#Etienne's Top Fives of 2020 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

actualkomodo · 5 years ago

Text

Get to Know Me

Rules: Always post the rules. Tag 11 new people you’d like to know better.

1. Dogs or Cats?

Dogs for sure. I grew up with dogs and never really knew any cats so I don’t know how to read cats at all--but I do still enjoy their company.

2. YouTube celebrities or normal celebrities?

Neither but normal celebrities.

3. If you could live anywhere where would that be?

I’m pretty happy where I am (BC, Canada), to be honest. The downside is it’s expensive and I got lucky enough to be able to stay. I used to think maybe I could move to Montreal but I actually went there and it felt a lot like Vancouver but French.

4. Disney or DreamWorks?

I never differentiated between the two. When I watched a lot of movies, I used to think Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar were the same company so that’s really muddled my perception of them and their work. I’m leaning DW though.

5. Favourite childhood TV show?

Uhh it was probably... DBZ. I watched a lot of stuff but DBZ was the only series I watched from beginning to end multiple times and religiously every Friday evening. I also loved Reboot and Beasties/Beast Wars.

6. The movie you’re looking forward to most in 2020

I don’t even know what came out in the last five years let alone what’s out next year. I rarely watch movies. Let me look...

Perhaps The King’s Man, as I really liked Kingsman. Maybe Venom 2, because... I liked the first movie. Will I see them? Probably not.

7. Favorite book you read in 2019?

I haven’t read any books through this year, I don’t think. I believe I went to the library a grand total of once, whereas I used to go every week. I did borrow three books last week, so maybe one of these will count?

How to Knit by Leslie Ann Bestor

Japanese Paper Flowers by Hiromi Yamazaki

Chinese Mythology A to Z by Jeremy Roberts

8. Marvel or DC?

Literally the only character I think of for DC is Green Lantern and I didn’t even watch those movies. So, Marvel.

9. If you choose Marvel favorite member of the X-Men? If you choose DC favourite Justice League member?

THIS GAME IS HARD. Nightcrawler was my favourite when I watched the animated series that aired Saturday mornings--not sure which one that was. I used to like Cyclops in the first few movies because I liked James Marsden’s style. I really liked Quicksilver’s intro in X-men. Uhm... Deadpool? :D

10. Night or Day?

Night, though I prefer light and chirping birds.

11. Favourite Pokemon?

I have agonised over this for years. I used to love Charmander but I've drifted away and don’t have a favourite anymore. I kinda want to say Mawile.

12. Top 5 bands:

My first instinct is to say Celldweller, Blue Stahli, Linkin Park, Florence + the Machine, and Yuki Kajiura (assuming “bands” also means “artists”). I think that still holds true-ish but nowadays I just listen to whatever I find that I enjoy, so it’s a lot of liking one song each from various artists.

13. Top 10 books.

I haven’t read much lately and don’t generally have favourites so these are mostly books I loved when I was a lot younger. In no particular order and probably missing some, ones I read multiple times:

Switchers series by Kate Thompson

White Fox Chronicles by Gary Paulsen

Animorphs and Everworld series by K. A. Applegate

Dragonback series by Timothy Zahn

Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

Redwall series by Brian Jacques

Space Wolf saga by William King

Gaunt’s Ghosts series by Dan Abnett

Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

The Dragon Takes a Wife by Walter Dean Myers (art by Fiona French)

14. Top 4 movies

Same as with any “top”/favourite things... I have no idea. How about some movies I liked and would recommend?

Legend of LuoXiaoHei (Legend of Hei is what you’ll probably find it under) - I recently watched the series (unfinished?) and the movie and they were both great but the movie takes the cake. If you have time to watch either, go for the movie. It has a Ghibli vibe, ATLA action and animation, and Chinese themes.

Into the Spiderverse

Kingsman

Summer Wars

I’m sure there are plenty I’ll kick myself for forgetting but here are four.

15. America or Europe?

I’ve never been to Europe but I think I’ll say Europe.

16. Tumblr or Twitter?

I’m between both about equally and infrequently. Fdsfjlskjfldksg Tumblr?

17. Pro-choice or Pro-life?

Pro-choice.

18. Favorite YouTuber?

None; I don’t follow people on YT. Props to people who upload entire themed series of music though.

19. Favorite author ?

Hard to say since, again, I haven’t read anyone in a while. W. B. Yeats. Charles de Lint.

20. Tea or Coffee?

Tea. I’ve never had coffee. I tried to eat a coffee bean though because I thought it was chocolate. Does that count?

21. OTP?

Uh. CloudxTifa, ZackxAerith, and EstinienxYsayle? :D? Wait, CuinnxAzena and Cuinn/Dalai LFKAJKLF (them ships with @pearlescent-scales)

22. Do you play an instrument/sing ?

Used to! I started on a recorder and xylophone (FORCED TO), moved to flute of my own volition, tried out trumpet and trombone, picked up a little acoustic guitar (I suck though, don’t ask me anything about guitars), and finished up my band career with a baritone. The only instrument I still have is my flute but I don’t live in a place that I can really practise. I left my guitar with my dad but I could pick it up again if I really wanted to.

Thank you for the tag, @niomemizune! I did it!!

TAGGING (and don’t feel you need to do it): @pearlescent-scales @refulgents @grumpy-limsan-customs-cat @elegant-etienne @ahumblewoodcarver @daintycure @eggplant-xaela @cockiestmageeorzea @thaneratelesia @ayeun @untaintedtea HHHH I think that’s 11!

#|memed #|meme: get to know me #|mun #ooc #long post #SORRY #I feel like it'd be weird to put this under the cut

10 notes · View notes

scifigeneration · 6 years ago

Text

Video gamers may soon be paid more than top pro athletes

by Louis-Etienne Dubois and Laurel Walzak

Your interest in sports may have started out as a hobby when you were just a kid. You were better at it than others, and some even said you were gifted. Maybe you had a chance to develop into a professional athlete.

Colleges would soon line up to extend full scholarships. If you pushed hard enough, practised countless hours and kept a cool head, lucrative contracts and international fame awaited.

This fantasy plays out for many North American kids who dream of “making it to the big leagues.”

Whether they play hockey, football or basketball, even the most remote possibility of turning their love of the game into a respected career is worth sacrificing for.

Enter video games.

In less than a decade, the realm of professional sport has been taken by storm by the rise of eSports (short for electronic sports). These video game events now compete with — and in some cases outperform — traditional sports leagues for live viewership and advertising dollars.

For the top eSports players, this means sponsorship contracts, endorsements, prize money and yes, global stardom.

Games on TV still command high ad dollars

This week, dozens of professional video game players will descend on Toronto during NXNE, an annual music and arts festival, to compete in different games for prizes of up to US$1,000. Not a bad payday, perhaps, but still chump change in the eSports scene.

For example, Dota 2, a popular battle arena game published by Valve, recently handed out US$20 million to its top players during its finale.

What does this mean for traditional sports? And sports TV viewership?

The lasting broadcast success of sports leagues games can be explained by the fact that they are meant to be shared happenings and are best experienced live. As such, they have been resilient to disruptions within the media landscape and somewhat spared by the advent of on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The ability to capture a sizeable number of “eyeballs,” long enough and at a precise time, is the reason why professional sports leagues still command huge TV rights and advertising dollars.

In the past few years, the “Big Four” North American sports leagues have all struck new deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Shifts in sports culture

Some leagues like Major League Baseball, and their once subsidiary Advanced Media division (MLBAM), have long embraced technological innovations to enhance audiences’ experience.

Meanwhile, media and telecommunication giants have been slower to catch on.

In 2016, John Skipper, then president of ESPN, referring to cable TV packages said: “We are still engaged in the most successful business model in the history of media, and see no reason to abandon it.”

This attitude, at the time, was not only symptomatic of a lag or inability to adopt technological innovations, but also raised concerns about the company’s future.

But the decline of the traditional linear broadcast, and the risk of losing relevancy in this digital, broadband and tech savvy media landscape is inevitable, and forces these media giants to question their traditional business models and to focus on online audiences.

Along with this shift, a new, popular and expansive trend for the new generation has emerged - eSports.

Whether eSports are actual sports or not is a whole other debate; however, the emergence of the global video game competition field demands attention and strategic investment.

Why eSports is doing so well

As a spectator sport, video games generate viewership at least on par with professional leagues.

Take, for instance, 2016’s League of Legends tournament that drew 36 million viewers, five million more than the NBA Finals, in front of a sellout crowd at the famous Bird Nest stadium in China.

eSports events regularly draw sellout crowds like major professional sports leagues. (Ubisoft)

eSports mimic traditional sports leagues principles: Exciting content, likable stars, catchy team names, slow-motion highlights, intense competition and an uncertain outcome.

These video games attract audiences as they are no longer simply designed to be played, but increasingly to be visually pleasing for audiences.

Age-wise, compared to traditional sports that struggle to diversify their audience demographics, eSports have successfully attracted younger viewers.

The fanbase is pretty young, with 61 percent of fans falling in the 18-34 age range. Young men, in particular, are a desirable market for many advertisers.

eSports attracts advertisers

The economic outlook for video gaming sports is staggering. According to NewZoo, eSports “on its current trajectory is estimated to reach US$1.4 billion by 2020.” And a “more optimistic scenario places revenues at US$2.4 billion.”

Companies like Red Bull, Coca-Cola and Samsung, all usual suspects when it comes to advertising and young people, are flocking to eSports.

In recent years, eSports has made efforts to monetize across traditional revenue streams, such as merchandise sales, subscriptions plans, ticket sales and broadcast rights. It is, once again, taking a page straight out traditional sports leagues’ playbook.

So, what can established leagues and media giants do? Given the choice between fighting eSports or joining them, many appear to have chosen the latter. Recall ESPN resisting change in 2016. Then fast forward to their recent strategic investments in the digital platform BAMTech, once MLB Advanced Media, in order to launch ESPN streaming services.

As a result, Disney, the 100 per cent owner of ESPN, now has a say in League of Legends streaming because its publisher Riot Games had signed a seven-year US$350 million dollar broadcast deal with BAMTech.

