#and blitz has been there and is doing a really good job of anticipating his needs

[randomly--accessed--memories]

Wandavision AU stuff

making a new post bc the other one was really long

@storm-ismyusername

Whenever I think of “cured” Niffty I always picture her as tall.

Yeah, same, although I think I’ve already given past Niffty enough new traits that adding more would be going a bit overboard.

1-Now I’m thinking about Niffty getting her hands on some Asmodeus crystals and booking it to Earth with Vox.

I highly doubt that sinners/winners can leave the afterlife (well, maybe as ghosts since the next Helluva episode is called “Ghostfuckers” and what we’ve seen from it so far implies that Blitz thinks ghosts are real…), but for the sake of the argument, let’s assume they can.

2-Niffty and Vox living on Earth disguised as humans in a lavender marriage sounds absolutely fascinating to me. 3-Would they stay in one place or constantly be on the move. 3.1-If they stay in one place I can see them living in the suburbs, like a weird parody of their first lives. 4-What would their neighbors think of them? 5-Would they have Vark? 5.1-Instead of bringing Vark would Niffty just get a regular service dog for Vox? 6-Unlike their first life I guess Niffty would be the breadwinner, would she get a job or just steal stuff? 6.1-If she gets a job I think it would be as a tailor or maid. 6.2-(But picturing Niffty as a fast food employee, Walmart employee, or in a boring office job is pretty funny.) 6.3-Though leaving Vox on his own for long periods of time doesn’t sound like the best idea. 6.4-Maybe every month Charlie gives them money.

If they were to somehow pull this off, they’d need a lot of help (presumably from the Morningstars). It’s not easy to start a brand new life in 2024 with not money and no identity documentation— doubly so when one of you has a mental condition that causes erratic behavior.

Assuming the basics are taken care of, yeah, I can see them heading to the suburbs. No moving necessary since this is such a rare situation, Niffty’s not anticipating the Vees ever being able to reach/find them. Niffty would definitely want to get a job (she doesn’t want to be a “burden” on Charlie), but yeah, leaving Vox alone all day isn’t a good idea, even with their new dog. Their neighbors are incredibly confused: new couple moves in who live like they just walked out of the 1950s, except the wife works and the husband appears to have some kind of severe mental illness (young-onset dementia? Schizophrenia?? Is that why they’re acting like it’s the 50s???).

3.2-Would this technically be their fourth life? (Human life, Overlord life, post mindbreak life, ‘human’ life.) 9-Could Alastor call back Vox even though he’s on Earth? I’m pretty sure that’s an entirely different dimension. 10-How would Vox feel about this? 11-How well mentally would Vox be? 11.1-Would he forget that he isn’t actually a human? 11.2-Would his first life and his fourth life start to blur together? 11.3-Would Vox mistake Niffty for his wife and wonder where Sarah and Tommy are? 11.4-I think Vox would slowly realize, with horror, that his seemingly perfect life is not what he thought it was. 11.5-(Sounds like some great horror material to me!)

Vox is still… adaptable, in his own way. He very quickly accepts this as the new normal and, yeah, his memories would definitely start blending together. Honestly, Alastor would be the biggest point of contention; assuming he’s still alive, Vox want to return to him, although that’s not possible unless they return to Hell, which is the last thing Niffty wants to do. Vox is usually just kind of vibing, buying into the story that Niffty’s been telling everyone, but he still has his outbursts (which are ESPECIALLY problematic if he still has access to his demon powers).

Honestly, I can lowkey see this morphing into a Wandavision situation over time. Niffty’s just Not coping with what happened to her and is choosing to bury her head in the sand and live out an untenable fantasy life instead. She deserves this after everything she’s gone through, right? To have a second chance at the life she always wanted with a “husband” who won’t hurt her this time? It’s not healthy and isn’t a good plan, but if she has to accept reality, she feels like she’ll shatter all over again.

7-Would Valentino and Velvette go to Earth to get Vox back? (Now I’m imagining them with Asmodeus crystals.) 7.1-How would they find out that Niffty & Vox are on Earth? 7.2-Valentino and Velvette (& Niffty) would have a huge culture shock being back on Earth, being surrounded by people who aren’t completely self interested and ready to literally stab you in the back. 7.3-I’d imagine Valentino having to be reminded (by Velvette) that you can’t casually kill someone on Earth. 7.4-What would passerby’s make of Val and Vel? 7.5-I feel like Velvette would have a lot of feelings being back on Earth. She didn’t die that long ago so this Earth is very similar to the one from her human life, but she’s very different from the girl who died in a car crash, more ruthless and cutthroat. Even though this Earth is familiar she’s a stranger to it. 7.6-(I know this would be unlikely, but what if Velvette ran into people she knew in life? It’s only been about a decade since she died, everyone she knew would probably still be alive.)

Val and Vel would definitely pursue Vox and Niffty to Earth once they found out they were there (and that it’s possible for sinners to return to Earth at all). No clue how they’d find out, but still. Heck, Alastor might not be far behind them if he’s still kicking (oh fuck, here comes a new idea: some people theorize that Al might have access to the living world and that’s why he’s so powerful. Maybe he’s responsible for sending Vox and Niffty there? Like, maybe Niffty backed him into a corner somehow and they made a deal that he’d pay her back for what he did to her by granting her and Vox a new start? I guess he’d be Agatha in the Wandavision comparison… (maybe he drops by for visits: he can’t let Vox and Niffty go that easily.)) Being back on Earth is disorienting for all the reasons you described; Val’s lowkey forgotten how to act like a normal person while Vel is having Feelings that she doesn’t want to examine. Velvette probably wouldn’t run into anyone she knew unless Vox and Niffty were in the UK, but still.

8-I wonder what would happen if D.O.R.K. found them? (Niffty & Vox, Vel & Vel, or both groups)

The DORKs… god, idk. That’d definitely be one hell of a complicating factor. One door closes with the Hellborn and another one opens with sinners, I suppose.

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5.2, 5.3, 5.4 - The dog Vox got for his kids back when he was alive was named Sparky (they probably changed its name after his death lol). Would make sense given the way his memories blend together, although he might be a bit confused about the difference in breed (his was a German Shepherd). And yeah, Vox probably wouldn’t do well with animals that don’t have augmentations that protect them from electrocution.

12, 12.1, 12.2 - Yeah, I think she’d say they’re married— it’s the only thing that makes sense to both of them (ah the joys of all your clearest memories ending in the 1960s). The age gap is weird, but not noteworthy enough to get people asking questions, especially when they’ve got so much other weirdness to keep up with.

13, 13.5 - Niffty’s friendly, but keeps her distance— she’s not quite ready to let new people in yet. Vox is gregarious and wants to start making connections, but he doesn’t leave the house much and the bulk of his interactions with them come on Bad Days.

14, 14.5 - Alastor shows up whenever he feels like it, but there’s probably some kind of a schedule, if only for Vox’s sake. The neighbors don’t really notice him; sometimes they’ll wonder how he got in the house when they never saw him show up, but they usually write it off. Niffty Does Not enjoy Alastor’s visits, but Vox is always thrilled to see him.

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5.5 - Don't think that'd be a very good idea since Hellborn animals seem to generally be more aggressive than Earthly animals.

13.6 - Probably

16, 16.1 - Depends on if it's just a normal house someone bought for them, Lucifer's vacation home, or something Alastor conjured for them.

17, 17.5 - Depends on how private the yard is and if there's magic keeping him from leaving the property.

18 - Idk you do you

19, 19.1 - Idk, depends on whether Alastor or the Morningstars got them up there. If the disguises aren't a passive thing, then yeah, I can see there being some close calls in terms of being discovered.

20 - At first, definitely. That might change as they both get deeper into their delusions (Vaughn that Nancy is his wife (what happened to Helen? He’s not sure, but he likes Nancy better anyway), Niffty that this new life with Vox isn't a complete fiction).

21 - If it's a good day and they don't have anything too suspicious in the house, sure. Neither of them want to be complete shut-ins, so they just need to be smart about it.

22 - Pretty often. It wasn't as much of an issue for him in Hell since time just sort of blended together, prompting Vox to usually take the path of least resistance. Living the 50s life 90% of the time isn't great for Vox's temporal orientation. Most people just awkwardly laugh it off since it's so obvious he's mentally unwell.

21, 21.1 - Maybe. They're different races, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Val's a bit pouty about it, but Vel's not indulging him on this– they've got a job to do and it's not like it's an unreasonable assumption to make.

22 - Maybe, although given IMP’s track record of killing bystanders as well as the actual target, Val and Vel might be a bit hesitant (sure, they might succeed in shooting Niffty, but what if they hit Vox too?)

23 - Vox gets away with a lot because his hapless suburbanite neighbors don't know enough about [whatever mental illness they assume he has] to parse whether the things he says actually line up with the diagnosis.

24 - Sarah and Thomas are both still alive in 2024 (they're 74 and 77 respectively). Sarah would feel like she's going crazy, having a perfect clone of her long-dead father living in her neighborhood. Vox wouldn't be able to recognize either of his children, but might be caught off-guard by their names.

[drades-lair]

Sparring

Fandom: Helluva Boss

Pairing: Striker/Original male Character

Rating: G

Another day another job completed Striker, Blitz and Calus sat around a campfire in the middle of the wrath ring sharing a few beers in celebration of a job well done. Calus sat atop his duster with one leg crooked upwards while the other was outstretched, one arm draped over his crooked knee. Striker sat next to Calus on the right leaned back against the log behind them, legs crossed at his ankles with one arm behind his neck. Blitz was on the left of Calus with both his legs crooked upwards and arms draped over them.

“You got some good moves Calus,” Blitz commented absently

“Humph, thanks. Did you think I couldn’t handle myself?” Calus retorted taking a sip out of the beer bottle in his hand.

“Maybe, haven’t seen you really fight yet,” Blitz continued, taking a sip of his own beer

“Well now you have, you weren’t half bad yourself by the way,” Calus praised

“That goes without saying, I could even kick your ass,” Blitz confidently boasted only to be deflated slightly by a single sharp laugh from Striker.

“Easy their boss man, challenging a Dracony might not be yer smartest move,” Striker warned with a chuckle.

“I’m not kidding,” Blitz shot back irritably

“You want a shot?” Calus inquired

“Definitely! We can have a spare like at the Harvest Festival,” Blitz exclaimed excitedly

“Alright…I’ll go easy on you,” Calus chuckled standing up with a smirk

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Blitz retorted also standing up

The two of them moved a fair distance from the fire while Striker watched from his previous spot, Calus took one side with his tail swiping from side to side. Blitz took the opposite side arms stretched over his head as he practically buzzed with anticipation. They began circling making two laps before Blitz lunged at Calus with a growl only to have the Dracony sidestep causing Blitz to land face first in the sand with an irritated snarl, spitting out sand. Calus whipped around as Blitz bounced back, coming right up on the Dracony swinging however Calus managed to block the blows with his forearms. Blitz proved very swiftly to be tenacious landing a round house kick to Calus’s torso knocking him backwards allowing Blitz to get the upper hand landing a right hook to Calus’s cheek eliciting a snarl from the Dracony right before being tripped. Calus let out a grunt upon hitting the ground looking up just in time to see Blitz leaping on top of him, raising his hands to catch Blitz’s promptly locking them in a grapple.

Calus gritted his teeth while pressing against Blitz’s grip trying to push the imp off himself eventually giving a bit to catch Blitz off guard causing him to fall forwards just enough to allow Calus to toss the imp to the side. Blitz landed on his side briefly before scrambling to his feet however by the time Blitz got to his feet Calus had also gotten to his, turning swiftly causing his muscular tail to slam into Blitz’s mid section sending him skidding across the sandy ground. Calus stood panting heavily while Blitz lay on the ground doing the same when Striker slowly stood from where he’d been watching from to casually stride between the two.

“Alright, I think that’s enough,” Striker suggested earning him a nod of agreement from Calus who walked over to Blitz, extending a hand to the imp.

