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Purdue gets defensive by hiring former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters as its head coach
Ryan Walters, who has spent the past two seasons as Illinois' defensive coordinator, will replace Jeff Brohm as Purdue's new head football coach.
The early signing period is almost a week away, and Notre Dame’s coaching staff continues to hit the recruiting trail this week with Irish players in finals week. On this week's Inside ND Sports podcast, Eric Hansen and Tyler James invited on a guest who knows plenty about the demands of being a Notre Dame football player and preparing for a bowl game: former Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski (2003-07). Zbikowski, who spent this past season as a defensive quality control coach at Western Michigan, joined the podcast to discuss Notre Dame's first season under head coach Marcus Freeman, what preparing for a bowl game is like, if he would have sat out a bowl game, his best bowl memory, his transition from boxing to coaching, if he thinks college football coaching is his future, why it's important to him and more.
Investors need to pay close attention to HP (HPQ) stock based on the movements in the options market lately. | 2022-12-14T22:09:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Poles told Roquan Smith he planned to build around him | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-poles-told-roquan-smith-205251869.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-poles-told-roquan-smith-205251869.html?src=rss |
The Seahawks should have rookie running back Ken Walker back in the lineup for tomorrow night’s game against the 49ers. Walker has no status on today’s injury report so he should be good to go, despite suffering a knee injury just 10 days ago. However, five other players are listed as questionable, including Ryan Neal and Al Woods.
Here’s the team’s complete injury report for Week 15.
Rest/knee
OL Kyle Fuller
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Brock Purdy had little time to celebrate a successful first career start. Purdy is trying to heal from injuries to his oblique and ribs while preparing for a trip to notoriously tough Seattle on a short week for the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy got injured on a scramble on the second drive of Sunday's 35-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was able to stay in the game and threw two TD passes and ran for another score. | 2022-12-14T22:09:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks Week 15 injury report: RB Ken Walker expected to play vs. 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-week-15-injury-report-213106347.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-week-15-injury-report-213106347.html?src=rss |
Trevor Lawrence is, statistically, turning into the guy everyone's been waiting for
Trevor Lawrence has arrived. This is the player that the Jaguars and their entire fanbase have been waiting for since they joined the NFL in the 1990s. There have been spurts of quality play from Jaguars quarterbacks since their inception, but none of them have shown the promise that Lawrence has. They’ve taken their swings on guys like Blaine Gabbert and Blake Bortles, but Lawrence is starting to show that he can be the crown jewel of the franchise — and maybe end up being the best player in Jacksonville's brief existence.
According to Ben Baldwin of The Athletic, Lawrence has ranked fifth in expected points added per play over the previous four weeks of the season (0.265) among the 35 quarterbacks with at least 60 plays in that timespan. He's been accurate, decisive and has had some clutch moments like the Jaguars' last-second win over the Ravens a few weeks ago. He’s not the best quarterback in the NFL, but he’s certainly turned into someone worth building around for sustained success.
Let's be real, nobody who isn't a fan of the NFC South teams wants to watch any of them play football in the playoffs. And even some of those fans don't want to either. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
What a year for trades involving a first-round pick
The Rams might be the only team that doesn’t regret trading their upcoming first-round pick for the 2023 NFL draft. Winning an elusive Super Bowl trophy is probably worth a couple years worth of losing and bad play. There’s a real-life benefit towards winning the Super Bowl that should be considered when talking about the loss of draft picks and being stuck in cap hell. Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford and the other Rams with legacies on the line were immortalized in NFL lore thanks to winning that game, so won't be worried as much about the Lions having their first-rounder this year.
The Saints and the Broncos? Oh boy, they have to be absolutely kicking themselves right now. At least from the jump, the Broncos' plan made sense on paper. They thought they had a Super Bowl-caliber defense and added one of the best quarterbacks from this era of football to their roster. It was a plan that was supposed to vault them into the ranks of the bonafide contenders, but that just has not happened. Not even close. The Broncos have had one of the worst offenses this century of football has seen and currently sit at 3-10 on the season. According to Tankathon, if the NFL draft was held today, the Broncos would be sending the second overall pick to Seattle in exchange for Russell Wilson. Yikes! They’re stuck with Wilson for the next few years so all they can really do is hope and pray that he can regain the powers he once held that made him a force on offense.
What the Saints did is just inconceivable. They ended up going all-in on a roster that everyone, except them, knew was not ready to make a real run towards the playoffs. In their quest to take Chris Olave in the first round of this year’s draft, they ended up trading a first-round pick for next year’s draft. It appears that they got the talent evaluation correct on Olave, but they paid a huge price for him. The Eagles own the Saints' pick this year, which is currently slated to be fifth overall.
The season is almost over, which means the dark day known as Black Monday will only get closer and closer. A few head coaches will end up losing their jobs. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and Colts head coach Frank Reich have already been let go this season and a few others could join them. Here are a few other teams that could be looking at a new head coach.
Arizona Cardinals: Kliff Kingsbury received a contract extension this year, but things have been trending down for too long in Arizona without any real sign of progress over the past year or so. To be fair to Kingsbury, general manager Steve Keim should be sent on his way as well if Kingsbury does get the boot.
Houston Texans: Hey man, sometimes the game is the game. Lovie Smith was set up to fail this season for a team that didn’t even really want to hire him in the first place. The Texans are lucky that NFL coaching jobs are extremely coveted and they’re likely to have the first pick in the draft because otherwise this would be a stay-away situation. They’re on the brink of having their third head coach in as many years.
New Orleans Saints: This is probably a dark horse option here, but Dennis Allen hasn’t really worked out. He’s a great defensive mind and play-caller, but at the same time, he’s failed the Saints as a head coach. Maybe the Saints can get Sean Payton back in the door with a little coaxing, but so far it appears that Allen has been a decisive downgrade for them.
Ejiro Evero, Broncos defensive coordinator: Ejiro Evero is a first-time defensive coordinator, but he’s the only piece of the Broncos coaching that actually works. Evero has done a great job keeping the Broncos defense engaged and productive during what has been a lost season.
Dan Quinn, Cowboys defensive coordinator: Dan Quinn has been on these lists for a few years now and he has another strong case to re-enter the head coaching ranks after leading Dallas’ defense to another top season.
Jonathan Gannon, Eagles defensive coordinator: Gannon leads what has been one of the best defenses in the NFL this season. Production usually gets people hired to head coaching positions and Gannon has been one of the best.
Lou Anarumo, Bengals defensive coordinator: It’s funny that Anarumo finds himself on this list because he wasn’t even the Bengals' first or second option when they were looking at defensive coordinators. Still, he’s done a fine job as and should get a serious look at head coaching gigs after the season. | 2022-12-14T22:09:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trevor Lawrence is becoming The Guy; NFC South shouldn't be allowed a playoff team; and previewing the head coaching market | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-lawrence-is-becoming-the-guy-nfc-south-shouldnt-be-allowed-a-playoff-team-and-previewing-the-head-coaching-market-215644721.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-lawrence-is-becoming-the-guy-nfc-south-shouldnt-be-allowed-a-playoff-team-and-previewing-the-head-coaching-market-215644721.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ duo of No. 1 overall picks, Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker, were two of four players on the team who didn’t practice Wednesday due to injuries.
Lawrence, 23, is still nursing a sprained toe that he suffered in a Week 13 loss against the Detroit Lions. Despite missing two days of practice last week, Lawrence played against the Tennessee Titans and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors with a four-touchdown performance.
Walker, 21, suffered a high ankle sprain during the Jaguars’ Week 14 win against the Titans and is “day-to-day,” according to coach Doug Pederson.
Also held out of action Wednesday were cornerback Darious Williams and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff due to abdominal injuries.
Andrew “Dewey” Wingard suffered a shoulder injury early in the Jaguars’ win over the Titans, but quickly returned and played the remainder of the game. Linebacker Chad Muma and safety Andre Cisco both sat out last week due to their injuries.
The Dallas Cowboys’ injury report will be posted here when it is released.
Never mind the fireworks and deafening pop music that await at Al Bayt stadium -- the real pre-match show for the World Cup semi-final between Morocco and France was provided on Tuesday by Walid Regragui.
Which impending free agent should be at the top of the Jaguars' wish list in 2023?
The Blackhawks are going back to the five-forward look on the first power play unit after hitting a mini dry spell as of late. | 2022-12-14T22:09:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trevor Lawrence, Travon Walker sit out Jaguars practice Wednesday | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-lawrence-travon-walker-sit-210722005.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-lawrence-travon-walker-sit-210722005.html?src=rss |
During the preseason, the Minnesota Vikings had some quarterback issues. They initially went into training camp with Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion but it became evident that they couldn’t roll into the season with those two behind starter Kirk Cousins.
Before the season started, they traded for Nick Mullens to be the backup quarterback and signed David Blough to the practice squad as extra depth. He had appeared in seven games with five starts and threw for 1,033 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions.
With Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray suffering a season-ending torn ACL on Monday night, they signed Blough off of the Vikings practice squad to provide depth behind Colt McCoy for the rest of the season. They had recently signed Carson Strong to the practice squad. He ran the true Air Raid while at Nevada and will translate well to what the Cardinals run in Arizona.
With the move, the Vikings now have an open spot on their practice squad. | 2022-12-14T22:09:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Vikings’ practice squad QB David Blough signed by Arizona Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-practice-squad-qb-david-214514826.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-practice-squad-qb-david-214514826.html?src=rss |
Kevin O’Connell has made it clear since being hired as the Vikings’ coach in February that accountability will be key, that responsibility for any problems that arise falls on leadership and that adaptability is of the utmost importance.
So how on earth did he end up hiring Ed Donatell as his defensive coordinator?
The simple answer is that as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons under defensive-mastermind Vic Fangio, Donatell watched his boss run a 3-4 scheme that O’Connell thought would be perfect for his new team. In part that’s because Fangio’s scheme often caused problems for the offensive-minded O’Connell, who was the coordinator for the Rams.
What O’Connell must not have missed in the interview process is that the 65-year-old Donatell’s playbook includes the old “bury your head in the sand,” call. Three days after the Vikings’ defense gave up 464 yards in an ugly 34-23 loss to the Detroit Lions, Donatell put the blame for the Vikings’ issues more on execution than scheme.
This came after O’Connell talked a few times this week about the need for improvement and the role coaching plays in making immediate improvements. It wasn’t too hard to read between the lines and figure out O’Connell wanted Donatell to get his act together.
The head coach wasn’t wrong. The Vikings have given up 400-plus yards in a franchise record five consecutive games, they have the NFL’s worst total defense when it comes to yards allowed (403.7 per game), are also last in pass defense (287.2), rank 16th in run defense (116.5) and are 25th in scoring defense (24.1 points per game).
There needs to be an urgency to get this fixed that borders on a crisis situation. Donatell, however, spent Thursday preaching patience with a dose of Pollyanna mixed in. “Eventually we’ll be there,” he said. “We know what we’re doing and how to do it.”
Really? Could have fooled those of us who watched Sunday’s game, or the Dallas game, or any other game where yards came far too easily. And that doesn’t even get to the eventually part. There are four, four!, regular-season games left and the Vikings are sitting at 10-3 and on the verge of clinching the NFC North.
So does that mean Donatell’s defense will start to click in three weeks, or in the playoffs, or next season after an upset loss in the first round that was the result of another defensive meltdown?
Is this the assurance he gave O’Connell, who clearly realizes the need for immediate improvement? The Vikings are having the type of season that can’t be counted on to repeat itself, and Donatell sounds like a guy who is a coordinator for a six-win team that is hoping for better luck next year.
The biggest issue with Donatell’s “it’s the execution and not the scheme” stance is that it puts the onus on the players. The insinuation being that his players aren’t doing a good enough job. The problem with that is the Vikings are 13 games into their season and if the players aren’t executing the scheme than significant adjustments should already have been made.
It’s also not comforting to know that Donatell is running a scheme because O’Connell’s admiration for Fangio caused him to hire the guy who knows the guy who was the brains behind the operation.
The argument from the apologists will be that it’s far too late to overhaul the scheme. That is true, but nobody is asking Donatell for an overhaul. What would be nice is in-season adjustments — something that is common during an NFL season — that would put the Vikings’ best defensive players in a position to succeed.
This defense isn’t bereft of talent. That talent pool includes former Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, who has seven sacks in 13 games and is being employed more as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 look.
Hunter, who still plays with his hand on the ground in certain looks, was one of the NFL’s best defensive ends before missing most of the past two seasons because of injuries. But the 28-year-old has been healthy this year and still puts out favorable grades, according to Pro Football Focus.
The issue is that Hunter has only two sacks in the past five games, including none in the past two, and far too often goes lengthy stretches without making a noticeable play. “I think he’s getting more comfortable every week,” Donatell said. “It’ll take the whole year. Standing up and playing in our base is a little new to him, still…”
Ed Donatell not too concerned with Danielle Hunter's slow start
New to him? Thirteen games in? Donatell is saying that Hunter still isn’t comfortable in the scheme and — unless you think Hunter can no longer play — the answer making sure he was put in a role to be comfortable weeks ago.
Donatell’s thoughts on his defense are very close to what Brad Childress said back in 2006, when the team’s offense was struggling late in the season and there were some questions about the West Coast scheme the first-year head coach had employed with the Vikings. “I know it’s a kick-ass offense when it’s executed properly,” Childress said at the time.
What Childress ignored then, and Donatell is ignoring now, is that it’s up to the coach and coordinators to marry their schemes with the personnel they are given. The Vikings had several defensive starters back this season and, thus, it was up to Donatell to make sure that his scheme worked for those players.
Unfortunately, he has failed and preaching patience for a team that has increased expectations seems like another losing call.
'We'll work through this': Ed Donatell talks Vikings defensive issues | 2022-12-14T22:10:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zulgad: Vikings’ Ed Donatell has his head buried in the Pollyanna playbook | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-vikings-ed-donatell-head-205122462.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-vikings-ed-donatell-head-205122462.html?src=rss |
Former Arizona coach Sean Miller not sanctioned in NCAA case originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Tapestry Inc. Named to America's Most Responsible Companies List for Work on Sustainability, Social Impact and Equity, Inclusion & Diversity
Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE:TPR), a global house of brands including Coach, kate spade and Stuart Weitzman, has been named to Newsweek's America's Most Responsible Companies 2023 List. | 2022-12-14T22:11:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Arizona coach Sean Miller not sanctioned in NCAA case | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-arizona-coach-sean-miller-204516243.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-arizona-coach-sean-miller-204516243.html?src=rss |
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina coach Shane Beamer believes the 20th-ranked Gamecocks are surging forward, no matter how many players they've lost to the NCAA transfer portal or the NFL draft since the regular season ended.
South Carolina (8-4, No. 19 CFP) closed Beamer's second season in a stunning way - defeating then-No. 5 Tennessee 63-38 on Nov. 19 before ending the 40-game home winning streak of then-No. 7 Clemson, 31-30, a week later.
''I feel like some people might need a reminder of some of the things we've done here at South Carolina this past season,'' he said.
''Maybe outside this building,'' he continued, ''there's a perception that the momentum slipped. That couldn't be further from the truth.''
''We're constantly trying to get the right people on the bus. We're trying to take this program to a place it's never been before,'' he said. ''There's bumps along the way. Sometimes, as you climb higher and higher, people get off that bus.''
''Obviously, when he got back home, some things in his mind changed that I wasn't aware of or that we didn't talk about that day,'' Beamer said.
''We played a lot of games with two or three tight ends on the field,'' he said. ''We're not going to be able to do that.''
Also new since the regular season's end is the addition of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, who spent 2005-2020 on NFL staffs before coaching tight ends at Arkansas the past two years.
Loggains said the culture Beamer has built in two seasons enticed him to take over the attack. Loggains recalled earlier this season when he helped the Razorbacks defeat South Carolina 44-30 and didn't think the team would bounce back.
''I was kind of shocked at the way you guys finished,'' he said.
To keep that going, Loggains knows he'll need to convince Rattler that there's more success ahead. The fourth-year passer threw for 798 yards and eight touchdowns (a school-record six in the Tennessee win) in South Carolina's past two victories.
Rattler is ''the biggest recruit since my wife,'' Loggains said.
Watch the Game Highlights from New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils, 12/12/2022
Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams are teaming up to produce a music documentary for Discovery+. Won’t Be Silent, directed by Kristi Jacobson, will celebrate songs from female artists that have impacted the world on a variety of issues. “The film is a love letter to the women in music who have used their voices to change […]
Belief in Pittman led Ben Sowders to Arkansas
New Arkansas strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders is already off to a hot start with the Hogs. | 2022-12-14T22:36:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Beamer: No. 20 South Carolina positive despite defections | https://sports.yahoo.com/beamer-no-20-south-carolina-210107858.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/beamer-no-20-south-carolina-210107858.html?src=rss |
Things ended abruptly for former Michigan football tight end Erick All in Ann Arbor.
He had a back injury he tried to work through, but after one game, he was unable to play and had season-ending surgery. After the regular season came to a close, he surprised many by announcing that he was ending his time as a Wolverine and would be entering the NCAA transfer portal.
Now we know where All is heading. And it’s a team that Michigan could potentially see in the future.
All took to Twitter to announce that he’s joining former Wolverines QB Cade McNamara in Iowa City, as he has also pledged to the Hawkeyes.
All has two years of eligibility remaining, though he’s expected to be a high-end NFL draft pick once he does decide to declare. Given Iowa’s penchant for tight end use, it makes total sense that it would be his destination of choice. Iowa is not on the schedule at the moment, but the Wolverines and Hawkeyes could always meet in next year’s Big Ten Championship game. | 2022-12-14T22:36:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Erick All makes transfer decision with new commitment | https://sports.yahoo.com/erick-makes-transfer-decision-commitment-171601887.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/erick-makes-transfer-decision-commitment-171601887.html?src=rss |
As Penn State prepares for a trip to the Rose Bowl to face Pac-12 champion Utah, it is looking more and more as though the Nittany Lions will be mostly fully equipped. In an age of players opting out of the bowl season, Penn State’s list of players to be made available for its local media day suggests that won’t be a major issue for Penn State in Pasadena.
Other than cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver Parker Washington, who each declared for the NFL draft, Penn State’s media day roster has all of the players you would hope to play one final game for the program despite being eligible for the 2023 NFL draft. As noted by Lions247, that includes players like safety Ji'Ayir Brown, wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley, and defensive tackle PJ Mustipher.
Of course, this is not a guarantee that all draft-eligible players will actually play in the Rose Bowl. A player could opt out at any time, and that could still be possible for Penn State in the weeks leading up to the Rose Bowl for one reason or another. But for now, it looks like all systems are go for the most part.
Penn State faces Utah in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2023. It will be the fourth New Years Six game for the program under head coach James Franklin. | 2022-12-14T22:37:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | It looks like Penn State won’t have many opt-outs for Rose Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/looks-penn-state-won-t-221710016.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/looks-penn-state-won-t-221710016.html?src=rss |
Michigan football coaches have been on the road recruiting with early signing day fast approaching, but it’s now also time to start preparing for the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
The team has gotten some reps inside of Al Glick Fieldhouse, and soon enough, fans will have an opportunity to witness the Wolverines getting ready to face TCU in mere weeks.
The maize and blue announced on Wednesday that they will be holding an open practice inside of Al Glick Fieldhouse on Saturday, and that fans will be able to witness the final 45 minutes of the team’s preparation. It’s the first time since spring 2019 that fans will be able to take in an open practice of any sort.
The event starts at 3:15 p.m. and is limited to 200 attendees.
No. 2 Michigan will take on No. 3 TCU in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. EST with the game being nationally broadcast on ESPN.
Additionally, members of the football team and women’s gymnastics team will participate in a meet-and-greet and autograph signing inside Oosterbaan Field House following the open practice. The signing is being put on by Valiant and there will be a fee for entry. | 2022-12-14T22:37:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan football to hold open public practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-hold-open-public-213115270.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-hold-open-public-213115270.html?src=rss |
Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Zach Arnett will become MSU’s new head coach. Arnett served as Leach’s defensive coordinator for the three seasons Leach was in charge in Starkville.
Leach died Monday due to complications from a heart issue. He was 61.
Arnett was given the interim head coach tag on Sunday when Leach was hospitalized. Less than a week later, he is expected to be given the full-time job.
Arnett, 36, is expected to receive a four-year contract, according to ESPN. With the early signing period coming next week and the transfer window open, the school opted to move quickly in an effort to give the program stability and help the players grieve.
“The school wants to give the players a strong leader to help them through the grieving process and give them stability,” a source said. “Zach is the guy for that. Zach embodies MSU and understands it, and he’s going to build on the foundation that Coach Leach set.”
When Leach left Washington State to take the Mississippi State job, he hired Arnett to be his defensive coordinator. Arnett is a New Mexico graduate and a disciple of Rocky Long, the longtime New Mexico and San Diego State head coach known for using a 3-3-5 defense.
Arnett was the defensive coordinator for Long at SDSU when Leach brought him to the SEC. Arnett coached under Long from 2011 to 2019, working his way up from graduate assistant to defensive coordinator.
Now Arnett will have the opportunity to lead an SEC program as a first-time head coach. Under Arnett’s watch, MSU ranked in the top five in the SEC in total defense the last three seasons.
Mississippi State went 8-4 in the regular season, capped off by beating rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. The Egg Bowl victory, Leach’s first, was the 158th and final win in his historic and influential career.
The Bulldogs, No. 22 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, will play Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2 as scheduled, the school confirmed on Tuesday.
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach looks on alongside defensive coordinator Zach Arnett during a college football game against the Auburn Tigers on Nov. 13, 2021 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Dolphins WR coach Wes Welker recalls stories only Mike Leach could create. River Cracraft also credits his old college coach for giving him his start.
Mike Leach was on staff at Valdosta State in the early 1990s when a defensive back from 80 miles away in Bainbridge was on the recruiting radar.
Mississippi State football to promote Zach Arnett to permanent head coach | Source
Mississippi State football is preparing to name Zach Arnett its permanent head coach, a source close to the program confirmed to the Clarion Ledger. | 2022-12-14T22:37:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Reports: Mississippi State to promote Zach Arnett to head coach following death of Mike Leach | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-mississippi-state-to-promote-zach-arnett-to-head-coach-following-death-of-mike-leach-222253661.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-mississippi-state-to-promote-zach-arnett-to-head-coach-following-death-of-mike-leach-222253661.html?src=rss |
Most Heisman Trophy candidates don’t start the season on the bench.
Your Caleb Williamses, your CJ Strouds, even your Stetson Bennetts, we’ve seen these guys for years, we’ve heard their names even longer. (In Bennett’s case, nearly a decade.) Climbing from a backup role to an invitation to the Heisman ceremony in New York over the course of three months is the kind of ascent you expect in over-the-top scripted college football TV shows, not actual college football.
Max Duggan, who guided TCU into the College Football Playoff and earned that Heisman love for it, already has enough storylines in his past to make for an entire Netflix series. High expectations, early success, injuries and health scares, a humiliating benching, a triumphant season, magnificent comebacks, an emotional plea, all leading to a berth in college football’s marquee event. It’s a hell of a story, and all it’s lacking now is a fitting conclusion.