FIFA just partnered with Electronic Arts on a online tournament that drew 20 million players and 30 million viewers. Also hoping to create platform synergies and to reach new audiences, Amazon acquired Twitch in 2014, the leading game streaming service.

These examples show that eSports are not just popular with gamers, but also among sports leagues and media giants. Both stand to learn from each other. No wonder Activision’s CEO said that he wanted to “become the ESPN of eSports.”

This popularity also opens up more opportunities to compete on the professional level and earn huge endorsements, prize money and salaries just like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Danica Patrick or Sidney Crosby.

In fact, higher education eSports programs are already launching across the country and college scholarships are now commonplace, further acknowledging the economic viability and social acceptability of this phenomenon.

And with talks of introducing eSports in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Canada’s “Own the Podium” program may soon have to follow suit.

In any case, it turns out that our parents were wrong all along: You can stay glued to your console in the basement all day and still make it pro.

Louis-Etienne Dubois is an Assistant Professor in the School of Creative Industries at Ryerson University. Laurel Walzak is an Assistant Professor in the RTA School of Media at Ryerson University.

This article was originally published on The Conversation, a Sci FI Generation content partner.

#technology #video games #E32018 #eSports #ESPN #Netflix #Amazon Prime #Olympics

16 notes · View notes

newsfact · 3 years ago

Text

College basketball rankings: Gonzaga, UCLA, Illinois lead Sporting News’ preseason top 25

A year ago at this time, we kinda/sorta had an idea there would be a college basketball season. We did not know what it would look like. We did not know how many games would be cancelled and how many would be played. We did not know, for certain, how the NCAA Tournament would operate.

But we did know who would be really, really good.

Sporting News was not unusual in ranking Gonzaga and Baylor at the top of the preseason rankings for the 2020-21 season. The Associated Press poll placed Gonzaga at No. 1 and Baylor No. 2. So did CBS Sports. And neither did we get it exactly right. But those teams did wind up playing for the 2021 NCAA championship. It was obvious those teams would be a level above everyone else last season, and that’s how it turned out.

It’s not as clear this season. Gonzaga is our No. 1 team for the second year in a row, as if we’re going to keep trying until they get it right. That’s not the reason. It’s more about bringing back the player who may be the best in college basketball (Drew Timme) and bringing in the player who may be the best freshman (Chet Holmgren), and about them being coached by a future Hall of Famer in Mark Few.

MORE: One-on-one with Coach K as he prepares for final season

It’s also about the competition having a lot of promise and maybe a few flaws.

There is not a huge difference among the top dozen or so teams on our list.

It’d be inaccurate to say this season is unpreditable. We’re predicting it right here. But predicting it accurately will be no easy feat.

1. Gonzaga

Coach: Mark Few

Key returnees: C Drew Timme, PG Andrew Nembhard, PF Anton Watson

Key additions: PF Chet Holmgren, SG Hunter Sallis, PG Rasir Bolton

2021 finish: 31-1, NCAA runner-up

Why they’re here: The Zags are pretty close to a universal selection as this year’s No. 1 team, which may trick everyone into believing this is a team that has no issues, has it all figured out like Florida’s intact championship team at the start of 2006-07. The truth: This is a team with two returning starters, one of whom will not be playing the same position as last year. All-American Drew Timme is back and figures to be even better, and Andrew Nembhard – who was a fulltime point guard at Florida before transferring – should have more control of the offense with Jalen Suggs gone. That’s a lot, of course, and that’s before you add in five-star recruits Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis. Holmgren is a freakishly talented big man who will change games with his ability to block shots, advance the ball, play away from the lane and to finish around the rim. So it’s not crazy to believe this team will win it all. We think it’ll happen, or they’d be ranked somewhere else. Just know that there’s a possibility, however small, it might not work.

2. UCLA

Coach: Mick Cronin

Key returnees: PG Tyger Campbell, SG Johnny Juzang, SF Jaime Jacquez, C Cody Riley, SG Jules Bernard, SG David Singleton, SG Jake Kyman, PF Mac Etienne

Key additions: SF Peyton Watson, C Myles Johnson

2021 finish: 22-10, Final Four

Why they’re here: Everyone saw what this UCLA team is capable of achieving – because they did it when everyone was watching. The Bruins’ run through March was unexpected, but it wasn’t a fluke. Their defense improved throughout the NCAA Tournament, with three of their last five victims falling under 1.0 points per possession. Being this kind of great, though, is a big step. First, Juzang has to be ready to be extraordinary from November through April; it can’t just be getting on a roll late. And it’ll be harder because teams will gameplan against him. Finding the right mix between reliable veteran Riley and the transfer Johnson will be a challenge. And it’d be silly to waste a lottery-level talent like Watson, but there are veterans at nearly every position. Coach Mick Cronin showed his critics last March what he is as a coach. Now, he’ll have to do it again.

3. Illinois

Coach: Brad Underwood

Key returnees: C Kofi Cockburn, PG Andre Curbelo, SG Trent Frazier, SG Da’Monte Williams, SG Jacob Grandison

Key additions: SG Austin Hutcherson, PF Omar Payne, SG Alphonso Plummer

2021 finish: 24-7, NCAA second round

Why they’re here: They’ve got the best center in college basketball and maybe the best point guard – isn’t that a great place for the Illini to start? Well, progress from there will have to include Cockburn adding more versatility to his game and, more important, Curbelo showing he can make a jumpshot. And beyond that, there’s whether Hutcherson is the approximation of Duncan Robinson – from Division III star to Division I standout – as his practice performances suggest, and what role Plummer will fill on a team that has three veteran guards. And who provides the length to make the perimeter defense work at last season’s elite level?

MORE: Dick Vitale reveals he needs chemo for lymphoma diagnosis

4. Texas

Coach: Chris Beard

Key returnees: SG Andrew Jones, PG/SG Courtney Ramey, F Brock Cunningham, SG Jase Fabres

Key additions: PG Marcus Carr, PF Tre Mitchell, PF Christian Bishop, SF Timmy Allen, PG Devin Askew, PF Dylan Disu

2021 finish: 19-8, NCAA first round

Why they’re here: The Longhorns could start a team comprising entirely transfers and be formidable, but there also are some nice pieces still in place from last year’s Longhorns. What Beard will have to accomplish as coach, though, is to get nearly everyone involved to understand what really goes into winning. The holdover players did win a conference tournament title, but they blew a lot of that goodwill by going out and losing in their first NCAA Tournament. Only Bishop among the newcomers has been a significant player on a successful team. When he arrived at Texas Tech, Beard took a moderately successful team built by Tubby Smith, added some fresh pieces and transformed the Raiders into a force. So this is a little like that. But only a little.

5. Purdue

Coach: Matt Painter

Key returnees: C Trevion Williams, C Zach Edey, SG Jaden Ivey, PG Eric Hunter, SG Sasha Stefanovic, SG Brandon Newman, PG Isaiah Thompson, F Mason Gillis

Key additions: PF Caleb Furst, F Trey Kaufman-Renn

2021 finish: 18-10, NCAA first round

Why they’re here: If they can find a consistent, productive source of 3-point shooting – in the biggest games, in the biggest moments – the Boilers are very much a threat to win their first NCAA championship. That’s a bit of an “if”, though. They ranked 335th in the percentage of field goals that came from long distance, according to KenPom.com. That’s partly because Williams and Edey are so overwhelming inside, but it’s also because Stefanovic has been inconsistent and Ivey – who could become a star – hasn’t yet shown the confidence to make deep shooting a major part of his arsenal.

6. Kansas

Coach: Bill Self

Key returnees: SF Ochai Agbagi, C David McCormack, PF Jalen Wilson, SG Christian Braun, PF Mitch Lightfoot, G Dajuan Harris

Key additions: PG Remy Martin, SG Jalen Coleman-Lands, PF Cam Martin, PG Bobby Pettiford, G Joseph Yesufu, PF Zach Clemence

2021 finish: 21-9, NCAA second round

Why they’re here: Honestly, it’s starts with the simple fact they’re always here. Give Self even close to a significant complement of talents and he’ll turn out an elite team. He’ll have to do more conjuring with this group than he usually does. There’s a strong group of returning players as well as a boatload of transfers and freshmen. There are few better at blending so many elements into a cohesive team, but the second-most important ingredient will be the improvement of one of those returning players – most likely Agbagi or Wilson – into a legitimate first option.

7. Duke

Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Key returnees: SF Wendell Moore, PG Jeremy Roach, C Mark Williams, SF Joey Baker

Key additions: PF Paolo Banchero, SF AJ Griffin, SG Trevor Keels, PF Theo John, PG Jaylen Blakes

2021 finish: 13-11

Why they’re here: It’s pronounced Ban-Care-oh. You’re going to want to remember that. Because he may not have a Zion Williamson impact, but he has the ability to become the preeminent freshman in college basketball and maybe even the best player in college hoops this season. Some of that comes down to whether the point guard position is solid enough to get him the ball as often as possible in dangerous positions, and some to Banchero playing with Zion-style toughness and belief. Because Banchero is so dynamic, this could be a terrific defensive team, but, again, a lot depends on Roach doing an effective enough job controlling the ball at the point of attack. If you’re getting the idea that the point guard position will dictate how successfully Duke recovers from last season – and how it sends Coach K into retirement – you’re catching on.

MORE: Fan bids $1M for four seats to final Duke home game

8. Kentucky

Coach: John Calipari

Key returnees: PF Jacob Toppin, SG Davion Mintz, SG Dontaie Allen, PF Keion Brooks, PF Lance Ware

Key additions: SG CJ Frederick, PG Sahvir Wheeler, PG TyTy Washington, PF Daimion Collins, F Bryce Hopkins, SG Kellan Grady, C Oscar Tshiebwe

2021 finish: 9-16

Why they’re here: There are seven new players expected to contribute, to some degree, in addition to more returning production than Kentucky typically has enjoyed under Calipari. There is no team-changing prospect such as John Wall or Anthony Davis, but this group of newcomers has a baseline of college production already established. Tshiebwe, Grady, Frederick and Wheeler already have experienced individual success, and all but Wheeler have been on successful teams. For Kentucky to be this good, Grady and Tshiebwe will need to be special, Brooks must take the next step toward becoming UK’s top threat and either Wheeler or Washington or both will need to deliver as the primary point guard.