“Okay, but I won,” Blitz declared accepting Calus’s outstretched hand

“Ha-ha, fine,” Calus agreed with a chuckle as he pulled Blitz to his feet

The trio returned to the fire where Calus pressed a fresh cold beer to his face and Blitz did the same to his ribs. They continued chatting into the night with no hard feelings until finally the three fell asleep, waking the next morning to head back into Imp City. Blitz spent the next 3 weeks boasting about how he’d bested Calus in a sparing match, Calus didn’t care even if it wasn’t exactly true he allowed Blitz to have his moment.

[iwantitiwriteit]

Love Lockdown - Part 5

Back to December - Part 1

Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader

Summary: In the December prior to the pandemic, you spend Christmas with Chris in Boston, a first time meeting between you and his extended family. You struggle with implications of seriousness this milestone has on your relationship with Chris.

Warnings: Angst, Pandemic backdrop, Profanity, healthy dose of Fluff, sprinkle of Sexual suggestiveness

Notes: So much was really working against me getting this up for y’all lol, but nothing worth having comes easy, right? Anyways, tried some new stuff I learned in some articles I read, more showing, less telling. Allusions and metaphors. We’ll see how it comes across. Christmas in October anyone? Read the previous part here!

The ding DONG of the doorbell echoes so exaggeratedly, it had to have been your imagination. No, I’m really here now. With your blood pumping loudly in your ears, you stare straight ahead at the barrier to entry,  and seemingly to your happy future. 

A Christmas-covered front door shouldn’t cause you this much stress, but here you were, feeling mocked by smiling snowmen and delicate, origami snowflakes. 

You try to focus instead on one of the many thoughts flurrying your mind.

What if they hate me? Valid question, but sooo not the vibe right now. You go for another.

What if I hate THEM? Nice. None of these thoughts are stilling your rapidly beating heart.

“Ow! Loosen up the vice grip, will ya?”

“Oh,” you look down at where yours and Chris’ glove-clad hands are joined, releasing them almost instantly. “I’m sor—“

“It’s alright, babe,” Chris chuckles. As if you could muster a strength close enough to hurt this man. He’s sure not to let your hand get too far, taking it back into his and bringing it up to his rosy lips for a chaste kiss. 

You wish you could feel it, the warmth of his lips on your knuckles, but that would mean braving the Boston blitz without a piece of your knit armour. You’re not sure you’re ready for that. You’re also not sure how he does it. He’s wearing significantly less layers than you, yet he’s perfectly content as if it’s a Summer’s day, while you are, quite literally, quaking in your boots.

He notices your shivering shoulders, knows it’s not just the cold getting to you. With his right hand in your left, and his left hand wrapped around a gift, he nudges you with his words. 

“Hey,” he starts, but sees the opulent wreath on the door still has your attention. “Hey you,” he tries again. You finally look up at him. You lock your widened eyes with his ocean calm ones as he scans your face. Your brows could almost touch with how deeply furrowed you have them and your lips are fixed in a tight line.

“Typically it takes a lot to get my girl all nervous and whatnot,” he states, but you knew it was more of a question of what's up with you.

“Yeah, well… I’m not nervous, Chris.”

“Really? Cos the bruise on my hand would say otherwise,” he jokes.

You roll your eyes at him trying not to laugh. “Even if I was nervous, which I’m not, could you blame me? This is a lot. This is big. This... This is your family.” Your features soften and voice drops in volume. “I don’t wanna fuck it up.”

“Impossible.”

“You sure? Think I already did by taking this long,” you mumbled. You look away, unable to hold Chris' intense gaze anymore. Being in front of his childhood home, for the first time since you’ve started dating over 2 years ago, you can’t help but feel… guilty. 

No use in taking the conversation there at this moment. Especially knowing that lately it led to some sort of shouting match. The ‘I can’t’s’ and ‘next time’s’ didn’t suffice anymore. 

Chris only responds with a sigh as he rings the doorbell for the second time. He looks back over to you, a snowflake floating then landing on your lash. You’re unaware of how whimsical you look to him. How well you’re going to fit in with his family and friends. 

He takes his thumb to brush the snowflake off and cup your cheek. Watching as you swallow thickly, Chris moves his thumb to your throat to massage away the lump you try to move on your own. You relax into his touch, and he flicks his eyes down to your gently smiling lips then back up to your eyes. You know what he’s silently asking. Placing your hand on his wrist was your silent answer. He leans in slowly, and you wish you could stay like this, just for a little while longer. But all good things...

“Uncle Chris!” a youthful voice exclaims as the door swings open. Chris swiftly removes his suggestive hand from your neck and himself from your personal space. He prays there’s some mistletoe hanging inside.

“Hey Kiddo!” Chris huffs out as he picks the child up, replacing her spot on the floor with the present in his hand. She goes to wrap her small arms around his neck as he asks her, “Did you grow since just last night?”

“No!” She giggles as he pinches her cheeks. “I missed you Uncle Chris! You weren’t here when we woke up,” his niece pouts. You look at Chris to see him with matching puppy dog eyes and poked out lip. 

“Oh, Kiddo, I’m sorry. I--”

“It’s ok,” she cut him off, causing you to chuckle at her brashness, “I saved the gift from you and your special friend to open last!”

“Well, speaking of...” Chris pulls you in closer to him by your hand, “This is her! I went to get her from the airport,” he beams down at you. The little cutie in Chris’ arm has turned more shy when speaking to you as you exchange names and a quaint handshake. 

In a not-so-quiet whisper, she tells Chris, “She’s really pretty. Good job,” with an added thumbs-up and shoulder pat. You can’t fight your giggle and the heat that rises to your face, and Chris can’t fight the laughter that erupts from himself.

Chris is joined in a chorus of laughter, the foyer now filled with Evans’ of all ages, tickled by one of their youngest and no doubt happy that Chris is home… and brought company. This is it… you think.

It’d been a long while since you’d ‘met the family’, having not made it that far with the relationships leading up to this one with Chris. You wonder if it’s like riding a bike, or if you should’ve read an article on how to during your last minute flight.

In the crowd of smiling Evans’, you spot Chris’ mom and brother. You’ve met them on numerous occasions, all in L.A., and know them pretty well. However, everyone else you knew from a picture, a story or would be meeting for the first time this afternoon. There was going to be a lot of meeting, greeting, questioning, explaining… 

You steel yourself for the day ahead. Chris looks at you and gives you a reassuring smile and squeeze on your hand. You reciprocate, tension releasing only the slightest as you look at his sunny face, your reminder of why this must go well.

——————————————————————————

The first couple hours you were sure would be the hardest. It was a time of first impressions, and you only get one of those. Tasked with making the rounds to about 30 or so aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, childhood this and that, Chris wanted to make sure you met every. Single. Body. And as soon possible.

“That way, we get you comfortable faster!” He rejoiced. Chris’ excitement was always infectious so you try to let wash over and enthuse you. 

You lost count of how many times you fake laughed at ‘Chris has finally brought you home! We were starting to think you weren’t real!’. But with Chris by your side, the worn out joke was just bearable. He found new ways to respond each time, no doubt to at least keep you entertained. ‘Who do you owe money, then?’ or ‘When you find a treasure, you try to keep it to yourself as long as possible *wink*’ or ‘She’s not even here… she’s a hallucination’ never failed to make you laugh or make your cheeks burn.

It’s actually really endearing to know that there was some anticipation for your arrival. Unbeknownst to you, Chris had been hyping you up to his family. Telling them your accomplishments and aspirations in your writing career, which apparently impressed them. He told them your hobbies and other passions that sparked conversations about their own, and prompted advice on your life trajectory. 

All in all, breaking the ice was more delightful than you thought it would be, and hoped that by sticking by Chris’ side the rest of the day would go in that way. But the universe had other plans.

At one point, you get whisked away to the kitchen by Chris’ mom, Lisa, under the guise of needing help with some dishes for dinner. You quickly realize that it's a set-up of sorts, with most of the women of the Evans family gathered around the island putting finishing touches on their dishes and slyly sipping spiked eggnog. These are the people who you feel you have to impress.

Their chatter and laughter came to a halt as they eyed you cautiously crossing the kitchen to the spot Lisa designated you. It was only a matter of time before the interrogation began.

“So… we’ll cut straight to the chase: why is it we’re just now meeting you? You’ve been with our Chris how long now?”

“Vicky!” Lisa smacks her arm warningly. “Have you no filter? You’ll scare the poor girl off before dinner!”

Chris has told you about his infamous Aunt Vicky. “A true cream puff; soft and sweet… once you get past the tough outside,” you remember him telling you.

“It’s fine,” you start, not willing to cower from the inquiry, “Chris and I have been together 2-½ years— 3 in June. And we’ve been happily taking things slow.”

“Good on you for taking things slow. Most women would— and do— jump at the chance to lock down our Chris. But not you, you’re a woman with her own sense of self. We like that,” you’re affirmed with a wink.

Whew.

“You are as pretty as our kid spy said; thought she was exaggerating.”

“Um thank you…?”

“She’s pretty, but can she cook?”

“Carole!” Lisa warns another woman and apologizes to you with her eyes. Chris also told you about his aunt Carole, Vicky’s ‘side kick’. The two of them made for a dubious duo.

“Yeah, what’s Chris’ favorite dish of yours?” Aunt Vicky prodded.

“I can cook, but not that often for Chris,” you respond, to which you’re met with crickets and cock-headed looks. You add, “He’s out of town a lot, and when he is in town, he’s the one doing the showing and proving of why I should stay with him,” you joke (kind of), and to your relief, they find it funny.

“Oooo I like her!” Vicky and Carole say in unison, causing the kitchen of women to laugh. You really did try to keep your expectations low for this visit, not necessarily wanting to seek Chris’ extended family’s acceptance, but you can’t help the relief you feel in this moment.

The next couple hours pass of helping out with dinner dishes and dessert, giggling over glasses of cocktails and family stories. You’d narrowly avoided questions about marriage and babies, but that’s to be expected. For the first time today, you’re able to forget your worries and your boyfriend and actually enjoy yourself. Speaking of...

“Hey you,” Chris is waiting by your seat that’s next to his which he pulls out for you when you arrive at it. An early Christmas dinner is about to be served, and you and Chris are reunited at the table for the first time in hours. “Missed you,” he says with a kiss on your temple. “Can’t wait to hear about your day,” he adds. But there wasn’t much talking between you two throughout the meal, though. 

No, the Evans’ family theatrics don’t allow for it. All of them talk with complete genuineness, laugh with their entire beings, opine with their whole chests, and you see where Chris gets it from. Turning to your boyfriend, you find him smiling and laughing along with the rest of the table, looking full of warmth and love. Completed by his family. Your heart gets a little heavier thinking about how he doesn’t have these moments as often as he’d like. In part by his job, yes, but a small part of you feels like you may also have something to do with that. A thought that pains you to wade in too long.

After dinner you try to help with the dishes, packing away leftovers and to-go plates. You don’t get too far, instead get shooed out of the kitchen by the elders, being told to ‘spend the rest of the evening with your man’. You oblige, realizing you barely talked to each other since earlier in the day. In your quick scan of the house, you couldn’t find him, so you shoot him a text.

Some of the kids and teenagers were gathered around some games in the den. Their antics and wittiness remind you of your nieces. They happily let you join in, and at one point, you acquired a little one on your lap as your game partner. The two of you bond over beating her cousins in these games as you school them in a few rounds of Uno, Connect Four, and Jenga. 

Your phone buzzes in your pocket, and you smile as you check it.

“Oooooo is it from Uncle Chris?” she cheekily asks as you get up, setting her on your spot on the floor.

“They’re probably gonna go make out under the mistletoe,” one of the older kids teased. The room of adolescents erupt into a fit of giggles and chorus of ‘ews’

“Are you two gonna get married?” the little cutie randomly asks you. “I heard my Grandma and Aunts talking about it!”

“Oh, wow, um… I gotta, I’ll see you all later.” With that you dash out of the room, as symphony ‘K-I-S-S-I-N-G…’ fading behind you.

——————————————————————————

The sky was shades of baby blues, pinks, purples and oranges. It’s a beautiful backdrop to the snow and ice kissed tree branches and lawns. The road had been freshly salted and freed of winter obstacles making it easier to stroll along as you and Chris often did after a meal.

It’s even more beautiful than he said, you think to yourself. For a second you wonder why you were ever hesitant to come here. There was no real reason, yet you used a million excuses. But this time around, you finally ran out.