Max Duggan started this season as TCU's backup quarterback, then due to an injury to the starter, he came in and led the Horned Frogs to a 12-1 season. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
High school: A coach's kid made good
Born with a sterling athletic pedigree — his father was a South Dakota quarterback and his mother was a South Dakota hurdler — Max lived football from birth, wearing old Green Bay Packers helmets around the house as a lad. Jim Duggan had been a football coach for years before Max’s birth, so when Max came along, he gravitated toward the sideline, handing out water to players and soaking up lessons every day, whether he realized it or not.
Justin Kammrad joined Jim Duggan’s staff at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa when Max was still a middle-schooler. Even then Kammrad could see there was something different about the kid. “He had all the intangibles, he was heads above the other kids,” recalls Kammrad, who took over the Lewis Central program after the elder Duggan retired. “When he was in eighth grade, he would come work out with the high schoolers after basketball practices at middle school. Not many kids his age would do that.”
By the time he reached high school, it was clear Max was destined for, if not greatness, at least high school-level fame. That happens when you’re the coach’s kid … and you get handed the keys to the team when you’re just 14. He won the job of starting quarterback at Lewis Central as a freshman, beating out an upperclassman for the job.
The fact that Max was the coach’s son raised eyebrows and caused some grumbling in the stands, but Kammrad insists it was ultimately his call, not the senior Duggan’s, to start Max. Very quickly, it became obvious that Max was right for the job regardless of the name on the back of his jersey. Duggan threw for 1,400 yards his freshman year, and threw only 10 interceptions his entire high school career.
“After my freshman year of high school is when I started to realize that it was a real possibility that I could go somewhere [to play college football],” Duggan recently told TCU’s university magazine. “I never expected it to be at TCU or a Power Five. But there were small schools around southwest Iowa that were reaching out to me. After my sophomore year was when I received my offer from Iowa. That’s when it became a reality that I would have a chance to go play Power Five football.”
“From a football-playing standpoint, Max never really displayed any struggles,” Kammrad says. “I know that’s crazy to say. The one thing he struggled with was an injury his junior year, when he had a broken thumb. But from that, you saw strong leadership. He knew he couldn’t play, so he was actively involved in the game plan, in practice, helping [his replacement] to be the best possible quarterback until he got healthy enough.”
By the time of that junior season, despite his injury, Duggan was drawing interest from the entire country. He spurned Iowa and Iowa State, preferring to put distance between himself and his hometown. Georgia, Notre Dame, Penn State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon and Tennessee were happy to entice him. But a visit to TCU in March of his junior year — and in particular a connection with then-TCU offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie — opened Duggan’s eyes and won his loyalty.
“Football was a big part of it,” Duggan said of his decision to leave Iowa. “But outside of football, I wanted to go somewhere new. I wanted to meet new people from all around the country, see new things, gain new interests, and I wanted to go to a school that would set me up for the future.”
Duggan is on the leading edge of a growing trend: quarterbacks committing to their chosen universities in the spring of their junior year, or in some cases even earlier. Colleges want to lock down their prospects as soon as possible to plan for the future, and Duggan fit nicely into TCU’s plans … at least to start.
“We were a little curious about why in-state schools hadn’t recruited him a little harder,” says Adam Gorney, national recruiting director for Rivals. “Looking back, it was a good call [for Duggan to leave Iowa]. At TCU, he could throw the ball around and be a little more creative [than he would have at Iowa or Iowa State]. In typical Midwestern fashion, he wasn’t critical of the in-state schools, he just looked elsewhere.”
Max Duggan's rise as a star quarterback at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, caught the eye of the University of Iowa, who offered him a scholarship. (Rivals.com)
College Part 1: Good, but not good enough
College football’s elite programs thrive on continuity. Coordinators may change, but the head coach — and thus the organizational philosophy — remains the same. Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Clemson … a player arriving at these schools as a freshman can generally count on things remaining stable until his Senior Day. One notch down, though, and the waters get more turbulent.
Duggan didn’t know it, but he was blissfully, naïvely walking into choppy surf. The final three years of the Gary Patterson head coaching regime coincided with the first three years of Duggan’s TCU career. The Horned Frogs went 16-18 over that span, but on-field struggles weren’t the only challenge Duggan faced.
Prior to the 2020 season, Duggan took an EKG test, part of the enhanced testing protocols put in place at the time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The test, which measures the heart’s electrical activity, found an abnormality in Duggan's heart known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, one that required a nine-hour procedure for him to continue playing.
Duggan underwent the procedure and was well enough to start for TCU every game of the 2020 season, leading the Horned Frogs to a six-win year and a spot in what was then called the Mercari Texas Bowl. It would be Duggan's last high point for quite awhile.
The 2021 season was Patterson’s last, and he was fired right around the time Duggan was benched in favor of Chandler Morris, an Oklahoma transfer. The disheveled and discombobulated Horned Frogs finished 5-7 and missed out on postseason play. After TCU hired Sonny Dykes, who made no promises about the starting job, Duggan was looking at the end of his football road.
TCU quarterback Max Duggan (left) has won over first-year head coach Sonny Dykes during the team's magical run to the College Football Playoff. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
No one would have blamed Duggan if he’d leapt into the transfer portal right then. He would have been an attractive prize, a 29-game Big 12 starter with almost 6,000 career passing yards and, thanks to the COVID exemption, two years eligibility remaining. So why didn’t he go?
“He’s an extremely loyal individual, extremely passionate about Fort Worth and TCU,” Kammrad says. “Part of that is the Midwest culture: finish the job, see it through, not jump ship. I’m sure there were a lot of suitors contacting him, but he knew, 'If I leave, there will be a lot of people saying I told you so.'
"He wanted to prove himself once again.”
Duggan ended up starting this season on the bench, but didn’t stay there long. Barely three quarters into TCU’s first game against Colorado, Morris injured his knee when a defender landed on him — not a season-ending injury, but enough to open the door for Duggan.
College Part 2: Riding a rocket
On Duggan's very first play, he broke free for a 33-yard run. He capped his first drive with a touchdown, and never looked back. Morris had only been out for a couple games, but by the time he was ready to return, the TCU train had left the station without him — and with Duggan at the throttle. Duggan’s determination and willingness to finish the job he’d started impressed his new head coach.
“He loses the job, which is hard when you’re getting ready to be a senior, but he never blinks, he never had a bad practice, never pouted, never thought of himself one time. How many people can you say that about?” Dykes said in late September. “He’s the way you want your son to handle that situation.”
What happened next will live on in TCU history: 12 straight victories, an entire season spent dancing on the thin line between brilliance and chaos. Duggan surpassed 3,000 yards passing and 400 yards rushing, with 36 total touchdowns. He led four game-winning drives and was just inches from a fifth.
The last-second hurry-up field goal kick to defeat Baylor looms large in college football’s collective memory, but it was Duggan who orchestrated the drives to bring TCU back from eight points down with barely two minutes to play. The 43-40 double-overtime victory over previously unbeaten Oklahoma State, the wins over five top-20 ranked teams — it all led to the Big 12 championship, where Duggan crafted one of the finest individual efforts of the 2022 season.
Down 28-20 with less than five minutes remaining, facing third-and-15 on his own 30-yard line, Duggan raced 72 yards over multiple plays to set up a touchdown and a game-tying two-point conversion to force overtime. Kansas State won 31-28 in overtime, but TCU’s herculean effort to get there kept playoff-hopeful Alabama at bay — and Duggan’s tearful postgame news conference cemented the Horned Frogs’ slot in the playoff.
"The guy is one of the best players in college football," Dykes said after the game. "I think it's pretty obvious."
It’s been a dizzying rise for the kid from Council Bluffs. He began the year wondering whether he had a future in football. He ended it as the subject of a TCU social media campaign — #HE15MAN — and tribute video narrated by fellow Frog and Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s won acclaim from Heisman winners like Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III. He finished second in Heisman voting behind winner Caleb Williams. He was the subject of a joyously profane tweet from fellow Texas legend Dez Bryant, who gushed after the Big 12 championship, “I wanna drive up to the stadium and shake and salute Max Duggan’s hand … I LOVE FIGHT AND HEART ITS [sic] CONTAGIOUS.”
After the playoff, what next?
Duggan and the rest of the Horned Frogs will need fight and heart to hang with Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal; TCU is currently a 7.5-point underdog. Beyond that, Duggan’s future is murky. He still has a season of eligibility remaining, but he’s also got the attention of the NFL right now.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to say, 'I love this place so much, I’m coming back,'” Kammrad says.
Rivals projects Duggan as a legitimate NFL prospect, a second- or third-day pick, but a viable potential fixture in the league.
“He’s a very talented college quarterback who can make all the throws,” Gorney says. “Playing under Sonny Dykes only helped him. There are definitely going to be NFL teams that take a shot at him. Playing hurt, his competitive drive — teams have gotten much better looks at him this year.”
The question that awaits Duggan is the question that faces every quarterback leveling up to the pro level: can you adjust your game to a much faster speed?
“Can he sit in an NFL pocket and not get hurt, not get hit, and throw the ball all over the field?” Gorney wonders. “From a competitiveness standpoint, leading a franchise — Max could absolutely do that. But he’s a guy coming from the Big 12, where he lines up as fast as humanly possible. Running an NFL offense is a little more complicated.”
Duggan’s journey — starter to bench to starter to CFP — isn’t one many players have made, or would even be willing to make. With all the off-ramps and options available to players now, especially talented one-time starters, Duggan could have skipped out of Fort Worth, but he didn’t, and to Kammrad, that’s an example worth following.
“I hope he’s inspired a lot of young football players by what he’s done,” Kammrad says. “I hope they look at Max differently than what’s currently going on with the transfer portal, and [players] not staying in one place. I hope they look at a kid that didn’t give up, didn’t run away from competition but embraced it, took it as an opportunity to grow and finish what they committed to. I think his story’s truly inspiring.”
Duggan and TCU square off against Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl at 4 pm. ET New Year’s Eve.
(From left) Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, TCU quarterback Max Duggan, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and USC quarterback Caleb Williams were the four finalists for this year's Heisman Trophy. Williams won it and Duggan finished second. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Based on the average brokerage recommendation (ABR), DCP Midstream Partners, LP (DCP) should be added to one's portfolio. Wall Street analysts' overly optimistic recommendations cast doubt on the effectiveness of this highly sought-after metric. So, is the stock worth buying?
College Wire regional editor Patrick Conn broke down his early Heisman candidates for 2023, any surprises on the list? | 2022-12-14T22:37:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | TCU QB Max Duggan's heroic charge to College Football Playoff is something out of a TV script | https://sports.yahoo.com/tcu-qb-max-duggans-heroic-college-football-playoff-charge-is-something-out-of-a-tv-script-214552057.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tcu-qb-max-duggans-heroic-college-football-playoff-charge-is-something-out-of-a-tv-script-214552057.html?src=rss |
''On offense, we will be creative,'' he said in his introductory news conference. ''We will be explosive in the air and on the ground. We will be strategically aggressive, and we will put points on the board and we will put them up in bunches. On defense, you already know how we get down. It's going to be organized chaos from whistle to snap.''
''Seven days ago, I didn't think I could feel worse,'' Daniels said. ''As of the last 72 hours, I couldn't feel better for all the reasons Mike just outlined and you just personified.''
''I thought he was in the upper echelon of the running backs we had faced or were going to face this past season,'' Walters said of Mockobee. ''I found out he was not on scholarship, and you know, now I'm like, `Shoot, this guy needs a scholarship' and I'm reminding myself like, `Well, yeah, you're the head coach, so you can do that.''' | 2022-12-14T22:37:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Walters begins Purdue tenure by promising points, defense | https://sports.yahoo.com/walters-begins-purdue-tenure-promising-202622525.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/walters-begins-purdue-tenure-promising-202622525.html?src=rss |
QBS ON THE MOVE: Power Five teams looking for QBs in the transfer portal
BOWL SCHEDULE: The complete list of all 42 college football bowl matchups
North Carolina State quarterback Devin Leary looks to throw during the first half against Connecticut at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 24, 2022.
Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei tries to avoid a sack by Notre Dame linebacker JD Bertrand during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana on Nov. 5, 2022.
Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders throws a pass against Texas at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., on Oct. 22, 2022.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Transfer portal: Which college football players are set to make move?
Sac State names new head coach
Andy Thompson, who served as defensive coordinator for the Sacramento State Hornets since 2019, was named the 12th head football coach in the program's history on Tuesday. | 2022-12-14T22:37:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Who's in the transfer portal? Listing college football's biggest names preparing to make a move | https://sports.yahoo.com/whos-transfer-portal-listing-college-215544003.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/whos-transfer-portal-listing-college-215544003.html?src=rss |
While Bo Horvat has publicly stated that he does not want to discuss his future with the Vancouver Canucks, it won't stop the hockey world from speculating over possible trade destinations. (Reuters)
Statement from Bo Horvat: "I am focused on this season and playing for the Vancouver Canucks, helping the team in any way I can. I will not have any further comments this year about my future." pic.twitter.com/VkgfXzWq3Y
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 13, 2022
“I've always wanted to keep this kind of thing confidential and I've always, right from the beginning... just wanted to focus on hockey and focus on the team and winning games, and trying to lead this team by example and not let this be a distraction,” Horvat said following Tuesday’s practice. “And that's why I kind of released a statement where I just want people to respect my privacy and my choice to keep this confidential and private.
“Right now, I'm just trying to focus on the team — and that's winning games, trying to make the playoffs and I'm trying to lead by example night in and night out. I feel bad for my teammates having to hear all about this in the media, and I don't want it to be a distraction, so I apologize to them.”
The Capitals currently possess just north of $2.33 million in long-term injured reserve relief space, so acquiring Horvat’s $5.5 million cap hit could be challenging. That could change if the Canucks are willing to retain 50 percent of that figure, though.
If so, landing the six-time 20-goal scorer may be the missing piece to Washington’s roster that it's lacked so far this season.
Compher was among the club’s top performers during its championship run last summer, posting five goals and eight points - including the game-winner in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final. He’s yet to replicate that magic this year, though.
The only positive news is that Colorado currently features roughly $5.26 million in LTIR space, meaning Vancouver wouldn’t be required to retain any salary in a trade. The club would need to delay Landeskog’s return until the playoffs - when the salary cap is no longer in effect - or transfer Josh Manson’s $4.5 million cap hit to LTIR.
Dylan Larkin confident in Red Wings spot in standings, especially with key players out | Brad Galli has more
A complaint filed by the SEC stated that the influencers “bragged and laughed about making profits at the expense of their followers” in private chats.View Entire Post › | 2022-12-14T23:25:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | NHL: Potential trade destinations for Bo Horvat | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-potential-trade-destinations-for-canucks-bo-horvat-215221920.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-potential-trade-destinations-for-canucks-bo-horvat-215221920.html?src=rss |
One of the storylines that will likely be a talking point once the fantasy football season is wrapped is the state of the tight end position. Basically, outside of All-World tight end, Travis Kelce (who looks like he's going to stroll right into another No. 1 fantasy-TE finish this season) the position has been a nightmare for fantasy managers this season.
That's how bonkers — and just plainly disappointing — the position has been this season.
One thing that's been relatively reliable, however, when it comes to tight ends this season is that the Cardinals just haven't been able to cover the position yet again.
Nobody really gets excited when talking about the Denver Broncos offense (though they did show some signs of life in Week 14 against the Chiefs), but Dulcich has flashed a few times since he's made his debut. And, through 14 weeks, the Arizona Cardinals represent the absolute best matchup for fantasy tight ends this season.
Here's the tight end position — check out where Dulcich and the rest of the TEs landed in our analysts' rankings for Week 15: | 2022-12-14T23:25:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Week 15 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends | https://sports.yahoo.com/week-15-fantasy-football-rankings-tight-ends-220130599.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/week-15-fantasy-football-rankings-tight-ends-220130599.html?src=rss |
SEATTLE (AP) A few years ago, Kyle Shanahan celebrated his first division title as San Francisco's coach in the visiting locker room at Seattle after a Sunday night game on the final day of the season that was nearly decided on the final snap.
San Francisco (9-4) is the hottest team in the NFL, having won six straight, the longest active streak in the league. The 49ers have won each of their past four games by double digits, including last week's 35-7 thumping of Tampa Bay.
''If we win the game and just do our job and just look at it like it's another game and do our thing then we'll be just fine,'' 49ers QB Brock Purdy said. ''Kyle (Shanahan) has made some points like where we're at in terms of the standings and whatnot, but it's not something that we talk about all the time.''
''He is the same dude every day and he's the same guy on the field, whether he is making a good play or bad play, he's believes in himself and he's going to keep slinging it and ripping what he sees,'' Shanahan said.
''These guys happen to be in first place in the division and they're playing great. If you're going to have a good year, you have to win games like this,'' Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. ''You have to win them. You have to find your way through the great challenges.''
''No matter what the numbers say, no matter what's been going on, our matchup with these guys, it's always a little bit different,'' tackle Mike McGlinchey said. ''They're going to bring it. They're going to be a talented group.''
The Seahawks haven't seen a running back rush for more than 37 yards in a game in more than a month, and Seattle has failed to rush for 100 yards as a team in five of the past six games.
''Dre is playing with very high confidence, he's playing fast, physical and I love the enthusiasm that he's playing with out there, because he's making a ton of plays, which creates that enthusiasm,'' defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans said. | 2022-12-14T23:38:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers look to wrap up NFC West title in Seattle once again | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-look-wrap-nfc-west-224902889.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-look-wrap-nfc-west-224902889.html?src=rss |
Keim has been the Cardinals' top football decision-maker since 2013. He started with the organization as a regional scout all the way back in 1999 after a short pro career, then moved up to director of college scouting, director of player personnel and vice president of player personnel before his current role.
Keim's tenure as general manager has seen the team go through three head coaches and even more starting quarterbacks, but it also holds a 80-76-2 record in that span of time. Cardinals ownership gave him and Kingsbury a vote of confidence in March with matching five-year extensions, but the team's outlook has obviously since changed. | 2022-12-14T23:38:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals GM Steve Keim reportedly taking indefinite leave of absence from team due to health issues | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gm-steve-keim-reportedly-taking-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-team-due-to-health-issues-232919370.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gm-steve-keim-reportedly-taking-indefinite-leave-of-absence-from-team-due-to-health-issues-232919370.html?src=rss |
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley provided some good news on Wednesday.
Staley said that tight end Donald Parham would return to live-game action this Sunday when they take on the Titans.
Parham was designated to return from injured reserve and started practicing again last Wednesday.
Parham went on injured reserve on November 5 with a hamstring injury, the same issue that forced him to miss most of training camp and the first four games to start the season.
Getting Parham back is a big deal for the Bolts, as he provides another weapon in the passing game – nearly 20% of his career receptions have resulted in touchdowns.
In addition, his ability to seal blocks on the edge should aid a struggling run offense that ranks 31st in the NFL. | 2022-12-14T23:38:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chargers TE Donald Parham expected to return for Week 15 vs. Titans | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-te-donald-parham-expected-231520789.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-te-donald-parham-expected-231520789.html?src=rss |
The Green Bay Packers activated rookie offensive tackle Caleb Jones from the non-football illness list to the 53-man roster on Wednesday.
Jones was originally placed on the list on Oct. 1. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jones was dealing with mononucleosis.
The Packers opened his 21-day window to practice with the team three weeks ago.
Jones takes the roster spot of rookie offensive lineman Sean Rhyan, who was suspended for the final six games of the regular season.
Jones, who stands 6-9, spent the first two weeks of the regular season on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster. He did not appear in a game before going on the non-football illness list.
His impressive work over the summer helped pave the way to a roster spot.
Over three preseason games in August, Jones played 84 snaps, all at left tackle. He allowed one pressure over 45 pass-blocking snaps. At Indiana, Jones started 30 games, including 24 at right tackle. He signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in May.
Blockbusters made a comeback, in quantity and quality. Here are 2022's 10 best movies, from 'Top Gun: Maverick' to 'The Banshees of Inisherin.' | 2022-12-14T23:39:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers activate rookie OT Caleb Jones from non-football illness list | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-activate-rookie-ot-caleb-224818328.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-activate-rookie-ot-caleb-224818328.html?src=rss |
In the latest NFL Power Rankings article done by ESPN, the Raiders have fallen down to No. 23 after their Week 14 loss to the Rams.
Before last week, the Raiders were inside the top 18 and were climbing near a potential playoff push. But sitting at 5-8, the 2022 season is all but over for the Raiders.
The biggest reason for their fall in the power rankings has been their inability to play well on both sides of the ball for an entire half, let alone a whole game. Here is what senior writer Paul Gutierrez had to say about the team this season:
“Sure, the defense is the Raiders’ weak link — giving up a 98-yard drive to Baker Mayfield 48 hours after he joined the Rams is an all-time collapse — but the high-powered offense is not without blame, either. Simply put, Las Vegas, in its first year under the new management of coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler, has not been able to put together a complete game.
Call it growing pains. Call it poor playcalling. You can even blame injuries, as Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow have missed most of the season. Whatever the reason, 12 of the Raiders’ 13 outings have been one-score games, and they are just 5-8.”
Up next are the New England Patriots, who are looking to earn their eighth win of the season. This will be Josh McDaniels’ first chance to face the Patriots after coaching in New England for the last decade. | 2022-12-14T23:39:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders fall to No. 23 in latest ESPN NFL Power Rankings | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-fall-no-23-latest-220029513.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-fall-no-23-latest-220029513.html?src=rss |
The New Orleans Saints have claimed former Cardinals and brief Texans running back Eno Benjamin on the waivers today, per his agents at Rosenhaus Sports Representation. Benjamin has a real possibility to stick around and replace the snaps lost in the wake of Mark Ingram II’s knee injury.
Benjamin, only 23 years old, is a former seventh-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft. The former Arizona State Sun Devil has 104 career rushes for 417 yards and three touchdowns. It is important to note that the two offensive lines he’s run behind in his pro career have been pretty dire. He had a lot of potential coming out of college.
He’s been pretty effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield, something the Saints will likely ask him to do a bit of. He has 30 career receptions for 226 yards. Overall, he’s a pretty solid replacement for Ingram who could compliment Alvin Kamara. They have similar builds and play-styles, he should be able to slip into the lineup fairly seamlessly.
He was a large part of the Cardinals victory over the the Saints this year, where he had 21 rushes for 92 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also added 4 catches for 21 yards. It could just be another roster filler, but this move has a lot more potential than the other running backs the team has brought in throughout the season.
Some think that new ownership of the Denver Broncos eventually will build a new stadium. Until then, some upgrades will be made to the current one. The team has announced that $100 million in improvements are coming to the home stadium, the biggest improvement since the venue opened 22 years ago. The project will start [more] | 2022-12-14T23:39:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints claim former Cardinals RB Eno Benjamin off of waivers | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-claim-former-cardinals-rb-220335280.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-claim-former-cardinals-rb-220335280.html?src=rss |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have a serious problem coming out of halftime.
''Taking care of the football, really just striving to keep this rhythm and the flow that's been there at times,'' Vrabel said. ''And again, not having this rollercoaster of having a good drive or then doing something that affects that and then really letting it affect the rest of the game.''