9. Michigan

Getty Images https://ift.tt/3aeUbJI

Coach: Juwan Howard

Key returnees: C Hunter Dickinson, G Eli Brooks, PF Brandon Johns

Key additions: G Kobe Bufkin, SF Caleb Houstan, PG Frankie Collins, PF Mousa Diabate, SG DeVante’ Jones

2021 finish: 23-5, NCAA Elite Eight

Why they’re here: Having a player like Dickinson is a terrific place to start. He’s a force on the inside who could blossom into a 20-point scorer if that’s the direction Howard chooses to take this offense. And that might not be a bad idea, because most of the players he’ll be relying upon are either unproven at the Division I or high-major level. That’s not necessarily an indictment of the Wolverines’ potential, it’s only to say Dickinson will need to maintain his production from beginning – all five of his single-figure scoring games came after Jan. 15 – to end.

10. Villanova

Coach: Jay Wright

Key returnees: PG Collin Gillespie, SG Justin Moore, SF Jermaine Samuels, SG Caleb Daniels, F Brandon Slater, SF Bryan Antoine

Key additions: SF Trey Patterson, PF Nnanna Njoku

2021 finish: 18-7, NCAA Sweet Sixteen

Why they’re here: We list Patterson as a newcomer even though he was in the program last spring because he enrolled early and appeared in only two games – and because his addition might be the most important ingredient to Villanova’s attempt to remain a Final Four contender. The departure of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and (to a lesser extent) Cole Swider creates a frontcourt vacuum that Patterson’s dynamism will be crucial to filling, even though he’s truly a wing. The backcourt is loaded like few others, but the challenge will be keeping opponents away from the rim – which was a huge problem even with Robinson-Earl.

11. Memphis

Coach: Penny Hardaway

Key players: SG Landers Nolley, G Lester Quinones, PF DeAndre Williams, C Jalen Duren, G/F Emoni Bates

2021 finish: 20-8, NIT championship

12. Oregon

Coach: Dana Altman

Key players: C N’Faly Dante, G Will Richardson, G De’Vion Harmon, PF Quincy Guerrier, C Nathan Bittle, F Eric Williams

2021 finish: 21-7, NCAA Sweet 16

13. Baylor

Coach: Scott Drew

Key players: SG Adam Flagler, PF Matthew Mayer, C Jonathan Tchamwa Tchathoua, PF Flo Thamba, G James Akinjo, SF Kendall Brown, SG Langston Love

2021 finish: 28-2, NCAA Champions

14. Arkansas

Coach: Eric Musselman

Key players: SG JD Notae, SG Au’Diese Toney, G Chris Lykes, SG Davonte Davis, C Connor Vanover, F Kamani Johnson

2021 finish: 25-7, NCAA Elite Eight

15. Auburn

Coach: Bruce Pearl

Key players: SG Allen Flanigan, C Walker Kessler, PF Jaylin Williams, PF Jabari Smith, SG Devan Cambridge

2021 finish: 13-14

16. Ohio State

Coach: Chris Holtmann

Key players: PF EJ Liddell, SF Justice Sueing, PF Kyle Young, SG Justin Ahrens, C Zed Key, PG Jamari Wheeler, SG Malaki Branham, C Joey Brunk

2021 finish: 21-10, NCAA first round

17. Alabama

Getty Images https://ift.tt/310Rmun

Coach: Nate Oats

Key players: PG Jahvon Quinerly, SG Jaden Shackelford, PG JD Davison, C Charles Bediako, PF Noah Gurley,

2021 finish: 26-7, NCAA Sweet 16

18. Houston

Coach: Kelvin Sampson

Key players: G Marcus Sasser, C Josh Carlton, F Fabian White, SG Tramon Mark, SG Kyler Edwards

2021 finish: 28-4, NCAA Final Four

19. Florida State

Coach: Leonard Hamilton

Key players: SG Anthony Polite, SG Caleb Mills, PF Malik Osborne, SG Rayquan Evans, SF Matthew Cleveland, C Naheem McLeod, SG Jalen Warley

2021 finish: 18-7, NCAA Sweet 16

20. Saint Bonaventure

Coach: Mark Schmidt

Key players: PG Kyle Lofton, SG Jaren Holmes, SG Jalen Adaway, SG Dominick Welch, C Osun Osunyiyi, C Karim Coulibaly

2021 finish: 16-5, NCAA first round

21. Michigan State

Coach: Tom Izzo

Key players: PF Joey Hauser, F Malik Hall, C Marcus Bingham, SG Gabe Brown, PG Tyson Walker, SG Max Christie

2021 finish: 15-13, NCAA First Four

22. Maryland

Coach: Mark Turgeon

Key players: SG Eric Ayala, PF Donta Scott, PG Fatts Russell, C Qudus Wahab, F Hakim Hart

2021 finish: 17-14, NCAA second round

23. North Carolina

Coach: Hubert Davis

Key players: PF Armando Bacot, PG Caleb Love, SF Leaky Black, PF Brady Manek, PF Dawson Garcia

2021 finish: 18-11, NCAA second round

24. Connecticut

Coach: Dan Hurley

Key players: PG R.J. Cole, SG Tyrese Martin, PF Isaiah Whaley, SF Tyler Polley, C Adama Sanogo, SG Jalen Gaffney

2021 finish: 15-8, NCAA first round

25. Tennessee

Coach: Rick Barnes

Key players: PF John Fulkerson, SG Victor Bailey, PG Santiago Vescovi, SG Josiah Jordan-James, PF Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, C Jonas Aidoo, PG Justin Powell, PG Kennedy Chandler

2021 finish: 18-9, NCAA first round

!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)}; if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', 235247967118144); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3BcVwf4 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes

junker-town · 4 years ago

Text

Browns add Georgia OLB Azeez Ojulari to wreak havoc with Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett

Joshua L. Jones via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Browns’ biggest needs are on defense, and Ojulari at No. 26 fills a big one.

It’s a different feeling in Cleveland this year, as the Browns sit with the No. 26 overall pick after having had their first playoff season since 2002. Most of the team’s success in 2020 was highlighted by the play of the offense, which is stacked from top to bottom. The team has five above average offensive linemen, two running backs who can play at an All-Pro caliber, three tight ends they have significant investments in, two former Pro Bowl receivers, and a franchise quarterback. Unless the team wants to consider upgrading their No. 3 receiver, there is no way that GM Andrew Berry selects a player on the offensive side of the ball in the first round.

Defense will assuredly be the route that Cleveland goes with in the first round, and they could really go in any direction: Defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety could all use further upgrades. The team took steps in free agency to address the secondary by signing two free agents: safety John Johnson and cornerback Troy Hill. Last year’s second-round pick, safety Grant Delpit, hopes to play in 2021 after missing his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles. Greedy Williams also missed all of last season with a shoulder injury and is expected to return at cornerback.

Having four “new” players factored into the secondary already should steer Berry to look at the front seven during the draft. Cleveland signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a 1-year, $8 million deal to complement defensive end Myles Garrett, but that represents a short-term solution. Cleveland needs to think about sustaining their pass rush opposite Garrett for the long-term, and it just so happens that the top edge rusher in this year’s class is still available with this pick: Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia.

Azeez Ojulari and His Fit for the Browns

Last year, Ojulari led the SEC in sacks, tackles for losses, and forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus graded him with a 91.7 in 2020, which was highest among college edge rushers. PFF also credited him for being the edge rusher who used his hands better than anyone else in his class, as demonstrated in this three-clip highlight:

Azeez Ojulari's chop is a beaut' pic.twitter.com/KWw3ReKvpx

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) February 3, 2021

At 6’2, 249 pounds, he is a bit undersized for your prototypical edge rusher. While his get-off speed is impressive, it could also be used against him unless he adds some more versatility to his repertoire. Mobile quarterbacks might be prone to taking off or stepping up if they know he is only a threat to rush up the field. The advantage that Cleveland has in developing Ojulari, though, is that tandem of Garrett and Clowney.

Cleveland let go of both of their starting defensive tackles from a year ago. Instead, they signed Malik Jackson to a one-year deal, and also hope to get some production out of Andrew Billings. However, there is also some thought that Clowney could see some reps on the inside – and that is something that Garrett has done at times too. Having the flexibility to move those guys around will already force opposing teams’ offensive lines to choose who they are going to double team. And if all their attention is focused on Garrett and Clowney, that is where the team could thrive off of having Ojulari’s speed, almost allowing him to become a free rusher to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic projects Ojulari to be “a younger version of Yannick Ngakoue” and labels him an “instinctive and explosive athlete with the dip-and-rip cornering skills and scheme versatility to become an impact NFL pass rusher.”

If Ojulari isn’t available, I still think there is a high probability that the team looks to select another edge rusher, with alternative needs being a defensive tackle or linebacker.

Top prospects remaining:

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

Greg Newsome Jr., CB, Northwestern

0 notes

footballghana · 3 years ago

Text

Kwadwo Asamoah among top 10 African free agents

Which of the continent’s top stars are currently unemployed and in search of a new club?

Yannick Bolasie

Has finally ended his five-year stay at Everton, which started so promisingly, but was ultimately shattered due to injury.

Bolasie has been on loan at Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Anderlecht and Sporting Lisbon in recent years, but at 32, now finds himself out of work.

Reading and Middlesbrough have been tipped as potential destinations, while there’s rumoured interest from Turkey.

Nabil Bentaleb

Plenty of experience, despite being only 26, Bentaleb has featured for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Schalke 04, but is without a club after being relegated from the Bundesliga.

Ahmed Elmohamady

Released after coming to the end of his contract with Aston Villa, Elmohamady featured in English football for over a decade, having represented the likes of Sunderland and Hull City.

He spent eight years in the Premier League—an outstanding feat for an Egyptian defender—and has been tipped for a move to Saudi side Al Ahli.

Oumar Niasse

A free agent after his short-term deal with Huddersfield Town came to an end, Niasse has had a torrid time in English football, and hasn’t played a senior game since January 2020.