Not that you weren’t tired of your fear. That was it. The real reason… was fear.

You look down at your boots, the ones you dust off just one week a year now. Striding beside them are a larger, more expensive pair; they too only see the snow on rare occasions. Your eyes follow up the long legs they belong to, taking in the nice slacks and chunky cable knit sweater under a heavy, well-made piece of outerwear. Your eyes finally land on the face of the man in the fine threads. 

Looking at Chris right now, you’ve never seen him fit in so perfectly somewhere. But why wouldn’t he on the roads he cut his teeth on. He could make you forget every fear and every doubt you’ve ever had. Hell, he could make you forget your name on a good day. And on those days, you didn’t know what to do with all of that, what to make of it. But it’s the most wonderful time of the year, so 

“Come here,” you say just above a whisper, tugging on Chris’ hand causing him to turn to you. You bring your hands to his broad shoulders, smoothing out the invisible wrinkles there. You languidly drag your right hand over to his chest as you notice a red stain on the light colored knit. “My love…” you humoredly drag out as you tap on the food stain.

“I know, I know. My mother already beat you to the scolding,” he chuckles.

“You’d think by this age you’d have learned to be more careful.”

“Hmm, now what fun would that be…” his sultry tone didn’t go unnoticed by you. Your eyes on his tailored, dinner party clothes, hoping to find a relief for your emotions somewhere between the stitches. You never know where to begin with your feelings. Surely it would be to start with the easy stuff, but it all seems hard. 

You rub your hands on his chest, not quite meeting his eyes. “What’s up? Whatcha thinking about?” Chris asks with a lopsided grin, resting his hands on either side of your waist. You smile at him nervously. Before you could say anything, there’s a gust of sharp, cold wind. You clutch on to Chris’ sweater, burying your face in his chest seeking refuge and warmth.

“M’thinking about how you got me out in this damn cold! You know my southern bones can’t take it,” your whines muffled by his sweater. He chuckles at your antics.

Chris slowly drags his large palms up from your waist, and this just ensures that there are goosebumps on your skin under your layers if the wind hasn't done so already. He rests one hand on your shoulder pulling you apart just enough for you to look into his hazy blue eyes. His other hand continues it’s trek until it’s rested on the side of your neck, his thumb stroking your jaw. “I know of a way to get you warm…”

“Was this part of your plan?”

“Mmmm… maybe…” Chris leans in close, surely to kiss you, but you have other plans.

“How’s it feel to be back home?” you inquired with faux aloofness, slipping out of his hold and continuing your walk towards his mother’s home.

Chris hesitates for a second, wondering if you really just swerved a kiss from him. He clears his throat, “Uh… yeah it’s great! There’s nothing like family, I know you can agree to that. Even if they are loud… and crazy,” to which you both chuckle. “So…” he starts as he wraps his arms around your middle causing you both to waddle up the front lawn. “How do you feel? Not so bad, was it?”

“No! Far from it! I really, really love your family Chris,” you say as you crane your neck to look at him briefly.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Although, I strongly disagree with some of their choices in best music of all time, but I’ll learn to get over that. I got over it with you,”

Chris spins you around in his arms, hands firmly on your waist. “I don’t care what you say; Joel is the best music Billy of ALL TIME!”

“Yeah, ok.” you retort with an eye roll to his amusement.

“I’m glad you had a good time babe. They’ve been hounding me to meet you for a while now. I’m happy we made it happen.”

The words are right there on your lips. I’m sorry it took so long. I’m sorry I acted silly. I’m sorry I was scared to take the next step. But what if I’m not ready? What if we get it wrong? Your throat is dry, as it often is when it’s time to bare a little of your soul. At least Chris always has something to say.

“I can’t wait for you to see me this nervous when I meet your family…” You don’t know if that makes you feel better or worse. Chris looks into your eyes expectantly, lovingly. His features are soft and tender, and you think it’s the most beautiful sight on a man, on this man. Your man.

Chris looks at your lips then at your eyes. There goes that silent question again. You’ve never been one to give Chris what he wants when he wants it. He’ll never admit, but it’s one of the things he loves most about you. So, in true you-fashion, you make a run for it.

He’s baffled, but doesn’t waste much time in playing into your little game. You’re laughing hysterically as you look over your shoulder to see him bounding after you on the front lawn. You high tail it around the side of his childhood home, kind of hoping he catches you. Not even you, as stubborn as you are, would want to be running forever.

Chris walks into the backyard cautiously, but not cautiously enough as he’s met with a snowball in the temple. And your maniacal laughter.

“Oh, you’re in for it now!” Chris sneers as he scoops up the most perfectly compacted snowball.

“Oh shit!” You slowly make for the backdoor, walking up the deck stairs backwards, hands up in surrender “C’mon babe, you don’t have to do this,” you plead.

“Yes. Yes, I do. Cos all I wanted was an innocent, sweet kiss.”

“I’ll give you a kiss! Just put the snowball down.”

“It’s too late, sweetheart.” The look in his eyes is sending butterflies straight to your heat. As much as you wouldn’t mind ‘losing’ this game, there’s too much at stake.

“Think of my hair!” You whine to appeal to his better nature. That gave Chris pause, but only for a moment.

“It’s in braids; you’ll be ok.” When Chris takes a step towards you, you take a step back, but instead of eating snow as you anticipate, you slip on a patch of ice and fall flat on your ass.

Chris is quick to race over to your side. “Babe! Are you ok?” he’s slightly panicked as he lifts your torso in his arms, checking your eyes for consciousness.

“Got the wind knocked out of me, but I’m fine, yeah,” you say through a dry laugh.

“Oh, thank god.” He says with a sigh of relief and a wide smile. You smile back at him as he strokes your cheek and says, “Now I won’t feel bad about this.”

“Wha—“ You see white as your face freezes over. Chris is dying of laughter as you sputter the snowball out of your mouth. 

“Ha ha ha. Keep laughing... you won’t get that kiss you’re wanting so bad.” He immediately stops laughing, deflates, and pouts, causing you to giggle. “Oh my goodness! Is it that serious?” you teased him a little further. Chris was done playing, though. He stood up and folded his thick arms over his chest to show you he was serious.

You stood up too, and began to tap and poke at his shoulders, chest and stomach. Chris wouldn’t look at you, trying his best to stand firm and not smile. “Look up, dummy!” you say eventually. He acts as if he’s doing you a favor, but can’t hide his giddiness at the sight on the ceiling.

A leafy green plant, with a cluster of red inedible berries, secured with a red ribbon.

You take his face into your hands, lightly grazing your fingers over Chris’ full, trimmed beard. The world is out of focus as you and Chris are now eye to eye. Neither of you can hide your eagerness. You rub your thumb over his plump bottom lip and wonder why you would ever deny yourself this man.

Pulling him into you, the gap is closed between your mouths. The kiss is gentle, shy even, after first. It dawns on you that you’d only shared a quick peck at the airport, and before then, had gone a couple weeks missing each other’s touch.

The neediness and desire within you is heightened at the thought. You wrap your arms around his neck pulling him closer. You start to get lost in him, in his warm taste and touch. You feel the yearning in Chris too. He wraps his arms around your waist, hugging you tightly to himself. His hands start to travel to places you desperately want them to be, but he catches himself, remembering where you are.

“Let’s go say our goodbyes,” he says through an out-of-breath smirk. You bite your bottom lip and reply with a quick nod of your head. 

The pair of you head inside to make your last rounds for the evening. Chris keeps it pretty brief with everyone, the both of you promising to see them again sometime soon in the new year. Early Spring seems to work for most everyone; the kids will be on spring break, Chris will be home before jetting off for a press tour, and you’ll have settled in to your new writing job, that isn’t exactly your dream gig, but a step in… a direction.

As you got into Chris’ car to head for his Boston home, waving to his family as you backed out the driveway, none of you could predict or prepare yourselves for the very different, sordid world that waits in the months ahead. How drastically it would change on grand and small scales.

You look adoringly at Chris from your spot in the passenger seat, unaware the beginning of your relationship’s treacherous slope was just a few days away. Had you known, you wouldn’t have left that kiss so soon, would’ve cherished his heated embrace a little more later tonight.

But it’s already been written.

——————————————————————————

What’d you think?

[atomic-tourist-fanfic]

This Thing That Breaks My Heart

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy Rating: Gen Pairing: FemShepard/Garrus Vakarian Characters: FemShepard, Garrus Vakarian Content Notes: none Word Count: 1,127

Author’s note: I wrote a short Mass Effect 2 fic, set right after Shep’s botched reunion with Kaidan on Horizon. Garrus comforts her, but as a friend. No alien sexytimes in this fic (sorry!).

After what a lifetime on Alliance frigates, the distance between her bed and the door felt as vast as the grain fields from Eliza’s childhood. If only it felt as welcoming. The amenities -- bordering on decadent in Eliza’s opinion -- provided by Cerberus didn’t mask the biting chill of ship metal under her bare feet as she forced herself out of bed.  The door chime was persistent, disturbing her already restless sleep; she hoped that for their own sake, whoever was on the other side had a damn good reason for this late night personal visit.

The lighting system anticipated her, brightening just enough to clear a path to the door. She remembered almost too late that she was wearing only Alliance issued underwear and threw on a robe, not bothering to close it.

When the door slid open, Eliza felt her irritation dissipate at seeing who was there. Garrus leaned against the bulkhead, a bottle of turian wine in one hand and concern in those black as night eyes. 

His mandibles fluttered in what she had learned to recognize as a worried frown.

“I finished my calibrations and thought I’d see how you were holding up,” he said, pointedly not looking at her. Eliza noted how he relaxed when she tied her robe closed.

“How I’m holding up?” she asked as she gestured for him to following her into the sitting area.

“Yes...well...your reunion with Alenko didn’t go as I imagine you had hoped it would. I thought you might need a friend.”

Eliza flopped down on the couch and sighed. “You’re the only person on this goddamn ship who can get away with waking me up in the middle of sleep cycle to discuss my personal life.”

Garrus sat next to her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating off his body but not so close that they touched. “I know,” he said, “that’s why I’m here.”

Eliza smiled through her sadness. Two years apart had done little to diminish the rhythm of her friendship with Garrus. She marveled at how easily they had fallen back in step with each other not only in the field but in their downtime as well. She would have stewed in her cabin, never reaching out to anyone. So Garrus had reached out first, because he knew that asking for help was something she just couldn’t do.

He poured them each a glass of wine while she worked up the courage to talk.

“I can’t blame Kaidan,” she said, “I mean from his point of view I’m dead for two years, then I show up in Cerberus gear? Of course he was upset. I would’ve been upset too if I was in his place.”

Garrus answered with a skeptical rumble, his mandibles flicking with contained irritation. “May I offer a counterpoint?” he asked as he handed her a glass.

“I’d be worried if you didn’t,” Eliza said.

“Yes, well, you know me,” Garrus stammered, clearing his throat. “Alenko could have been kinder to you. More sympathetic to your situation. He should trust that you wouldn’t work with Cerberus unless there was a damn good reason.”

Eliza looked down at her wine glass to hide the expression on her face. Garrus’ unwavering loyalty tugged at her already frayed resolve. When she finally spoke again, she fumbled her words. “Kaidan’s always been the emotional one in our...whatever it is...was. Goddammit. We never had time for a relationship and if I’m being honest, sometimes I felt like he didn’t really see me.”

Garrus curled his talons and lightly rubbed her arm with his knuckles, making her feel grounded and safe. “Now that I can understand somewhat,” he said, his voice low and gentle, “Commander Shepard, hero of the Skyllian Blitz, savior of the Citadel, is a formidable and captivating person. I’m embarrassed to remember how hard I tried to impress you in those early days. Maybe not for the same reasons Alenko did...” -- Garrus closed his eyes for a beat then looked back up at her -- “what I’m trying to say is I’m very glad to know the real you and call you a friend. If Alenko couldn’t see past all the medals to know this side of you then maybe you’re better off without him.”

Eliza looked up at Garrus with a wry smile. “Hey, giving out advice is my job in this friendship.”

Garrus leveled a serious gaze at her. “No jokes, Shepard.”