''If it's good, you like to build on it,'' Tannehill said. ''And if it's bad, you have to be able to take a step back and wash it away. You know, I think that's what it comes down to. There's going to be good plays, there's going to be bad plays within a drive or a series. Sometimes one play can stop a drive, you know what I mean?''
''It's frustrating,'' wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine said. ''You always want to be able to go out there and execute, you know, the football plan the way that we want to. But all I can say it's really just one thing. We just got to execute, and that's really all it is.'' | 2022-12-14T23:40:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Skidding Titans trying to fix second-half offensive woes | https://sports.yahoo.com/skidding-titans-trying-fix-second-230158378.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/skidding-titans-trying-fix-second-230158378.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans are giving Jeff Driskel a promotion.
The Texans signed the quarterback off the practice squad and added him to the active roster on Wednesday. The move comes after the former San Francisco 49ers 2016 sixth-round pick went 4-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown while carrying seven times for 36 yards in the 27-23 close loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
The Texans also signed wideout D.J. Montgomery to the practice squad. The former Cleveland Browns 2019 undrafted free agent has not been with an organization since the Indianapolis Colts cut him on Aug. 22, the second wave of preseason cuts.
Houston also placed receiver Jalen Camp on the practice squad/injured list.
The Texans put offensive lineman Jordan Steckler on the practice squad/designated to return list.
In the latest ESPN mock, the Houston Texans draft a quarterback with Bryce Young, but make an interesting pick at No. 12 overall with a tight end.
Orlando and Central Florida will see a stormy Thursday that is associated with a cold front that will drop temperatures into the 40s and 50s across the region. | 2022-12-14T23:40:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans sign QB Jeff Driskel to active roster as part of 4 roster moves | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-sign-qb-jeff-driskel-223556789.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-sign-qb-jeff-driskel-223556789.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown hasn’t looked like himself on the football field in recent weeks.
The team has reported that he’s been playing through an illness, but on Wednesday, the veteran offensive lineman revealed the extent of what he’s been dealing with on and off the field.
He’s been fighting through the flu over the last three weeks, and throughout the illness, he has lost at least 12 pounds. So you can imagine the physical toll something like that probably took on him, particularly when he was still on the field trying to help the team compete.
The good news is that he’s feeling much better and nearing 100 percent.
Patriots OT Trent Brown says he lost 12 pounds during his recent illness. He hopes to be 100% by Sunday, noting he is on the uptick. pic.twitter.com/1B8fBXVyOh
The Patriots obviously need him at his best if Isaiah Wynn is still out for the game. Things are thinning at the tackle position to the point where Conor McDermott, who was taken off the New York Jets’ practice squad, is getting reps.
When it comes to blindside protectors, Brown is the best the Patriots have at this point. | 2022-12-14T23:40:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trent Brown claims he dropped 12 pounds with multiple-week illness | https://sports.yahoo.com/trent-brown-claims-dropped-12-220241346.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trent-brown-claims-dropped-12-220241346.html?src=rss |
And if you're trying to figure out which defense might score the most points this week, you might have to look no further than the Kansas City Chiefs.
The team's stop unit and special teams will face off against the Houston Texans — the team with the worst record in the entire NFL (to their credit, they almost beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, but we'll chalk that up to a just another example of the zany nature of the NFL).
To say Houston's season is in shambles is probably putting things lightly, The team is 1-11-1 on the season, suffering through injuries in their pass-catching corps, quarterback changes and coaching issues. One of their only bright spots in both fantasy and reality has been rookie running back, Dameon Pierce. But his position is such that, if Houston falls behind early on the scoreboard (which tends to happen more often than not), Pierce could end up phased out of the game.
Here's the defense position — check out Kansas City and how the rest of the D/STs landed in our analysts' rankings for Week 15: | 2022-12-14T23:40:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Week 15 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses | https://sports.yahoo.com/week-15-fantasy-football-rankings-defenses-215843081.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/week-15-fantasy-football-rankings-defenses-215843081.html?src=rss |
Every college football program across the country is gearing up for early signing day on Dec. 21.
The early signing period is a great indicator of how each program will conclude the 2023 recruiting cycle. Not many high-profile prospects are typically left on the board once the early signing period concludes.
Texas is in great shape to finish with a top five class in the country. Five-star quarterback Arch Manning and five-star running back Cedric Baxter Jr. lead the class. Steve Sarkisian’s staff hopes to add the No. 1 linebacker in the nation in Anthony Hill Jr. on Dec. 21 as well.
Oklahoma is in solid position to finish with a top 10 class for the 2023 cycle, even after a disappointing 6-6 record throughout the regular season. Brent Venables’ team only won three conference games this season.
In terms of recruiting class rankings for the Big 12 in particular, it’s no surprise to see Texas, Oklahoma and TCU near the top of the conference. The surprise, however, is how low Oklahoma State’s class is graded at the moment.
Here’s a look at where each Big 12 teams recruiting class ranks for the 2023 cycle at this time, according to 247Sports composite.
Kansas (152.32) - No. 69 in the country
Oklahoma State (163.41) - No. 61 in the country
Iowa State (196.36) - No. 36 in the country
Nirmal Majumdar/Ames Tribune-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas State (200.45) - No. 31 in the country
West Virginia (204.25) - No. 28 in the country
Texas Tech (217.86) - No. 23 in the country
Baylor (218.80) - No. 22 in the country
TCU (227.35) - No. 19 in the country
Oklahoma (281.25) - No. 8 in the country
Texas (286.23) - No. 5 in the country | 2022-12-15T00:17:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Big 12 Football: Where each recruiting class ranks for 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-football-where-recruiting-230107967.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-football-where-recruiting-230107967.html?src=rss |
Florida’s loss to UConn has ESPN’s Joe Lunardi thinking twice about whether the Gators are an NCAA Tournament team.
UF was the last member of the Next Four Out category last week, but they are officially out of the bubble in Lunardi’s latest bracketology update. Florida hasn’t picked up a signature win yet this season and unexpectedly lost to Florida Atlantic (a member of Lunardi’s First Four Out this week).
All hope is not lost for the Gators, though. There’s plenty of time for Todd Golden’s squad to prove themselves against a conference that features seven tournament-bound teams, according to Lunardi’s projections. Florida closes out the non-conference schedule with a game against Ohio on Wednesday and Oklahoma next Tuesday. That gives the team two more bracketology updates to get back in Lunardi’s good graces.
Auburn, the first team on Florida’s SEC slate, is a No. 5 seed in the South Region. Tennessee is the No. 2 in the South, but Florida doesn’t play the Vols until February. Alabama is the top seed in the West Region, Kentucky is the No. 4 seed in the East Region and Arkansas and Mississippi State are the No. 3 and 5 seeds in the Midwest, respectively.
LSU and Ole Miss are on the bubble and present good opportunities for Florida to get a meaningful conference win.
Lady Vols basketball gets one more game at home against UCF before taking a west coast trip this weekend.
A St. Louis, Missouri, KFC worker was shot after a customer became upset that the restaurant was out of corn, police said. | 2022-12-15T00:17:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gators left outside of NCAA Tournament field in latest Lunardi bracketology update | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-left-outside-ncaa-tournament-223356754.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-left-outside-ncaa-tournament-223356754.html?src=rss |
Michael Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets are worth $1.77 billion, an increase of 11% over last year, according to new NBA valuations published this week by Sportico.
ALSO READ: Former Hornets coach James Borrego sells Charlotte home for $2.8M
Jordan, chairman of the Hornets, bought a majority interest in the team in 2010. He paid $239 million, adjusted for inflation.
Charlotte ranks 26th among the 30 NBA clubs in value. Sportico calculated the average value went up 16%, to $3 billion, compared with December 2021. The median value is $2.38 billion.
The Hornets ranked 24th in revenue last season, according to the publication, generating $273 million.
VIDEO: Former Charlotte Hornets head coach Paul Silas passes away at age 79
STORY: Jordan hopes the spot where Jesus is thought to have been baptized will become a magnet for religious tourists A proposal for an estimated $300 million ‘tourist city’ has been put forward It would sit adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Kamel Mahadin, Jordanian architect) “We follow very strict guidelines reading Jordan landscapes, the Jordan Valley authentic landscapes and we kept it almost as it is with minimal intervention ... We tried to make it low key architecture, to make it nostalgic, bringing the New Testament two thousand years ago.” However, the project still needs funding And there are some clerics that think the site's wild habitat should be left intact | 2022-12-15T00:34:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Charlotte Hornets’ franchise value up 11% since 2021 to $1.77B, Sportico reports | https://sports.yahoo.com/charlotte-hornets-franchise-value-11-224747726.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/charlotte-hornets-franchise-value-11-224747726.html?src=rss |
Detroit Pistons game score vs. Charlotte Hornets: Live updates from Charlotte
Game notes: In the first meeting of the season, the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets find themselves linked as they carry the two worst records in the league and the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The loser of this game will hold the dubious honor of having the league's worst record. If the Pistons want to climb out of the NBA cellar, they'll be doing it without Cade Cunningham after the announcement of his season-ending surgery to repair his left shin. ... The Hornets might get standout point guard LaMelo Ball back for this game. He has missed 11 straight with a left ankle sprain and is listed as questionable.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons game score vs. Charlotte Hornets: Live updates
Teammate Derrick White told his story of witnessing the St. Louis native blossom into a top three player in the league.
“I kind of didn’t want the game to end,” a grieving Stephen Silas said with a slight smile after watching his #Rockets defeat Phoenix. “Now, it is like real life starts up again.” | 2022-12-15T00:34:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Detroit Pistons game score vs. Charlotte Hornets: Live updates from Charlotte | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-pistons-vs-charlotte-hornets-110018162.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-pistons-vs-charlotte-hornets-110018162.html?src=rss |
Keim's duties will be handled by vice president of player personnel Quentin Harris and vice president of pro personnel Adrian Wilson while he's away. The team declined to provide any additional comment on Keim's status.
It is another blow to the Cardinals amid a demoralizing season. The team was 4-9 with Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury likely on the hot seat, but then star quarterback Kyler Murray was ruled out for the season after he tore an ACL in last week's loss to the New England Patriots.
Keim has been the Cardinals' top football decision-maker since 2013. He started with the organization as a regional scout back in 1999 after a short pro career, then moved up to director of college scouting, director of player personnel and vice president of player personnel before his current role.
Keim's tenure as general manager has seen the team go through three head coaches and even more starting quarterbacks, but it also holds a 80-76-2 record in that span. Cardinals ownership gave Keim and Kingsbury a vote of confidence in March with matching five-year extensions, but the team's outlook has since changed. | 2022-12-15T00:56:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals GM Steve Keim taking indefinite leave of absence due to health issues | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gm-steve-keim-taking-indefinite-leave-of-absence-due-to-health-issues-232919174.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gm-steve-keim-taking-indefinite-leave-of-absence-due-to-health-issues-232919174.html?src=rss |
Noah Syndergaard is reportedly headed to Los Angeles to pitch for the Dodgers. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing in former New York Mets All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Syndergaard will reportedly sign a one-year, $13 million deal and can earn up to $1.5 million in incentives, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Last season, Syndergaard posted a 3.94 ERA in 25 appearances. He spent the first half of the season with the Los Angeles Angels, with whom he had a 3.83 ERA in 15 starts. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline, and he posted a 4.12 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance in the season's second half.
Syndergaard pitched 8 1/3 innings for Philadelphia in the postseason, giving up three runs in four appearances.
Syndergaard returned from injuries in 2022
Armed with a hard fastball and flowing, blond locks, Syndergaard took the baseball world by storm as a rookie with the Mets in 2015. He posted a 3.24 ERA and struck out 166 batters in 150 innings. That performance earned him a fourth-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
The next season was even better. Syndergaard posted a 2.60 ERA over 183 1/3 innings. He made his first and only All-Star appearance in 2016 and finished eighth in NL Cy Young voting.
Syndergaard was then limited to 30 1/3 innings in 2017 due to a lat injury. He returned in 2018 and put up a 3.03 ERA in 154 1/3 innings. He threw a career-high 197 innings in 2019 but saw his ERA rise to 4.28.
The following spring, Syndergaard experienced arm trouble and eventually needed Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2020 season and nearly all of the 2021 season.
Syndergaard proved that he could handle a starting workload again in 2022, though his strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 16.8%. He has a 24.8% strikeout rate in his career.
That didn't scare the Dodgers, who are looking for help in the rotation while Walker Buehler recovers from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers have done a good job managing oft-injured pitchers in recent seasons, so perhaps Syndergaard can rediscover some of the traits that made him a tantalizing starter early in his career. | 2022-12-15T00:56:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Noah Syndergaard reportedly agrees to one-year, $13M contract with Dodgers | https://sports.yahoo.com/noah-syndergaard-reportedly-agrees-to-one-year-13-m-contract-with-dodgers-233808421.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/noah-syndergaard-reportedly-agrees-to-one-year-13-m-contract-with-dodgers-233808421.html?src=rss |
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) There is no secret to the New York Giants' success this season.
Barkley ran for 152 yards coming out of the bye week in a 24-16 win over Houston. The Giants had 134 yards in their 20-all tie with Washington on Dec. 4 and 123 against Philadelphia - mostly in garbage time in last week's blowout loss to the NFL-best Eagles.
''Any time you run the ball, it's easier to win,'' left guard Nick Gates said. ''You look across the league when you're running the ball - there's a handful teams that don't - but usually if you run the ball well, you win the ball game.''
''A lot of teams have that in their game plan, you know, bringing eight and nine in the box and not letting us run the ball,'' Gates said. ''It's: `Hey, you want to beat us? Throw the ball.'''
''I think I'll continue to look for opportunities to do that and won't force it in any situations,'' Jones said after practice Wednesday. ''When the opportunity presents itself, certainly try to take advantage of it.''
''As a big guy I love that,'' Feliciano said of the run. ''But if we come out Sunday and throw the ball 40 times and D.J. has three touchdowns for however many yards and we win the game, that's better.''
Moroccos World Cup goalkeeper, Yassine "Bono" Bounou, is playing at a high level in Qatar, but he took an unconventional road to get there. | 2022-12-15T01:10:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants have simple formula: Run effectively and they can win | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-simple-formula-run-effectively-002016479.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-simple-formula-run-effectively-002016479.html?src=rss |
NFL will not play in Mexico in 2023, may play two games in Germany originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Warner Bros Discovery now expects to incur total pre-tax restructuring charges of $4.1 – $5.3 billion, which includes $2.8 – $3.5 billion of content impairment and development write-offs as it takes a hatchet to its programming. That’s well above the merged company’s initial announcement of charges for $3.2 – $4.3 billion related to its restructuring […] | 2022-12-15T01:11:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL will not play in Mexico in 2023, may play two games in Germany | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-not-play-mexico-2023-230212972.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-not-play-mexico-2023-230212972.html?src=rss |
OL Will Hernandez designated to return from IR
The Arizona Cardinals could be getting a starting offensive lineman back this week. Starting right guard Will Hernandez, on injured reserve for the last five weeks with a strained pec, was designated to return from injured reserve, allowing him to return to practice.
The team has 21 days to reinstate him to the active roster or he reverts to IR for the rest of the season.
Hernandez missed four games and could possibly return to the lineup this weekend when the Cardinals face the Denver Broncos on the road this weekend.
Hernandez was playing quite well this season before he was injured. His return would be big for quarterback Colt McCoy, who was sacked six times in the Cardinals’ Monday night loss to the New England Patriots.
The Detroit Tigers have signed right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. He can earn an additional $1.5 million in bonuses. | 2022-12-15T01:11:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | OL Will Hernandez designated to return from IR | https://sports.yahoo.com/ol-hernandez-designated-return-ir-004410580.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ol-hernandez-designated-return-ir-004410580.html?src=rss |
The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams have both had a hard time getting into the win column in 2022. With a combined 9-17 record, it is safe to say that their matchup on Monday Night Football in Week 15 has the potential to get ugly.
But how do these teams look compared to each other when their season statistics on offense are put side by side? Here are four key offensive stats that show how the Packers and Rams have arrived at their underwhelming results this season:
Total net yards: Packers 4,493, Rams 3,679
The Packers’ offense has been far more efficient than the Rams’ in 2022, gaining just over 800 more yards than Los Angeles over the course of the season. This stat really sticks out when compared to the teams’ total number of drives over the course of the season, which is nearly identical.
Total drives: Packers 139, Rams 138
Both teams have had ample opportunity to move the ball and score points on offense this year, but the results have been drastically different. Green Bay has had the benefit of having Aaron Rodgers healthy this season, while the Rams have dealt with an injury to Matthew Stafford all season.
Passing touchdowns: Packers 23, Rams 13
Somehow a 23-touchdown campaign seems pedestrian for Rodgers, who has faced his share of non-injury-related adversity over the course of the year. Stafford’s involvement in the Rams’ offense was integral to their ability to stay competitive early in the season, but his absence has left the team in a position where they have leaned on their running game to score in the red zone.
Rushing yards: Packers 1,630, Rams 1,119
The Packers’ two-headed monster in the running game with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon has been exciting to watch in 2022, and even as Los Angeles has turned to their running game, they have been unable to match their production. That isn’t to say that the Rams have been particularly bad when they try to gain yards on the ground, they just haven’t been nearly as effective. | 2022-12-15T01:11:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | How do the Packers and Rams offenses compare statistically in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rams-offenses-compare-statistically-005315881.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rams-offenses-compare-statistically-005315881.html?src=rss |
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Russell Wilson stretched for a bit and threw a few passes during individual drills ahead of the Denver Broncos' practice Wednesday as he works his way through the NFL's concussion protocol.
''In the end, his safety is what matters most to us,'' first-year Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said. ''We want to be sure that we're taking care of him and his well-being, and we're doing what's right for Russell. It always starts right away with the medical department. We've got a really good medical department, independent neurologists.
''We're going to be sure we're in constant communication with them. He's being monitored by everybody. We'll go from there. We'll talk with him and it will be an organizational decision.''
''It'll be exciting to have him back out there,'' Hackett said. ''It's hard to replace a guy like that. He's a presence.''
''I'm excited to be able to play with him again,'' said Simmons, who only played in the season opener with Gregory before missing a month himself. ''I like to call those type of guys `game-wreckers.' Run game, pass game, he goes in there and just messes everything up.''
NOTES: OLB Jake Martin, acquired from the Jets to fill the void left by Bradley Chubb's trade to the Miami Dolphins, is done for the year with a knee injury. He is under contract through 2023 and said he hopes for a longer stay in Denver. ... The Broncos announced plans for a $100 million upgrade to Empower Field at Mile High. It will include videoboard improvements, along with concessions and premium hospitality areas. ... WRs Kendall Hinton and Courtland Sutton didn't practice Wednesday due to hamstring injuries. DE Dre'Mont Jones also didn't practice with a hip ailment.
The Golden Globe winner & Oscar nominee will accept the prize on the Beverly Hilton stage on Jan. 10. | 2022-12-15T01:11:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Russell Wilson OK for individual drills but misses practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/russell-wilson-ok-individual-drills-235241256.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/russell-wilson-ok-individual-drills-235241256.html?src=rss |
Once again, the No. 18 Auburn Tigers got off to a slow first-half start in Wednesday’s game against Georgia State. But a robust second-half surge led by Jaylin Williams guided the Tigers to a 72-64 win at Neville Arena.
Williams was perfect in the first half, succeeding on both shots from the field and the free-throw line, and made a basket from beyond the arc on his way to scoring seven points. He would carry that momentum into the second half, by adding 13 points to his total. He was also vital to the defensive game by pulling down eight rebounds in the win. His 20-point performance is his best since he scored 21 points in a 91-86 losing effort to Georgia on Feb. 2, 2020.
Auburn’s fortunes under the basket improved in the second half also, which was vital to pulling away from the Panthers. The Tigers were able to score 42 points underneath and were able to pull down 13 rebounds.
Auburn got off to another slow start shooting the basketball, making just 22% of their shots by the under-eight timeout. Despite poor shooting from the field, Auburn was able to grab a 15-12 lead over Georgia State by connecting on 6-of-6 free throw shots.
The trend continued to grow until halftime, as Auburn would connect on just 7-of-22 shots in the first half, and trailed Georgia State, 31-28. Georgia State dominated close to the basket as well, outscoring Auburn 14-12 in the paint, and outrebounding the Tigers 18-13. Wendell Green Jr. led the team in scoring with nine points through one half.
The Tigers’ offensive production improved through the first five minutes of the second half. Williams came out hot by scoring five quick points, helping his team reach 50% shooting at the under-15 timeout.
Auburn used a 10-2 run to retake the lead at the 13:18 mark in the second half. Green charged the basket and earned a three-point play to put Auburn back in front, 39-38. He would succeed on his free throw opportunity, to put Auburn ahead by two points.
Behind Williams, Green Jr. scored 17 points while Johni Broome added 13 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks.
Auburn moves to 9-1 on the season, and will now set off on its west coast expedition. The first stop on the journey will be Los Angeles, California to meet the USC Trojans on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT.
Auburn has 96% chance to beat Georgia State on Wednesday
Auburn hopes to return to the win column on Wednesday, and the ESPN Matchup Predictor suggests that it will happen.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Q1 2023 Earnings Call Transcript December 8, 2022 Costco Wholesale Corporation misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $3.07 EPS, expectations were $3.11. Operator: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Costco Wholesale Corporation Fiscal Q1 2023 Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. […] | 2022-12-15T03:59:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant Analysis: Williams’ epic night lifts Auburn over Georgia State | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-williams-epic-night-031635014.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-williams-epic-night-031635014.html?src=rss |
One of the hot topics at the NFL’s league meetings in Dallas this week was the Washington Commanders. Particularly a potential sale of the Commanders.
As expected, when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took the stage, he was asked about the Commanders, and the commish didn’t reveal much.
“I don’t have any expectations on that,” Goodell stated. “Dan’s [Snyder] statement that he put out was that he was exploring that, and we’ll continue to work with him on that.”
Goodell is referring to the report last month that Snyder had hired Bank of America Securities to explore potential transactions with the team, a report the team confirmed.
Last week, the House Oversight Committee released the report from its investigation into owner Daniel Snyder and the Commanders, saying Snyder “permitted and participated” in the team’s toxic workplace culture.
Much more was included in the report, including that the NFL was complicit in Washington’s attempt to bury the Beth Wilkinson investigation.
Goodell again spoke of the positive changes in Washington’s organization since the Wilkinson investigation.
Those comments aren’t going to excite Washington fans hoping Snyder sells the team. However, Goodell wasn’t going to publicly reveal what was happening behind the scenes with the Commanders. | 2022-12-15T04:12:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: ‘I don’t have any expectations’ on sale of Commanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-don-031203584.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-don-031203584.html?src=rss |
Killian Hayes with a deep 3 vs the Charlotte Hornets
Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons) with a deep 3 vs the Charlotte Hornets, 12/14/2022
De’Aaron Fox had 27 points and 10 assists, Domantas Sabonis added 21 points and 20 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 124-123 on Wednesday night. Malik Monk scored 24 points and Terence Davis had 19 against his former team as the Kings overcame a 16-point second-quarter deficit to beat the struggling Raptors. Kings coach Mike Brown was ejected after picking up two technicals with 9:09 left in the third quarter. | 2022-12-15T04:55:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Killian Hayes with a deep 3 vs the Charlotte Hornets | https://sports.yahoo.com/killian-hayes-deep-3-vs-030229336.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/killian-hayes-deep-3-vs-030229336.html?src=rss |
LaMelo Ball returned to the court after a month-long ankle injury on Wednesday and looked pretty much his usual self for the Charlotte Hornets, posting 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting and 11 assists against the Detroit Pistons.