He’s now 31, and with his career in a tailspin since leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in 2016, needs the right move now if he’s to salvage anything from the coming years.

Wilfried Bony

The Ivory Coast frontman—who was once Africa’s most expensive player—recently shared a picture of himself on an exercise bike in his back garden, potentially proving his fitness to would-be new employers.

He’s reportedly attracted interest from Australia, and a move down under looks to be on the cards.

Salomon Kalou

Another experienced Ivory Coast campaigner without a club, Kalou has experienced life in some of Europe’s major leagues after time with Chelsea, LOSC Lille and Hertha Berlin.

He’s coming off the back of a spell in Brazilian football with Botafogo—having been released less than halfway through his 18-month contract—and it remains to be seen what he still has to offer.

Kwadwo Asamoah

Available after coming to an end of his short-term stay at Cagliari, Asamoah enjoyed immense success at Juventus where he won six Serie A titles while combating several serious injuries.

The worst of the fitness worries appear to be behind him, but Asabob has struggled to pick up momentum across stints with Internazionale and latterly Gli Isolani.

He’s been in Italian football since 2008, but can he find another club in his adopted homeland?

Nicolas N’Koulou

The Africa Cup of Nations winner ought to still be in his prime at 31, and after leaving Torino, he should still have one big move in him.

Leeds United are reportedly considering a move for a player who Marcelo Bielsa holds in high esteem, while Leicester City and Saint-Etienne have also been linked with the Cameroon international.

Pape Souare

Souare battled back to return to fitness after an injury sustained in a car crash threatened to end his career, but moved on from Crystal Palace in 2019 after a year on the sidelines.

He’s a free agent again following a stint with French side Troyes—having not featured since the 2019-20 campaign—and is currently back with Palace, training with their U-23 team as he looks to regain his fitness.

Coventry City are reportedly considering the full-back.

Seydou Doumbia

A marquee signing for Maltese side Hamrun Spartans in January, Doumbia is back on the market after coming to the end of his deal.

He’s 33, but as a two-time Russian Premier League winner, and with the likes of AS Roma, Newcastle United and Sporting Lisbon on his CV, he’s sure to attract some admirers.

Source: goal.com

source: https://footballghana.com/

0 notes

tkmedia · 3 years ago

Text

The key storyline to follow for every top 25 college football team

The 2021 college football season will have no shortage of storylines. All four of last year's College Football Playoff teams are replacing their starting quarterbacks, which gives hope to a new group of teams (like Iowa State, North Carolina, and Texas A&M) that they have a shot to find a way into the final four.Talks of expanding the Playoff will continue during this season. Speaking of "talks of expanding", Oklahoma's and Texas' defection from the Big 12 to the SEC has set college athletics ablaze with rumors of a massive realignment of some leagues and the folding of others. The NCAA is even signaling that their time as the complete umbrella of college sports is coming to an end. The name and image likeness rules get their first real test with the upcoming football season while transfer rules and the extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic season add extra intrigue to what should be an exciting ... and somewhat normal ... college football season.But that's the storylines of the sport as a whole. Each team enters the season with their own questions and concerns; dreams and goals. So here are the key storylines for every top 25 team.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Can Nick Saban win his 8th national championship? A lot of teams have the question of "how do you replace this guy" or depth problems or inexperience or whatever. Alabama has those issues too but we've moved past that. They've won championships with different kinds of quarterbacks. They've stocked the NFL with first-round picks and are the epitome of next man up. Heisman Trophy winners have come and gone. Alabama has all of those issues to deal with in 2021 but they're back as the title favorites yet again. You don't question how Nick Saban will manage as much as you just believe he will. The man has won seven national championships -- six of them at Alabama in the last twelve years. His legacy is cemented, as we are at the point of him just piling on the superlatives. The question really isn't "can Nick Saban win his 8th national championship" as much as "who is gonna stop him". Ken Ruinard / staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC Moving on from the Trevor Lawrence-Travis Etienne era.Clemson was 39-3 during the Trevor Lawrence era in Clemson, which included three ACC titles and a national championship. It also included two blowout losses in the College Football Playoff that have abruptly ended the Tigers' last two seasons. Lawrence is gone, as is the ACC's all-time leading rusher Travis Etienne. Clemson has two guys they feel are capable of keeping the ball rolling in D.J. Uiagalelei and Lyn-J Dixon, but it is a major reload to deal with as teams like Miami and North Carolina feel as if they have a shot at taking down the six-time conference champions. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Will Spencer Rattler be the next Sooner Heisman winner? The biggest story around the Oklahoma program this year will likely be the school's move to the SEC in a few years, but on the field, it will be about quarterback Spencer Rattler. As a freshman in 2020, he threw for 3.031 yards, 28 TDs, and just 7 interceptions despite not having a normal offseason program. He followed Jalen Hurts (national champion), Kyler Murray (Heisman winner; No. 1 overall draft pick), and Baker Mayfield (Heisman winner; No. 1 overall draft pick). The four playoff teams from a year ago will be replacing their quarterbacks, giving Oklahoma a distinct advantage heading into the season. Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Who is the quarterback?Like the other three schools who were in last year's College Football Playoff, Ohio State will be replacing their quarterback. The big difference in Columbus is that they aren't exactly sure who the new guy will be. Signs point to freshman C.J. Stroud as the favorite to start when the season begins, but fellow freshmen Kyle McCord and Jack Miller III will be chomping at the bit to step in. Stroud and Miller played sparingly during garbage time last season as backups to Justin Fields, but McCord is the higher-rated recruit who may eventually secure the job. Add to the mix Quinn Ewers, who in early August decided to skip his senior season of high school and enroll at Ohio State early. It is doubtful he could win the starting job, but he may end up being the best of the bunch. In any event, someone needs to take the reins if the Buckeyes are to get back to the national championship game. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Is it finally Georgia's time?Kirby Smart is 44-9 over his last four seasons in Athens, winning 28 of 33 SEC games, three bowl wins, and an SEC championship. They've finished either first or second in the East division every year and played for the 2017-2018 national championship with a freshman quarterback. The program is ready to enter that elite level that has eluded them for far too long. The offense is stacked with an experienced quarterback (JT Daniels), a talented running attack (led by Zamir White), and a group of skilled receivers ready to break out. The key will be a very young defensive secondary who will need to grow up quickly for the Dawgs title dreams to be realized. Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports Who is replacing Kellen Mond? Kellen Mond, who it seems as if was at Texas A&M for a decade, is now in the NFL and head coach Jimbo Fisher must find someone to replace him. The candidates are both really good and really diverse. Zach Calzada has the big arm who can stretch defenses and opens up the playbook. Haynes King is more athletic and spent last season as Mond's backup on the depth chart. King's speed and ability to move around may be more valuable as the Aggies are rebuilding their offensive line. The good news is that A&M's first five games allow them to learn on the fly before their big showdown with Alabama at Kyle Field in mid-October. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Can the Cyclones cash in on the perfect storm?Everyone should be rooting for Iowa State. They are the little guy trying to punch their way up to the big time. They've got a Heisman candidate quarterback in Brock Purdy, who may be the best QB in program history. They've got another Heisman candidate in running back Breece Hall, who was a first-team All-American last year. The entire starting offensive line is back as well as much of the defense, led by linebacker Mike Rose. Don't forget that Iowa State won the Big 12 regular season by two games in 2020, before losing to Oklahoma in a thrilling Big 12 title game. Head coach Matt Campbell is on nearly every NFL GM's list to call when they have an opening. Add in the current turmoil in the Big 12 which will lead to an anti-Oklahoma and Texas sentiment and it creates a perfect storm for Iowa State to strike for a conference title and more in 2021. Purdy, Hall, much of the defense, and Campbell could all be gone after the season. Make this season count. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Is rebuilding an offense around two really good backs the right move?Notre Dame could be due for a bit of a drop-off in 2021. Most of the offense from last year turned over (nine starters gone), Wisconsin grad transfer Jack Coan takes over for Ian Book at quarterback, and are rebuilding their offensive line. So backs Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree will be the focal points of the offense as everyone else get comfortable in their roles. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees loves a solid running attack and will need to get that going in a hurry as the Irish have a difficult schedule to navigate. Notre Dame has four straight 10+ win seasons coming into the year, but with games on tap against Florida State, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, USC, and North Carolina, that streak could be in jeopardy if the offense struggles. Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK Fixing a defense that collapsed last year.Of the top nine schools on this list, only Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Georgia aren't breaking in new starting quarterbacks (the Gators will be replacing Kyle Trask with Emory Jones), but that's not where the questions lie. What's up with the defense? Florida was on the cusp of gaining a College Football Playoff berth when their defense just fell apart. A stunning home loss to a bad LSU team in the regular-season finale (37-34) began the puzzling trend. Then came a loss to Alabama in the SEC championship, which was competitive but saw Florida give out 52 points to the Tide. Finally comes a 55-20 spanking at the hands of Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl and fans are upset at high-priced defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. There is talent all over that defense but stunning breakdowns keep happening. Corner Kalir Elam, DL Zachary Carter, and rusher Brenton Cox Jr. are great pieces to build around with the hope that a second-year under Grantham's scheme will net better results. Sam Greene via Imagn Content Services, LLC Can the Bearcats do it again?In 2020, Cincinnati went 8-0 in the regular season, beat Tulsa in the AAC title game and pushed Georgia to the brink before losing in the closing seconds of the Peach Bowl. One of the best seasons in Bearcats football but one that felt unfulfilled. Fans felt that they were not only robbed of a spot in the College Football Playoff but disrespected after ranking just 8th in the final poll. So can the Bearcats pull it off again? After all, quarterback and AAC Offensive Player of the Year Desmond Ridder returns and is a darkhorse Heisman candidate in 2021. Also back is that punishing defense, who held 7 of 10 opponents to 20 points or less and only one opponent, UCF, to score more than 24 points. Head coach Luke Fickell has also beefed up the schedule with road trips to Indiana and Notre Dame, so an undefeated record against an admittedly soft AAC schedule this year will look better if they can beat the Hoosiers and Irish. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Will Oregon's defense carry them into the playoff?The Ducks' 2020 season was a bit rocky. Justin Herbert was tearing it up in the NFL and not in Eugene anymore, the season was initially canceled before being thrown back together at the last minute, and several high-profile players opted out of the season. Despite all of that, Oregon did win the Pac-12 championship (head nod to Washington) and looks to pull off a third straight title. This defense is stout. End Kayvon Thibodeaux may be the best defensive player in the country, linebacker Noah Sewell had a fantastic freshman season and the secondary is filled with playmakers. Sure, defensive coordinator, Andy Avalos is now the head coach at Boise State, but new DC Tim DeRuyter wants his troops to be aggressive creating turnovers. With yet another new quarterback this fall, the defense may need to carry the load -- especially in Week 2 when the Ducks waddle to Columbus to face Ohio State. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Can Sam Howell offset losing a lot of offensive power? Sam Howell is a Heisman candidate in what likely will be his final season before becoming one of the top picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's clutch has swagger and has all the tools to be a star. What he doesn't have are all those skill guys that had big seasons in 2021. Michael Carter and Javnonte Williams were the best running back duo in the nation last year and he won't have Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome to throw to anymore. Mack Brown has done an exceptional job recruiting in his second stint in Chapel Hill, and those guys stepping in must produce if the Tar Heels are going to take the next step towards a conference title. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Can Clay Helton save his job by getting USC back to where they belong? You know how you view Alabama right now? That's how we used to feel about USC in the 2000s. Now we view USC a bit like Alabama in the 2000s -- during the Dennis Franchione/Mike Shula era. Last year was a start in the right direction as the Trojans went 5-0 in league play before getting dumped by a 3-2 Oregon team in the Pac-12 title game. Needless to say, Clay Helton didn't cool off his hot seat very much as he enters 2021 as one of the top names on the pre-season chopping blocks. This Trojans team is good, as Kedon Slovis has a chance to be one of the best QBs in the country and this defense can be one of the best in the conference. If USC doesn't contend for a league title, another coaching change is likely. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports What was the fluke: 2019 or 2020?LSU followed up one of the most magical and dominating seasons in college football history with one of the most puzzling and uneven years a defending champion has gone through. Yes, LSU filled the 2020 NFL Draft with a lot of talent that was going to be next to impossible to replace. Sure, Ed Orgeron's assistants used the success of their national championship in 2019 to move up the coaching ladder, and the replacements didn't fill their shoes very well. So Orgeron has hired two new coordinators to right the ship. On offense, Jake Peetz's job will be to figure out who their starting quarterback is: Senior Myles Brennan (who missed most of the season with an abdominal tear), Max Johnson, or TJ Finley ... sophomores who took over when Brennan went down. On defense, Daronte Jones is tasked with fixing the worst passing defense in the nation last year (and that was with Derek Stingley Jr. in the secondary). The Tigers have a lot of talent coming back, but can this coaching staff capture just a little bit of that '19 magic to calm down a notoriously fickle fan base? Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Can Michael Penix Jr. Read the full article