“Ok, you’re right,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t get all cocky about it.”

“ I can’t make any promises.”

That got a genuine laugh out of her. She didn’t know if she would ever be able to explain to Garrus how he anchored her; that even though she felt brittle, it was easier to carry that feeling when he was right there beside her, being honest and making her laugh.

“I loved Kaidan,” she said after a long silence and several sips of wine. “And seeing him again, for a second I thought maybe things could go back to normal, maybe we could actually have something real now that military regs aren’t in the way. I don’t know why I let myself hope. It’s just that for me no time has passed; I forget it’s been two years for everyone else. And I know you’re right, Garrus. Kaidan and I never really knew each other. He wasn’t my first battlefield romance. I really should know better by now.”

Garrus made that skeptical rumble again, deep in his chest. “Beating yourself up isn’t going to help, and if we’re being honest, you could do a lot worse than Alenko.”

Eliza chortled. “This is true. How the hell is a turian vigilante the most stable person in my life right now?”

“A sad commentary on the state of the galaxy, if I ever heard one,” Garrus deadpanned, making her laugh again.

“You know, Garrus, when I saw it was you there on Omega it was the first time since waking up in that Cerberus lab that I actually felt like myself.” She thought back to the way he had handed her a rifle, no questions asked, how they stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they defended their position. It had made her feel normal, like maybe she could get through this mess.

“Just like old times,” Garrus said and his expression told her he was thinking the same thing.

Eliza couldn’t say what made her do it, but she scooted closer to Garrus until she was tucked against his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

He stiffened for a brief moment in surprise, then relaxed into the physical contact, gently wrapping his arms around her.

For the first time since waking up, Eliza Shepard felt safe.

[kiruuuuu]

Me too, @ruaniamh. Me too :) Thank you so much for this request because I’ll gladly make Doc suffer some more! 💖 (Rating M, no mutual suffering cos Jäger is actually having a great time in this one, non-explicit sex, ~2.5k words)

.

“You look tired”, Blitz remarks right as Doc finishes his examination and earns himself a withering glare.

“Seems like your arm has healed. Maybe now you’ll think twice about engaging in any sport with the small word ‘ultimate’ in its title, even if it’s followed by ‘frisbee’. And yes, I am indeed tired”, Doc replies icily, “and you and your teammates are a large part as to why. Did you know I received a call last night about what I thought to be a medical emergency which turned out to be the impromptu funeral of a rabbit which wasn’t even dead? It must’ve taken a few sips from Bandit’s rum bottle because it showed very similar symptoms in that both of them were largely lethargic with spontaneous bouts of activity, if you can call running into a tree head first a hobby. With how often Bandit does it, I’d say it counts.”

“That’s exactly the reason why I’m mentioning it”, Blitz continues, incomprehensibly excited, “because we actually have a present for you. We pitched in together since you’ve done so much for us, went above and beyond, and we wanted to show you just how much we appreciate all that you’re doing.”

Oh. This is – unexpected. For a few blissful seconds in which the existence of a universe with frightfully idiotic special operators seems nothing but a fever dream, Doc is actually flattered and moved by the gesture. Then suspicion takes over. “…what is it?”

“You’ve been stressed recently and so we thought a vacation is just the thing you need.”

They’re not wrong, though admittedly, Doc could always use a vacation, he just normally doesn’t allow himself to take a rest, abandon his work and the people who count on him. Because as much as he likes to complain, he does genuinely believe they’re good, hard-working people who are able to change the world for the better and he’s proud to serve by their side, honoured for the opportunity to befriend this many compassionate, attentive -

“So we bought you a stay in an all-inclusive hotel in Spain. For an entire week!”

Doc just looks at the beaming German in front of him. He would’ve taken anything, anything, even the bitter cold of the arctic over having literally nothing to do. He likes to go hiking, explore cities and landscapes, and what he doesn’t enjoy is laying in the sun all day wasting away. “That’s uh -”, he starts and is interrupted by a cheery: “You’re welcome! And don’t bring too many books, I’m sure you’ll find enough to do once you’re there.”

And the last wink really should’ve made him realise what was going on.

.

“You”, Doc says loudly, loud enough to be audible over the busy chatter in the luxurious lobby, carpet thick, windows tall and spotless, pillars actual marble, and points at the person whom he’s addressing, “you. I – this… you are fucking kidding me. This isn’t happening. I’m out. I’m going fucking home. Jesus fucking Christ, what the fuck were they thinking?”

People have begun to stare and Jäger walks over, suitcase in tow, so Doc doesn’t have to yell anymore. “I’m pretty sure I can guess”, he replies and sounds entirely too upbeat about this whole disaster of a situation, “you know, Elias has been going on about you and me not showing enough affection to each other.”

So Blitz thought he’d play marriage counsellor. Great. Fan-fucking-tastic. Not only is everyone on the base still convinced the two of them are a couple, now they’re also meddling in their alleged affairs. Even though it’s only noon and Doc got enough sleep last night, he’s beginning to feel exhaustion weighing down his bones. “Did they really -” Book an expensive hotel for a week so Doc and Jäger could have some quality time together? The thought is too horrifying to actually say out loud.

Jäger shrugs and nods. “Seems that way, hm? I was confused why the lady behind the counter told me my ‘partner’ had arrived already.”

“I need something to drink.”

“Knock yourself out. It’s all inclusive.”

.

Doc does indeed knock himself out. He spends the first evening in the hotel bar, bemoaning his fate to everyone who doesn’t manage to get away fast enough and the first night hugging the really quite beautiful toilet while Jäger just giggles at him. He doesn’t seem any less intoxicated than Doc himself but apparently is more adept at holding his liquor – at least for a while. They somehow manage to take shifts in sleeping in their double bed (because of course they’re going to have to share a bed) and vomiting and they end up looking like zombies during breakfast. Blitz sends a text to Jäger about whether they’re enjoying their surprise and Doc only barely restrains himself from answering with a barrage of insults.

There really isn’t anything to do, so when Jäger goes to sleep off the food coma from the excellent breakfast buffet, Doc visits the beach and seeks shelter under a parasol where he tries to read one of the many books he brought until his eyes are falling closed as well. The sweltering heat together with the bright sun are headache inducing even through the painkillers he took pre-emptively this morning, and so he resorts to the one thing which never fails to help: dozing. It’s been a while since he was free from all obligations and duties and so he’s unlearned what to do when he’s not constantly anticipating the next emergency.

He’s awoken by a gentle touch to his hand and blinks groggily into the bright red fabric of the parasol which has miraculously moved to ensure he’s still in its shadow. Going by the fact that Jäger is now perched on another lounger next to him, it’s safe to assume he has to thank the German for saving him from the fate of ending up as red as a boiled lobster.

“Can you get my back? I want to go swimming in a bit.” Jäger holds out a bottle of sunscreen and switches over to Doc’s beach chair when he accepts it with a sigh. “Have you seen the dudes around here? It’s like a gay paradise. Pure eye candy.”

“You should’ve asked one of the prettier ones to smear sun cream all over you”, Doc grumbles as he rubs the cool lotion into the skin of Jäger’s back, barely resisting the urge to draw a dick on him first.

“I did. He’s currently at it.”

Doc snorts, amused for exactly as long as it takes for him to notice Jäger’s small moan while he’s massaging the back of his neck. A terrifying thought dawns on him. “Please tell me you don’t get horny when you’re bored.”

“Of course I do. What else is there to do? Just take a look around, there’s so many gorgeous guys wearing shockingly little and I bet they want to get away from their nagging fake husbands too.”

He pushes against Jäger’s shoulder blades, causing him to lean forward, and dips his hand into the back of his swimming trunks. Better safe than sorry – he once got a nasty sunburn right above his waistline and cursed himself for not being more careful. “I refuse to believe that anyone out there shares our fate. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Also, if you fuck a stranger in our bed, I’m going to murder you in your sleep.”

“Alright, I’ll stay classy then and fuck them on a toilet or something. I saw you ogle that one brunette though and the same goes for you. No fucking with women in our bed, and if it’s a dude, you better invite me to join.”

“Is that really all there is to do here? Flirt with people?”

Jäger shrugs. “You can go for a swim with me.”

Their banter is oddly freeing. Because no matter how much Doc doesn’t want to be here in this hot hell, at least he’s not alone. He likes Jäger as a person and their mutual exasperation helped them bond even further – maybe he should change his perspective and view this week as a spontaneous holiday together with a friend. Yeah, he can do that. So he finds himself nodding. “Alright. Let’s go.”

“Wait, you should probably apply some sunscreen too. I’ll help.” And as Jäger’s hands gently dig into his muscles, causing him to hum in approval, Doc realises something about himself he didn’t know before. He also gets horny when he’s bored.

He’s just never been this bored before.

.

“Look, Gustave, you’re a great guy and I really enjoyed your company, but I have to be honest with you – I’m not the kind of person to encourage affairs”, the cute brunette woman tells him with a soft, regretful smile.

He blinks at her. It was perfect, they spent the better part of two hours talking, getting to know each other and making each other laugh. Hers is melodic and sweet, the lines in the corners of her eyes alluring and the fact that she’s actually successful and happy as a freelancer nothing but impressive. She’s caring and a great listener and - “What do you mean?”

“I’ve seen you with your husband. I’m sorry, but I don’t do this kind of thing. If you’re unhappy, I’m not the person with whom you should talk. He is.” And with a last squeeze of his hand, she vanishes into a different corner of the vast and uncomfortably dark bar, leaving Doc to put his head in his hands and take a deep breath.

Someone takes her place with a bitter grin which speaks of solidarity. “No luck either?”, Jäger asks.

“No. She also went right past couple and directly to marriage. Maybe we should stop hanging out together.”

“That only works if we’re not sleeping in the same room. Feel free to book one for yourself because I’m definitely staying for free.”

“Why so optimistic, did you actually manage to score a romantic public bathroom blow job?”

“Ah, not yet. But I’m still looking.” Jäger takes another sip from his brightly coloured drink as if he hasn’t had enough the previous night, and lets his gaze travel through the room, allowing for Doc to study him in peace. He’s actually not bad company, a bit immature at times but even Doc got caught up in splashing around in the sea earlier, and he entertained him by explaining exactly how he could take all the electronics in their room apart to construct a microwave, thus allowing him to microwave Nutella to the perfect consistency to eat it with a spoon directly out of the jar. Doc stated that he’d just need to put the jar out in the sun or change the thermostat in their room and Jäger called him a spoilsport in return. He really isn’t that bad. It could be worse.

“Marius”, he says pensively and is immediately granted Jäger’s full attention, “do you… want to go back to our room?”

He doesn’t understand at first, reacts with confusion at Doc’s odd tone of voice but once he gets it, his eyes widen. Nodding eagerly, he attempts to finish his drink and answer simultaneously, resulting in a coughing fit which leaves Doc grinning.

The grin fades as soon as they shut the door behind them.

They don’t even manage to undress fully before Doc is buried to the hilt, and so Jäger gets to try his hand at multitasking once more, this time pulling it off without a hitch: he’s riding, taking off his shirt and moaning filth at the same time while Doc grabs two handfuls of his plump backside and meets his movements, idly wondering just how thick the walls between rooms are.

.

It ends up being almost compulsive. They try their best to find other activities, join people they don’t know in beach volleyball or badminton, go swimming every day, take walks, browse the internet on their phones or on Jäger’s laptop, but there’s a surprising amount of hours in the day and some of them actually make it impossible to leave their air-conditioned room because they’re entirely too hot. So they really have no other choice.

Soon, the other guests’ reactions to merely seeing them span a wide range, among them outright disgust, knowledgable smirks and supportive smiles. One retiree even approaches them with a mischievous grin and lets them know he’d be up for a threesome if they’re looking, but Doc quickly sends him away before Jäger can even think about agreeing.

It happens more than once that Doc finds himself on their bed, Jäger entirely too loud while on his hands and knees before him with a frothing mixture of what Doc identifies to be his own come as well as the coconut oil they’ve grown fond of using dripping down his scrotum and he doesn’t even have the energy to be scandalised anymore. He’s accepted his fate by now, and if his fate is to survive a gruellingly carnal sex holiday, then so be it.

