“Gary, we would like you to blog on our RCN TV Web page.”

That request from our marketing department is responsible for the ruminations, ramblings and some coherent thoughts that will occupy this space. I call the blog “Behind the Mike” because that is where I have been for over 40 years and it is the perspective I bring to this space. I anticipate that most (but, perhaps, not all) of my blogs will concern the sporting world. I will offer up some NFL weekly predictions, much like I used to do on the radio each week. I am most associated with sports and I assume there might actually be a few people who care about my opinions (I am not sure why) on both the local and national level.

From time to time, I will probably get particularly irritated or, hopefully, excited with events outside of sports and feel compelled to say something. No matter what, my goal is to be interesting. That critique, however, is entirely up to you.

In addition, I will have a section called “Above the Ears” where I will offer short comments and observations about almost anything, but, again, sports will be the focus.

I certainly welcome YOUR thoughts and comments. After all, a blog is only interesting if there is dialogue.

Let’s chat next week.

ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)

1. Do you look at political debates like a sporting event and root for a loser or a winner? Do you cheer on your candidate and inwardly boo the other? OR, do you even watch??
2. Two weeks ago, I was in Pittsburgh to do a football game and headed out to eat with four other people. On the way, the decision was made to go to the Pirates game instead. We bought $28 tickets on the street for $10. Unbeknowst to us, it was “Fan Appreciation Night”. We received a free T-shirt on the way in, had box seats along the third base line, and proceeded to watch Homer Bailey of the Cincinnati Reds add to baseball history by pitching a no-hitter. Good $10 investment.
3. Do you think if Tim Tebow was really better than Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan still would start Sanchez? Coaches play the player that they believe is better, especially if their livelihood depends on it.
4. I do not think any team can challenge Alabama for college football’s national championship. Do you?
5. Joe Paterno’s successor, Bill O’Brien, was the perfect choice for Penn State University.

NFL PICKS FOR THIS WEEK

• Steelers
• Bengals
• Colts
• Bucs
• Falcons
• Ravens
• Eagles
• Dolphins
• Patriots
• Cardinals
• Vikings
• 49ers
• Packers
• Broncos

People may not realize that the district playoff system for ALL HS Sports (except for golf) has been changed, starting with the current HS sports season this fall. As opposed to the old “power point” system, that no one ever really seemed to fully understand, this new system, although confusing to follow through the initial reading, does feature some advantages, including an emphasis on trying to keep playoff games as close to home as possible. The system also will look to be somewhat easier to follow and is expected to be updated regularly so fans, coaches, players and media members can have a more current idea of the standings and what must be accomplished to make the district playoffs.

District XI’s AAAA Football and AA, AAA Boys Volleyball will be a sub-regional and therefore follow the sub-regional format. The power rating will be a combination of the team’s weighted winning percentage (TWWP) and their opponents’ weighted winning percentage (OWWP). The power rating would be the sum of 55 percent of the team’s TWWP and 45 percent of the team’s OWWP. The TWWP is based on the results of all games that a team plays. It values wins and losses by the classification of the opponent. The TWWP is calculated by dividing the WEIGHTED WIN VALUE by the sum of the WEIGHTED WIN VALUE and WEIGHTED LOSS VALUE. The complete version of new format–based on the system used by District III–is available on their website.

If this new system still seems hard to follow–you’re not alone. We debated the new process a few weeks ago on RCN SportsTalk and it was met with mixed reviews (that show is available on video-on-demand as part of our “Football Preview Show.” ) Also, we’ll have District XI Chair Jason Zimmerman and other local athletic directors on this Thursday’s show (live at 6pm) to help take us through the process and to answer any questions you may have.

Do you think the system needed changing? And does this seem like a marketable improvement over the previous system, or should more be done? Weigh in with your comments and suggestions or email me at rcnsportstalk@rcn.com with your comments or questions and we’ll address them with our special panelists from the district on this week’s show.