0 notes

freenewstoday · 4 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on https://freenews.today/2021/01/27/how-the-2021-way-too-early-top-25-teams-can-make-a-cfp-or-ny6-run/

How the 2021 Way-Too-Early top 25 teams can make a CFP or NY6 run

7:00 AM ET

ESPN staff

The College Football Playoff or a New Year’s Six bowl game: Which is more likely for college football teams in 2021?

We break down the best-case scenario for each of the Way-Too-Early top 25 teams.

The road back to the playoff isn’t particularly complicated for the Tigers. They remain the class of the ACC, perhaps by a wide margin. Despite the loss of superstars Travis Etienne and Trevor Lawrence, plenty of talent remains, including presumptive starting QB D.J. Uiagalelei. But what was exposed in an Allstate Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State — a lack of a dynamic outside receiver, problematic run blocking, a defense confused by tempo — will loom over the program for a while. There’s certainly enough talent on the roster to assume Dabo Swinney will find answers, and it would be foolish to doubt Tony Elliott, Brent Venables & Co. won’t make the needed adjustments. For Clemson, however, the standard is immeasurably high, and the Tigers have fallen short two straight years. In 2021, the playoff chase will just be the start of their quest for redemption. — David Hale

Nick Saban has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to offseason attrition, whether that’s replacing star players or coaches. But that doesn’t mean we’re not watching closely. Set aside the need for Bryce Young to become a star at quarterback or whether John Metchie III, Javon Baker & Co. can replace the production of DeVonta Smith at receiver. The bigger picture — and perhaps the key to competing to make the playoff — is who will be calling the plays. The hiring of Bill O’Brien to coach quarterbacks and lead the offense is interesting because while he has the college credentials, he obviously struggled some in the NFL with the Houston Texans. He could be great and still fall short of the expectation set by Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin before him. And if O’Brien struggles, you have to wonder whether that’s enough to knock the Tide out of the playoff picture this season. — Alex Scarborough

Oklahoma’s defense made great strides as 2020 went on, and the Sooners looked like one of the best teams in the country at the end of the season. With Spencer Rattler returning, receiver Marvin Mims looking like a star and Kennedy Brooks coming back to carry the load at running back, the offense will be in good shape if the offensive line can fit the right pieces together. With a likely top-5 preseason ranking, the Sooners’ biggest hurdle could be Iowa State, which has won two of the past five against Oklahoma under Matt Campbell. But that Texas game always looms large, especially with the Longhorns bringing in Steve Sarkisian as head coach along with a new quarterback. Win those two, and the Sooners are likely home free for the CFP. — Dave Wilson

The Bulldogs need to stay healthy, especially at the skill positions on offense. It goes without saying how that applies to quarterback JT Daniels, who took over the position late in the season and showed flashes of promise. But it’s who he’ll distribute the ball to that’s most important here because the offense has a chance to take a huge step forward this year. If James Cook and Zamir White are healthy, they could form the best one-two punch at running back in the SEC. And receiver, for the first time in a long time, could be a strength. If healthy — and that’s been an issue for this group — the trio of George Pickens, Jermaine Burton and Kearis Jackson could be very productive. Throw in a promising young tight end in Darnell Washington, and you have the ingredients for a playoff-caliber offense to match an already stout defense. — Scarborough

To nobody’s shock, it’s reasonable to believe that Ohio State will make the CFP despite losing some of college football’s best talents in guys like QB Justin Fields and CB Shaun Wade. The Buckeyes will find an answer at the quarterback position — between Jack Miller III, who set the Arizona high school record with 115 career passing touchdowns, C.J. Stroud (No. 2 pocket passer in 2020’s ESPN 300) and incoming freshman Kyle McCord (No. 4 pocket passer in 2021), it’s a crowded quarterback room. Defensively, the Buckeyes are returning just five starters, so if there’s any concern, it lies there. But outside of Indiana and Iowa, it doesn’t seem like Ohio State has much to worry about in the Big Ten. With nonconference games against Oregon and Tulsa, Ohio State feels like a solid bet to run the table again in 2021. — Harry Lyles Jr.

Jack Miller III set the Arizona high school record with 115 career passing touchdowns. Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

With a probable top-10 preseason ranking, the Aggies’ schedule couldn’t set up any better for an SEC West push. They’ll have to survive a trip to Tiger Stadium, but we still don’t know what shape LSU will take next season. If the Aggies can beat the Tigers, they’ll face winnable road games at Missouri and Ole Miss, the neutral-site game at Jerryworld with Arkansas, then get Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State and South Carolina at home. Kellen Mond is gone, but A&M returns Isaiah Spiller and the heart of its ball-control running game, while the Tide will be breaking in a new offensive coordinator and a new QB. If there’s a year for the Aggies to dream big, why not this one? — Wilson

In 2020, North Carolina proved it could play with pretty much anyone. Of course, the Tar Heels also proved they could lose to almost anyone. The path to a playoff berth in 2021 requires a lot more consistency from a team loaded with talent but, for the past two years, a bit light on experience. Star QB Sam Howell leads arguably the most explosive offense in the country, and the defense should be markedly improved, as Mack Brown continues to land big-time recruits. UNC won’t be intimidated by Clemson, either, after taking the Tigers to the wire in 2019. UNC will be a trendy playoff pick by some, but the question is whether the ups and downs of Brown’s first two years back at the helm have instilled enough lessons that this core group is now ready to take the next step. — Hale

The Cyclones return star power on offense with quarterback Brock Purdy, all-everything running back Breece Hall and tight end Charlie Kolar, along with all five offensive line starters. That’s unbelievable news for a team that beat Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl and had the first top-10 finish in school history. The Cyclones get Iowa, Texas, TCU and Oklahoma State in Ames — a huge boost. Navigate that, and give Oklahoma a run in Norman (where the Cyclones won by seven in 2017 and lost by 1 in 2019 before winning in Ames in 2020), and Iowa State fans can start dreaming of a playoff run. — Wilson

Despite offseason preparations being severely limited by restrictions implemented in the state of California, the Trojans still turned in the best season in the Pac-12 in 2020 and have now won 10 of 12 Pac-12 games dating back to 2019 with both losses against Oregon. The Trojans lose some top-level talent from the past season, but return quarterback Kedon Slovis, a Heisman Trophy candidate, who will enter his third year as USC’s starter. The Trojans’ nonconference schedule — San Jose State, Notre Dame, BYU — should be among the toughest in the country, which could be helpful should strength of schedule come into play during the selection process. Look for receivers Drake London and Bru McCoy to form one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the country. — Kyle Bonagura

2 Related

The Hoosiers probably should have made a New Year’s Six bowl in 2020, and after a 26-20 Outback Bowl loss to Mississippi, there’s a bad taste left in their mouths. But thanks to the eligibility freeze, Indiana’s got a chance to run it back. A New Year’s Six bowl is certainly on the table, but you have to imagine the Hoosiers are thinking College Football Playoff after seeing what they’re capable of last season. They’ve got a tough, early nonconference game against Cincinnati, but they play Ohio State at home this time around. They also have an early test on the road against Iowa, but the Hoosiers proved they could play with anybody last year, including one of college football’s powers in Ohio State. If they’re able to stay healthy, they are capable of winning every game on their schedule. — Lyles