He’s stopped trying to correct people who call Jäger his husband. He even makes the mistake of signing a postcard his friend sends back to Hereford.

.

“So, how was your vacation?”, Blitz asks with a shit eating grin while they’re having lunch, sharing a curry IQ made which drew both the GSG9 as well as the GIGN operators together, resulting in six expectant faces turning to Doc and Jäger at the question.

“It was really fucking hot”, Jäger replies like an idiot and Doc wishes him physical harm.

“I bet it was”, Bandit mutters into his meal and earns a few snorts.

“You definitely look more relaxed than before”, Blitz takes over again, not wanting the conversation to derail this soon.

“Do I?” Doc certainly doesn’t feel more relaxed, his muscles are aching and his penis is still sore.

“Yeah, you’re positively glowing. So you both enjoyed yourselves?”

“Or each other, more like.” Bandit again. And that is it.

It can’t be that no one is taking Doc seriously, not when he stoops to actually holding a funeral speech for a fucking rabbit for his colleagues, not when he’s sweated and bled and worked himself raw for them. It’s ridiculous, absolutely absurd and, frankly, insulting. He can only imagine the reactions were he to actually start dating someone else and it’s bad enough he has to deal with his family thinking they’re together because they refuse to listen as well and why in the world is his dick hard. No, really. Why. This is probably the most inopportune -

“Did you make the curry with coconut milk?”, Jäger wants to know from IQ and judging by the vague panic in his expression, Doc surmises that he’s in a similar state. And oh. Does this mean he can never eat or smell coconut again without getting a boner? “I, uh, just need to go to the bathroom real quick.”

And while Jäger flees, Doc feels his own erection twitch in his pants. “Yeah”, he says distractedly, “me too.”

The snickering follows him all the way to the bathroom door and yet is soon forgotten. Seems like he’s not too tired for now.

[rhapsody-crossing]

S2: RSI Tournament - A Memoir (Part 4)

Part 1 HERE Part 3 HERE

10. Ready, Set, Ink! Facts

There were a total of 12 teams and 58 cephalopods that registered for this tournament.

Using Challonge, the 12 teams were divided into groups of 2 (6 teams per group). Tofu team ended up in Group A.

The tournament ran in round-robin format, meaning every teams were required to face each other within their group like so:

Team captains were required to contact each other and arrange a time for battle. All battles have to be completed before 28th July. It was not necessary to fight teams in round sequence; in fact, the rounds were merely to determine the ranked mode sequence:

Round 1 Splat Zones Tower Control Rainmaker Clam Blitz Turf War

Round 2 Tower Control Clam Blitz Splat Zones Rainmaker Turf War

Round 3 Rainmaker Splat Zones Clam Blitz Tower Control Turf War

Round 4 Clam Blitz Rainmaker Tower Control Splat Zones Turf War

Round 5 Rainmaker Tower Control Splat Zones Clam Blitz Turf War

A total of 8 teams (top 4 each group) would be qualified for Knock-Off round held on 4th August 2018.

11. Qualifying Rounds

The current tournament setting allows some flexibility under a pretty tensed deadline. 

It was fun to see how other team worked: Team 7 arranged that most of their battles could be complete in a day; Maws arranged their battles on a whim; Sukalu spaced their battles to allow more training in between; ViolentlyPangoro provides a an organised availability schedule during discussions; Squidsbeak Splat Tim is only available after 12.30am.

louhai wanted to pull a Team 7, but we vehemently rejected it in consideration of our members’ battle condition. He would later (briefly) passed the leadership mantle to me in order for me to facilitate battle time between teams; poor guy was stressed out from juggling family time and team’s time arrangement-- particularly with SST. 

Ideally, I wanted to finish all battles within the first few days of the week to allow some time for rest and practice; SST’s availability put a damper on my plans. I pushed the match to Friday night to control the damage on my team’s status.

a) vs YOLO (2pm, Sunday)

YOLO was a team formed by single registrants, mostly of fresh cephalopods. I had the opportunity to face them in a practice match they held with a couple of community members. The result was me doing 18 kills with a Hydra Splatling at first time usage. 

(Looking back, the above experience may have contributed to me picking Heavy Splatling later.)

Aria was a concerning factor; she tends to boast a little on her network with US Spla2n players and often plays with Fito (a Malaysian Spla2n vet). She improved pretty swiftly as well in terms of ranked.

JKLAUS and Joel were assault players, but they were still very fresh.

500K was their notable long range support, I was often disturbed by her Jet Squelcher.

It seemed that my concerns were for naught, as the resulting matches were pretty one-sided. All in all, it was a curb-stomp battle with nothing notable to write of.

b) vs LMoU (Last Minute of Us) (10pm, Sunday)

LMoU is an all girls team. 

Their leader, Maiki, used to participate Ink Your Heart Out! as team Avengers. It was touching to see her again, taking a more active role to boot.

Sapphire was a member of Avengers too. Other than being a popular Splatoon artist, she is also a S ranker who masterfully wields NZap ‘85. 

Mogu is a new face, but she eventually becomes more familiar as she hangs out in Splatoon 2′s Messenger group chat.

hikk is also a new face. Not much is known about her, except that she uses long range weapons like Splat Charger and Dualie Squelchers.

The day before tournament started, we actually bumped into them in League. We never really had a fair battle due to the constant stream of disconnects, but the impression obtained was that they are manageable. 

Splat Zones

There were two internet hiccups in the beginning, which caused an incident within the runners. Nevertheless, in ended with me hosting the match (surprisingly without any disconnects).

Splat Zones in Shellendorf Institute carries a special place in my heart because it’s where we had one of our rare victory against [ ].

For this match, slap and I started by perching on the roof. Sapphire had attempted to ambush us, but my toxic mist slowed her for a second, enough for slap to splat her with his Dynamo. We then did most of out defending below, with Kuniki and louhai flanking and ambushing.

The highlight of the moment for me was when three of LMoU members fell under my RBP. Sapphire got me in the end as if out of heroic vengeance, though she was quickly taken out by slap.

All in all, I netted a lot of good kills on this one:

Tower Control

If slap ever doubted himself, this was the battle data I would use to motivate him and remind him of his worth.

This was a particularly memorable battle where everyone moves like a clockwork. I could still remember how everyone sync’d: while the original plan was to have me on the tower, slap as the backliner/support, with Kuniki and Furi flanking together... there came a point where our roles were switched, that Furi was on tower and I was returning to the skirmish spot. Upon seeing me, slap took on the role and joined Kuniki in flanking towards the enemy base while I stood carefully at the back, pressuring enemy with my range and AoE hits. Each and everyone of us switching into different roles seamlessly, adapting towards the situation.

Rainmaker

This was a very quick run, with Furi carrying the Rainmaker towards the base. Three of us got splatted except Kuniki. 

The match ended very impressively because Kuniki carried the Rainmaker to the pedestal. 

Kuniki, who used to refuse to carry, carried the Rainmaker to the pedestal.

“POTG MVP!” commented Rezi on the Live Stream of this match. Yup, he certainly was for this match.

Overall, it was a good one.

c) vs Violently Pangoro (8.30pm, Tuesday)

Anticipating the fight with VP unnerves me because, unlike most teams which I had some form of data, I had nothing on them. Nada, zilch, zero.

Their battles were postponed quite often, so we ended up being their first opponents.

After a few connection issues, we managed to get onto the match:

Tower Control

Swift match, I reckon the opponents are unfamiliar with the map. We won this one without much fuss.

Clam Blitz

It is unsure whether if we let our guard down, or our opponents are adapting. We had a few easy net breaks in the beginning before they gathered themselves and defend their net well.

Nick and vp-keron were quite notable in my memory. We managed to KO bonus.

Splat Zones

They actually put up a better fight in this one! I was quite impressed considering how fresh they looked, but they really done their best. 

Despite us having the KO bonus, it was wrung out of them with some difficulties.

Despite being one of the newer teams, I respect their adaptability. In terms of skill and experience, they were perhaps on par with YOLO. In fact, I was looking forward to see the battle results between them and YOLO.

(It was unfortunate that both teams ended up not fighting each other due to a feud born out of miscommunication and poor time management.)

d) vs Unclesotongs (9.30pm, Wednesday)

Unclesotongs was another old face from Ink Your Heart Out. Back then, they were known as littlesotongs. It seems that the little one has evolved into an uncle. Come next tournament, would they name themselves Grandpasotongs?

Nevertheless, my team was pretty relaxed when facing them... and that perhaps was what made the battle difficult.

Clam Blitz

Briefly recalled there was some struggle in the beginning, close calls in the middle. Ultimately, they still managed a KO bonus. slap especially guarded well.

Rainmaker

Rainmaker’s loss was mainly due to map unfamiliarity. I would pin the blame on myself for leading them on the roof when we would later learn that left and middle are more viable options.  All in all, it was a painful match.

Tower Control

It was my disconnect that caused a loss on our end, but the match being really painful to play. Star was particularly good at ambushing with his roller that my hand can’t help but twitched restlessly (if only I had tri-slosher). The ground was filled by their turf, making it hard to traverse.

Splat Zones

A match that was too close for its own good. The difficulties were mostly due to the lack of range, but Tofu managed to came through after a series of zone exchanges.

Turf War

A fairly balance match, only to be thrown off due to SotongZero disconnecting. 

While Tofu had won this match, it had been a wake-up call for us to not take things too easy. There were simply a lot to reflect; had we grown tardy? Was it weapon range? Why were we having difficulties with them?

12. Reflection, Splatlings and Atomic-senpai

louhai and jp_BoomSS would later have an exchange in which we would learn that UncleSotongs’ strategy was inspired by Harapan. Their curiosity on how Harapan gave us a hard time made them watch for their weapons and tactics.

The information made me sick to the stomach; it is undeniable that range and turf was one of the issues, and despite our victory, I hated on how it felt like our weakness was being exploited. I hated that I could not prevent that weakness from being exploited, that I wasn’t playing my role well enough to stop them... that I couldn’t do my job well enough as a Long Range support... all in all, I went through a quiet emo phase because I felt that I had let my team down.

Still, considering that turfing was an issue, I decided to switch to the Splatling family which would at least have both range and turfing capabilities as well as allowing me to defend myself better against melee/short range assaulter. 

It was Friday evening when I started farming chunks for a Splatling set, just hours before our final match with SST. Wanting to see a familiar face (or at least attempt to be social), I randomly joined a Friend for Turf War.

Said friend happened to Atomic.

Atomic was a member of Yaoika (now Diamantia), an Oceanink Division 1 team. Thanks to our connection with Rezi, Tofu became a little more acquainted with Nameless members and few Yaoika members (namely Atomic and Goizord). 

I hopped in without much expectations, just looking forward to a chill turf time; what I did not expect was me getting toyedchased around by a highly skilled player. 

In fact, I would never forget that moment: I was so far off the middle of Blackbelly Skate Park when Atomic spotted me and made a beeline towards me for a kill! We danced in our base before I splatted him with a partial charge. It was an exhilarating feeling, it was like looking at Death in the eyes and survived! 

Of course, the subsequent matches against him was almost impossible, but getting every splat on him was a satisfaction.

(Upon knowing that I was farming for chunks, he actually allowed me to win a few games when we’re opponents. Regardless, the gap of skill was clearly felt as he zipped towards our base in mere seconds in the beginning, and was able to hide and ambushed/squid danced at a small ink patch. If he were serious, I would probably have die a thousand deaths already.)

e) vs Squidbeak Splat Tim (12.30am, Saturday)

The original plan was to let louhai and Furi rest as they have work on Saturday, but everyone agreed in wanting to see the match ‘til the end together. At this, I was proud of Tofu’s spirit. 

SST was one of the top dogs in Group A, winning most of their matches. Our match was something a few people looked forward to because it would be between two teams who had not lose a single battle.

Their team leader, Fito, is a well-known veteran who uses Splat Roller. He was the one that everyone was quite wary of (skills for others, attitude for moi).

Agent 8 (a.k.a Nao Raine) was an Ink Brush user. louhai was pretty happy when he know of this fellow Ink Brush user’s existence that he overhyped his skills.

HahA_xDD and Bryanwolol were really fresh squids who uses Tri-Slosher and Splattershot respectively.

