As impressive as James was, I just didn’t care for him. He came across as somewhat arrogant to me. Matt seems much more humble. But, I think James’s arrogance and gutsy betting is what caused him to garner so much more attention.
Answering with just a last name is fairly common among high level players. It eliminates mispronouncing a first name by adding a syllable, for example, and being ruled incorrect. Look at final Jeopardy a couple of days ago. The response was “biathlon”. Game was a runaway, but the contestant who wrote “biathalon” was ruled incorrect. Misspelling is OK, adding syllables is not. If the answer is “Kirk” from Star Trek, “James Tiberius Kirk” shouldn’t be required, for example!
On another note, has any one else noticed the upgrade in Matt’s wardrobe lately? Seems like he figures he’ll be able to pay a larger than normal credit card bill!!
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Matt mentioned last night that the sweater he was wearing was a hand-me-down from a previous contestant. I don’t remember who.
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Not sure if he said who gave him the sweater or not, but the other day he was wearing a very sharp suit. At the start of his run his dress I believe was way more casual.
Yeah, we’re down to talking about Matt’s clothes, but what else is left to discuss?
Matt said he had purchased some clothes during his run but that the sweater he had on yesterday’s show was “inherited” from James Weldon who I believe was a contestant that Matt beat earlier in his run.
You can watch the clip on Jeopardy’s twitter feed but I don’t think we can link that here?
And for those people keeping score at home, I believe that today’s show is the last one with Mike Richards as producer.
I was surprised to see Mike Richards still listed in the credits earlier this week.
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This past week, Matt answered a question about an early President by saying “Adams.” I thought they should have required either John or John Quincy also. Another time he answered a question by saying “FDR.” I wonder if they would have accepted Roosevelt!
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I noticed that for the first time last night.
Anyone else notice that Matt seems to have gotten a good haircut finally?
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There was a gap between when Richards was out as host and when he was out as producer. They taped shows with him just as producer which I believe will run out with today’s show.
I agree on the Adams answer. Surprised they took that. Usually the host says they need more details. Typically they only require last names (unless there can be confusion like with Roosevelt or Adams or if the category is Famous Smiths). And while you don’t need to give the first name (unless its required), giving an incorrect one makes your response incorrect. A year or so ago in Final Jeopardy a contestant wrote “Barry Gordy” when it should have been “Berry Gordy.” Ruled incorrect though if you go with pronunciation, I think that one was correct. Had she just put “Gordy” she would have been correct. And I think she even noted that she wasn’t sure.
Matt is very disciplined. Uses What’s every time. Doesn’t have to think about it and I think it throws some other contestants off a little (like they are thinking if the show will correct him on that). Bets round numbers that gives himself cushion if he is wrong. Gives last name only.
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Our ds’s Quiz Bowl coach in high school taught players to only give last names for answers.
What a coincidence. Matt went to Ohio State, very recent contestant Tyler Seiple went to Ohio State, and today’s contestant, Claire Lyon, went to Ohio State. Must be something in the water there! 
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How about Mayim Bialik’s clothes? She actually looked okay tonight with a shorter skirt and heels, although the jacket was still kind of boxy. She usually looks like she’s wearing her father’s suit coat over a long skirt and flats. The Jeopardy wardrobe department has been sprucing her up a little since she started hosting the new season - silky blouses and attractive eyeglass frames.
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My mother commented on Mayim’s new look at the beginning of the season and again tonight. I think her jackets look a little more tailored and a better haircut and glasses. My mother wasn’t a fan in the summer shows but is liking her more.
And when an 86 year old is commenting on how ‘matronly’ your skirts and blazers look, it really might be time for a style change.
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I have an Ohio State degree too. Maybe I should take the test. 
Though in the last 2 games, OSU grads are only 2-2 which isn’t a great record. LOL
There was a lot said about Mayim’s wardrobe in her stint as guest host:
I think Mayim’s clothing is rather matronly but that might be her comfort zone or reflect her religious beliefs. I do think she is doing a great job as host.
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Mayim has spoken and written extensively about her wish to follow her religious values, including modesty. Her wardrobe choices are hers to make.
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I am really enjoying Mayim as host and would be happy if she got the full time job.
Not especially worried about her wardrobe… I’m sure that given time they will get into a groove and find a “look” that will work for everyone. I did read that at least for the guest host slot she specifically wanted to wear a blazer every day as a homage to Alex Trebek who was always in a suit and tie on Jeopardy. (FWIW I came across some old Concentration shows Alex Trebek hosted where there were some very questionable wardrobe choices LOL).
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“I am really enjoying Mayim as host and would be happy if she got the full time job.”
Concur. Mayim was not one of my faves when she guest-hosted, but she seems to be hitting her stride and the show runs well.
If the gets the FT gig, Sony can afford a designer to crank out some beautiful yet modest clothes if she is interested.
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