The Bearcats need to find a way to embed people from their administration into the College Football Playoff committee if they want to make it in to the playoff. They were undefeated at 9-0 and still couldn’t get in, so their best hope is similar to what happened this season, playing against Georgia in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. In all seriousness, the team has quarterback Desmond Ridder returning, which will be a big help to keep the offense consistent. Ridder was the conference player of the year this past season and threw for 2,296 yards. The staff is losing Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame, and the Irish are on the schedule in 2021. So if Cincinnati wants a shot at the playoff, it’s going to need to find a way to beat Notre Dame and Indiana, who it will also face. So use what the coaches know about Freeman against him and try to get through those two games for a shot at making a case at the end of the season. If not, go with the plan about embedding allies into the committee. — Tom VanHaaren

Iowa is going to have to come out swinging with Indiana as the first game on the schedule, followed by Iowa State. Northwestern, Penn State, Maryland and Wisconsin sprinkled throughout the rest of the season, making it a challenge. Quarterback Spencer Petras and leading rusher Tyler Goodson are both returning, but the offense loses receivers Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith. If the offense can build on some of the momentum it built later in the season, especially with Goodson, who averaged 9.6 yards per carry against Wisconsin, it will have a shot to start on the right foot with wins against Indiana and Iowa State. The staff is going to need playmakers to step up at receiver to help Petras and give the offense a better attack through the air to balance out the ground game. — VanHaaren

After reaching New Year’s Six bowls the past two seasons, it’s not hard to imagine the Ducks taking the next step and reaching the playoff. Granted, their Fiesta Bowl berth — and loss — this season didn’t mean much considering they advanced to the Pac-12 title game with a pedestrian 4-2 record, the Ducks’ recent recruiting success under Mario Cristobal should pay off under a (hopefully) more normal 2021 season. Whether Tyler Shough or someone else starts at quarterback, a true offseason under offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead should make a significant difference for his second season calling plays in Eugene. Losing defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, who became the head coach at Boise State, is a blow. However, there is plenty of talent on defense, led by potential All-American defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. — Bonagura

QB Tyler Shough should benefit from a true offseason under offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

An early-season victory against Michigan would give the Huskies the type of high-profile triumph the committee will respect (even if Michigan implodes), then it becomes a matter of winning out in the Pac-12. Washington isn’t the type of team that can feel safe about getting in with one loss. The Huskies benefit by missing Utah and USC — arguably the two best teams in the Pac-12 South — and they get Oregon at home, so the path to the conference title game couldn’t be much better. — Bonagura

The Irish are losing quite a bit on offense and defense, so if they’re going to make it back to the playoff or a New Year’s Six bowl, the first thing that must happen is they need to find their quarterback early. Ian Book is off to the NFL, so if it’s Drew Pyne or incoming freshman Tyler Buchner, the coaches need to stabilize that position. Once they have that position set, the coaches are going to need leaders on defense to step up and help replace some of the big names who are leaving, including linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. With a new coordinator in Marcus Freeman, the team needs Kyle Hamilton, Kurt Hinish and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, among some of the other veterans on defense, to be its best players. With so much change on the roster and the staff, Notre Dame must have everything fall into place to make it back to where it was this season. — VanHaaren

As it does every year, it will come down to beating Georgia. But what it will look like will be much different than a year ago. Picture a sort of throwback version of the Gators, running the football and playing solid defense. Without Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney, that’s what it will take. Emory Jones appears ready to take over at quarterback, but he is a different player than Trask, who is most effective running the zone read. With Dameon Pierce, Malik Davis and Demarkcus Bowman to hand the ball off to, the ground game should be in good shape. What will need the most help is the defense, which struggled mightily last season, especially in coverage. Dan Mullen fired secondary coaches Ron English and Torrian Gray, and their replacements have their hands full. — Scarborough

All the best teams on the Badgers’ 2021 schedule either come to Camp Randall (Penn State, Michigan, Iowa, Northwestern) or play them on a neutral field (Notre Dame at Soldier Field), so this is the schedule for a run. But even though the Wisconsin linebacking corps — and the defense as a whole — could be absolute dynamite again, the Badgers will obviously have to score points. That will require big plays, something they were almost completely bereft of in the fall. If a veteran WR such as Kendric Pryor or Danny Davis III return and thrive, that would be huge. If a youngster such as RB Jalen Berger or WR Chimere Dike become all-conference contenders, even better. But Wisconsin desperately needs chunk plays. — Bill Connelly

With Matt Corral returning and John Rhys Plumlee potentially becoming another playmaking option, Lane Kiffin’s offense will keep piling up points. But any hope of a breakthrough hinges on improving a defense that ranked 126th in yards per game allowed and 117th in points per game allowed (38.3). The Rebels play road games against Alabama and Auburn and face a feisty Liberty team in November, and they have the Egg Bowl scheduled in Starkville. Texas A&M and LSU are both at home. With significant coaching turnover at Auburn, Alabama and LSU as well as new QBs at A&M and Bama, can Kiffin engineer enough shootouts to outlast those teams and deliver a storybook season? — Wilson

Lane Kiffin’s offense will surely continue to pile on points in 2021. Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

The short answer, of course, is that Louisiana will not make the 2021 CFP. The playoff committee has shown no interest whatsoever in making a Group of 5 bid a reality. But with Texas, Liberty and Ohio on the nonconference slate and with the Sun Belt’s improving stature, the Ragin’ Cajuns case for a New Year’s Six bid will be strong if they can make it to 13-0 or possibly 12-1. For that to happen, they’ll need a bounce back on the defensive line. The Ragin’ Cajuns weren’t great at either defending the run or rushing the passer in 2020, but on the bright side, they didn’t have a ton of seniors up front, either. If players such as Zi’Yon Hill and Andre Jones go from good to great, the line might have enough pop to hold up. — Connelly

Ed Orgeron needs to recapture the magic of 2019. And no, we’re not saying he needs a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, star players at every position on offense and an opportunistic defense. That’s asking a lot. What Orgeron needs is for his team to get back on the same page and to revive the magic touch he had in 2019 when it came to assembling his coaching staff. Last season was clearly a dud as he tried to replace defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and passing game coordinator Joe Brady with Bo Pelini and Scott Linehan, respectively. Reversing course and hiring Brady disciples, Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas need to improve the offense. Likewise, bringing in former Aranda assistant Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator must result in solidifying a unit that looked lost for much of 2020. Do that and there’s more than enough talent to compete in Baton Rouge. — Scarborough

Tom Herman went 1-4 against Oklahoma, which is one of the reasons Steve Sarkisian is the new boss in Austin. So let’s start there: Any breakthrough at Texas will begin with getting over the hump against Lincoln Riley. Since Mack Brown’s exit in 2013, the past eight Red River Showdown games have been decided by a total of 52 points, an average of 6.5 points per game, but the Longhorns are just 2-6 in those. The road schedule is a little salty: at old rival Arkansas, at Baylor, at Iowa State, at West Virginia and a trip to TCU, which is 6-1 against Texas since 2014. Sarkisian will have to find out if Casey Thompson is for real after a near-perfect Alamo Bowl performance, but RB Bijan Robinson gives him an offensive centerpiece to build around. If the Longhorns can finally knock off the Sooners, they’ll start to believe. — Wilson

The Nittany Lions began 2020 with a new offensive coordinator and minus perhaps their two best players (linebacker Micah Parsons, running back Journey Brown), and they struggled to find themselves, starting 0-5 before finishing 4-0. Whatever their goals are for 2021, the opposite needs to happen: They have to be a fully formed team from the opening kickoff. They begin the season at Wisconsin, before welcoming MAC champion Ball State and the SEC’s Auburn to Happy Valley. A very good team could start that slate 2-1, but with trips to Iowa and Ohio State on deck later in the year, they’ll almost certainly need to be 3-0. Whatever changes Mike Yurcich implements for the offense, it needs to have totally clicked in August. — Connelly

Jamey Chadwell’s team surprised everybody in 2020: There might not have been a better surprise and storyline in college football. We know they aren’t going to make the College Football Playoff after seeing what happened to Cincinnati and Coastal Carolina being snubbed of a New Year’s Six bowl. Assuming the 2021 season is a normal one, the Chanticleers have some easy nonconference games against the Citadel, Kansas and UMass. They’re going to be missing key defensive pieces, including their top pass-rusher in DE Tarron Jackson. But it’s hard to predict what the Chanticleers are going to look like after, well, they were picked to finish last in the Sun Belt in 2020 preseason voting by the league’s coaches and media and ended up 11-0. If they’re able to run the table and have a chance to play the Sun Belt Championship this time around, they should feel great about their chances at a New Year’s Six bowl. — Lyles

The Flames return 16 starters from a 10-1 team whose only loss was by one point to NC State and that beat No. 12 Coastal Carolina in the Cure Bowl. Assuming coach Hugh Freeze returns, the Flames will be strong again this year behind dynamic quarterback Malik Willis, who threw for 2,260 yards and 20 TDs and ran for 944 yards and 14 more scores. There’s a legitimate chance Liberty will be 9-0 when Freeze returns to play Ole Miss on Nov. 6, followed by home games against Louisiana and Army. If they can win those, the Flames would assuredly land in a New Year’s Six bowl and stir up a new chorus of concern about outsiders ever being able to crash the CFP. — Wilson

The Hurricanes beat everyone they were supposed to beat in 2020, which represented a big step up for Manny Diaz’s team in his second year as head coach. But in big games against Clemson and UNC — the top competition in its conference — Miami was outscored by a combined 104-43 margin. Diaz has utilized the transfer portal to Miami’s benefit, and if D’Eriq King is healthy for the start of 2021, the Canes will certainly be in the mix. But much progress needs to be made at outside receiver and in the middle of the defense — along with replacing two star pass-rushers — if Miami is going to compete for a division or league title. — Hale

Source

0 notes

shadowetienne · 4 years ago

Text

Etienne’s Top Fives of 2020 - Roundup Post

[[EDIT: The time and energy I had to give to this at the beginning of the year was very much truncated by grad school and student teaching. It’s mid-April at this point, I’m still finishing up the last of my coursework, and it’s time to move on from this. I’m going to fill in a basic outline for the posts I didn’t get around to making and I’ll hopefully be back to my full regular programming for next year’s lists. Feel free to ask me about any of these that you want more detail on.]]