As we roughly knew their weapons on this one, I decided to stick to Tri-slosher Noveau.

Rainmaker

There was a disconnect in the beginning on SST’s end, but my overall thoughts gathered from the battle was “Is that it?”.

Agent 8 could never beat me if we were to go face to face (yay for Tri range), and Fito wasn’t that hard to handle. I could not help but wonder if my face-off against Atomic earlier had made the battle seemed easier. 

All in all, Rainmaker was a pretty smooth trip with me carrying the pedestal under Furi’s protection.

Splat Zones

Another quick one. The key was really to take out Fito and Agent 8; Kuniki went all out with that one while I turf as best as I could.

Clam Blitz

I swapped louhai to play in this one so that he would not stay up late in vain. 

Furi was really familiar with this map, to the point that Kuniki called Sturgeon Shipyard Furi’s map. It showed, considering that she broke their net most of the time.

In this match, it was also clear that Fito was the one doing most of the hard work... but alas, Splatoon 2 is a team’s game, not a One Person Glory’s game. 

The whole match resulted Tofu team in being the Top Dog for Group A. 

The Qualifying Rounds ended, and we entered a week of break before Knock Off rounds.

TBC -  Part 5 HERE

[junker-town]

Ravens snag Trevon Moehrig, a safety who can do it all, with the 31st pick

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

The hawking safety would be an immediate contributor to an already talented secondary.

With the 31st pick in the 2021 SB Nation mock draft, Baltimore Beatdown selects Trevon Moehrig, safety, TCU. Moehrig joins Terrace Marshall Jr. to round out the Ravens’ first round.

Moehrig is the perfect “but they needed a ______” pick. In this scenario, the Ravens already rounded out their receiver room, fulfilling one perceived need. Ignoring edge rushers and the offensive line is a bold move, as the Ravens don’t pick again until the 94th pick. However, the Ravens have hosted Alejandro Villanueva and Justin Houston, with strong rumors that at least one will be signed after the May 3 deadline for the compensatory formula. If those deals are in place, the Ravens will get to prove their affinity for taking the best player available. Moehrig certainly fits the description, as you’ll struggle to find many pundits with a low grade on the rangy, intelligent, playmaking safety.

This move puts off Marlon Humphrey in 2017 vibes. The Ravens already had corners. Many thought O.J. Howard or Reuben Foster made more sense. Humphrey felt like a luxury rather than a need. However, many failed to see the long-term plan. Humphrey fit the press man, play the receiver and disrupt the catch point, aggressive play style that the Ravens love in their corners. Fast forward to 2021. Marlon Humphrey is a bonafide star cornerback with an All-Pro on his resume and a $100 million contract keeping him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

Moehrig, a former four-star cornerback who had offers from Georgia and Texas among other big-time programs, has the best cover skills of any safety in this class. He didn’t test well at TCU’s pro day, with reports coming out that he was at “80%” after he had a flare up in his back.

Considering he ran a 4.52 40-yard dash with a 1.59 10-yard split at 80%, he still recorded relatively impressive numbers. Moehrig’s athleticism is never an issue on tape. He’s a tried and true technician, who excels in off coverage from split safety alignments with adequate range as the single high safety as well. He’s the type of defender who makes a receiver who runs a 4.3 look like they run a 4.6. Moehrig is clearly a film junkie, who almost looks bored at times when he easily runs receivers routes for them.

He possesses fluid hips, precise and calm feet to transition at the stem. When receivers define their break, he cleanly initiated contact without being sloppy, thwarting their ability to separate. The former Horned Frog, similar to Marlon Humphrey, has pneumatic strikes into the catch point, often forcing incompletions that would’ve been caught without his strikes.

Trevon anticipates, breaks, stays in phase and undercuts passes frequently. His ball production will translate to the NFL.

Hey! You! Yeah, I’m talking to you, big head. You’re the fool who doesn’t think Trevon Moehrig is an absolute baller. Here are all the plays Trevon Moehrig made against Oklahoma in 2020... ... ... ... ... In the first half... pic.twitter.com/WMDXCAqcqj

— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) April 26, 2021

My last 3 safety 1's 2018 Minkah Fitzpatrick 2019 Juan Thornhill 2020 Antione Winfield Jr See a trend? I love safeties who can really cover. Trevon Moehrig is trending that way for me. Love how he challenges his self in space. Watch this next "catch" rep. pic.twitter.com/wKObnTdLZk

— Crocky (@eric_crocker) March 19, 2021

#TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (6-2, 202, Jr.) is arguably the most versatile safety in the country. Has shown that he can roam as a centerfielder on the roof, dependable in man coverage and a reliable tackler coming downhill. Also a constant turnover creator. pic.twitter.com/M5M6c2baxS

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 11, 2020

Trevon Moehrig (field safety # 7) taking a good angle from the roof to fit the GT counter triple option as the "pitch" man pic.twitter.com/FHAYVdWs4t

— Fit Harrington (@futbolguysguy) December 7, 2020

I promise I'm still watching Trevon Moehrig lol. Nothing special here, just a really solid rep against the run. pic.twitter.com/fuaBUoHcBj

— Zach (All-22 Addict) Gartin (@All22_Addict) January 21, 2021

Trevon Moehrig forced an incompletion on 25% of targets since 2018 The highest rate in the Draft Class pic.twitter.com/QGtpXdU00k

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 22, 2021

No. 1 safety in the NFL Draft: Trevon Moehrig has made 28 plays on the ball since 2019 Five more than any other Power 5 safety pic.twitter.com/ArprDPheGJ

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 22, 2021

Moehrig is about as solid of a safety prospect as they come. He’s reliable in run fits from either alignment. His open field tackle ability is reliable, while not spectacular. The former corner’s ball production is consistently prolific. You don’t see many highs or lows in Moehrig’s game. He looks more or less the same each and every week. His production in the first half matches his production in the second half. He has the physicality to engage with tight ends and stay in phase, with the change of direction and intelligence to mirror slot receivers while detailing them.

Moehrig is a safe bet. While he might not be an explosive hitter, he gets the job done time and time again. Moehrig consistently communicates pre-snap and seemed to have major responsibility to align his teammates. There are very few holes to poke in his game.

From @NFLMatchup — We looked at the multi-dimensional traits of the safety prospects in the ‘21 draft class. • Trevon Moehrig • Richie Grant • Andre Cisco • Hamsah Nasirildeen • Jevon Holland • Divine Deablo @gregcosell pic.twitter.com/i0uZ06GuFu

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 23, 2021

With Chuck Clark as the only Ravens safety under contract in 2022, Baltimore absolutely needs to address the position this week. Moehrig provides a long-term partner for Clark. While DeShon Elliott could still sign an extension, Moehrig would excel in the Ravens’ man-heavy, blitz-heavy defense. He would provide the range and length that Eric DeCosta clearly desired when he signed Earl Thomas. Adding Moehrig provides immediate stability at an important position, would allow Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott to play more in the box, plus using more dime packages on third down in 2021.

Trevon checks all the boxes and makes tons of sense as a home run fit in the immediate future as well as long-term impact in Baltimore.

[annabethisterrified]

Book Review: THE SHIP OF THE DEAD by Rick Riordan (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3)

Non-spoiler review below. But if you press ‘Keep Reading’, there will be spoilers. 

Despite being chosen as a dead warrior in the Viking afterlife Valhalla, Magnus Chase’s talents lie in healing, not fighting. After a violent death and the disturbing revelation of his family’s ties to the Norse pantheon, Magnus has spent the past months adapting to his strange afterlife. He’s befriended his hallmates on Floor 19, and swapped demigod stories with his cousin Annabeth, daughter of Athena. 

After a handful of perilous quests, cryptic prophecies, and intense training, Magnus and his friends reach the brink of Ragnarok-- the end of all the nine worlds, and the victory of the trickster god, Loki. In this trilogy’s final installment, they must defeat an ancient, complicated being. But this time, words must be the weapons.

I remember when the announcement of this trilogy was released back in 2015. I was overwhelmingly apprehensive. So this guy is related to Annabeth Chase, my favorite character of all time? Is Riordan just cranking out a mythological formula? I was excited, of course, but an undercurrent of nerves and wavering expectations was waiting underneath.

But right from the opening excerpt, I felt a wash of relief. We were in good hands with Magnus, and the new worlds we got to experience were fresh and enthralling, and a wonderful story was well on its way. 

Riordan mixed it up a lot with this trilogy. For once, the ‘main’ female and male characters (Samirah and Magnus) were just really good friends, without a hint or expectation of romantic attraction. The concept of how different religions can co-exist in a strange reality was addressed thoroughly. Alex Fierro, a trans, genderfluid POC character graced the pages of a book written for young readers. The final battle was spoken instead of fought.

I feel kind of sad and hollow now that the trilogy is complete; I always do, after the end of a series that’s really impacted my life. But the feelings of immense joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction of a journey-well-traveled overtake that nostalgia. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to this incredible story than what we saw in The Ship of the Dead.

Riordan masterfully handled all of the looming storylines presented in the first two books. The characters are handled with attention and creative design; new revelations and long-deserved developments unfold with ease and excitement. Each installment successfully built upon itself, improving and snowballing into one epic finale. 

More of my reviews

My Goodreads

Riordan’s Tumblr

For spoiler-filled commentary, please keep reading below!

WELCOME! So I’ve been like replaying this book low-key in my head for the past few days just because it’s so damn perfect and makes me happy. 

If you follow me, you probably know that I’ve been a hardcore Fierrochase shipper since Day One, and honestly, this book like blew me away??? I truly wasn’t positive if their relationship would be explicitly addressed or if they’d even kiss once like on the cheek...

But they kiss TWICE and Magnus is SHIRTLESS? Okay!!!!!! OKAY!!!! I’M SO ALIVE

Alex, understandably, isn’t 100% solid on where she stands with Magnus, which is both realistic and completely relatable, considering they essentially have eternity ahead of them. I like that they both clearly express their romantic feelings for each other, but that they don’t have ‘insta-love’ or immediately enter a full-blown relationship. 

I’m also a Blitzen/Hearthstone shipper. I realize their relationship wasn’t addressed, but honestly, I’m cool with it. Knowing that they’re living and working together in the Chase Space, and witnessing all their wonderful scenes together in TSOTD was fine by me!

(The selfie of them with Magnus while they were homeless showing up on Magnus’s mantle made me cry)

I like that the nature of Mallory, Halfborn, and TJ’s deaths weren’t revealed until this book. It gave a lot more depth to the characters at a pivotal and appropriate time. 

So, that final battle/flyting. It was a bit hokey and tongue-in-cheek, but come on. I ate it right up. Cried. The whole shebang. Magnus’s speech not only gave a nice final overview of how far all the characters have come, but it was very interesting to see a war won with nothing but words. Coming from an author whose previous final battles have been very physical and relied on brute strength/special powers, it was very intriguing to see how a god could be defeated with words alone, which also was a fitting highlight of how Magnus differs from Riordan’s other protagonists.

The Chase Space is something I predicted after reading the opening chapters, and I’m so glad the mansion’s being put to good use. Seeing how Magnus, Alex, Blitz, and Hearth fit into the place’s mission was overwhelming and really emotional for me tbh. Especially how Alex lets the kids open up to her, and knowing that Blitzen’s shop is operational and helping kids have a steady job.

ANd of coooourse Riordan just had to throw in that final, angsty phone call with Annabeth. Right when everything was happy and perfect, we realize that all is NOT in fact well. (Is it ever?) Now I’m eagerly freaking out/anticipating The Burning Maze so i can find out why Percy and Annabeth are crying. What’s the bad news? I’m assuming it has to do with Tyson and/or Ella, because of her prophetic ability and the current plotline of The Trials of Apollo. Guess we’ll find out in May!

But back to Magnus. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the adventure of a lifetime. This trilogy was utterly magical, hilarious, and heartwarming. I’m so glad I was along for the ride, and I’ll miss it terribly. But I’ll smile knowing that everyone is safe and well in the Chase Space and Valhalla.

Until Ragnarok, that is. 

[arcanistvysoren]

finally knitted my scattered thoughts about ryders together into a neat one-shot while waiting for early access to finish downloading.

