doug Battle analyze how New England's perceived low cost move may cost the organization years of Super Bowl contention down the road. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcas...
Jun 30, 2020•43 min•Ep. 66
Consumer behavior is the academic field that focuses on why people make choices and engage in consumption of various products and services. In Class 3, Professor Mike Lewis discusses the key elements of consumer behavior in sports. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com and fanalytics.sub...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 65
If the NBA and MLB return in 2020, this year's champions will undoubtedly see an asterisk next to their championship title. In this episode, Professor Mike Lewis and his co-host Doug Battle dive deep into the factors at play and the leagues that aren't. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics....
Jun 23, 2020•38 min•Ep. 64
Professor Mike Lewis uses the theories of cognitive bias, regression to the mean, and the winner's curse to break down NFL spending on QBs in lieu of Dak Prescott's contract hold out. Then, Mike and co-host Doug Battle discuss the cause of declining ESPN ratings amidst a season of widespread division. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Chec...
Jun 16, 2020•35 min•Ep. 63
Doug details the NBAs return plan, and Professor Mike Lewis explores implications for players, teams, leagues, and even the 2020 election. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com and fanalytics.substack.com. And make sure to follow us on social! Instagram: @fanalyticsmikelewis Twitter: @fa...
Jun 09, 2020•23 min•Ep. 62
Because fandom is so powerful and is driven by how teams perform on the field, Professor Mike Lewis uses it as the foundation for thinking about the topic of sports analytics. In this class, Professor Lewis breaks down his framework for understanding fandom. He also explores the academic disciplines that contribute to sports analytics and looks ahead to how he will apply each throughout this course. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytic...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 61
Today’s episode focuses on MLB and the 2020 season. MLB’s plans for a version of the 2020 season “seem” to be in flux due in part to some contentious negotiations between owners and players. In this episode, Professor Mike Lewis discusses these negotiations, the MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement, and how discussions regarding the 2020 season may foreshadow whats to come with next year's CBA. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is...
Jun 02, 2020•16 min•Ep. 60
Professor Mike Lewis breaks down why nostalgic content featuring sports icons Mike Tyson, Tom Brady, and Michael Jordan has dominated the media during these weeks of quarantine. Then, Doug Battle reacts to a proposed NBA return in Disney World as Mike evaluates the plan's brand implications. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more...
May 26, 2020•20 min•Ep. 59
In the first installment of Fanalytics University, Emory Professor Mike Lewis introduces the podcast version of his Sports Marketing & Analytics course and gives a glimpse of what's to come. Mike approaches the subjects of Sports Marketing & Analytics from a unique angle centered on the creation of valuable, lifelong fans. With this end goal in mind, Fanalytics U seeks to explore the role of sports analytics in creating the teams that elicit passionate fandom. Follow along on fanalyticsw...
May 21, 2020•43 min•Ep. 58
Professor Mike Lewis and his co-host Doug Battle give their final thoughts on ESPN's "The Last Dance" docuseries. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com and fanalytics.substack.com. And make sure to follow us on social! Instagram: @fanalyticsmikelewis Twitter: @fanalyticsmike YouTube: @fa...
May 19, 2020•24 min•Ep. 57
As Zion Williamson faces impermissible benefit allegations tracing back to his high school recruitment, Mike and Doug break down how the alleged scandal could effect college athletics as a whole. This leads to continued discussion regarding the NBA G League and its potential to change college basketball forever. The discussion evolves beyond basketball as Mike and Doug observe how college football could face a similar fate down the road... and how players at one position in particular could bene...
May 12, 2020•32 min•Ep. 56
Mike Lewis and Doug Battle observe how the perfect storm enabled Michael Jordan to create an inimitable brand. Then, the two break down the complexities that prevent world class athletes from achieving such universal appeal in the modern era. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com and fan...
May 05, 2020•39 min•Ep. 55
Following two rivalry-focused installments of "The Last Dance," Doug Battle breaks down how the Bulls embraced a former enemy in Dennis Rodman while Professor Mike Lewis explains what this can teach in regards to fandom. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandomanalytics.com and fanalytics.substack.com. ...
Apr 28, 2020•26 min•Ep. 54
In this 2020 NFL Draft Special, Emory Professor Mike Lewis and his co-host Doug Battle preview the 2020 NFL Draft from an intellectual angle. Mike discusses how statistical forecasting, cognitive biases, and dynamic optimization each play crucial roles in the draft, while Doug ties these concepts to historical NFL Draft examples. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the ...
Apr 23, 2020•51 min•Ep. 53
Mike and Doug discuss how Jalen Green's decision to forgo college in favor of the NBA G League may signify the NCAA's last dance with top basketball prospects. Then, Mike delves into the marketing significance of sports narratives as Doug recaps the first 2 episodes of ESPN's new Michael Jordan docuseries: 'The Last Dance.' Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world ...
Apr 21, 2020•31 min•Ep. 52
In an MLB spring special, Mike and Doug dive into the Astros cheating scandal as well as the potential roadblocks in the way of a summer season. Then, Mike breaks down his annual MLB Fandom Rankings as he and Doug discuss the best and worst fandoms in baseball. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fanalyticsmike/message Fanalytics is a part of the Professors.fm podcast network - making sense of the world with top scholars. Check out more Fanalytics content at fandoman...
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 51