As a heads up, there is a very real chance that not all the posts in this will end up getting fully made this year. I’m in the midst of student teaching, so posts will probably be a little bit slow coming as I make them when they will make me less stressed. There’s a very real chance that at least one post will end up not being made and will just end up outlined below.

Every year, I do a series of Top Fives of things that have caught my interest and held them. What I focus on varies a little bit from year to year. I am also always open to suggestions! So if there’s a Top Five that you want to see that I’m not planning to do, just shoot me an ask, and I’ll see what I can do! (I’ll answer any asks about this that I get and let you know if I’m going to make a list for it, but each list will end up getting it’s own non-ask post for organizational reasons).

This is my look back on what brought me happiness in the past year, and I’m always down for talking about these things! So if you want to chat about something that I end up listing in these, definitely shoot me a message or an ask. This past year was a weird year, and it’s definitely been the sort of year where the more I have to work to find something that I’m looking at for fun, the less likely I am to follow through on it. That’s my sort of general explanation why some of this may seem a little truncated in contrast to my usual lists.

Below the cut, I’m going to give the outline of the categories that you’ll see here, and that will be where I will put links as I have them.

KPOP

Rookies

Girl Groups

Boy Groups

Soloists

Duets and Special Collaborations

CPOP

Girl Groups 1) The9: The9 is the girl group that came out of QCYN2, and overall, I was very happy with them, especially since Liu Yuxin debuted as center, and she was my favorite going into the show. Favorite MV/Song: “Sphynx” Bias(es): Liu Yuxin 2) Bonbon Girls 303: This is the girl group that came out of Chuang 2020, and I have a lot of complicated feelings about them, but they did end up with an amazing vocal line! Also, my favorite person on the show made it to debut line, so I’m happy with that. Favorite MV/Song: “PLLM” Bias(es): Chen Zhuoxuan 3) OACA Girls (Liu Lingzi/Zeng Keni): Are they going to stay a duet? Are they a predebut subunit? Who knows, but I have really enjoyed the work that they’ve done together. They were two of my favorites off QCYN2, so I’m glad to see them continuing to get opportunities through their company and other appearances. Favorite MV/Song: “Nuh Toys” Bias(es): Both of them 4) SNH48 7Senses: I was a little uncertain what I’d think with them missing two members, including one of my favorites, but their release this year that I paid attention to was really good! Favorite MV/Song: “U Know” Bias(es): Dai Meng (Diamond) [also Xu Jiaqi (Kiki) currently in The9] 5) Color: They’re the most promising of the debuted post Chuang2020 groups for me so far, there are some others that I’m really waiting for though. Favorite MV/Song: “通關蜜語” [“Getting Past Sweet Talk”] Bias(es): Cui Wenmeixiu (I guess, but I don’t have a super strong feel for each of the members yet, I liked her on Chuang2020 though)

Boy Groups 1) Nex7 (or YH_NEXT): They’re one of the ongoing boy groups that actually acts as a boy group in the Cpop scene right now, and I like a bunch of the members a bunch, and I tend to like their songs. I appreciate them for continuing to be an actual group, even if they do have a lot of solo promotions too. Favorite MV/Song: “My Love” Bias(es): Zhu Zhengting 2) W0LF: This is a collab group including two favorite soloists Qiu Fengze and Weijin (formerly of Special) and a few other people who I’ve been more peripherally aware of with 4-5 members depending on who exactly is involved at a given time. They’ve released several very enjoyable songs, and I’m excited for this direction for Weijin and for me to get to hear Fengze in a group setting! Favorite MV/Song: “Modern Love” (but honestly everything) Bias(es): Weijin, Fengze 3) Unine: This is about the saddest I’ve been to have one of the survival show groups disband. I loved the group that came out of QCYN1 so much, and I’m glad that we got a parting song from them. I’m doing my best to continue to follow my boys after this, especially my top three (which were coincidentally the show’s top three) Favorite MV/Song: “U’re Mine” Bias(es): Li Wenhan (UNIQ), Yao Bonan (formerly Yao Mingming), Li Zhenning 4) Oner: They’ve had spurts of activities this year, including a very silly CNY song, and some darker stuff that was very dramatic, both as a group and solo. I’m really hoping for more of them as three in the coming year. Favorite MV/Song: “恶浪” [“Struck”] Bias(es): Ling Chao 5) S.K.Y.: While I only passingly followed the competition show that they came out of, I’m pretty happy with the results. I like a lot of them from previous shows and/or their long term groups. I’m hoping to see more good things from this short term group. Favorite MV/Song: “Burn” Bias(es): Li Xikan, Hu Wenxuan, Zuo Ye

Soloists 1) Sunnee: I’ve followed her since her predebut A’n’D days, and through PD101China and Rocket Girls, and it’s been amazing to see her continue to hold her own as a soloist and make good music that showcases her voice. I’m looking forward to seeing what else she has in store for the future, though I hope that there are at least some more collaborations in there because I like her in group settings. Favorite MV/Song: “夏日Party” [“Summer Party”] 2) Angela Hui: Possibly my favorite PD101China discovery. She continues to release amazing music, MVs, and covers, and I’m really glad to follow her Youtube channel. I love her voice so much (and OK, I want her and Sunnee to actually collab on something because the times that they’ve sung together have been wonderful). Favorite MV/Song: “我們都錯” [“We Are Wrong”] (though honestly everything she’s released this year) 3) Hua Chiyo: She was probably one of my favorite discoveries from Chuang2020, and I wish that she’d gotten further in the show than she did. She’s got such a fun personality and a great voice and she’s a solid dancer on top of it. I’m really glad that she’s been releasing music since the show! Favorite MV/Song: “假裝聽得見” [“Blah Blah Blah”] 4) Liu Lexie: I have to thank Chuang2020 for using her song “Manta” because that was my gateway into listening to her music, and she’s so good! I’ve been thrilled to find that she’s got an active Youtube channel and her music is up on Spotify because it makes it easy to listen to her stuff! Favorite MV/Song: “捉迷藏” [“Hide and Seek”] 5) Wang Sulong [Silence Wang]: It was great to see him on QCYN2 this year and that meant that I was paying attention to catch a lot of his music as it released. He’s been an off and on favorite since he started releasing music, and he continues to impress. Favorite MV/Song:“娛樂世代” [“The Entertainment Generation”]

QPOP/Kazakh Music

Single List This Year 1) Dimash: I don’t know what to say about Dimash that a dozen others haven’t already said. His voice is spectacular, and he’s an amazing performer. Favorite MV/Song: “Across Endless Dimensions” 2) Sevenlight: I’m sad that after an excellent early in the year release, they disbanded. I’m hoping that I’ll see stuff in the future from individual members, but they made for such a good group. It’s a pity for them that this year turned out the way it did. Favorite MV/Song: “Beles” 3) DNA: Favorite MV/Song: “Tumandy Qala” 4) EQ: Favorite MV/Song: “Qalsyn Osylai” 5) Dastan Orazbekov: Favorite MV/Song: “Begimai”

Figure Skating

Ladies 1) Wakaba Higuchi (JPN) 2) Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) 3) Rika Kihara (JPN) 4) Mako Yamashita (JPN) 5) Chen Hongyi (CHN)

Men 1) Shoma Uno (JPN) 2) Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) 3) Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) 4) Jin Boyang (CHN) 5) Sota Yamamoto (JPN)

Pairs and Ice Dance 1) Wang Shiyue / Liu Xinyu (CHN) Ice Dance 2) Peng Cheng / Jin Yang (CHN) Pairs 3) Anastasia Mishina / Aleksandr Galliamov (RUS) Pairs 4) Kaitlin Hawayek / Jean-Luc Baker (USA) Ice Dance 5) Kana Muramoto / Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Ice Dance

#Etienne's Top Fives of 2020 #personal #Kpop #Cpop #Qpop #Figure Skating #2020 was a weird year #do not necessarily expect as much organization from me as usual #the odds of me having just missed something entirely #if you're wondering why isn't something you like in these lists #well this has been a past year

1 note · View note

junker-town · 4 years ago

Text

Jaguars shore up defensive line with Christian Barmore at No. 25

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Jags fill their second-biggest need behind QB with their second first-round pick in this mock.

The Jaguars are in a really interesting spot with the 25th pick. They still have a lot of holes on the defensive side of the ball, and could also use more explosive pieces on offense. However, new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer has spoken at length about the importance of building and maintaining an elite defensive line group (via John Oehser):

“I always believe you build your team around the defensive line, and then you move backwards – so that’s what we’re going to do,” Meyer said.

The Jaguars in 2020 were in the middle of the pack in ESPN’s pass rush and run stop win rate rankings, but that only generated 18 sacks, good for 31st in the league. Against the run, Jacksonville was just as poor, finishing 30th in the NFL in run defense. The Jaguars took some minor steps to addressing that problem by adding Roy Robertson-Harris and Malcolm Brown via trades and free agency, but the interior defensive line still needs some explosiveness.

That’s where we get to Barmore. Christian Barmore is a redshirt sophomore from the University of Alabama who seemingly came alive in the second half of 2020. Barmore was a first-time starter in 2020, and in a full season, recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also contributed three forced fumbles, and was a rock for an Alabama defense that came to life after facing Ole Miss.

From Big Cat Country’s Ryan Day:

If Barmore is there, he’s the pick. He’s a solid addition to a defensive line that sorely needs talent at every position. As John Shipley pointed out, quarterback is the greatest need on this roster but defensive tackle isn’t too far behind.

Barmore wins with his size and athleticism primarily. He measured in at 6’4 and weighed 310 pounds at Alabama’s pro day, and also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds. Barmore has a powerfully built frame and uses that to disengage himself from blocks with ease on occasions. He has a good understanding of blocking concepts from the interior of the defense, and has an explosive first step, which is evident from a 2.88 20 yard split in the 40-yard dash. Barmore also flashes very violent and powerful hands against the run and the pass, and uses his strong upper body to his advantage with a very good bull rush. Barmore also flashes some different techniques to his pass rush, occasionally using a swim move, and a cross chop as well. Alabama used him a lot as a three-technique in their defensive front, but also shifted to a one-technique depending on the call. He also flashed an ability to get to the QB via stunts and twists, and create pressure there.