It wasn't enough for the Hornets to get the win, though, as the Pistons beat them 141-134 thanks to 20-plus-point games from Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks and Killian Hayes. But at least the highlights were good:
The star point guard was able to appear in only three games before he rolled the same ankle on the foot of a courtside fan late in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 16.
Ball, the 2021 NBA rookie of the year, is coming off his first All-Star appearance last season. The 21-year-old is averaging 19.3 points on 41.5% shooting and seven assists in his three appearances this year.
The loss knocked the Hornets' record down to 7-21, passing the Pistons for the worst record in the NBA. They can only hope Ball's return pulls them out of that position.
Steph Curry scored 38 points but left the Warriors' loss to the Pacers in the third quarter with a left shoulder injury.
Curry has played at an MVP-level for the Warriors this season. | 2022-12-15T04:55:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | LaMelo Ball returns to Hornets lineup after a month out with injured ankle | https://sports.yahoo.com/la-melo-ball-returns-to-hornets-lineup-after-a-month-out-with-injured-ankle-002744115.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/la-melo-ball-returns-to-hornets-lineup-after-a-month-out-with-injured-ankle-002744115.html?src=rss |
The Thundering Herd (8-4) have been a regular attendee during bowl season recently. This will be the 11th time in the past 14 seasons that Marshall has gone bowling -- a streak that began in 2009 and stretches across three head-coaching tenures.
"I think anytime you can get another game added onto the end of your season, it's a positive," Marshall head coach Charles Huff said. "(It is) positive for the seniors, positive for the program, positive for the community and we just happened to hit the jackpot with a good location, phenomenal opponent and being able to extend (the season one more game)."
Key for Marshall this season has been its defense, which ranks seventh nationally in points allowed per game at 16.2. Marshall's defense is also fourth in passing completion percentage allowed (52.7), fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (88.8), second in opponent yards per carry (2.8), and fifth in interceptions per game (1.3).
That doesn't bode well for a UConn team that ranks 115th in FBS in scoring offense, putting up 19.8 points per game.
UConn's offense this season has been powered in part by freshman running back Victor Rosa. He has nine touchdowns on the season and 561 yards on 124 carries. He scampered for 111 yards against Army.
"The (offensive linemen) are amazing and Christian (Haynes) is getting noticed. It is wonderful," Rosa told CT Insider. "Best offensive line in the nation. Pound the rock, that is our motto and they have been doing a hell of a job. I can't thank them enough."
Khalan Laborn leads Marshall's rushing attack with 1,423 yards and 16 touchdowns on 281 totes. Owen Porter is the Herd's defensive playmaker with 14 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, a recovery and two pass breakups. Micah Abraham has five picks this season.
This will be just the second meeting between UConn and Marshall in football. The Herd won the previous matchup -- a 2015 home game -- by a score of 16-10. | 2022-12-15T05:04:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Marshall's stellar defense to challenge UConn at Myrtle Beach Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/marshalls-stellar-defense-challenge-uconn-024335625.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/marshalls-stellar-defense-challenge-uconn-024335625.html?src=rss |
The Oklahoma Sooners will have questions at three of their starting offensive line spots heading into 2023. The departures of Anton Harrison, Wanya Morris, and Chris Murray have left opportunities for new starters that will be determined in spring and fall camps.
Though the Oklahoma Sooners have internal options, it would serve them well to attack the transfer portal and junior college ranks to create more competition.
And that’s where they stand with JUCO interior offensive line target Keyshawn Blackstock. Blackstock, who played for Coffeyville Community College in 2022, released his top five Wednesday evening and included the Oklahoma Sooners.
Oklahoma is joined by premier programs from across the country, like Oregon, Michigan State, Tennessee, and USC.
Blackstone is considered a four-star prospect in the 2023 JUCO recruiting class and the No. 1 JUCO interior offensive line target in the cycle, according to 247Sports. Blackstock is 6-foot-5 and weighs 315 pounds. He was a part of an offense that averaged 27 points per game and 137.1 rushing yards per game and went 8-3 in 2022.
Oklahoma has done a good job in recent years of adding offensive line talent in a variety of ways. Three starters on the 2022 offensive line came via the transfer portal Morris, Murray, and McKade Mettauer. Could the Oklahoma Sooners go the junior college route to find a starter at guard for their 2023 squad?
Time will tell, but they’re in a favorable position with Keyshawn Blackstock. Bill Bedenbaugh has quite the track record of helping offensive linemen get into the NFL and find success. | 2022-12-15T05:04:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oklahoma Sooners make top 5 for JUCO OL target Keyshawn Blackstock | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-sooners-top-5-juco-033034322.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-sooners-top-5-juco-033034322.html?src=rss |
Russo rips 'desperate' Giants for 'crazy' Correa contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The Giants shocked everyone Tuesday night by agreeing to a monster 13-year, $350 million contract with superstar shortstop Carlos Correa in free agency.
That includes MLB Network's Chris Russo, who criticized San Francisco for the eye-popping contract Wednesday morning on "High Heat."
"I didn't realize the Giants were this desperate," Russo said. "I didn't think any team would go out there and give him 13 years, $350 million. He got it and he is just a superstar, he is great, there's nothing else to say. He is absolutely superb."
Oh, but Russo has much more to say.
"To sit there and give him what San Francisco did, at 13 years, they need their heads examined," Russo added. "That is a, and this is a quote, and I don't care if San Francisco never talks to me again, this is an awful, awful contract. The Giants aren't winning anything, I know they were desperate, they fell short of [Aaron] Judge, nobody's gonna buy tickets to (see) Mitch Haniger and Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling, I understand that, but also nobody's going to buy tickets in the Bay Area for Carlos Correa either."
In Russo's mind, Correa is a "superstar" and "absolutely superb," while simultaneously not enough to sell tickets. Russo then proceeds to make a very bold prediction that Correa's contract will go down as one of the worst moves in Giants franchise history.
"He is not on the Judge level, he doesn't make you go to the ballpark," Russo added. "This is a guy whose highest MVP (finish) was fifth, he's made two All-Star teams, he's never hit 30 home runs, he's driven in over 85 runs once in his career. Last year he hit 22 homers and 64 RBIs. He's a lifetime .279 hitter ... over 162 (games), there is not a chance in hell I would ever, ever give him $350 million. I know San Francisco was completely desperate, their farm system stinks, we all know that ...
"To sit there and think that you are going to build your team around a guy who is 29 years of age in September, that you are going to build your team at whatever it is, $29 million a year, whose highest MVP vote was fifth and you're going to give him the same money the Yankees gave Judge who sells tickets and gets TV ratings on YES? You must be crazy. I'll say it now and I'll leave it alone, this is going to be a contract that is going to go down as one of the worst contracts or moves in the history of the San Francisco Giants."
RELATED: Answering lingering questions after Giants' Correa addition
Now that's a bold statement.
Correa, the former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2012, has 13 years to prove Russo wrong. And based on his ability to bet on himself last year and cash in this week, Correa doesn't seem like a player who will back down from a challenge.
Steve Cohen's Mets are on track to shatter spending records in his third season as owner, boosting payroll to about $350M for purposes of the luxury tax and poised to pay a penalty of about $80M. | 2022-12-15T05:30:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Carlos Correa contract will be one of Giants’ worst, Chris Russo believes | https://sports.yahoo.com/carlos-correa-contract-one-giants-213649885.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/carlos-correa-contract-one-giants-213649885.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 of the 2022 season. Baltimore is currently 3-0 in their division, and will be looking to make it four-straight AFC North victories as they look to stay atop their division.
On Wednesday, the Ravens released their second injury report ahead of their Week 15 matchup in Cleveland on Saturday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t practice for the second-straight day after suffering a knee injury in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, while quarterback Tyler Huntley was upgraded to a full participant after being limited on Tuesday after suffering a concussion in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. | 2022-12-15T05:43:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens release second injury report for Week 15 matchup vs. Browns | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-release-second-injury-report-043843185.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-release-second-injury-report-043843185.html?src=rss |
One of the most explosive playmakers in college football is getting an early start on his preparations for the next level.
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is declaring for the 2023 NFL draft, and will not play in the Orange Bowl, making the announcement via social media Wednesday.
A dynamic pass-catcher who broke the Vols’ single-season school record for touchdown receptions this year, Hyatt hauled in five scores in Tennessee’s upset win over Alabama earlier this season.
One of the top prospects at his position in this year’s draft class, Hyatt is already generating first-round buzz.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) All-America wide receiver Jalin Hyatt will watch his sixth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers play No. 10 Clemson in the Orange Bowl from the sideline after announcing Wednesday he is leaving after his junior season for the NFL draft. The Volunteers went 3-7 in 2020 in Hyatt's freshman season and now are 10-2 in coach Josh Heupel's second season. ''Together with my brothers and coaches, we built this program back to where it deserves to be - among the best in the country - through hard work and perseverance,'' Hyatt wrote. | 2022-12-15T05:43:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt to skip Orange Bowl, declare for 2023 NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-wr-jalin-hyatt-skip-040847461.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-wr-jalin-hyatt-skip-040847461.html?src=rss |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) El Ellis had career highs of 30 points and 10 assists and Louisville finally won after opening the season with nine losses, beating Western Kentucky 94-83 on Wednesday night to give Kenny Payne his first win as a head coach.
''Loved the way we finally played, with toughness and energy and confidence,'' Payne said. ''I just told the guys this: What did it smell like? What does it feel like? What does it taste like? Because winning one, imagine what it's like to win 80 and 90% of your games. You've got to sacrifice your life to it.
''So hopefully this is a stepping stone that they greatly needed because they put in a lot of work. But we have to build on this game and continue the momentum going and get over the schneid. You know, they deserve it. They worked really hard, harder than I can tell you. They're good kids. It's all about them.'' | 2022-12-15T06:27:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Louisville gets first win of season behind Ellis' 30 points | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisville-gets-first-win-season-045619476.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisville-gets-first-win-season-045619476.html?src=rss |
UCLA guard Jaylen Clark (0) goes to the basket for a layup and is fouled by Maryland guard Jahmir Young (1) during the first half Wednesday in College Park, Md. (Terrance Williams / Associated Press)
It wasn’t exactly a hospitable welcome for the visitors. Maryland students conducted a mock roll call before the game, shouting the name of walk-on guard Jack Seidler’s older sister, before unleashing a “F--- the Bruins” chant about a minute after tipoff. They didn’t have much to say after that, the Bruins stealing their mojo.
The University of California Regents on Wednesday cleared the way for UCLA to join the Big Ten – with conditions.
Review: The 'Tristan Project' is back and more important than ever
The L.A. Phil's 'Tristan Project' returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for the first time in 15 years, with Gustavo Dudamel conducting and new soloists performing.
Filipino actor Dolly de Leon snags Best Supporting Performance at LA Film Critics Association Awards
Filipino actor Dolly de Leon won Best Supporting Performance at this year’s Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards. De Leon, 53, gained international recognition for her role as Abigail in Swedish director Ruben Östlund’s first English-language feature film “Triangle of Sadness.” | 2022-12-15T06:27:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 16 UCLA starts off quick and never looks back in dominant win over No. 20 Maryland | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-16-ucla-starts-off-040848557.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-16-ucla-starts-off-040848557.html?src=rss |
Jalen Duren with a dunk vs the Charlotte Hornets
Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) with a dunk vs the Charlotte Hornets, 12/14/2022
Alec Burks scored a season-high 27 points off the bench, Killian Hayes added 25 and the Detroit Pistons spoiled LaMelo Ball’s return with a 141-134 overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Bojan Bogdanovic had 24 points and Isaiah Stewart chipped in with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit (8-22). Jalen Duren grabbed 18 rebounds as the Pistons snapped a three-game losing streak.
Donovan Mitchell said he was thankful, in a strange way, for the playoff loss to Dallas last season because it helped send him to Cleveland. Mitchell scored 34 points facing Luka Doncic and the Mavericks for the first time since his final game with Utah last April, and the Cavaliers rolled to a 105-90 victory Wednesday night. The Jazz lost to Dallas 98-96 at home in Game 6 of the first round in the Western Conference, then Mitchell switched to the East as the centerpiece of a blockbuster offseason trade that vaulted the Cavaliers into the conversation of title contenders. | 2022-12-15T06:57:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jalen Duren with a dunk vs the Charlotte Hornets | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-duren-dunk-vs-charlotte-030231226.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-duren-dunk-vs-charlotte-030231226.html?src=rss |
In fact, bust started to look a lot more plausible after top-of-the-market shortstop Carlos Correa agreed this week to a 13-year, $350 million contract with the Giants, without the Cubs so much as making an actual offer for the shortstop they considered their top target at last week's Winter Meetings, sources said.
Which doesn't even count the Texas Rangers who spent $500 million on shortstops Corey Seager and Marcus Semien last year, before adding superstar pitcher Jacob deGrom for five and $185 million this year. | 2022-12-15T07:01:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cubs turn to Dansby Swanson to salvage free agency efforts | https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-turn-dansby-swanson-salvage-041825046.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-turn-dansby-swanson-salvage-041825046.html?src=rss |
After Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the quarterback situation with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. This was because starter Kenny Pickett found himself in the concussion protocol again.
Tomlin commented that he felt Trubisky and Rudolph are considered 2 and 2a on the depth chart. A point Rudolph subtly refuted on Wednesday when asked if he felt like that was the situation.
Rudolph has not been active for a game this season after signing a one-year contract extension with the team that is paying him just north of $4 million this season. Hardly what you expect for a player who isn’t even dressing on game day.
If Pickett cannot go on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Rudolph will be active for the first time all season. But there is an argument to be made that Rudolph shouldn’t just be active but get the start after a dreadful game by Trubisky last week after replacing Pickett. | 2022-12-15T07:14:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers QB Mason Rudolph take subtle jab at depth chart | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-qb-mason-rudolph-subtle-063028864.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-qb-mason-rudolph-subtle-063028864.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-14 on Sunday in Week 15 at Acrisure Stadium, formerly known as Heinz Field. In the win, one special teams play had a major impact on the outcome of the game, as Baltimore defensive lineman Calais Campbell blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter of the contest.
Since Baltimore would end up winning by the final score of 16-14, Campbell’s blocked field goal was essentially the difference in the contest, saving three points in a two-point win. To honor his performance, Campbell was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 15, his first-ever time winning the award.
Campbell returned to the Ravens on a two-year deal this past offseason, and it’s showing that he might be able to play a few more season if he so chooses with his production he’s had so far. He has been a high impact player for the majority of his NFL career, and has been a key cog on Baltimore’s 2022 defensive unit. | 2022-12-15T10:17:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens DL Calais Campbell named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-dl-calais-campbell-named-045039188.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-dl-calais-campbell-named-045039188.html?src=rss |
We are just a couple of weeks away from Ohio State traveling to Atlanta to play in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and we’re going to have plenty leading up to the game. As we have all season though, we like to throw out some hot-button topics to our writers as a roundtable discussion we like to call our “Buckeye Battle Cry.”
With several varied opinions, it’s not often that everyone agrees — and in fact — there’s often mud flying as the debate heats up from writer to writer. Every once in a while though, everyone agrees and sings kumbaya and walks away with a tear in the corner of their eyes.
This week, we’re on brand to talk about the upcoming matchup with Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Ohio State will be going against the No. 1 team in the country and No. 1 overall seed, so the Buckeyes will be a rare underdog in this one.
The topic for this installment of our BBC then is simple: “What does Ohio State have to do at an elite level to pull off the victory down in Georgia and advance to the national championship game?”
Mark Russell gets the conversation going for us.
Follow: MarkRussell
I think any football coach in America will tell you that games are won and lost in the trenches. The matchup against Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will be no different. Specifically, the battle that will pit the Ohio State offensive line against the Dawg’s impressive D-line.
Kirby Smart’s group only gives up 77 yards per game on the ground so we know rushing yards will be hard to come by. Still, Ryan Day cannot abandon the run completely, especially if Miyan Williams is back to full strength.
If the Bulldog defense has a weakness, it’s in the secondary. Georgia ranks 52nd in passing yards allowed nationally. The corners are talented but have been exposed at times this season. If the line can give C.J. Stroud time in the pocket, OSU has the athletes to win this game. But the offensive line is going to have to play a whale of a game against the best defensive front it’s seen all season long.
Follow: Josh Keatley
I agree with Mark that the lines have to be elite. But going further, if Ohio State is going to earn that win against Georgia, it needs to give C.J. Stroud time to sling it vertically. In case you haven’t noticed, he has the horses to do it. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the perfect 50/50 receiver who can also create separation. Emeka Egbuka has the speed to burn defenders deep while also killing them across the field and Cade Stover has the talent to be a seam buster. Yards are going to be extremely valuable in this contest and if C.J. Stroud can take the yards given to him on the ground that will go a long way.
Follow: Michael Chen
There were plenty of aspects of this game that went through my mind and the one that ultimately stood out the most was secondary play. This group struggled, both in coverage and tackling, and in order to beat Georgia, it has to be better. The Bulldogs are a juiced-up version of our rivals, a better tight end, a much deeper stable of backs, and a veteran leader behind center.
Tight end Brock Bowers is a monster — he does it all. The three-headed running back rotation of Kenny McIntosh, Daijun Edwards, and Kendall Milton (a former OSU target) all can hit a home run at any time, each averaging over 5 yards per carry. Georgia is going to score, but if the Buckeyes can keep the skill guys in front of them and not allow the Bulldogs to get behind them, they have a great chance of pulling off an upset.
Phil Harrison, Featured Writer/Publisher
Follow: Phil Harrison
All bring up great points and all are very important in this game. This game will be won on the line of scrimmage, but more than anything, Ohio State has to be light years better than what we saw in the Michigan game when it comes to limiting the big plays. Despite what we saw against the Wolverines, OSU is what it is on defense right now and you can expect Jim Knowles to scheme against stopping the run game again. That means the secondary has to show up and not allow wide-open receivers to get behind the defense.
And to add to that, the early stops in the running game have to continue through the entire contest. Fits weren’t right late in the game against Michigan and it resulted in what was a very good performance stopping the ground game to turn into a very bad one with huge touchdown runs to put the game away. I would almost bet that whichever team wins the rushing battle in this one is going to prevail. | 2022-12-15T11:14:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Buckeye Battle Cry Roundtable: What the one thing Ohio State must do an an elite level to beat Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl? | https://sports.yahoo.com/buckeye-battle-cry-roundtable-one-110031591.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/buckeye-battle-cry-roundtable-one-110031591.html?src=rss |
Manchester City received the most money of the $27m paid out to Premier League clubs by Fifa as compensation for the World Cup.
Any team which releases players for the World Cup is eligible to receive payments from Fifa’s Club Benefits Programme.
The money paid out to clubs is calculated by how long a player is away at the tournament, at approximately $10,000 per day.
This means a club who has a single player in the World Cup final or third-place play-off could receive a payment of around $370,000.
Payments are also sometimes split between a player’s former teams, but champions Manchester City have topped the list of the 20 Premier League clubs.
City had 16 players competing at the World Cup in Qatar, more than any other Premier League team.
In addition to striker Julian Alvarez, who has reached the final with Argentina, City had several players who reached the quarter-finals, including England’s Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips, Portugal’s Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, as well as Nathan Ake and Ederson of the Netherlands and Brazil respectively.
City will therefore receive around $4m in compensation, the most of any Premier League team.
Bournemouth, who had just two players in Qatar, received the least as Kieffer Moore and Chris Mephams’s involvement with Wales only lasted until the group stages.
Compensation received by Premier League clubs for the World Cup
Manchester City - $2.65
Bournemouth - $270,000
Erik ten Hag has revealed Jadon Sancho's Manchester United return is on hold until the struggling England forward improves mentally and physically. | 2022-12-15T13:08:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Money paid to Premier League clubs for World Cup players revealed as Man City top list | https://sports.yahoo.com/money-paid-premier-league-clubs-112101343.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/money-paid-premier-league-clubs-112101343.html?src=rss |
In his first 2023 NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Denver Broncos selecting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 24th overall pick in the first round (subscription required for link).
Denver acquired that first-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins in the Bradley Chubb trade.
McShay admitted that he would “love to get the Broncos another offensive tackle,” but he believes the drop-off in tackle talent by the 24th overall pick will be significant. He compared the running back’s potential impact in Denver to that of Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook with their respective teams.
Broncos fans would love to have a running back of that caliber joining Javonte Williams, but the team has more pressing needs. Most notably on the offensive line, as McShay himself noted.
As for Gibbs, he totaled 1,228 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 touchdowns in 11 games with the Crimson Tide this season. | 2022-12-15T13:20:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos select RB Jahmyr Gibbs in Todd McShay’s first 2023 NFL mock draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-select-rb-jahmyr-gibbs-130031493.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-select-rb-jahmyr-gibbs-130031493.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy removed his helmet on the field and made contact with an official during Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Both of those actions could have been penalized, and bumping an official could have resulted in an ejection.
Because the receiver was surprisingly not ejected or even penalized, there was some speculation this week that he might face a suspension, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that Jeudy won’t miss any games. He will face fines, though.
“The NFL won’t suspend #Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy for his outburst in Sunday’s loss to the #Chiefs, but he’s facing fines for multiple violations,” Pelissero tweeted earlier this week.
The NFL typically hands out fines on Saturday, so Jeudy will learn exactly how much he owes later this week.
Jeudy explained after the game that he thought a defender should have been flagged for holding him, and he acknowledged that he needs to control his temper.
“I was just — on that certain play, I got held,” Jeudy said. “I was just frustrated because we didn’t have things going, so I was out there playing with frustration wanting to make a play for my team. I feel like at that point, I was just held and that should’ve been called but I have to know how to control my anger and just move on from there.”
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett quickly spoke to the receiver about the incident.
“I didn’t see it happen on the field,” Hackett said Monday. “I was told by the referee that it had happened, so I went to address it right away and talk with him. He definitely knew that he was wrong. That’s unacceptable. You can’t do that. We’ve addressed that and I know that he knows he can’t do that. I know he was very frustrated at the time, but that’s just something you can’t do.”
Jeudy went on to have a big game, catching three touchdown passes after the incident, but he’ll have to pay for the outburst this week. | 2022-12-15T13:20:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy facing fine but no suspension after outburst | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-jerry-jeudy-facing-120004685.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-jerry-jeudy-facing-120004685.html?src=rss |
If the fans are to have any say, Washington Commanders punter Tress Way will earn his second Pro Bowl in February.
Washington’s longest-tenured player leads all NFL punters in fan voting as of Monday. Fan voting closes on Tuesday, Dec. 15, and Pro Bowl rosters will be announced next week on Dec. 21.
Fan voting is 1/3 of the process, as coaches and players make up the rest of the vote.