 • In 2176 the big news is: the Jon Grissom Academy finally opens its doors to young biotics—and the twins part ways for the first time as Jo leaves for a place her brother cannot follow—to hone gifts she hasn’t asked for.

(They’re twins. It’s unfair. It should be both, or neither, not this.) 

Other news coming in is still angry, reeling in the aftermath of the Skyllian Blitz. Their father keeps a stoic front, but his fists clench whenever he listens to it too much. There’s an uncomfortable stretch of emptiness in Jaime’s stomach, now that Jo is gone, that he can’t quite find the name for. But he sees the news, and the clenched fists, and fills the empty space by enlisting.

• Somewhere else in the galaxy Jien Garson takes a job on a project that will change the course of history and both of their lives.

• We stood together, staring into that bright blue light, not knowing where it was going to take us or if we’d even make it through alive. It was the hardest step I’ve ever taken…

Their father tells them all kinds of tales of his glorious mission. Or maybe just the one tale, but they listen to it with voracity and pride. They learn not to share it quickly enough: it turns out not everyone’s father is a famous war vet; not everyone’s family gets to live in the heart of the Council space; and people might viciously begrudge you your father’s high standing.

• One day Joana gets into a scuffle at school and sends a classmate flying into a wall with a sudden eruption of blacks and blues and purples and magic. Afterwards, the thing she is most afraid of is not that she has hurt someone, nor the principle, nor their father—(not even this sudden thing tearing her up, although heavens know she never really gets a handle on it)—but that her brother will hate her.

Years later, she will still reflect from time to time that it should have been him that got it. He doesn’t disagree: it would have made life a whole lot easier for her—but he doesn’t mind it either. He doesn’t need biotics to feel plugged directly into the infinite expanse of space.

• His fate is written in his bones long before Jien Garson claws the right for humanity to be included in the Initiative from the stringently crossed arms of other aliens. It has always been thrumming through his heart whenever he looked outside and saw the stars, and a new planet below, and the endless spinning void. And his ribs would expand with the almost-painful awareness that they are floating through the unfathomable. The most beautiful terrible thing.

There is a particular sort of victory in standing on the surface of a new planet and being able to pull your helmet off. Where the air here hasn’t been made with humans in mind, and yet here they are, existing, and the breeze brushes against his skin, leaving dust specks of an entirely alien ecosystem on his tongue.

It’s a longing, he finds, universal of all living things: they’re a space-faring civilization, this is it, the future, and they’ve made it. But they still long for more uncharted depths and new horizons, and still shiver at the sight of stars.

• “Stay safe out there,” Jaime tells her the day she leaves for Grissom. His tone is light, teasing: they don’t really believe in wars yet.

“I promise,” she says. It’s a new territory, this separation, but it’s not like it actually severs them.

(Him signing up for the Initiative however…)

• “It’s a little bit like you’re dying,” Robert tells him after Jaime explains the whole thing. They’ve been roommates for two years, and he sounds wary and at a loss.

“You’ll get onto that ship, and go to sleep, and wake up the next day, only it’ll be 600 years from now. In that time I’ll get married, and have kids, and die, and my kids will have kids, my blood will distill. I’ll be thinking about you for years, wondering if somewhere in the future you’re missing me, even though you’ll be still asleep on your Ark. And when you do wake up enough to remember me, I’ll be a footnote in a database of ancient military obituaries. Not that you’d know. If you ever get back here, you won’t recognize a thing.” He shakes his head with a frown, trying to wrap his head around it. “That Ark is like a coffin. As soon as you step on board, you’re gone.”

• Come find me, Andromeda says.

It doesn’t seem like dying to him.

• Space is not something that Jo Ryder chose, the way her brother has. Space has called for Jaime and enveloped him. She has to wrestle against it like an elastic band, trying to fit it around herself, uncooperative and resistant.

Jaime looks at the stars with a smile and anticipation. Dreams of things bigger than she even, and she worries where it might lead him. But at least he knows what he wants. She lacks, and envies him this surety.

• It was the hardest step I’ve ever taken. Their father continues to rehash the same story, in private and in public. Joana isn’t dazzled it with anymore.

“I don’t want our last name to be dictating who we are,” she tells Jaime matter-of-factly, and sounds tired.

In another life, where they have not surrendered to the life of the military, she might have been a programming engineer, or a quantum mechanic, or an astrophysicist. (Numbers light up for her the way stars sing for him.) She might have been a CEO, or a broker, and he might have been a researcher, an explorer, a scientist—and in that life neither of them would get to go on the Hyperion.

He wonders sometimes how those Jaime and Joana are doing. If they’re any happier; if they’re happy at all.

• She graduates third in her class and promptly runs away to learn piloting from aliens: it’s glorious, because no one cares she’s a Ryder. She’s a human, she’s a gnat—more breakable than a turian, less biotics than an asari, all hormones and fire in her blood, still a new thing, an unproven thing—she loves it.

She has soft skin, a vulnerable artery in her neck, messy hair the likes of which they haven’t seen, and to the aliens she’s a novelty.

She has a brusque tongue, inhospitable eyes, an unpalatable roughness, and to the humans she’s objectionable.

(No one ever takes her just for the whole of her.)

Watching over a team of scientists she finds herself fiercely missing her brother.

• “I decided to go Andromeda,” he tells her merrily. His smile fades when he notices her face. “You will come with me, won’t you?” he adds carefully.

And she has to shut her eyes, to not see him, or maybe to commit him to memory, the whole of him. Because he’s leaving. Going where she can’t, or maybe doesn’t want to try and follow after all. (When she opens her eyes again, they are bright.)

“We do everything together,” he insists helplessly. “Say you’ll come with me.”

She shakes her head, and doesn’t say it, cannot say it. Looks at him askance, terribly betrayed, and still pulls him into a wordless hug. Clings to him, and he to her, but it doesn’t help at all.

• Being a Ryder is a legacy. Not as much as being a Grissom, she supposes, but in the military circles their name carries weight: her father, the right hand man, stepping into the maw of the unknown, dashing and unafraid. Girls and boys in her class swooning over the photos of the alpha strike team that first stepped through the Charon relay to Arcturus. Girls and boys asking utterly inappropriate questions about her father.

That’s how she discovers the first thing different between her and Jaime: when she is just too mad, when it is bursting out of her, too full, too much, splitting out of her spine with a spike of something violent and unfathomable. And she cannot feel her body, and cannot understand its signals, and it’s awful from that very first second, and she never really learns to cope with it.

• In the wake of the Battle of the Citadel, Joana meets Commander Shepard, briefly. Spots her on the Presidium, sitting out of the way, half-concealed from the passers-by. She doesn’t want to bother her, but knows she’ll be kicking herself later if she doesn’t.

“Commander?” she gathers enough gusto to approach her. The women turns her head, unsurprised—the way people who are used to strangers approaching them are never surprised anymore. (Joana’s seen the look enough times on her father.) She lets out a nervous exhale and steps closer. “I just wanted to thank you. For all that you did. Saving our asses.”

Shepard smiles around a humorless chuckle, her eyes trailing down below, to the chasm in the Presidium’s floor, where you could see parts of the ravaged Tayseri Ward and the keepers skittering about.

“Doesn’t seem like much of an accomplishment these days, does it?” she says. “We lost a lot of men.”

It’s been a few weeks. The news are still full of fire and death tolls, and the adults send children off to play while they huddle around monitors, listening to reports of more deaths and destruction that keep coming like ripples. It was one attack, and then it was over in a matter of hours, but they keep cleaning out debris, finding bodies—Flux has been unearthed last night; dance floor full of dead things; you can only hope it was quick—it is only now that the weight starts gravely settling in.

The Commander’s eyes look old on her face. She feels that weight acutely. So does Joana: so much that she cannot breathe. The memorial wall deep in the guts of the Citadel is full of names of her former shipmates, former classmates, and she feels her skin crawling because hers isn’t on it.

• She slammed the door on her entire relationship with her father when she left their Citadel apartment for good. It ceased to be a home that day, but it still felt like losing a pieace of herself when the geth armada tore through that part of the Citadel, making rubble out of her childhood. The home they could have had on Earth was lost the moment their father put his career first and sold it off, choosing to juggle his carious postings instead.

The closes thing she has to a home she loses because she’s on leave, but the ship she’s been assigned to isn’t, and the geth ships blow it to pieces. All that’s left of them is a wall of names mourned, and names unmourned, and names nobody will soon remember.

So she comes back to her father, still angry and rigid, and says she’ll go. Because there’s no more homes to lose. Because the shadows of the dead are standing on her shoulders, and the guilt is unbearable, and she can’t look up because of the choking shame and terror and so yes she’ll go.

• “I signed up for the Initiative yesterday,” she tells Jaime calmly over lunch. Nothing’s been formally approved yet, but it will be in no time if her father has anything to say about it.

Jamie is caught off guard only for a moment, before pulling her into a hug with a wide smile, both of them saying nothing. He doesn’t say he’s relieved, and she doesn’t say she’s sorry. That she almost abandoned him, or that he’s almost abandoned her, or both of them were nearly abandoned together.

He tells her of his posting at Arcturus instead, and that joke he heard the other day in the mess hall, and she laughs, that little snorting laugh she’s been embarrassed of since she was fifteen. And he smiles; and he’s glad; and he will get to hear it for the rest of his life.

• “I’m a soldier,” Robert tells him when it is the final good-bye, and Hyperion stands ready to depart. “So I don’t really get it. But I get that you’re not one. And maybe you’ll find whatever you’re looking for there. Whenever you do decide to wake up.”

“So, tomorrow then,” Jaime smiles crookedly, and hears his roommate’s laugh for the last time.

600 years later, tomorrow, he’ll think back to that moment when the realization will dawn on him that he might be in love. That it took him going to another galaxy for it to happen—amongst all the other brilliant things.

600 years later Joana will stop running from her demons, and fall onto an alien soil, and she’ll finally look her past in the eye and cry over it and finally bury it.

• Jaime lies on the floor of not-really-grass—only sort of grass, everything-here-is-different kind of grass. Maybe they will plant their own some day soon—but not tonight. Tonight, he lies on the surface of a no-name world and looks up into the sky where the Milky War streaks far across, a thin vague brush stroke.

They’ll have to build hubs to begin tracing where’s Sol, and Iera, and Widow, and Aralakh, heart wistfully looking back. Other stars are occupying his vision now. He doesn’t know the name of any constellation. He will stretch out his hand and draw lines through the stars, through the spinning solar systems. And he will make up the shapes for them himself.

• A good story ends with a homecoming.

[auburnfamilynews]

HUGE game in the Swamp.

Game of the day, y’all. Let’s get into it. Auburn and Florida meet for the first time in six years, and it’s basically a rehash of the showdown 25 years ago when Patrick Nix led the charge and the Tigers knocked off the top-ranked Gators in the Swamp.

#7 Auburn (-3) @ #10 Florida (O/U 48)

For the 6th time in as many games this game will be determined by Auburn. We’re the better team and if we win it’s because we dictate victory. If we fall it’s because we dictate defeat. I have no doubt this will be the toughest challenge Auburn has faced up to this point in the season. While there is plenty to look at with Florida and assume we should come out victorious, this matchup is tricky because of the scheme we face, especially up front along the offensive line. As our dear friend Spencer Hall like to point out, Todd Grantham’s defenses are known for “emotional blitzing”. Grantham is going to blitz early and often, with a skillful defensive line to boot, creating stunts that give me cause for concern with interior of our OL. Now, is this because our OL has shown they haven’t improved from last year? No. But the shadows of last year’s collapses with this group still loom in my mind and they still have something to prove to replace my concern with hope. Now, onto the keys to victory:

Stay a little conservative on 3rd down offensively. I know, I know…everyone here will bemoan this and point to the LSU game in 2017. But my point in this is that I don’t think this Florida offense can have sustained success if they have to go 75-80 yards to hit pay dirt. Don’t lose the momentum by taking a sack on 3rd down. Don’t force a ball down field and risk a turnover. This is a field position game that we are likely to win if we just stay out of our own way. This can be helped by…

Run the football for at least 150 yards. I don’t care how you get there. Get to 150, with fresh legs in the 4th quarter and you’re in a good position to win this game.