One of the major problems with Barmore at this point is consistency. He showed flashes of the elite ability to use swim moves and cross chops along the defensive front, but is a very basic pass rusher at this point in time. Being a one-year starter, he is going to need some refinement on pass rush technique, but that shouldn’t dissuade people from thinking that he is one of, if not the top interior defensive linemen in this draft class.

Barmore would come into Jacksonville and be an immediate starter at one of the interior defensive line spots. Defensive Coordinator Joe Cullen said that the Jaguars will run a “hybrid” 3-4 and 4-3 attacking defense that wants penetration from its defensive linemen. Barmore could come in immediately and start at the three technique or slide to a five technique in a 3-4 defense. Barmore would be able to create havoc and use his natural athleticism to make plays, while Cullen, who is a defensive line coach by trade, works with him to refine his pass rush technique and hand placement.

With Tyson Alualu opting to not sign with Jacksonville and the Taven Bryan Experiment ending up as a dud, Barmore should be able to step in and contribute to a Jaguars defense that will look very different in 2021.

Top prospects remaining:

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

Greg Newsome Jr., CB, Northwestern

0 notes

newsfact · 3 years ago

Text

No Patrick Vieira at Arsenal (yet): How Gunners manager job has proven elusive for club legend

Patrick Vieira is an Arsenal club legend, the captain of its Invincibles team and one of the club’s leaders during his nine years playing for them. But he will be coaching against his former club when he leads Crystal Palace against Arsenal. And if he’s successful, many supporters at the Emirates will be wondering why Vieira isn’t sitting on the Gunners’ bench.

Arsenal, just three points ahead of Crystal Palace in the English Premier League table, is coached by another former Arsenal player in 39-year-old Mikel Arteta, who was appointed as manager in December 2019, only three years after retiring. Immediately after hanging up his boots, Arteta got a job as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City before being handed the reins at Arsenal.

The 45-year-old Patrick Vieira had a more circuitous path to coaching in the Premier League after his playing days were over, but it has never involved the club where he became a global star. In the lead-up to the match against Arsenal he was asked why:

“I don’t know — that is a question you should ask them,” Vieira told The Guardian. “When I decided to move into that journey of becoming a manager there are options and choices and you just follow your route. Today that journey has taken me to Crystal Palace and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity.”

MORE: How to watch & bet Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

(Getty Images) https://ift.tt/3nn6Yjx

Vieira’s road to Premier League coach

The Frenchman was at Manchester City when he called it a career in July 2011. He credits current City Football Group Director of Global Football Brain Marwood with giving him his entry into coaching in a youth development role at Man City and later appointing him in May 2013 as the club’s reserve team manager.

MORE: Updated English Premier League schedule

Two years later, in May 2015, Vieira was interviewed for the Newcastle United job before the Magpies opted for former England manager Steve McClaren, who only lasted eight months in the job. Six months after that opportunity fell through, Man City gave Vieira his first top-flight head coaching appointment at sister club NYCFC in Major League Soccer.

Vieira left a positive impression in two-and-a-half seasons in New York, giving an attack-minded identity to a team that struggled in its expansion season. He would lead NYCFC to fourth-place (2016) and second-place (2017) in his two full seasons in charge, only to stumble in the playoff quarterfinals in each season. But he did enough to earn his first European managerial gig in June 2018 with OGC Nice in France’s Ligue 1 after being linked with Saint-Etienne a year prior.

(Getty Images) https://ift.tt/3nn6YQz

He also enjoyed success in France, leading Nice to seventh-place and fifth-place finishes. But after a streak of five straight losses, including elimination from the Europa League group stage, Vieira was let go in December 2020.

Vieira was reportedly a candidate for the job at English second-tier side Bournemouth in February 2021, but his first crack at the Premier League was only a few months away when Crystal Palace hired him in July 2021.

Date Club League (Country) July 2011 Man City youth dev. exec. — May 2013 Man City EDS — Nov. 2015 New York City FC MLS (USA) June 2018 OGC Nice Ligue 1 (France) July 2021 Crystal Palace Premier League (England)

Why is Vieira not Arsenal manager?

Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger left the club in the summer of 2018 and Vieira, who was at NYCFC at the time, was rumored to be a candidate to succeed him. But the Gunners instead opted for the more proven European manager in Unai Emery and days after that news was revealed, Vieira joined OGC Nicein France.

Emery lasted a little over a year, opening up another opportunity to potentially bring back Vieira when Emery was sacked in November 2019. Instead, Arsenal went with the unproven Arteta, though it’s hard to believe there wasn’t a deal to be done to release Vieira from his OGC Nice contract if Gunners management really wanted him.

MORE: UEFA Champions League schedule & standings

To think that Wenger had set the stage for Arsenal to appoint Vieira when months before the Emery sacking he highlighted Vieira as a future Arsenal coach:

“It’s just flattering that the guy who spent over 20 years there thinks I have the quality to manage a big club like Arsenal one day,” Vieira said in reaction at the time.

(Getty Images) https://ift.tt/2ZaKhqm

Arsenal has never brought Vieira on board. Now the Frenchman has the opportunity to show his former club what they missed out on when they go head-to-head for the first time in the Premier League:

“I’m really looking forward to it. I had a chance to play for this football club for nine years,” Vieira said in a pregame news conference. “I arrived when I was a kid and I left as a man. It’s the club where I played my best football, I would say. Going back there is emotional, but I will put that on the side. What is important for us is to perform well and get points.”

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3DTYzug via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes

bongaboi · 4 years ago

Text

Ohio State: 2021 Sugar Bowl Champions

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney might need to consider moving Ohio State into the top 10 of his Coaches Poll ballot next week after No. 3 Ohio State dominated No. 2 Clemson 49-28 in the 2021 Sugar Bowl semifinal behind a heroic performance from quarterback Justin Fields. The junior signal caller thrilled by completing 22 of 28 passes for 385 yards and a Sugar Bowl-record six touchdowns with more highlights than one could count as Ohio State advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Most of the damage came after Fields took a big hit to the ribs that left him in a lot of pain late in the first half. Clemson linebacker James Skalski lowered his head and hit Fields directly in the ribs. Skalski was ejected for targeting and Fields achingly walked off the field only to return one play later and continue his dominant play.

Fields and Ohio State torched the Clemson defense for 639 yards of offense. When it wasn't Fields launching bombs down the field, it was running back Trey Sermon grinding out yards on the ground. He finished with 191 yards rushing on 30 carries with a touchdown, adding 61 yards receiving on four catches. Wide receiver Chris Olave, who missed the Big Ten Championship Game, spent the night consistently getting massive separation behind the Ohio State secondary. He finished with six catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

The Ohio State defense chipped in by limiting the Clemson offense. After Clemson opened the game with 14 points and 167 yards of offense in the first quarter, the Buckeyes defense put the clamps down. The Tigers finished with 444 total yards and couldn't get anything going on the ground as star RB Travis Etienne totalled 32 yards and a short touchdown on 10 carries.

Most notable was the play of Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence. The Heisman Trophy finalist completed 33 of 48 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns but was rattled the entire game. In addition to his fourth-quarter interception, Lawrence fumbled multiple times, lost one of them and was held to -8 yards rushing despite the Tigers purposely using him as a runner.

The win gives Ohio State its first victory over Clemson all-time after the Buckeyes lost each of the first four meetings, including in two previous College Football Playoff games. Ohio State now moves on to the CFP National Championship for the first time since 2014 when it won the national title . That 2014 season was also the last time Ohio State faced Alabama, whom it will meet in this year's title game.

2021 Sugar Bowl semifinal takeaways 1. Justin Fields is who we thought he was: Before the 2020 season began, all the talk was about Lawrence and Fields being the top two quarterbacks in the country, the two favorites to win the Heisman Trophy and the two best bets to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. And then 2020 happened. Lawrence came out and played like he always played, and even after contracting COVID-19 himself and missing a couple of games, he returned quickly to his magnificent form.

The season wasn't as easy for Fields. The Big Ten got off to a delayed start, and it allowed other QBs to take a bit of the spotlight. Alabama's Mac Jones put up huge numbers, Florida's Kyle Trask surpassed those and BYU's Zach Wilson put up video game numbers of his own. It felt as if Fields was behind the 8-ball from the start. He started the year well, but then the Buckeyes had a game canceled against Maryland due to COVID-19. They returned a week later against the best Indiana team in decades, and he struggled a bit, though the Buckeyes won.

Then, after another canceled game, he destroyed Michigan State despite missing a large chunk of his offensive line, but after a third game was canceled due to COVID-19, Fields struggled against Northwestern in the Big Ten title game. People were happy to ignore that Northwestern has one of the best defenses in the country and that Ohio State was missing several starters in the game, including its big-play threat in Olave.

Questions arose about whether or not Fields was as good as the hype and if he deserved to be the second QB taken in the NFL Draft. Well, Fields answered a lot of those questions against Clemson. To throw for 385 yards and a Sugar Bowl-record six touchdowns while dealing with a painful rib injury should silence a lot of the doubters. At least, it will for a while. There's still the Alabama game to get through.

2. Trey Sermon has made a massive difference: Sermon has been a godsend to the Buckeyes offense in recent weeks. The Ohio State offense struggled to find consistent footing in the ground game for much of the season unless Fields used his legs. Then Sermon exploded in the Big Ten Championship Game, rushing for a school-record 331 yards after rushing for only 344 yards in the first five games.

Sermon was just as big Friday night. He didn't set any records, but he did finish with 193 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving. The Ohio State offense was already difficult to stop, but now that defenses have to respect the ground game, it becomes a lot more complicated. Considering the offense that the Buckeyes will have to compete with against Alabama, it's critical that Ohio State can run the ball if it wants to beat the Tide.

#2021 #sugar bowl #college football playoff #college football #Ohio State Buckeyes #bowl season

0 notes