Way is undoubtedly deserving of the award. He averages 47 yards per punt, with a net of 43.6. Way has landed 30 punts inside the 20-yard, which is No. 1 in the NFL. Opponents are averaging only six yards per return against Way, which is No. 4 in the NFL.
Way is a weapon for Washington’s outstanding defense. When the offense struggles, Way is often asked to punt the Commanders out of trouble, which he usually does.
Unfortunately, defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne remain No. 4 and No. 7 in Pro Bowl voting. Both players deserve the Pro Bowl nomination. In addition, wide receiver Terry McLaurin is No. 8, while long snapper Camaron Cheeseman ranks No. 4.
Way’s lone Pro Bowl came in 2019 when he was also named second-team All-Pro.
Fans have one last day to help Washington’s players earn a trip to the Pro Bowl.
Jim Irsay isn’t ready to vote Dan Snyder out, wants to hear from fellow owners
Jim Irsay speaks on Daniel Snyder and the Commanders at league meetings. | 2022-12-15T13:21:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders punter Tress Way leads all NFL punters in Pro Bowl fan voting | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-punter-tress-way-leads-114526764.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-punter-tress-way-leads-114526764.html?src=rss |
Eagles’ dangerous offense about to get even more dangerous originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
When Dallas Goedert got hurt against the Commanders back on Nov. 14 it was fair to wonder how the Eagles would survive without him.
They’ve done more than survive.
Over the last month, while Goedert has been on Injured Reserve, the Eagles went 4-0 and have had the best offense in the NFL, averaging 426 yards per game.
Now they’re going to add Goedert back to the mix. That’s scary.
“You can't wait until you get back him because … he makes a ton of plays,” head coach Nick Sirianni said. “He's a great tight end, one of the best tight ends in the NFL.”
The Eagles activated Goedert’s practice window on Wednesday and while he wouldn’t definitively say he’ll be good to go on Sunday in Chicago, things are certainly trending in that direction.
Goedert had a fracture in the glenoid bone in his shoulder and as long as that’s healed completely he’ll be able to play. His plan has always been to return for the Bears game and nothing in his recovery changed that hope.
“That’s still up in the air but things are trending in the right direction,” Goedert said on Wednesday before walkthrough. “Gotta go out and practice and see what it feels like at full speed blocking bigger people than just the trainers. If I was playing [the trainers], I could play for sure. But some of these guys are a little bit bigger, a little more force coming at you.”
In a strange way, losing Goedert for a month could in some ways be a long-term positive. Because Goedert is so good, he’s almost like a cheat code at times. He fixes a lot of problems whenever the offense sputters or needs a big play.
But in the last month without Goedert, the Eagles have needed to rely on some other players and some other personnel packages. We’ve seen a lot more of Quez Watkins and 11 personnel, we’ve seen some 10 personnel with four wideouts and even some 21 personnel with two running backs on the field.
The Eagles’ offense was already extremely dangerous with Goedert. Now it’s still going to be extremely dangerous with him again, but it has also grown in his absence.
“The thing that you learn is just that you have a lot of capable guys,” Sirianni said. “It reconfirms to you that you have a lot of capable guys on this offense.”
While it was a bummer for Goedert to get hurt in the middle of his best NFL season, he said once he found out the injury wasn’t season-ending, his mentality flipped. He made sure to help his teammates as much as he could and began to focus on his recovery and preparation as much as he could.
He even enjoyed watching his teammates win all four games without him.
Obviously, Goedert will help a ton. Even after missing four full games, Goedert is sixth in the NFL in receiving among tight ends.
Travis Kelce: 1,039 (13 games)
T.J. Hockenson: 697 (13 games)
Mark Andrews: 671 (12 games)
Pat Freiermuth: 630 (12 games)
Evan Engram: 548 (13 games)
Dallas Goedert: 544 (9 games)
Goedert’s average yards per game of 60.4 is second among NFL tight ends behind just Kelce. Even after missing all these games, Goedert still has a strong Pro Bowl resume.
The thought of adding him to an offense that has really been humming the last few weeks is incredibly intriguing for the Eagles and probably pretty scary for their upcoming opponents.
Here’s a look at where the Eagles have ranked league-wide in major offensive categories in the four games without Goedert:
Yards: 1st
Points: 2nd
Rushing yards: 1st
Passing yards: 14th
Turnovers: t-3rd
And, remember, the Eagles weren’t very good in their first game without Goedert. They beat the Colts but the offense looked really disjointed in that game. The Eagles scored just 17 points and had just 314 yards in that one. That means that the last three games, they’ve clearly had the best offense in the NFL, putting up 500, 435 and 437 yards and 40, 35 and 48 points.
Now they get to add one of their most dynamic playmakers back into the mix.
“It feels good (to be back),” Goedert said. “Obviously, missing games is never fun but glad with the success the team has had. But just being able to out there and practice and start getting back into the swing of things is exciting and obviously in the right direction.”
The Patriots' 27-13 win over the Cardinals on Monday night will be remembered most for the injury to Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray. If New England (7-6) ultimately secures a playoff spot it will also be recalled as the game that saved its season. | 2022-12-15T13:21:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles’ Dallas Goedert trending toward Week 15 return | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-dallas-goedert-trending-toward-120000339.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-dallas-goedert-trending-toward-120000339.html?src=rss |
Eagles shrug off Parsons’ comments about Hurts’ MVP candidacy originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons made some minor waves this week when he seemingly discounted Jalen Hurts’ MVP candidacy.
A guest on Von Miller’s The Voncast, Parsons tried to tread lightly but intimated that Hurts isn’t a legitimate MVP candidate this season because so much of the Eagles’ offensive success is dependent on “system and team.”
As far as bulletin board material, this isn’t exactly scathing. But the subtle diss from a Cowboy did get quite a reaction from some Eagles fans.
Inside the Eagles’ locker room, though, that sound bite was met with a collective shrug of the shoulders.
OK, well you weren’t expecting Hurts to bring the fire, right? He’s always so poised and he’s the last person you’d expect to that rat poison bother him.
But that was pretty much the reaction from most of his teammates too. Even from the guy who protects his blindside.
“Yeah, I’m going to worry about the Chicago Bears this week, mate,” Jordan Mailata said. “Worry about this game. Micah should worry about his game this week too.”
The Cowboys this weekend play in Jacksonville and the Eagles play in Chicago.
Next week, they’ll play their second matchup against each other at AT&T Stadium on Christmas Eve.
“That’s what he’s supposed to say,” Brandon Graham responded with a laugh. “Because I would say the same thing. It’s all good. We gotta keep proving it. That’s all he’s telling us is ‘Jalen keep proving it.’ Because people don’t believe in you. They didn’t believe in the beginning. Just keep being who you are, don’t buy into it. But I’m going to say that part. He plays with the Cowboys so that’s what he’s going to say.”
On Wednesday morning, head coach Nick Sirianni said he was not familiar with the clip, saying the Eagles were worried about “the Bears and the Bears only.”
Why was Parsons even talking about Hurts?
“Probably because he was asked by Von for the podcast,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, Jalen is having a great year, we have a great team. I don’t know if there’s any ill-will towards us. But the media will make a big thing out of it. We got Chicago this week and them next week. Everything will take care of itself.”
The sequel to "Avatar" finally hits screens after 13 years with many members of the cast returning. | 2022-12-15T13:21:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles shrug off Micah Parsons’ comments about Jalen Hurts | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-shrug-off-micah-parsons-120000450.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-shrug-off-micah-parsons-120000450.html?src=rss |
In August, Geno Smith was trying to hold off Drew Lock for the Seattle Seahawks' starting job. Nobody believed he'd be any good even if he won that competition.
At least Smith was on the radar of NFL fans, though mostly for his failed stint with the New York Jets. Nobody knew Brock Purdy unless you're a Big 12 fan, study preseason football or are really into Mr. Irrelevant history. Purdy was fighting with Nate Sudfeld for a San Francisco 49ers' roster spot, and won that job based on a good preseason. Nobody expected him to be a factor this season, or maybe ever in the NFL.
If someone said then that Thursday night football in week 15 would feature Purdy starting against Smith, everyone would have made really early plans to go holiday shopping that night. But it's actually a really fun and compelling matchup between two of the best individual stories of this NFL season.
Smith has been very good all season, helping the Seahawks into playoff contention. Purdy got his shot a couple weeks ago when the 49ers, already down Trey Lance, also lost Jimmy Garoppolo to injury. Purdy has played very well in two wins.
Quarterbacks coming out of nowhere to become key players isn't unheard of, but it's rare. We'll see two fantastic success stories on Thursday night.
Geno Smith emerged at age 32
Smith and Purdy came to their success from different paths.
Smith was a second-round pick and had some good moments with the Jets, but his time there might be best known for him having his jaw broken on a punch from then-Jets defensive end IK Enemkpali. After two seasons Smith was quickly onto the backup phase of his career. After the Jets he spent time with the New York Giants (famously starting once when Ben McAdoo benched Eli Manning to end Manning's games played streak), Los Angeles Chargers and then the Seahawks. He started five games in the six seasons before this one.
Smith got off to a hot start against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, and has kept it going all season. He has 3,433 yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a league-best 71.5 completion percentage. Breakout seasons don't usually happen at age 32 after six years on the benches of four different teams, which makes Smith's 2022 season remarkable.
Purdy's ascension to the starting job followed a more familiar path. He was a third-string rookie and the 49ers had no other choice when they lost their first two quarterbacks. Purdy had a good college career at Iowa State, but isn't physically impressive. That's why he lasted until the final pick of the draft, playfully nicknamed "Mr. Irrelevant."
What's also familiar about third-stringers being forced into action is they usually look overmatched. Purdy hasn't at all. He had thrown only nine NFL passes before being pressed into duty two weeks ago, and one was an interception. Plenty of 49ers fans didn't have any expectations for Purdy when he entered the game against the Miami Dolphins, because they probably didn't know who Purdy was.
Then a funny thing happened: Purdy has played well enough that the 49ers' Super Bowl dreams are still alive.
Quarterback Brock Purdy has played well in the 49ers' last two games. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Brock Purdy has been a revelation
Purdy threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns off the bench in a 33-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. On Sunday he had 185 yards and two passing touchdowns, with a short rushing touchdown too. The 49ers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7. Purdy doesn't look nervous or out of place. The 49ers seem energized by him.
“He’s going to keep slinging it and ripping what he sees, and I think our guys feel that,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “When you’re like that, it gives a lot of people confidence because you know it’s just a matter of time.”
We've seen quarterbacks come from nowhere to become NFL superstars. Tom Brady is the most famous example. Tony Romo and Kurt Warner are two others. Rich Gannon is a rare example of a QB who emerged in his 30s to become a star, and he's probably the best comparison to Smith. Gannon won an MVP and made a Super Bowl. Mark Rypien was a sixth-round pick who won a Super Bowl MVP award with Washington during the 1991 season. Purdy is trying to follow that path. Though to be fair, there's no perfect comparison to Purdy. No rookie quarterback has ever started a Super Bowl, much less the final pick of the draft who started the season on the third team.
Those type of underdog stories, especially at the most famous position in sports, are worth celebrating. Purdy vs. Smith wouldn't have sounded very appealing a few months ago. It's pretty cool now. | 2022-12-15T13:21:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Thursday Night Football: Whose story is more unlikely, Brock Purdy or Geno Smith? | https://sports.yahoo.com/thursday-night-football-whose-story-is-more-unlikely-brock-purdy-or-geno-smith-130037500.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/thursday-night-football-whose-story-is-more-unlikely-brock-purdy-or-geno-smith-130037500.html?src=rss |
The unseen impact Fletch, Kelce, B.G. and Lane have on Eagles' youngsters originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
There’s no guidebook on how to be an NFL player. There’s no instructional video on how to have a long productive career. There’s no website that spells out how to take care of yourself, what to eat and how to study.
For all the young guys on the Eagles’ roster, there’s something even better.
Watching living legends in action.
Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce are not only legends on the field, they’re remarkable examples to all the young players who share a locker room with them.
Cox and Johnson are 32, Graham and Kelce are 34, and among them they’ve started 664 games, made 16 Pro Bowls and helped the Eagles win their only Super Bowl five years ago.
There are only 25 active NFL players who’ve started 100 games and spent their entire career with one team. Four of them are Eagles, and the impact they’ve made – and continue to make – on this organization simply cannot be measured.
“Those guys give me hope that if I stay the path and have a routine and do the right thing that I can be a legend like them,” Jordan Mailata said. “Being around them, seeing the emotion that they put into the game and what they get out of it, that’s what I strive for.
“They’ve created a resume for the rest of the world to see and hopefully Hall of Famers and great players and definitely great people. You learn something every day just by watching them.”
Graham, Kelce and Cox have been here since the Andy Reid Era, Johnson since Chip Kelly’s first season. They are the only Eagles who pre-date the 2016 season.
They were key figures on one Super Bowl championship and are key figures on another team trying to make a similar run.
“Those guys are all-time Eagle greats and they carry themselves the right way," Marcus Epps said.
"They’re great leaders and great players, they come to work every day, they do all the right things, they work hard and they’re a great example for young players on, hey, if you want your career to go a certain way, they will show you the steps you have to take day in and day out to get there.
“It’s definitely inspiring. Any time you’re in the presence of guys like that it’s inspiring to see what they’re doing and how you can kind of mimic that.”
The most remarkable thing about this quartet of all-time Eagles is that they’re all playing at an extremely high level.
Cox ranks seventh among all defensive tackles with 6.0 sacks, Graham is sixth among edge rushers with 8 ½ sacks, Kelce is the top-ranked center in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus and Johnson is the No. 2-ranked right tackle.
They’re doing something right. Heck, seems like they’re doing everything right.
“I’m a big guy on seeing action and not just what you say, and seeing stuff like that gives me a clear idea of how to be a pro,” 25-year-old Miles Sanders said. “Just watch them and follow their steps. It’s easy.
“They’ve been doing it the right way, they’ve been doing it for a long time, so you pay attention to everything they do. Got some real legends here, future Hall of Famers here. Hopefully, all the young guys are paying attention.”
This is Graham’s 13th year with the Eagles, Kelce’s 12th year, Cox’s 11th year and Johnson’s 10th. Along with Jerry Sisemore, Brent Celek, John Bunting and Randy Logan, they’re among only eight players who’ve played at least 10 seasons here and never played for another team.
They’re all Eagles Hall of Fame no-brainers, and Kelce and perhaps Cox is a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
They’re living legends and they’re more than willing to mentor and counsel any young player who asks.
“That’s a luxury a lot of NFL teams don’t have,” Jack Stoll said. “They don’t have guys like that walking around their building willing to share their knowledge with everybody. We’re unbelievably lucky to have guys like that.
“They teach you how to do it the right way, and they’ve been unbelievable helping us out. From the stories I’ve heard, some people, they get to that level and they don’t really try to help anyone out, so the fact that they’re willing to go out of their way and help everyone is something I don’t think any of us take for granted. We’re extremely lucky to have them.
“You can learn so much, even just by watching them. Just seeing how they take care of their body, getting a little more work in, recovery, how they prepare for stuff, film – it’s unbelievable to watch and just being a young guy you look at that and you realize, ‘That’s how you do it.’ That’s so valuable.”
Mailata arrived here in 2018 with literally zero football experience, so having Pro Bowl-caliber veterans all over the locker room meant the world to him.
“You ought to see the amount of time Lane puts into his body to make sure he’s fresh,” he said. “Even in meetings, he’s constantly doing something to take care of himself – stretching his toes or rolling something out. I guess that comes with age and playing that long in the league and he’s always preaching taking care of your body. I see it with Fletch, he never takes a day off, he’s doing cardio, he’s got his own routine. B.G.’s almost always the first one in the building doing his routine. Kelce does his routine after practice.
“Seeing the success they’ve had on the field for so long, you ask yourself, ‘How did they get there? How are they having this kind of success?’ And you see the routines they have and it’s something you know you have to have if you want to get to that point.”
It didn’t take rookie Britain Covey very long after joining the Eagles in April to realize how valuable the resources were in the Eagles’ locker room.
“The way I see it is in any other profession, you will do whatever you can – whether that’s travel or go to seminars, read books, whatever you can do – to learn from the best people in that profession,” Covey said.
“Think about the lengths some people will go to to find the best people in their profession to learn something from. And just the fact that in my profession I get to be around them constantly. That’s special and when you look at it from that mindset you realize how unique of an opportunity it is.
“There’s so many things you can get frustrated with in football. But then I take a step back and I just think, ‘Wow, people would kill to just be around someone like that and watch them work.’ That’s what I love about it. You can learn so much just being around those guys.” | 2022-12-15T13:22:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | The unseen impact Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham have on Eagles' youngsters | https://sports.yahoo.com/unseen-impact-fletcher-cox-jason-120030848.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/unseen-impact-fletcher-cox-jason-120030848.html?src=rss |
Why Brett Kern's 13-year-old son was thrilled he signed with Eagles originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Brett Kern was thrilled when the Eagles called Sunday because he finally had a job as an NFL punter again.
His son Bryce was thrilled also but for a different reason.
“He’s got Jalen as his (fantasy) quarterback so he was really excited when I told him I was coming here,” Kern said Wednesday before his first practice with the Eagles.
The Eagles signed Kern, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Titans, after losing Arryn Siposs indefinitely. Kern is on the practice squad for now, and he can be a game-day elevation for three weeks. After that the Eagles will have to sign him to the 53-man roster if they want him to continue kicking.
Kern, 36, had been out of football since getting released by the Titans after a preseason battle with rookie Ryan Stonehouse.
“In my mind, I knew I was going to kick again,” Kern said. “I just didn’t know where or when, but I knew I still wanted to keep playing, so mentally I stayed ready, physically I stayed ready for whatever opportunity came, and I’m extremely thankful for this one.”
Word travels fast in NFL punting circles. When a punter gets hurt, every out-of-work punter hears about it within seconds.
“It’s usually pretty quick,” Kern said. “This year’s been really unique because the only punting change that’s happened has been New England. It’s been pretty quiet the rest of the year. I actually had the Titans game on (Sunday) because we didn’t have the Eagles-Giants (broadcast) and so my agent called me and told me (about Siposs’ injury).
“I immediately went to Twitter to find out what happened. … I got home from church, my agent called me, couldn’t really believe it, saw what happened, started packing my bags and now I’m here.”
One of the first things Kern did after signing with the Eagles was call Siposs, who’s been the Eagles’ punter the last two years.
“I was just trying to encourage him,” he said. “He made a heck of a play. To have a punt blocked that’s one thing, but to be able to pick it up and run and for that (injury) to happen? That stinks. So I was just trying to encourage him along through the process. You’re on a 12-1 team and all of a sudden your season gets cut short.”
Since the Titans released him in August, Kern has been home in Nashville trying to stick as closely to his in-season routine as possible.
“I was playing a lot of golf,” he said. “I was working out, just kind of staying in the routine of what I do during the week. I was kicking at a high school (Lipscomb Academy) once or twice a week. Couple workouts here and there, and I feel ready to go.”
Kern said the two biggest factors that convinced him to sign with the Eagles were the team’s 12-1 record and the chance to kick in a postseason and the connections he has here from his 12 years in Tennessee.
“The decision to come here was a no-brainer just because obviously the season y'all are having, familiarity with a lot of people on the staff and some players,” he said. “I know Jake (Elliott) and Rick (Lovato), so it’s a great opportunity and this was the best fit.”
Asked about those connections, Kern mentioned passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo, who was the Titans' assistant wide receivers coach in 2014; tight ends coach Jason Michael, who was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in Tennessee from 2014 through 2017; senior athletic trainer Jerome Reid, who was an assistant trainer with the Titans from 2014 through 2017; and even the Eagles’ masseuse, who also spent time with the Titans.
The connections between Kern and the Eagles also involve his dad and Nick Sirianni’s dad, who are friends. Kern is from Grand Island, N.Y., about 10 miles north of Buffalo, and Siriann's family is from Jamestown, about 70 miles south of Buffalo.
“His dad actually knows my dad really well, just from a Western New York connection,” he said. “So it’s great to come somewhere where you know faces and you’re kind of familiar with people. It makes it a little bit easier.”
One of the closest connections between Kern and the Eagles is A.J. Brown, his teammate the last three years with the Titans.
Kern was still a Titan when the Eagles acquired Brown, so he reacted the same way everybody else in Nashville did.
“When I found out A.J. got traded here I was genuinely sad, because he’s a great teammate, he’s a good friend, I had a lot of conversations in the locker room joking around with him,” he said.
“So to be able to come here and know A.J. was here was great. He kind of gave me the lay of the land, where to live, that kind of thing. He’s a great guy and I’m glad we’re teammates again.” | 2022-12-15T13:22:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why Brett Kern's 13-year-old son was thrilled he joined Eagles | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-brett-kerns-13-old-120022765.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-brett-kerns-13-old-120022765.html?src=rss |
Gators have a long way to go, but at least they’re aiming high
TAMPA — The crowd is enthusiastic, but kind of puny. The team is ascending, but not quite there yet. The expectations are modest, and ain’t that a shame. Eight years into a post-Billy Donovan world, the best thing you can say about the University of Florida men’s basketball program is that it knows it should be better. Oh, the Gators were certainly good enough Wednesday night. Playing a ...
Kowacie Reeves dropped 20 as the Gators dominated the Ohio Bobcats in Tampa on Wednesday night.
The New Mexico State football team returned to practice on Wednesday ahead of the Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. | 2022-12-15T14:17:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2023 Florida commit upgraded to 5-star status by 247Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-guard-becomes-program-130012674.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-guard-becomes-program-130012674.html?src=rss |
Florida Gators offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence has become a Consensus All-American. To be considered a Consensus All-American, a player must be named to the three major All-American teams (Walter Camp, Sporting News, AP), something Torrence did in his only season as a Florida football player.
Torrence becomes the 34th player in Florida football history to be a consensus All-American and the first since Kyle Pitts in 2020. He joins Lomas Brown (1984), Jason Odom (1995), Mike Pearson (2001), and Maurkice Pouncey (2009) as the only Gators offensive linemen to be named a Consensus All-American. He is the first offensive guard in Florida football history to earn the honor.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 347-pound senior was also named an All-American by The Athletic, CBS, and Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Torrence was a vital part of the Florida run game. He transferred to Florida from Louisiana, joining Billy Napier in the move from Lafayette to Gainesville. He brought stability and familiarity in a run game that became the Gators’ offensive identity.
🗣 Call him a Consensus All-American
With yesterday's @sportingnews First Team All-American honors @78_KingBo earns Consensus All-American status.
📰 https://t.co/xiuEOTqxcJ pic.twitter.com/sfQeqJ9XT2
Other top players like Anthony Richardson and Ventrell Miller have also declared for the NFL draft and will not be playing against the Oregon State Beavers in the Las Vegas Bowl. That game will be played on Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m. EST and broadcast on ESPN.
Florida vs. Oregon State in Las Vegas Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch and more
A Florida team with major questions at quarterback runs into an Oregon State group finishing its season on a high note. | 2022-12-15T14:17:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida offensive guard becomes program’s 34th Consensus All-American in history | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-guard-becomes-program-130012949.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-guard-becomes-program-130012949.html?src=rss |
Wyatt D. Wheeler, Springfield News-Leader
Missouri State football coach Bobby Petrino is leaving to take an offensive coordinator position at UNLV, according to a report by ESPN.
MORE:Who could replace Bobby Petrino at Missouri State? Here are some possibilities.
Missouri State Bears Head Coach Bobby Petrino lead the Bears as they took on the Arkansas Razorback at Arkansas on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
Missouri State was 18-15 under Petrino and is coming off a 5-6 season in 2022. The Bears qualified for their first two FCS postseasons since 1990 in his first two years as head coach.
Follow Wyatt D. Wheeler on Twitter at @WyattWheeler_NL.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Bobby Petrino to become offensive coordinator for UNLV football
Congress is down to the wire in funding the government through the end of the year, GOP are deciding whether to pass a short-term spending bill or work with Democrats to pass full budget. | 2022-12-15T15:48:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Missouri State football coach Bobby Petrino to take UNLV offensive coordinator position, per report | https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-state-football-coach-bobby-143415035.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-state-football-coach-bobby-143415035.html?src=rss |
The Georgia Bulldogs had three players make the USA TODAY Sports All-America college football team. Georgia and its opponent in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Ohio State, are two of the six programs that had three picks on the All-America team.
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and safety Christopher Smith all made the first-team. The Bulldogs did not have any players on the second-team.
Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith has had an excellent season. Joshua L. Jones/Online Athens
Surprisingly, more players in the Big Ten (15) were named to the All-America team than players from the SEC (10). Ohio State’s three selections are first-team wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., second-team offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., and second-team linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers won the John Mackey award. Bowers has 58 total touches, nine total touchdowns, and 819 total yards this season.
Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is too much of a force to leave off the All-America team. Carter, who missed several games after suffering a knee injury, has 29 total tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Georgia safety Christopher Smith returned to Athens to have a season like this. The first-team All-America safety has 49 total tackles, three interceptions, and a memorable blocked kick returned for a touchdown.
Who is Stephen Bear? Reality star found guilty of sharing sex tape
Celebrity Big Brother winner has been bailed until January 31, when he will be sentenced | 2022-12-15T15:49:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Three Georgia Bulldogs make USA TODAY Sports’ All-America team | https://sports.yahoo.com/three-georgia-bulldogs-usa-today-144615915.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/three-georgia-bulldogs-usa-today-144615915.html?src=rss |
USC gained another defensive player for the 2023 season, and the Trojans’ addition comes at the expense of a Pac-12 competitor.
You will recall that USC gained transfers from Oregon, Stanford, Colorado, Arizona State, Washington — throughout the conference — in the previous transfer portal cycle. The Trojans have now added an Arizona defensive lineman.
Kyon Barrs had interest from LSU, Miami-Florida, Auburn, Oregon State, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Indiana and Fresno State, but on Wednesday, he chose to be a Trojan.
Barrs played four years at Arizona. This past season, he recorded a career-best 39 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss. He started in all 12 games.
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman made the All-Pac-12 Second Team in 2021, when he piled up 33 tackles, five sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Barrs is the 17th player from the Arizona Wildcats’ 2022 roster who has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Be sure to continue to check our USC transfer tracker and our national transfer tracker.
Here are some details of legislation passed by Germany's lower house of parliament on Thursday to cap gas and power prices for consumers up to April 2024 and in return tax utility profits deemed to be excessive. Russia's large-scale withdrawal from its former role especially as the main gas supplier to Germany and Europe drove up wholesale prices to sky-high levels this year, contributing to inflationary pressures and huge support programmes in Europe's largest economy. As Germany aims to wean itself off its dependency on Russia and on fossil fuels, the package also includes aid for new renewable projects. | 2022-12-15T15:49:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | USC adds Pac-12 defensive lineman via transfer portal; quest to build toughness and depth continues | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-adds-pac-12-defensive-151747218.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-adds-pac-12-defensive-151747218.html?src=rss |
Republican Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker is reportedly set to be the NCAA's new president. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The NCAA has found a prominent politician to succeed Mark Emmert.
The NCAA announced Thursday that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) will be its next president. Baker’s term as governor is up in January and will take over in March.
"I am honored to become the next president of the NCAA, an organization that impacts millions of families and countless communities across this country every day," Baker said in an NCAA statement. "The NCAA is confronting complex and significant challenges, but I am excited to get to work as the awesome opportunity college athletics provides to so many students is more than worth the challenge. And for the fans that faithfully fill stadiums, stands and gyms from coast to coast, I am eager to ensure the competitions we all love to follow are there for generations to come. Over the coming months, I will begin working with student-athletes and NCAA members as we modernize college sports to suit today's world, while preserving its essential value."
Emmert announced in April that he would be stepping down as president no later than June 30, 2023. According to the report, Emmert will serve in an advisory capacity for the first half of 2023.
Emmert has run the NCAA for the past 12 years and has long been a punching bag for the NCAA’s detractors. Emmert was a staunch defender of the NCAA’s outdated rules regarding amateurism yet also oversaw the governing body’s sudden shift to allow players to make money off their image rights once it was politically untenable for the NCAA to continue to enforce its new rules.
That political influence came in the way of myriad state governments moving to legalize college athlete compensation. Rather than navigate dozens of differing state laws, the NCAA quickly implemented sweeping changes to its NIL rules without much thought to future consequences. This move was, of course, made after years of the NCAA dragging its feet regarding any changes to its rules. Had Emmert and the NCAA been more proactive over the course of its tenure, it’s reasonable to assume that states like California and Florida wouldn’t have forced its hand.
After making its widespread rules changes, the NCAA has looked to Congress for federal legislation to govern how college athletes can make money. So far, Congress has declined to make federal oversight of the NCAA a priority.
By appointing an experienced politician, perhaps the NCAA believes it can make a stronger push for federal rules with Baker in charge. In its release, the NCAA said that "Baker arrives at the NCAA at a moment of significant transformation. Legal shifts in the environment surrounding college sports have challenged the NCAA's ability to serve as an effective national regulator for college athletics, resulting in an untenable patchwork of individual state laws. Partnering with federal policymakers to develop a consistent, sustainable legal framework to address issues common to student-athletes and athletic departments across the country will be a top and immediate priority. Throughout the search process, Governor Baker's history of successfully forging bipartisan solutions to complex problems stood out to the search committee as uniquely suited to the NCAA's present needs."
Baker is a former college athlete himself and has been in office since 2015. He was the CEO of a medical group after serving as the Secretary of Administration and Finance for the state of Massachusetts and before running for governor. | 2022-12-15T15:52:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to follow Mark Emmert as NCAA president | https://sports.yahoo.com/massachusetts-gov-charlie-baker-to-follow-mark-emmert-as-ncaa-president-152624218.html | https://sports.yahoo.com/massachusetts-gov-charlie-baker-to-follow-mark-emmert-as-ncaa-president-152624218.html |
The Chicago Bears (3-10) will host the best team in football, the Philadelphia Eagles (12-1), and the Bears are still looking to end their losing streak, which has increased to six games.
It won’t be easy to upset the Eagles, who enter the game as 9-point favorites, have only lost one game this year, and are undefeated in away games. Philadelphia’s success can be attributed to having the best-scoring offense in the NFL and their defense leading the NFL in takeaways and sacks.
Sunday’s game will be challenging for the Bears and likely won’t be the game that ends the losing streak. With a 6-0 record in away games, some might say Philly is due for a loss. But here are three reasons to be concerned when the Bears play the Eagles in Week 15.
The Eagles' rushing attack is one of the best in NFL
Philadelphia is the second-best rushing offense in the NFL behind Chicago. The Eagles average 162.2 rushing yards per game, led by running back Miles Sanders and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The effectiveness of the run game has kept Philly in front of the chains most of the year. An interesting stat: Of the 932 plays run this season, only 15% have required the Eagles to gain 7-plus yards for a first down.
As a rushing defense, the Bears are one of the worst in the NFL, allowing 146.3 yards per game and ranking 27th.
Philadelphia's defense is one of the best in the NFL
The Eagles lead the NFL in interceptions with 15 and are the best defense in the league at ending opposing drives with a turnover 18% of the time. Conversely, Chicago is average at protecting the football. The Bears rank 18th, with their offensive drives ending in a turnover 12% of the time.
In addition to forcing turnovers, the Eagles have the most sacks in the NFL (49), led by linebacker Haason Reddick (10); and defensive linemen Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, and Fletcher Cox (30).
The Eagles’ combination of passing and rushing defense has turned Philadelphia into a top defense, allowing the second-fewest yards this season.
The Eagles are on a 4-game winning streak and are 6-0 on the road
While their road record hasn’t been the toughest at 29-45-3, the Eagles haven’t lost when playing away from Lincoln Financial Field. Philly is outscoring opponents 29-19 in road games this season and is coming off a 48-22 blowout of the New York Giants.
The Bears play better at home (2-5 at Soldier Field), but at 3-10 overall, it’s not a notable advantage. Sunday’s game against the Eagles will be challenging. | 2022-12-15T16:23:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | 3 causes for concern as the Bears face the Eagles in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-causes-concern-bears-face-160537259.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-causes-concern-bears-face-160537259.html?src=rss |
New York Giants co-owner John Mara has remained mainly silent as his team embarks on a new era under first-year head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
The team’s 7-5-1 start to this season, one which was expected to be a transition/rebuilding period, has pleased Mara, who spoke to the media this week at the NFL Meetings in New York City.
“We’ll see how it finishes out,” Mara said, via NJ Advance Media. “But right now I feel good about the team, the direction we are going. You are always disappointed if you don’t make the playoffs but we are trying to take it one week at a time at this point. I know that sounds like coachspeak but that’s really the only way you can look at it right now. I just know the vibe in the building is the best that it has been in a long time. People are all pulling in the same direction.”
Mara’s annual goal for his team is to be playing meaningful football games in December. This year, he’s getting his wish although the team is in a bit of a downward spiral at the moment.
If the season ended today, the Giants would be the seventh and final seed in the NFC playoff bracket. They’ve come a long way from the inept squads of the past five seasons. They can still drop out of sight by continuing their swoon but their schedule, which seemed to be challenging just a few weeks ago, may suddenly play into their favor.
They play the Washington Commanders this Sunday night, a game that will break a tie in the standings (unless they tie again) and a win gives the victor a leg up in the playoff tiebreakers.
The Giants’ remaining schedule is at Minnesota, home versus Indianapolis and at Philadelphia. The Vikings are 2-2 over their last four and many of their wins have been by less than one score.
Indianapolis (4-8-1) is in flux after bringing in Jeff Saturday as their head coach and are on a three-game losing streak.
The Eagles (12-1) crushed the Giants, 48-22, last week but by Week 18 could be nursing the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC and may sit many of their starters in the season finale against Big Blue. | 2022-12-15T16:23:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ John Mara: ‘Right now, I feel good about the team’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-john-mara-now-feel-155525767.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-john-mara-now-feel-155525767.html?src=rss |
With the NFC playoff race shaping up, here’s where the Eagles stand entering Week 15.
The Eagles clinched a playoff spot with their win over the Giants.
Philadelphia holds a 2 game lead over the Cowboys with two division games remaining including a Christmas Eve matchup in at AT&T Stadium.
San Francisco could be down to their fourth-string quarterback in Week 15.
Rookie Brok Purdy (oblique/rib) is questionable for the 49ers’ Thursday night showdown with the Seahawks in Seattle, according to the team’s injury report.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) 1st NFC South
The free-falling Buccaneers sit just one game ahead of the Panthers in the NFC South.
Dallas is 10-3 after escaping with a win over the Texans and they’ll look to focus on the Jaguars with a showdown against Philadelphia looming.
The bye week was good for the Commanders after they jumped from 8th up to 6th after the Giants and Seahawks both suffered losses.
New York and Washington face off again Sunday at FedEx Field in Maryland.
The final three playoff spots belong to teams from the NFC East, but the Giants want to avoid backing into the postseason after a 48-22 loss to the Eagles.
They’ll face a must-win matchup against Washington on Sunday.
Ten lucky lawyers made the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission's lists this week for seats on the District Court bench.
Chinese luxury fashion conglomerate Lanvin Group, owner of the eponymous French fashion brand, said it is scouting for buys and will open new stores, after a New York SPAC listing on Thursday that raised $150 million and valued it at $1.31 billion. The amount raised is far lower than the $544 million that the group, owned by China's Fosun International, said in March it hoped to raise from the listing via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) set up by Primavera Capital. U.S.-listed shares of Lanvin opened about 4% higher at $10.25, and more than doubled to $20.25 in early trade.
The UN Refugee Agency is turning to crypto to aid internally displaced persons and other war-affected people in Ukraine. | 2022-12-15T16:24:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFC playoff picture: Eagles remain the top team entering Week 15 matchup at Bears | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfc-playoff-picture-eagles-remain-153554095.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfc-playoff-picture-eagles-remain-153554095.html?src=rss |
It's been a tale of two seasons for the Seattle Seahawks. Pete Carroll's team entered the year with little to no expectations after trading former franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver. Through the first nine weeks, Geno Smith made the best of his opportunity by firmly entrenching himself as the betting favorite for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He led Seattle to a 6-3 record and took good care of the betting public, going 6-3 ATS and covering four straight weeks from the middle of October into November. Then, everything changed when the Seahawks traveled to Germany to face the Buccaneers in Week 10.
The betting market signaled regression was inevitable when it made the Seahawks underdogs against Tampa Bay despite leading the Bucs by three games in the standings. The market was vindicated as Seattle lost 21-16 and hasn't looked the same since. The Seahawks have failed to cover in each of their last four games, losing outright in two of the previous three as favorites.
The days of Smith and the Seahawks sneaking up on teams are over, as they return to the underdog role Thursday night against the division-leading 49ers. San Francisco is on a six-game heater in which the loss of starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hasn't slowed it down. So will both teams continue to streak in opposite directions, or should we expect some positive regression for the home dog?
Kyle Shanahan is the last coach you want to face when your defense gets run over week after week. The Seahawks have allowed an absurd average of 225 yards on the ground over the past three weeks. On the surface, we could be in for a carbon copy of the 49ers' 27-7 win in Week 2, when they rushed for 189 yards. However, some situational factors led to me betting on Seattle.
Carroll's run defense is getting some reinforcements back, with DE Shelby Harris returning to the lineup. Everybody in the building knows the Seahawks have no choice but to sell out to stop the run. That doesn't mean they will be successful, but with Deebo Samuel out and Christian McCaffrey playing through a knee injury, they have a shot to at least slow them down. The more the 49ers have to rely on rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, the better Seattle's chances of staying within the number.
I can see this as a low-scoring game where both offenses are conservative and overly committed to the running game. Everything coming out of Seattle indicates it plans to dial back the aggression and turn this into a rock fight. The 3.5 points become more valuable in a slow-paced game with fewer possessions and scoring opportunities. With Kenneth Walker III returning to the lineup and a top-five passing attack, the Seahawks' offense can put up enough points to crank up the pressure on Purdy. I'm betting on Geno Smith making the big plays when it counts. I have no problem laying the additional juice at -120 to capture the 3.5, but would still play this at the key number of three as well.
Kenneth Walker anytime TD
Kenneth Walker over 34.5 rushing yards
George Kittle anytime TD
Brandon Aiyuk 40-plus receiving yards
We split our prime-time parlay into two props for each team, so we aren't heavily invested in one particular offense to succeed. Nevertheless, Walker III should be the centerpiece of Seattle's game plan as it relentlessly tries to wear down the 49ers' defense. Carroll is an old-school coach who believes in the correlation between rushing attempts and win probability. Walker III has nine touchdowns in his last eight games and should get his number called often enough to hit these props.
On the San Francisco side, Aiyuk and Kittle should be the biggest beneficiaries of the void left by Samuel. The Seahawks' defense has struggled to cover tight ends all season, allowing the fourth-most yards and six touchdowns to the position this season. | 2022-12-15T16:24:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL odds, betting: Is there life left in the Seahawks? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-odds-betting-is-there-life-left-in-the-seahawks-160959679.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-odds-betting-is-there-life-left-in-the-seahawks-160959679.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots finally got some good news on the injury front with starting safety and team captain Devin McCourty dodging what looked like a head injury late in Monday night’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
According to McCourty, he actually hurt his shoulder in the game, but a spotter suggested he get evaluated for a head injury. While it was inconvenient and frustrating for the veteran to leave the game, he understood the importance of the process.
“I got my shoulder hit. So I was fine,” McCourty told media members. “In the game, I was annoyed, but I understood the protocols and what should have been done. So from a safety standpoint, it was good. But my shoulder just got hit. Over time, at my age, my shoulders are in a rough spot. So that’s all that was.”
Patriots safety/captain Devin McCourty explains it was his shoulder that was the issue late in Monday’s win, not his head, and that he had been cleared to return by the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/WJfsxi5sZx
The defensive backfield isn’t looking so great these days with Jack Jones dealing with a knee injury and Jalen Mills also missing games. There’s hope that Mills will return in time for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
If not, the Patriots will have to depend heavily on the extra help over the top with McCourty to keep DaVante Adams and the Raiders offense from wrecking the game. | 2022-12-15T16:24:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots catch a huge break with Devin McCourty injury update | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-catch-huge-break-devin-144636974.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-catch-huge-break-devin-144636974.html?src=rss |
In a recent article by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he ranked all 32 offensive lines ahead of Week 15. The Raiders came in at No. 16, which is exactly where they were last week.
However, one player who has seen his play decline over the last two months is rookie guard Dylan Parham. After a fantastic start to the season, he’s hit a bit of a rookie wall. Here is what Monson had to say about the former third-round pick from Memphis:
“Rookie Dylan Parham surrendered four pressures against the Rams and finished with a PFF pass-blocking grade of 12.5 on Thursday night. The Raiders line ranks ninth in PFF pass-blocking grade but 24th in pressures surrendered.”
While Parham has not allowed a sack in each of the last four games, he has allowed a combined 15 pressures and 12 hurries. That is far too many from the left guard spot.
Parham is still having a fine rookie season and there is nothing to suggest that he won’t be a long-term starter for the Raiders. But like most rookies, he’s struggling a bit in the final weeks of the season. | 2022-12-15T16:25:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders OG Dylan Parham hitting rookie wall after poor performance vs. Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-og-dylan-parham-hitting-155119059.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-og-dylan-parham-hitting-155119059.html?src=rss |
There are only four games left in the regular season, and every one of them will feel like a playoff meeting for the New England Patriots from here on out.
The team is hanging by a thread in a bad AFC division with the No. 7 seed in the playoff picture. As of right now, they’re in control of their own fate, but their situation could be helped if the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets completely fall off a cliff. That would allow for at least some breathing room for the murderer’s row slate of opponents ahead.
The Patriots will finish the season out with an even split of two games on the road and two at Gillette Stadium. We’re far enough into the year to accept what we’re seeing is what we’re going to get the rest of the way from this Patriots team.
They’re going to play it completely safe offensively with their makeshift offensive line and underwhelming receiving corps. The main goal will be leaning on the defense to continue to make the sort of game-breaking plays we saw from safety Kyle Dugger an linebacker Raekwon McMillan on Monday night.
Will it be enough to win out or even three of the next four games? You won’t have to wait long to find out. One thing is certain: Nothing will come easy for this Patriots team.
Let’s rank the rest of the team’s schedule by level of difficulty.
Don’t mistake the Raiders as a pushover opponent for the Patriots.
They’ve been in some tough games this season, but in many of them, they’ve simply failed to close the deal. The team is still loaded with talent, and their head coach, Josh McDaniels, knows the Patriots’ organization inside and out.
When these two teams last met, it was in a preseason game where the Raiders and former Patriot Jarrett Stidham carved Bill Belichick’s defense like a Christmas ham. If quarterback Mac Jones faced pressure against the Cardinals, he’s going to continue to see it in this matchup against the Raiders as well.
Throw in the fact that the Patriots are currently dealing with a slew of injuries ahead of the game and it’s easy to see why there are legitimate concerns for this meeting.
The Miami Dolphins have built a legitimate Super Bowl contender, brick by brick, and given one of the more brilliant up-and-coming coaching talents, Mike McDaniel, the keys to captain the ship.
No team resembles a video game offense as much as the Dolphins this season with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle lined up at receiver. They are basically playing with two No. 1 wideouts with a much-improved Tua Tagovailoa under center throwing them the ball.
That offense gave the Patriots problems when they faced them in the season-opener, and they’d probably give them even more problems today.
Jaylen Waddle has the whole crowd waddling! 🐧 @D1__JW
📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/F3er9mxUz9 pic.twitter.com/1kkw4WsHuW
Here’s to hoping the Patriots keep the waddling to a minimum in the rematch.
Despite being the defending AFC champions, the Bengals have flown under the radar throughout the season. Yet, here we are in the final stretch, and they’re sitting at 9-4 and on a five-game winning streak.
The most dangerous teams in the league are always the ones that get hot late in the season. That used to be the Patriots, but things have clearly changed in recent years.
The Bengals have one of the best young quarterbacks in the game with a bevy of receiving talent. Watching Joe Burrow’s receiving weapons must feel like window shopping for Mac Jones.
This is the nightmare matchup for the Patriots that never seems to end.
The Bills owned New England in the last three head-to-head meetings, and it hasn’t even been close. They rolled into Gillette Stadium, kicked their feet up on the table and took over in Week 12.
The Patriots defense kept the game within reach by holding Josh Allen and the explosive Bills offense to only seven points in the second half. But none of that matters if the Patriots offense can’t get on the scoreboard. It was a sputtering effort that leaves little hope things will get any better at Buffalo.
There’s always the possibility that the Kansas City Chiefs lose a game, and the Bills decide to rest their starters against the Patriots considering this game will be the regular season finale. That might be the only hope for New England at this point.
Florida Senate passes bill to overhaul property insurance system | 2022-12-15T16:25:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ranking Patriots final four regular season games by level of difficulty | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-patriots-final-four-regular-153231341.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-patriots-final-four-regular-153231341.html?src=rss |
The Seattle Seahawks are reeling after losing three of their last four games, including two straight at home. Things don’t get any easier as they kick off Week 15 with a Thursday Night Football showdown at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
This is a rematch from Week 2 when the Seahawks were trounced to the tune of 27-7 by these same 49ers. The Seahawks actually were shutout by San Francisco’s stout defense, with their only score coming via blocked field goal return by Tariq Woolen. Interestingly enough, when the Seahawks played the 49ers they ended up having to play against then-backup Jimmy Garoppolo, as starter Trey Lance was lost for the year with an injury.
Now the Seahawks will play yet another backup 49ers quarterback in rookie Brock Purdy, since Garoppolo himself is now injured. Purdy made his official debut last week in a 35-7 beatdown of the Buccaneers, making him the first quarterback to beat Tom Brady in his first start.
Purdy has performed admirably and is doing what is asked of any 49ers quarterback in Kyle Shanahan’s system: stay out of the way of the dominant ground attack. San Francisco is one of the best teams in the entire league at running the ball, which provides a serious mismatch a sieve of a Seahawks defense, which has surrendered 960 yards on the ground in their last five games – including over 220 in two of the previous three outings.
Meanwhile, San Francisco’s defense is quite adept at stopping the run… which also is a problem for a Seahawks offense that can suddenly no longer run effectively.
The Seahawks are desperate and backed against a corner. They are also at home, which has typically been a field where 49ers teams typically don’t walk away with a win. However, given how poorly Seattle’s defense has been playing – especially against the run, which is San Francisco’s key strength – and how the Seattle offense is as one dimensional as it gets, I’m sorry to say I am not quite sure how the Seahawks defend home turf in this one.
Prediction: 49ers over Seahawks 35-17
The 10 Best Places to Go Ice Skating in San Francisco (Plus, a Bonus Option for Pint-Sized Skaters)
Get ready to unleash your inner Kristi Yamaguchi. It’s time to grab your mittens and book it to one of these 10 rinks (plus an ice-free skating option for your littlest ones) for an afternoon or night of gliding and twirling…or at the very least, a good ‘ole seasonal story for the ‘Gram. Whether you’re looking for a classic San Francisco experience (hello, Union Square holiday rink and Christmas tree) or something off the beaten path (like a Hallmark Channel winter wonderland), there’s something | 2022-12-15T16:26:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks vs. 49ers: Week 15 preview and prediction | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-vs-49ers-week-15-153007395.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-vs-49ers-week-15-153007395.html?src=rss |
The football world lost a well-respected presence on Monday with the passing of Mike Leach after suffering from heart complications over the weekend. He was only 61 years old, and the news came as a shock following the conclusion of his team Mississippi State’s regular season.
Leach’s legacy carries on to many former players and coaches under his learning tree. He also built friendships with other coaches across college football and the NFL, like Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. The two didn’t know each other from their time at BYU, but he’d visited him in the NFL when he was coaching the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Yeah, no, that was after me. I’m a little bit older, but I knew Mike (Leach),” said Reid. “(He was a) good guy and very creative. He didn’t visit here, but he spent some time with us in Philadelphia during training camp a couple of different times and just a good guy. It’s a sad deal. He left a nice legacy behind him, for sure, for football. Like I said, very unique.”
Reid told an interesting story about the late Bulldogs head coach to reporters on Wednesday, one that encapsulates the type of person he was.
“I love the story he told me about Donald Trump,” Reid said. “We got talking about that, years ago even before Donald (Trump) was the president. And he goes, ‘Oh yeah, I was walking through New York. I saw the tower. Went up, introduced myself to him.’ Like it was no big deal (laughter). He talked himself through. Donald had security back then too. He talked himself through that, and then Donald found him, that kind of person out. He was just a unique, unique guy. And that’s the way he coached. And that’s why everybody loved him, for that.”
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury played for Leach at Texas Tech in the early 2000s, and his style carried over to his teachings. A similar coaching style would later influence a young Patrick Mahomes when he attended Texas Tech. Mahomes shared his thoughts on Leach and his influence during Wednesday’s press conference.
“Yeah, a huge influence,” said Mahomes. “The way that I play the sport, I feel like it fits that scheme very well of just finding space throughout the field, and even though he might not see that ‘Mike Leach coach’ in the NFL, I feel like a lot of his schemes and type of how to play has kind of infiltrated the NFL. So obviously he was – (Cardinals Head) Coach (Kliff) Kingsbury – that was his coach. That was (Mike) Leach’s first quarterback and influenced him to become a coach; I learned from Coach Kingsbury, so I feel like I’ve learned from Mike Leach himself, so just prayers to his family, man. I mean (it’s) obviously a sad deal, but his impact will be known for a long time around the NFL and around college football as well.”
Mahomes was a standout at Texas Tech setting multiple NCAA Division I FBS records, eventually earning him and Kingsbury an opportunity in the NFL. The former league MVP admits to never getting a chance to meet Leach, but he has connected with others that knew him well.
“I didn’t get to meet him. But I knew a lot of people that knew him,” said Mahomes. “I’ve worked a little bit with (West Virginia Offensive Coordinator) Graham Harrell, who obviously played with him and coached with him at Washington State. Obviously, (University of North Texas Head Coach) Eric Morris, was another offensive coordinator I had at Texas Tech, who was there. There are so many people that I’ve known that have known him and told me about the amazing stories. I think everybody’s heard of the characteristics that he has. But I mean he loved football. He made a huge impact on the game.”
Zach Arnett will coach Leach’s Mississippi State Bulldogs in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game will be emotional for the players and coaches, but it also gives the team another way of honoring their late head coach. | 2022-12-15T17:20:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid discuss Mike Leach’s impact on football | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-andy-reid-165638484.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-andy-reid-165638484.html?src=rss |
So this is interesting. The Purdue Boilermakers announced Thursday that former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has returned to work for his alma mater as an interim assistant coach ahead of their Citrus Bowl matchup with the LSU Tigers. Brees will help his alma mater prepare for that kickoff and coach during it, and he’s also able to recruit for the Boilermakers through an NCAA waiver.
But it’s only temporary. There aren’t plans for Brees to stay with Purdue beyond their Jan. 2 bowl game, so it’s anyone’s guess as to his career plans after that. He spent the 2021 season with NBC Sports but wasn’t retained for 2022, and has since bounced around between various investment opportunities and some ill-advised marketing sponsorships. Maybe Brees is looking to turn to coaching after trying this out.
Purdue’s in an odd spot. They’ve already named Ryan Walters their next head coach, but interim head coach Brian Brohm will lead the team into the Citrus Bowl against LSU after his brother Jeff Brohm left Purdue to be hired as the Louisville Cardinals’ new head coach. The Boilermakers are going to be without quarterback Aidan O’Connell and the country’s leading receiver Charlie Jones, both of whom declared for the 2023 NFL draft. Brees has his work cut out for him, but he’s overcome long odds before.
Ranking the Saints top 2023 NFL draft needs
Liv Paggiarino Want to keep up with the Purdue football coaching search? Become a subscriber to Boiler Upload. For a limited time we are offering a free 30 days of full access. Use Promo Code BOILERUP30 to become a subscriber today! It took a little over a week, but Purdue has a new football coach. | 2022-12-15T17:20:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Drew Brees hired by Purdue as an interim assistant coach | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-hired-purdue-interim-164746556.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-hired-purdue-interim-164746556.html?src=rss |
One of Auburn’s top signees from the 2018 class is on the move again.
After spending two seasons on the Plains, quarterback Joey Gatewood elected to get a fresh start by transferring to Kentucky. He saw more playing time at Kentucky, but it was not enough to satisfy his needs. He then reunited with the coach that recruited him, Gus Malzahn, at UCF. Gatewood saw time at quarterback for the Knights, but would eventually move to receiver. After the position change, Gatewood did not record a stat in 2022.
Gatewood announced Wednesday that he would try to find a new home by entering the transfer portal. His new home will be his fourth since signing with Auburn in 2018.
Gatewood was the No. 2 overall athlete from the class of 2018 and was the No. 12 recruit from the state of Florida. When he signed with Auburn after a two-year commitment in December 2017, he was expected to make an immediate impact. However, he would only see the field in eight total games over a two-year span, throwing just eight passes.
After a disappointing start to his college career, he elected to stay within the SEC by transferring to Kentucky. He completed 17-of-35 passes for 109 yards and an interception during his time on the Bluegrass, but, as the trend would be at the time, wanted to join several Auburn teammates including big kat bryant and Kobe Hudson by reuniting with Gus Malzahn at UCF in 2021.
Gatewood appeared in 10 games for the Knights in 2021, with his most impressive stat being that he rushed for 142 yards on 28 carries. Malzahn moved Gatewood to receiver for the 2022 season, where he failed to record a stat.
🚨BREAKING🚨 UCF WR Joey Gatewood has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, per @mzenitz.
Story: https://t.co/IWnDMX7BPA pic.twitter.com/54B3TMY8ta | 2022-12-15T17:20:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Auburn quarterback to enter transfer portal, seeking fourth home | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-auburn-quarterback-enter-transfer-170031352.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-auburn-quarterback-enter-transfer-170031352.html?src=rss |
Eustis wide receiver Tyree Patterson is no longer committed to the University of Florida, according to a report from All Gators.
Patterson was Billy Napier’s longest-standing commitment aside from Aaron Gates, who stayed true to Florida through the coaching change. He was supposed to be in Gainesville for an official visit over the weekend but never made it to campus. His upcoming visit to Orlando to check in with the UCF Knights could produce a commitment considering the most recent development in his recruitment.
With the loss of Patterson, Florida is down to three receivers in the class of 2023: Andy Jean, Aidan Mizell and Eugene Wilson III. All three are four-star recruits, according to 247 Sports, and Patterson was considered a three-star talent. That’s not to say that losing Patterson is ideal for Florida, but a crowded room losing its lowest-rated verbal commitment is fairly common. There’s simply more opportunity for him at another program such as UCF.
Finding a replacement receiver to fill Patterson’s spot in the class of 2023 might be tricky but it could also be unnecessary. Florida’s likely to attract some elite receivers in the upcoming cycles with Jaden Rashada and DJ Lagway coming in at the quarterback spot over the next two years.
Listing college football's biggest names in the transfer portal
Florida vs Oregon State: Thursday betting odds for Las Vegas Bowl | 2022-12-15T17:20:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gators lose commitment from in-state 2023 wide receiver | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-lose-commitment-state-2023-165736903.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-lose-commitment-state-2023-165736903.html?src=rss |
The first games of the college football bowl season will take place on Friday. The first Pac-12 bowl games are on Saturday. A pair of Pac-12 teams will be part of genuinely interesting bowl matchups: Oregon State battles Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl and Washington State faces Fresno State (the Mountain West Conference champion) in the LA Bowl.
Notably, the Washington State Cougars’ chances in the LA Bowl took a massive hit: Both coordinators left the program recently for different positions. Offensive coordinator Eric Morris was named head coach at North Texas, and defensive coordinator Brian Ward joined Kenny Dillingham’s staff at Arizona State.
On top of that, the Fresno State Bulldogs are one of the hottest teams in the nation, as they have won eight straight since falling to a 1-4 record to start the season. An injury to quarterback Jake Haener was the central reason they struggled out of the gate. Since he came back to the lineup, the Bulldogs haven’t lost.
Washington State is losing both of its coordinators.
OC Eric Morris has accepted the head coaching position at North Texas.
DC Brian Ward previously accepted the DC position at Arizona State.
— Stephan Wiebe (@StephanSports) December 14, 2022
Head coach Jake Dickert did a good job in his first full season as the Cougars’ head coach, dealing with a limited offensive line and trying to get some level of continuity on offense. The Cougars finished 7-5.
However, with neither coordinator making their way to LA for the game, things will be even more difficult against a scorching hot Fresno State team that has Jake Haener and Jordan Mims playing in their final collegiate game with the NFL on their mind.
This game will feature one of the most interesting QB battles of the bowl season, as Cameron Ward and Jake Haener face one another. Fresno State will come in with a huge advantage and a massive winning streak, while the Cougars try to find a way to get by without either coordinator.
The game starts just after 12:30 p.m. in Los Angeles. ABC Sports will broadcast the game.
Here’s the bowl schedule for the weekend and for all bowls through December 27.
Fresno State vs. Washington State L.A. Bowl prediction: Winning streaks to continue?
The AZEK Company Inc. (NYSE:AZEK) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript November 29, 2022 Operator: Good afternoon. My name is Emma and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the AZEK Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute […]
Spending so much time at home during quarantine exposed the pluses and minuses of our properties. The main living space might shine and sparkle, but the bathrooms look old and dreary by comparison.... | 2022-12-15T17:21:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pac-12 bowl report: Washington State loses both coordinators ahead of LA Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-bowl-report-washington-162311894.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-bowl-report-washington-162311894.html?src=rss |
Jalen Duren made some history on Wednesday with a monster night on the glass on Wednesday to help the Detroit Pistons knock off the Charlotte Hornets on the road.
Duren recorded seven points, a career-high 19 rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists in the 141-134 win in overtime. He hauled in six offensive rebounds and finished the contest by shooting 2-of-8 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line.
He became the second-youngest player in history to record 19 rebounds in a single game at 19 years, 26 days. He is one of 16 players in the league this season to finish with 19 rebounds.
“I can’t say enough about Jalen Duren: 19 rebounds,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. “(That is) big time for a rookie to come in and get that many rebounds and dominate the boards like that.”
19. years. old. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vA0z3VvELD
Duren is now averaging 6.6 points and 7.7 rebounds on 59.8% shooting from the field in 27 games. He led the Pistons in rebounding for a team-high 15th time this season and has recorded at least 12 rebounds in each of his last four games.
He also improved his standing among his peers with his performance.
The 13th pick is 30th in the league among all players in total rebounds and is tied for ninth in offensive rebounds (82) and 13th in offensive rebounding percentage (12.2). Of course, he leads all first-year players in each category and has a sizable lead over the rookie class.
Duren, at 6 feet, 11 inches and 250 pounds, is regarded as one of the most athletic big men in the NBA and has been a force inside the paint in a limited role off the bench. He has seemingly endless energy and often presents matchup problems for teams.
Pistons' Dwane Casey discusses Jalen Duren as a lob threat
Pistons' Jalen Duren joined Dwight Howard in some history with latest effort
Cade Cunningham: Jalen Duren brings 'a ton' to Pistons each night
Woj: ‘No guarantees’ that Lonzo Ball returns this season
The Bulls may not have their point guard this season after all. | 2022-12-15T17:29:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pistons’ Jalen Duren makes some history with monster night on the boards | https://sports.yahoo.com/pistons-jalen-duren-makes-history-163052859.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pistons-jalen-duren-makes-history-163052859.html?src=rss |
Two-timeline approach doesn't seem feasible
Step forward through internal growth hasn't happened
Effort and focus haven't been consistent
While the Raptors' story is not quite as straightforward due in large part to the struggles of 28-year-old point guard Fred VanVleet, they are in a very similar position. The Raptors were supposed to take a step forward from last season’s 48-34 record, betting on development from their young players and continuity from their group, bringing back 12 of the same players and most of the same schemes from last year.
The Raptors need to pick a direction before it's too late. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
It’s a lot easier said than done, especially for a team as reliant on young, inexperienced players as the Raptors are. In order to impose your will, you have to be ready at tip-off every single game. And in order to be ready at tip-off, you have to have developed the type of habits and routines that make your body feel good and your mind ready to take on the challenges of an 82-game season — not to mention the maturity to play to your strengths, even if in Barnes’s case that means attacking the rim relentlessly, which he is not doing. The Raptors' young players aren’t there yet, and it’s especially showing up in their starts, where they have the ninth-worst scoring margin in the league in first quarters.
“I feel like we play two-to-three quarters of good basketball, and then we just let up in one of the quarters,” Barnes said when asked about the team's struggles. “It's just about us… We got to just keep developing and keep getting better.”
“We need our team to be who we are,” Siakam said about how to bounce back. “Have some fun playing basketball, enjoying, because that's the type of team that we are. We have the players to do it and when everyone is always having fun and playing well, we can be dangerous…
“We’re losing, it’s not fun. We don’t like losing. This organization is not about losing and not winning games is not part of who we are. So obviously you know the mood’s gonna be a little different… but at the same time, we don't want to just let the losses kind of take us down and take the mood and fun out of everything. Just gotta keep it fun. And keep working because I believe that's what’s going to get us out of it.”
Fortunately, the Raptors have all their future first-round picks and a number of tradable contracts. And with the opportunity to add talent via trade approaching — with players that were signed as free agents this past summer potentially being moved as of Dec. 15 — the Raptors' time for gathering data and analyzing their roster is nearing an end. They need to pick a direction before it’s too late.
Fred VanVleet with a deep 3 vs the Sacramento Kings
Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors) with a deep 3 vs the Sacramento Kings, 12/14/2022
Raptors vs Kings Betting Forecast
Yahoo Sports looks at the latest betting information as the Toronto Raptors host the Sacramento Kings | 2022-12-15T17:42:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raptors learning you cannot win and develop simultaneously in the NBA | https://sports.yahoo.com/raptors-learning-you-cannot-win-and-develop-simultaneously-in-the-nba-164320158.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raptors-learning-you-cannot-win-and-develop-simultaneously-in-the-nba-164320158.html?src=rss |
Former Arkansas and Louisville coach Bobby Petrino is making his return to the top level of college football.
According to ESPN, Petrino will be the new offensive coordinator at UNLV. The Rebels are now coached by former Missouri coach Barry Odom after Marcus Arroyo was fired at the end of the 2022 season.
Petrino, 61, has spent the last three seasons as the head coach at FCS Missouri State. The Bears went 5-5 in 2020 before an 8-4 season in 2021. Missouri State was 5-6 in 2022 and failed to make the playoffs after qualifying for the postseason in each of his first two seasons.
Petrino went 77-35 over two stints with Louisville and was 34-17 at Arkansas and has been the main character in some of college football’s most infamous moments. He left the Cardinals in January of 2007 less than six months after signing a 10-year contract to take a job with the Atlanta Falcons.
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Head Coach Bobby Petrino of the Missouri State Bears on the sidelines during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bears 38-27. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Raiders place Jayon Brown on injured reserve
Word emerged earlier on Tuesday that the Raiders were signing guard Netane Muti off of the Broncos practice squad. Now we know Las Vegas’ corresponding move to get him on the roster. The Raiders announced they’re placing linebacker Jayon Brown on injured reserve. Brown missed last week with a hand injury suffered in team’s Dec. [more] | 2022-12-15T17:42:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: UNLV hiring former Arkansas and Louisville coach Bobby Petrino as OC | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-unlv-hiring-former-arkansas-and-louisville-coach-bobby-petrino-as-oc-160710288.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-unlv-hiring-former-arkansas-and-louisville-coach-bobby-petrino-as-oc-160710288.html?src=rss |
10-3 is the mark of a tremendous first season for head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Minnesota Vikings have won multiple games due to his coaching and how they have focused so much on situational football.
Throughout the season, there have been plenty of underlying storylines, but some have started standing out more than others.
As the Vikings prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday afternoon in primetime, there are five storylines that you should be paying attention to during the game.
Justin Jefferson chasing 2,000 yards
Only twice in the history of the National Football League has a wide receiver surpassed 1,900 yards: Cooper Kupp in 2021 with 1,947 and Calvin Johnson in 2012 with 1,964. Sitting at 1,500, Jefferson is within shouting distance of that mythical 2,000 yard plateau. He is currently on pace to finish three yards behind Johnson at 1,961 but with the potential for a mega game always on the table, don’t count Jefferson out for setting another NFL record.
Will the defense improve?
The defense has been playing incredibly subpar as of late. They have allowed 400+ yards in each of the last five games and have struggled massively. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell didn’t do nearly enough to take ownership of the poor performance in his press conference on Wednesday. One of the biggest things that we have seen with this unit is the lack of different and disguised coverages and the pass rush plan hasn’t been great. They need to figure out how to play better and until they do, there will be a lot of questions about the immediate future of this team.
Who will help the pass rush?
The Vikingsh ave two of the better pass rushers in the NFL in Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter. Smith leads the NFL in pressures per PFF with 70 and Hunter is tied at 11th with 49. Outside of those two, who will step up? Patrick Jones II had a great game against the New York Jets in week 13 and Dalvin Tomlinson has been constant when healthy. Can James Lynch or Esezi Otomewo make a difference to help ease the burden?
Jalen Reagor is in line to get more playing time
Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions saw Reagor play a season-high seven snaps on offense and, although he didn’t record a stat on offense, it was a signal that when Kevin O’Connell said that he was going to try and get him involved more, he meant it. Reagor has that explosiveness that you need to truly unlock the potential of this offense. His ability to take the top off the defense is something that the Vikings don’t have currently and could open things up for Jefferson.
Can the running game get it going?
The Vikings have been so good in the running game in recent years, but that is not the case this season. They are currently 27th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 95.6 yards per game. One of the reasons that they have struggled in the run game as of late has been due to Christian Darrisaw being out.
Thankfully, Darrisaw is set to return on Saturday afternoon and both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison need to take advantage of that.
a Goalie Save from Nashville Predators vs. Edmonton Oilers
(Edmonton Oilers) with a Goalie Save from Nashville Predators vs. Edmonton Oilers, 12/13/2022
The Cardinals inexplicably move from 26 to 25 in new power rankings despite losing to the Patriots and Kyler Murray's season-ending injury. | 2022-12-15T17:55:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 Vikings storylines to watch in Week 15 vs. Colts | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-vikings-storylines-watch-week-163318523.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-vikings-storylines-watch-week-163318523.html?src=rss |
Daniel Jones / Brad Penner - USA TODAY Sports
EAST RUTHERFORD — Daniel Jones knows it. He admitted as much on Wednesday. The Giants quarterback has his doctorate in not making headlines, but no cliché or talk-around could separate him from the obvious.
Sunday’s game against Washington is the biggest of his career.
The season is on the line. The playoffs are on the line. Maybe even more pressing: Jones’ future in New York is on the line.
Among the greatest traits a professional athlete can possess is the innate ability to play his best on the grandest of stages.
This is Jones’ moment. Now it’s time to see how he will respond.
“Yeah,” Jones said. “It’s a big game for us.”
The narrative around Jones has volleyed quite a bit throughout his contract year with the Giants. There was a cry to turn to backup Tyrod Taylor during the summer. Then the regular season came, the Giants started red hot (6-2), and it looked like the team must re-sign Jones during the offseason. Now, the Giants have lost four of their last seven, putting their hopes of the playoffs and Jones’ future with the team, back in question.
Let’s make this abundantly clear: The Giants’ offensive struggles during this difficult stretch are in no way an indictment of Jones. He has nothing to work with. His offensive line is on its fourth different combination since Week 8. He finally got tight end Daniel Bellinger back last week, but then he got hurt again (ribs). His starting receivers are Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James. Basically his only offensive weapon is running back Saquon Barkley, but the wear-and-tear he’s endured to this point has rendered him a shell (3.1 yards per carry his last six games, compared to 5.08 his first seven) of the player he was earlier in the year.
It’s hard for any quarterback to find any success when dealing with those circumstances. But that’s also what makes this opportunity against Washington so important for Jones.
If he can will New York to a victory, setting the stage for the unlikeliest of all unlikely postseason appearances? Imagine what he can do with an actual team around him.
Nov 20, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws against the Detroit Lions in the second half at MetLife Stadium. / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
“I haven’t spent a whole lot of time thinking about it,” Jones said of how this game impacts his future. “I don’t think I will. I think my focus is on preparing to play as well as I can, and that’s been my mindset the whole season. I don’t think that changes at this point.”
General manager Joe Schoen took over the Giants knowing he would be able to remake them in his own vision. He won’t ever say it publicly, but that included evaluating, drafting and then developing his own quarterback. There’s zero chance Schoen declines Jones’ fifth-year option if he believed him to be a franchise quarterback.
That’s not a knock on Schoen. That’s not really a knock on Jones, either. There wasn’t much evidence to believe you could build a successful team around Jones when looking at his first three seasons. He was 12-25 as a starter. He had just 45 passing touchdowns. He was winless in nine attempts in prime time.
The Giants might have moved on from Jones before this year had there been better quarterbacking options available to them in the draft or free agency. Instead, they almost had to bring him back for the final year of his contract.
And because of that, you almost felt Jones began this season at a serious disadvantage. There was no benefit of the doubt. He had to prove to the Giants he deserved an extension or the franchise tag. There have been good moments this year — great ones, even — but none that have convinced the Giants to get something done now. That’s why they didn’t engage in extension talks with him during the bye week like they did Barkley.
All of that can change against Washington.
“I think it’s big for all of us,” Jones said. “It’s not about me. It’s not about any one guy. It’s about the team. It’s about an opportunity we all have to play in the playoffs. The only way we’re going to do that is taking care of business one week at a time.
“That’s where we’re focused, that’s where I’m focused, and we’re excited for the opportunity.
There are still going to be limitations with this Giants offense. Their talent issues have rendered their ceiling a rancher. But Jones, with his arm and his legs, can carry New York to a victory.
The postseason is within reach. The Giants need to find a way to win two of their final four games and they’ll be in.
If Jones can get them there it’s hard to imagine the Giants will need to see anything else to justify extending his tenure in blue. | 2022-12-15T17:55:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ahead of biggest game of his career, Daniel Jones' Giants future could be on the line | https://sports.yahoo.com/ahead-biggest-game-career-daniel-173736589.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ahead-biggest-game-career-daniel-173736589.html?src=rss |
While the Miami Dolphins lost practice squad cornerback Kalon Barnes to the Minnesota Vikings, they had an open spot and were able to fill it on Wednesday, signing cornerback Ka’dar Hollman to their practice squad.
Hollman, 28, was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2019 after a collegiate career at Toledo. He spent two seasons with the Packers, playing in 18 games and recording 10 tackles and three passes defensed.
Heading into this third year, Hollman was traded to the Houston Texans. He hasn’t seen any regular season action since 2020, but he’s spent time with the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons since then.
With Miami suffering a number of injuries at the position this season, there’s a chance that they could call on Hollman to provide some depth at some point.
Inflation is fading faster in the Twin Cities than across the rest of the U.S., allowing Minnesotans to get some relief from surging prices that have dominated the past year. | 2022-12-15T17:55:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins sign former Packers CB to their practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-sign-former-packers-cb-170022288.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-sign-former-packers-cb-170022288.html?src=rss |
Purdue has a bowl game to play as it transitions into a new era with a new coaching staff, so the program’s most famous product is returning to West Lafayette to help those efforts.
Purdue announced Thursday that Drew Brees will serve as an assistant coach for the Boilermakers this month as they prepare to play LSU in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2. Before his historic NFL career, Brees was a star quarterback at Purdue from 1997 to 2000. During that span, he led Purdue to a Rose Bowl as he became the school’s all-time leading passer.
Brees will have an on-field role with the team during its bowl preparations, meaning he can have direct contact with players during practice and also participate in recruiting.
Purdue is in the midst of a coaching transition after Jeff Brohm left for Louisville. The school finalized the hire of Ryan Walters this week. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Brian Brohm will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game.
"He was an elite football player, but most of all, Drew is an extraordinary leader. Gaining his insights on the football field and in our coaching offices during this time of transition will be of great value to our student-athletes and staff. We're grateful to Drew for his willingness to share his time and expertise in yet another show of support for the Boilermakers,” Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski said.
Brees played 20 seasons in the NFL and retired after the 2020 season. He spent the 2021 season as an analyst for NBC Sports. Now he’ll get to work on the field at his alma mater.
"I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl," Brees said. "I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program.”
Purdue will be rather shorthanded in the bowl game as its top three offensive players have decided not to play — quarterback Aidan O’Connell, tight end Payne Durham and wide receiver Charlie Jones. With O’Connell not playing, Austin Burton will start at quarterback.
Purdue won the Big Ten West this season and enters the bowl game with an 8-5 record following a loss to Michigan in the Big Ten title game.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to Taysom Hill in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Ex-NFL quarterback Drew Brees will join Purdue football as an assistant interim head coach, according to a report. | 2022-12-15T17:55:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Drew Brees brought on as Purdue assistant coach for Citrus Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-brought-on-as-purdue-assistant-coach-for-citrus-bowl-170518620.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-brought-on-as-purdue-assistant-coach-for-citrus-bowl-170518620.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants are excited to finally have their bookend pass-rushing outside linebackers — Azeez Ojulari and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux — on the field at the same time.
The two have played just four games together and the hope is the duo can generate a much-needed pass rush and lead the Giants to the playoffs over the next four weeks.
“I’d definitely say being back on the field together with Azeez has been big,” Thibodeaux said on Wednesday. “He’s a great ball player and just being able to put those things together has been everything. Now going into this next game, being able to really sharpen our tools and go make plays.”
This week, the Giants play the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football in a matchup between two 7-5-1 teams fighting for the final playoff berths in the NFC. Thibodeaux is ready for the spotlight.
“Prime time likes me. Y’all can use that one,” he said. “Prime time is always a great time to go out there and play. There’s always a say about who’s the best and who can do this and who can do that. One thing that never deceives you is your eyes, being able to see it. Having all the fans watching, that would be fun.”
Thibodeaux is familiar with the Commanders, having played them just two weeks ago — a 20-20 tie that many felt the Giants should have won.
In that game, the rookie had five total tackles and a sack of quarterback Taylor Heinecke. Ojulari also had a sack in that game and then added two more last week against the Eagles.
Many believe Thibodeaux’s game is rising. His statistics are deceivingly low as he has been the victim of many a uncalled holding penalty. He knows as a rookie he can’t plead his case to the officials too much, so he’ll have to find a way past this dilemma.
“I try not to focus too much on the holding penalties because either they’re going to throw them or they’re not. Either way, I’ve still got to try to make a play or try to be a help to my team,” he said.
The Giants need the No. 5 overall pick to overcome and be their hammer on defense. If he and Ojulari can do that, the Giants just might end themselves in the postseason next month.
“We’re not even getting in over our heads about this game. We realize what helped us win those first seven games is what’s going to help us continue to win. We’ve just got to get back to that, get back to playing, and showing our swagger and showing our personality. I think it’s going to be fun,” Thibodeaux said.
There is no secret to the New York Giants' success this season. When the Giants can run the ball effectively, the result has been positive. The team has topped 100 yards rushing nine times and is 6-2-1 in those games. | 2022-12-15T17:55:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux: ‘Prime time likes me’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-kayvon-thibodeaux-prime-time-165503763.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-kayvon-thibodeaux-prime-time-165503763.html?src=rss |
The Jets’ next game is a relative must-win situation for their playoff chances, and Zach Wilson may play a part in it.
After being elevated to backup quarterback this week, the former No. 2 overall pick may see playing time if Mike White cannot finish Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions due to injury. White was mauled by the Buffalo Bills in the Jets' 20-12 loss in Week 14, leaving twice due to upper body injuries.
Joe Flacco came in to back up White, but this week is different. If White takes a hit that knocks him out again, Wilson is in.
When Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was given that scenario and asked if he was confident that Wilson could slide in and get the job done, it was a resounding yes.
“I am [confident in Wilson]. He has confidence in himself, the players have confidence in him and we as coaches have confidence in him,” he said.
After the team’s 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11, Wilson was demoted to the third-string quarterback to “reset” -- as head coach Robert Saleh put it -- after his poor performance and lack of accountability afterwards.
LaFleur says Wilson has made the most of that time and that is the reason why they elevated him for this week’s matchup.
“He approached it in the right way. His mindset is in the right place,” LaFleur said. “He understood why this was needed and he made the most of it. He got to play in the pocket against one of the best defenses in football during practice. Yes, that’s not live bullets but that’s where you get better, that’s where you get to reset your mind and just play football and work on the lower-half fundamentals. I thought he’s done a great job of it, he’s attacked it and that’s why we elevated him back to No. 2.”
While LaFleur wouldn’t get into specifics of what he’s seen in Wilson during these few weeks, he believes the time away from the rigorous studying and scheming for games has helped the BYU product.
“He’s in a good place in terms of that mental reset of not having to put all the time and thought in the scheme of what needed to get done on Sunday,” LaFleur said. “And just go out there and play football, the essence of football and have fun getting your completions, playing fundamentally sound and going about that.”
LaFleur does admit that no matter who is under center for the Jets that he needs to do a better job of getting the offense going early. The team didn’t score in the first half against Buffalo -- and scored just six points against the Vikings the week prior -- so if the Jets hope to overcome the high-powered offense the Lions have, they'll need to put up points of their own.
“We can execute better, it always comes down to execution. I put execution on coaches. We have to come out and execute better right away,” LaFleur said. “It’s not a difficult game if we don’t make it difficult … We’re not far away, we as position coaches and players make the necessary adjustments to get going. You want to start fast and finish fast and play well in between. … I’m still waiting for the complete game. That’s on me to get that going and that’s on the position coaches and then the players to follow suit.”
The Jets are currently 7-6 and are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, but a win Sunday could go a long way to grabbing one of the three Wild Cards. | 2022-12-15T17:56:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets OC Mike LaFleur confident Zach Wilson can play if needed Sunday: ‘His mindset is in the right place’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-oc-mike-lafleur-confident-171739634.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-oc-mike-lafleur-confident-171739634.html?src=rss |
If everything goes as well for the Washington Commanders in Week 15 as it did in Week 14, there's an extremely high chance this team could have an extra game on their schedule in January.
Washington is riding high after their bye week. Some of the most important results that could have gone their way did, one happening in a manner that no one expected with the Carolina Panthers (5-8) shocking victory over the Seattle Seahawks (7-6). Washington moved from outside the playoff field to the No. 6 seed in the NFC without playing a down of football.
Not only do the Commanders control their playoff destiny, but they can also determine if they are the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. Win out and Washington will be the No. 6 seed, at minimum, and with that would come a slightly easier matchup in the Wild Card Round.
But first, the Commanders have to get there. This week is huge in creating the field, creating what feels like a win-and-in situation for their matchup against the New York Giants (7-5-1).
One thing to keep in mind is that tiebreakers - except in the Giants' case - mean almost nothing for the Commanders. With their Week 13 tie to New York, now the only way they can tie with another team is if there was another tie among playoff-contending teams. Unless that happens, Washington will be at least a half-game up or down in the standings.
After Week 15, Washington has games against the San Francisco 49ers (9-4), the Cleveland Browns (5-8) and a Week 18 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (10-3).
The Commanders are mathematically alive for just the three Wild Cards in the NFC. Washington is eliminated from winning the division and therefore cannot finish in the top four in the conference.
The Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) are the only team to have clinched a spot. No one has joined Chicago Bears (3-10) in elimination. That leaves 14 teams vying for six spots.
-Minnesota Vikings (10-3) - head-to-head
Dallas Cowboys (10-3), San Francisco 49ers (9-4), New York Giants (7-5-1), Seattle Seahawks (7-6), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7), Carolina Panthers (5-8), Arizona Cardinals (4-9), New Orleans Saints (4-9) and Los Angeles Rams (4-9).
Some fans want to bury their heads in the sand and believe the only path for the Commanders to make the playoffs is by beating the Giants on Sunday. Well, if Seattle - with their difficult schedule - can't collect enough wins to pass Washington, then there's your second way to make the postseason.
There was some concern about worrying about the 49ers' record down the stretch, but the bottom line is the Commanders cannot pass the NFC West champion. It's best for Washington if San Francisco comes out on top. Root for the 49ers.
There is still a path for the Lions to pass the Vikings (albeit very slim) in the NFC North. And with that, there's then a path for the Vikings to join the Commanders in the battle for a Wild Card berth.
Think I'm crazy? Look at how it can happen:
DET (10-7): W @ NYJ, W @ CAR, W vs. CHI, W @ GB
MIN (10-7): L vs. IND, L vs. NYG, L @ GB, L @ CHI
WAS (10-6-1): W vs. NYG, L @ SF, L vs. CLE, W vs. DAL
It's not like you're sacrificing anything either in a cross-conference affair. Root for the Colts.
It likely won't mean anything, but the Falcons are 2.5 games behind Washington and the Saints are 3.5. Root for the Saints.
The Panthers are very much alive in the NFC Playoff Picture. They are just a game back of the Buccaneers for the NFC South title and have a favorable schedule which could possibly put them in the Wild Card mix as well.
A 9-8 or an 8-9 finish with games vs. Pittsburgh, Detroit, at Tampa Bay and against the Saints is not out of the question. Root for the Steelers.
This game doesn't directly affect the Commanders. Washington can't pass the Eagles nor can the Bears pass the Commanders. But, if you want Dallas to be resting their starters in Week 18, root for the Eagles.
Dallas Cowboys (10-3) at Jaguars (5-8)
Dallas had quite the scare last week and one would assume they would be better prepared against the Jags. If the Commanders win out and the Cowboys were to lose at least two more games (in addition to Week 18), Washington would then climb to the No. 5 seed.
You likely don't need a reason to root against Dallas, but if you did, there's your reason to root for the Jaguars.
Detroit is all of a sudden the sexy pick to backdoor themselves into the playoffs. While the Commanders are still 1.5 games up on the Lions, there may not be many losses ahead on the Lions' schedule.
New York is the best team remaining on their docket, root for the Jets.
There are other games to worry about. Stick a fork in the Cardinals. It's AFC vs. NFC, so always root for the AFC opponent. Root for the Broncos.
In case the Panthers do go on a run and regulate the Bucs to the Wild Card race, root for the Bengals.
Many say this is a must-win game for the Commanders. While it's technically not, their lives get a whole lot easier with a win. Let's look to see how FiveThirtyEight has the metrics lining up:
Right now, Washington has a 73% chance of making the playoffs, the second-best of NFC Wild Card hopefuls.
A win vs. New York moves that up to 91% a loss moves it down to 34%. A tie, well, that makes it a 64% chance.
What a tie would also do is keep the tiebreaker up for grabs. The Giants are really the only team where a tiebreaker matters at this point. Root for the Commanders
Another game that likely means very little for the Commanders. Still, root for the Rams with the Packers a game closer in the standings.
Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach died Monday due to complications from a heart condition, the university announced. He was 61. | 2022-12-15T17:56:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Playoff Picture: Who to root for in Week 15 if you're a Washington Commanders fan | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-root-week-170300917.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-root-week-170300917.html?src=rss |
The New Orleans Saints filed a series of roster moves on Wednesday’s update to the daily NFL transactions wire, shuffling a couple of players to and from the injured reserve list while restocking some depth on the 53-man roster and practice squad. Here’s what you need to know about each new arrival, departure, and injury situation:
RB Eno Benjamin claimed off of the waiver wire
Benjamin, 23, played in two games with the Houston Texans after being waived by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this season. Now he’s in New Orleans and hoping to stick with his third team in four weeks. He’s a good athlete for the position and brings some upside as a receiver, and on paper Benjamin looks like a nice compliment for Alvin Kamara. But something has to account for two different teams choosing to part ways with him over the last month. Hopefully he can show the Saints some pop over their next four games.
RB Mark Ingram II sent to injured reserve
This move ends Ingram’s season, requiring him to be sidelined for the next four weeks. He could theoretically return from injured reserve if the Saints make the playoffs, but they’d need to run the table and win their next four games while also getting help from some other teams to make that happen. Don’t count on it. The knee injury Ingram is dealing with might end his career, too — he’s 32 and facing free agency in the offseason. He’s won every Saints rushing record and could choose to retire with a lot of accomplishments behind him.
C Erik McCoy designated to return from injured reserve
Here’s a big boost for the offensive line. McCoy has been out of action with a calf injury, and the Saints struggled to replace him in the lineup. They first tried out veteran backup Josh Andrews, but he was benched for their last game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in favor of Cesar Ruiz — who moved over from right guard, with Calvin Throckmorton stepping into that spot. Ruiz has played well this year but he’s been his best at right guard. If McCoy can return to the pivot spot soon, it puts everyone in their best position to make a play.
LB Chase Hansen designated to return from injured reserve
David Grunfeld/The Advocate via AP, Pool
Hansen has been a nice player on special teams for the Saints, and he’ll have another opportunity to make his case after returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t seen many snaps on defense over the years so look for him to make an impact in the kicking game. He’s a free agent in the spring, too, so he needs to put positive plays on film to earn more chances in the NFL — with the Saints or with other teams.
OL Josh Andrews signed to the Saints practice squad
Andrews filled in for McCoy at center for a few weeks, and he’s also got NFL experience at guard, so it makes sense to bring him back to the practice squad. He’s a good depth player to keep on hand. He’ll join Yasir Durant and Derrick Kelly as backup offensive linemen on the practice squad. | 2022-12-15T17:56:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints send Mark Ingram II to injured reserve, designate multiple others to return | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-send-mark-ingram-ii-162046969.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-send-mark-ingram-ii-162046969.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans will more than likely be without rookie Dameon Pierce when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
The fourth-round running back injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of the 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Pierce left AT&T Stadium in Arlington in a walking boot.
“It’s going to be tough not having him this week, but we have a lot of guys who are talented and ready to step up in that room and make plays,” quarterback Davis Mills told reporters Dec. 14. “It’s kind of that next man up mentality. We’re ready for anyone to go up and start taking those touches.”
The Texans made a move to their running back corps by waiving Eno Benjamin and signing Gerrid Doaks to the practice squad. However, it will more than likely be Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale who carry the load for Houston.
Mills says that working with the Texans’ running backs in practice every day is what engenders confidence in him they can get the job done.
Said Mills: “Being with them every day gives confidence. We know exactly what they’re capable of. We know they’re going to go out there and do the right thing. Both of those guys are very talented, and they’re able to win their one-on-ones.”
The Texans could also move the ball on the ground in a unique way with backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The 6-4, 235-pound signal caller rushed seven times for 36 yards in the Week 14 loss, but his run-pass option plays sparked the offense. | 2022-12-15T17:56:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans QB Davis Mills confident in run game if RB Dameon Pierce misses time | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-confident-165029219.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-confident-165029219.html?src=rss |
When the USC Trojans’ 2022-2023 basketball schedule came out, the game against Auburn was the biggest one on the nonconference slate.
This Sunday afternoon, the Tigers and Trojans will face off in a terrific matchup at the Galen Center.
Auburn has just one loss this season, and it was a nine-point defeat against Memphis in a Tiger-Tiger showdown.
Auburn trailed at the half by six, and it couldn’t get back on track in the second half. It was an uncharacteristic outing for Auburn, and this was the first time all season long that Bruce Pearl’s team allowed more than 80 points in a contest. In fact, it was the only time all season when any AU opponent scored more than 72 points, so the Auburn defense has been the calling card so far this season, as it usually is for a Bruce Pearl-coached team. Auburn relies on its defensive pressure to throw opponents off balance. Auburn offenses specifically and Pearl offenses generally will go through lulls, often when relying too much on the 3-point shot, but the defense is the anchor which stabilizes Pearl’s teams. Auburn can stay in games at the defensive end of the floor when it isn’t functioning well on offense.
Auburn’s leading scorer Wendell Green Jr, did his part once again, finishing with 14 points and five assists in the loss. But, they shot 38.1% from the field and just 25% from downtown, and the defense couldn’t contain Memphis.
Memphis star Kendric Davis went off, dropping 27 points with nine rebounds and six assists on 9-19 from the field. Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis will try to attain those numbers, but if they can’t, Reese Dixon-Waters will try to pick up the slack.
Against the Trojans, Auburn’s defense should think it can perform well: USC averages under 70 points per game. The worry for Auburn: USC also thrives on defense. It should be an old-school battle between two defenses which will try to be at the top of their game on Sunday afternoon in the Galen Center. | 2022-12-15T18:34:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Looking at Auburn basketball: recent loss to Memphis offers a path to victory for USC | https://sports.yahoo.com/looking-auburn-basketball-recent-loss-175929050.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/looking-auburn-basketball-recent-loss-175929050.html?src=rss |
The Alabama coaching staff recently offered 2025 offensive tackle, Juan Gaston Jr., He announced the offer via his Twitter account.
Gaston Jr. plays for Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He is listed at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, according to 247Sports. He has also received ten offers from several different programs like Arkansas, Texas, Indiana, and Purdue.
The Tide are the sixth SEC program to have offered the Georgia native. They will likely continue to pursue Gaston Jr. as his high school career continues. With two years of high school remaining, he still has time to develop and mature into a college-ready offensive lineman.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football recruting news. | 2022-12-15T18:51:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2025 OL Juan Gaston Jr. receives offer from Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/2025-ol-juan-gaston-jr-182728858.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2025-ol-juan-gaston-jr-182728858.html?src=rss |
Tennessee senior offensive lineman Darnell Wright announced his NFL draft decision Thursday.
The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Wright will enter the 2023 NFL draft. He will play in the Vols’ bowl game.
“Can’t thank Vol football enough,” Wright announced. “To all my teammates that helped me get to this point, can’t thank y’all enough, and to the fans that believed in us along the way I’m happy to say I left it better than I found it.” | 2022-12-15T18:51:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Darnell Wright announces 2023 NFL draft decision | https://sports.yahoo.com/darnell-wright-announces-2023-nfl-180150055.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/darnell-wright-announces-2023-nfl-180150055.html?src=rss |
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drew Brees joins Purdue as interim assistant coach for Citrus Bowl
/ IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) today released a green paper that offers insights on how the finance functions of companies are responding to climate-change and other sustainable business risks, often referred to as ESG for environmental, social, and governance. | 2022-12-15T18:51:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Drew Brees joins Purdue football team as interim assistant coach for Citrus Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-joins-purdue-football-173647851.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/drew-brees-joins-purdue-football-173647851.html?src=rss |
On Wednesday, former Alabama punter Jack Martin announced that he was transferring to Houston. This comes two seasons after Martin transferred to Tuscaloosa from Troy.
In his time at Troy, Martin handled 25 punts for 1,153 yards. Martin averaged 46.1 yards per punt with a long of 66 yards.
Following his sophomore season, he moved on to Alabama. However, he never got an opportunity to showcase his punting skills as he sat behind starting punter James Burnip.
Houston competes in the American Conference and is led by former West Virginia head coach Dana Holgersen. It will be interesting to see how he fairs at his third school. | 2022-12-15T18:52:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama punter Jack Martin transferring to Houston | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-punter-jack-martin-183352280.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-punter-jack-martin-183352280.html?src=rss |
One of the top defensive back prospects of the 2023 class is off the board as Javien Toviano has committed to LSU. The four-star chose to continue his football career with the Tigers over the likes of Texas, Texas A&M and Michigan.
The 247Sports composite rankings list the Arlington Martin product as the No. 6 cornerback in the country and the No. 9 overall recruit in the state of Texas.
Toviano is a 6-foot-0, 185-pound defensive back with the versatility to thrive anywhere in the secondary. In addition, he possesses excellent knowledge of the game and often finds himself around the ball. Landing Toviano’s commitment is a massive win for Brian Kelly and the LSU staff.
Texas will have to look elsewhere if they want to add to its defensive back class this cycle. They must act quickly, as the early signing period starts on Dec. 21.
BREAKING: 2023 4-star Arlington (Tex.) Martin DB Javien Toviano commits to #LSU over Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Texas A&M.
Massive pull out of the Lone Star State for Brian Kelly & Co.https://t.co/CxdsQNF86x pic.twitter.com/njQnKokIC4
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) December 15, 2022 | 2022-12-15T18:52:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Four-star DB Javien Toviano commits to LSU over Texas, Texas A&M | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-star-db-javien-toviano-183137269.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-star-db-javien-toviano-183137269.html?src=rss |
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