Continue to find 1 on 1 situations in the slant route over the middle 8-12 yards down field. Nothing cools the jets of blitzing linebackers in a 3-4 scheme quicker than gaining chunks of yards by delivering the ball to where a linebacker was in the pre-snap.

If CJ Henderson blankets Seth Williams all day, take a shot in the right moment on a 50/50 ball and see if we win it. If Seth is double covered all day, line of Schwartz next to him and send him deep. No one can keep up with him.

Let’s see some tunnel screen action on Saturday. It’s been impressive what Prince Tega does when he has the ability to lay into someone’s blindside, and throwing into a blitz will soften them up.

No turnovers. None. Not 1. Don’t do it. I’M SERIOUS ABOUT IT DO NOT TURN THAT BALL OVER ON THE ROAD.

Defensively, make Kyle Trask uncomfortable by sending some heat from the second level and trust your guys in the secondary. His job on Saturday is going to be infinitely hard.

We are about to be tested in a way that we haven’t seen since the Oregon game. They will find ways to limit our success offensively that is going to frustrate us at times over 4 quarters. If we play a clean game from a turnover perspective and play field position football, they shouldn’t be able to hold up. I think we do just that, and get out of the Swamp with a victory. Auburn 24 Florida 14

-Josh Black

I get to be live and in technicolor for this one with Big Dave and my other brothers (there will be plenty of photos, don’t you dare worry).

The more I look at this game, the more I see an Auburn win. The offense has gotten progressively better each week and now that the receivers are as healthy as they have been all season, things look really good. (Also, the offensive line has looked muuuuch better the past 2 weeks). On the other side of the ball, Florida has got a really impressive secondary and their front 7 have looked stout through the first 5 ballgames. However, its hard not to look stout when taking on Miami, UT-Martin, UT-Knoxville, Kentucky and Towson. This will by far be the biggest test the Gators have faced all season and will be until...next week when they play at night in Baton Rouge. Auburn on the other hand gets an off week before taking on Arkansas. Going back to the game, Auburn’s defense has been battle tested and just got done punishing the SEC’s Leading Rusher Kylin Hill, holding him to just 45 yards for the day. Kyle Trask took over for the injured Felipe Franks and that’s a good thing for Florida. Trask was able to come in and save the Gators perfect record in a comeback effort against Kentucky. However, Trask hasn’t seen a front 7 like he will see Saturday afternoon. The battle I will be watching is if Trask has time to throw the ball and can he complete the necessary passes against an Auburn secondary that has given up 3rd and longs for 1st downs the past few weeks. Also, watch to see if Florida attacks the middle of the field with the passing attack. If Auburn can sure those two items up, it will be a not so happy Homecoming for the Gators. I see Auburn getting the win and covering here and I will go with the under. Auburn 24-17

-Drew Mac

Like last week, but more intense, I’m scared how confident I am in this one. Auburn is battle-tested. Florida is not. Auburn has the better offense and the better defensive line. And yet, it’s on the road at the second toughest venue Auburn will travel to this season. I thought Auburn’s best path to 9 wins this season was to go 2-1 against Oregon, A&M, and Florida and 1-2 against LSU, UGA, and Bama. Two of the first group are down. Let’s BARN HARD FOLKS.

Auburn 23, Florida 17 (Auburn covers, UNDER)

-James Jones

We turn our attention to the third Southeastern Conference opponent of the 2019 campaign. Florida is a physical team that hasn’t really been tested yet. Their schedule leaves a lot to be desired. Don’t read into that though: Florida is good. They are a top 10 team right now, talent wise.

From listening to Florida fans, it sounds like they anticipate Mullen and Co. scheming their offense similar to their Mississippi State game last year – lots of screens, lots of quick routes. Anything to protect their quarterback from an elite defensive line. They punted a lot, played the field position game, and eventually smothered state 13-6.

Auburn is too explosive. It will take more than one touchdown to beat Auburn. Schwartz has been hounded all week by Florida fans who weren’t pleased that the fastest man in America picked Auburn over Florida. Malzahn seems more than comfortable getting him the ball in space and letting his legs do all the work. We’ve also seen some deep balls get thrown his way, finally connecting on one against Mississippi State. If Auburn can manage a few explosive plays early, it can force Florida to abandon this gameplan – allowing Derrick Brown to feast.

This game won’t rely on late game heroics. Auburn will pull away after a slow start. Auburn advances to 6-0 for only the third time in the last 20 years and 17th time in program history

Auburn 35, Florida 24

-Josh Dub

Swing game #2 has arrived. Before A&M I said there would be 3 games that determine whether or not this is a bad, good or great season: @ AM, @ UF, vs UGA. Tigers took care of business in College Station & will look to do the same in Gainesville.

I think Auburn is a better football team than Florida. However, I don’t think the gap is as wide between these programs as some AU fans might believe. You can’t overlook The Swamp playing a factor and there are two specific matchups that give me pause heading into Saturday: AU’s OL vs UF’s DL & AU’s WRs vs UF’s DBs. Those are two matchups where UF could win & be enough to get the W.

Auburn has seen some stout front 4s this season but UF’s is by far the most athletic. While Oregon, Tulane & A&M were built to clog lanes up the middle, this group is built to penetrate & disrupt. That means Tega/Driscoll must have good days handling speed off the edge & Nix has to have outstanding pocket awareness. It also means I think Auburn could have some opportunities running the football between the tackles but that means Harrell/Kim/Horton all playing an outstanding game.

On the other side of the ball, Auburn’s DL is a major mismatch over UF’s OL. The Gators cannot run the ball & I think unlike Jimbo, Dan Mullen won’t even really try. Ya he will attempt some running plays but he isn’t gonna stubbornly slam his running backs into that wall. Instead, he’s going to attack AU’s perimeter using wide splits & quick hitting concepts. Get the ball out of Trask’s hands & into their playmaker’s as quickly as possible. The strength of this UF offense is at WR. Auburn’s defense MUST continue to tackle well in the open field. They will probably see a similar game plan Oregon & Kent State used earlier this season.

I would love for Auburn to come into Gainesville & just thump the Gators but I don’t have a lot of confidence that will happen. Florida is out to prove they are legitimate top 10 team & I expect they play their best game of the season. Turnovers will be critical & if the Tigers don’t take care of the ball this thing could go sideways fast. My guess is UF gets a TD on the board early but Steele adjusts. Nix doesn’t shred their defense through the air like he did to State’s but he connects on a few more than he did in Aggieland. Auburn leans on the Gators D which results in two long 2nd half TD drives. They make us sweat & the result isn’t as dominant as maybe some fans wanna see but Auburn heads into the Bye week 6-0. Tigers 24, Florida 16

-AU Nerd

I‘ll keep this one short and sweet. I’ll be at a wedding this weekend. Auburn athletics is undefeated when I’m at a wedding, 7-0 by my count, with the most recent two coming during Game 1 of the Super Regional against UNC and Kansas game back in March. I’ll be at a wedding during this one, too. In fact, there’s a decent chance the bride and groom are saying their “I Do”-s when the clock strikes 00:00. Bo Nix throws for 250 with a TD and a pick. Boobee and Schwartz both pick one up on the ground. The defensive line eats Kyle Trask alive for four sacks. And, as is tradition, we win the game on special teams. 27-20 Tigers.

-Ryan Sterritt

/andrew WK voice

So let’s start a barning party (Let’s start a barning party!)

Now it’s time to BARN and we’ll be BARNING SO hard (BARNIN hard!)

Let’s get start a BARNING party (Let’s start a barning party!)

When it’s time for barning we will always barn so hard

BARNIN hard!

(BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard)

BARNIN hard!

(BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard, BARNIN hard)

BARNIN hard!

Tigers 35, Gators 21

-Son of Crow

Before I get into what I think about this game, I have to get this off of my chest. It is absolutely criminal of the SEC that this will be Auburn’s first trip to Gainesville in 12 years and the team’s first matchup in 8 years. And the fact we won’t see this again until 2024 is even more ridiculous. Fix this SEC!

Okay, now that I’m off my soapbox, here’s my thoughts about this game. Auburn has been battle tested early and often this season and last week, you saw an offense click on all cylinders. This will be a tougher test for the offensive line but last week was their best game of the year and hopefully as the season goes along, they will continue to gel and improve. Bo Nix will look to replicate his dad’s performance and hopefully we’ll get a Nix to Williams moment or 2 again this week. Auburn actually has more experience at QB as the Gators go with Kyle Trask in his 3rd collegiate game and 1st SEC start. I’ve had a good feeling about this game all week and hopefully that feeling will carry into Saturday.

Auburn 28 Florida 17

-Will McLaughlin

Not scared at all. Haven’t been scared of Florida in nearly 20 years, ain’t gonna stay back now. That said, Mullen had the ability to give Auburn fits during his time in Starkville, so maybe this one is closer than I want it to be. I’m going to be nervous that the Fort Payne native kicker that Auburn didn’t try to sign is going to make us pay. That’s all I’m going to be thinking about if the game is close. Auburn just has to win the turnover battle and they go home with victory.

Tigers 31 - Swamp Lizards 17

-AU Chief

My classic Auburn fandom has threatened to take over this week. I’ve heard nothing but people whispering “Is... is Auburn the best team in the country?” since the win over Mississippi State. We certainly have the best resume in the country, but there are still a ton of folks who won’t give this team its due because oh no, the schedule is too hard, they’ll drop a couple games at least. Normally, I’d be sweating the mojo hard after talk of that nature. But this year? Right now? No, screw that.

One cannot Barn meekly.

I’ve watched a suspicious amount of Florida football this season (it always happened to be on!) and while they’ve been dominant at times — Tennessee, Townson, etc. — they struggled with teams that frankly ain’t all that good. They can’t run the ball. Kyle Trask is actually a more inexperienced quarterback than Bo Nix, and the combo of Gus Malzahn/Kevin Steele has pretty much always had the upper hand against Dan Mullen and Todd Grantham. We’ve already been to a hostile environment. Yes, the Swamp is different, but I don’t have any reason to believe that some denim-clad reptile lovers will have that much more of an effect than 10K more khaki-clad military lovers.

Bo Nix has found his rhythm, the offensive line seems... good... and the defense continues to do what we expected it to do. Towson got to Kyle Trask a few times. Auburn gets there more. Tigers disrupt the Gator offense and we hit one long pass play and one long run play on offense. Add in some constricting and you’ve got a win. Tigers 31-13.

-Jack Condon

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/10/4/20898413/staff-picks-7-auburn-10-florida

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NFC Championship Game: A Look at Minnesota’s Defense, Part 1

This is the part three of our Minnesota Vikings breakdown as we draw ever closer to Sunday’s big game.

Earlier this week, Kevin Kinkead dissected the Vikings’ offense and special teams unit, which you can read here:

NFC Championship Game: A Look at Minnesota’s Offense

NFC Championship Game: A Look at Minnesota’s Special Teams

Today, I’m going to dive into the Vikings defense and what makes them so formidable. Tomorrow, in part two, I’ll take a look at how the Eagles can attack it.

There have been plenty of articles written this week about the vaunted Vikings defense and the challenges it will present the Eagles’ backup quarterback and supporting cast. Aside from naming star players, though, not many have explained what makes their defense so particularly dangerous. Even fewer have delved into how they can be beaten. Today, we will.

Doug, I hope you’re paying close attention.

Playing Team Defense

Playing sound team defense requires a deep understanding of a system and familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of every player in that defense. The same can be said for offense, but not to the same degree as the defense, which is much more reactionary.

On any given play, each player has his own rules or responsibilities based on the call, but these rules can change instantaneously depending on what the offense throws at you. A player must know their responsibility, properly diagnose what the offense is trying to do, understand how that changes their responsibility and then, finally, react. This all must happen in a matter of seconds. If this process is anything but second nature, the defender will not be in position to make a play. This is all just on a micro level.

From a macro standpoint, for a defense to function as it’s designed, all eleven players must be processing all of that and reacting simultaneously in the exact same way. They must identify the same things and react in the same fashion as their counterparts or the entire defense could be exposed.

This is the primary reason why the 2011 “Dream Team” never had a chance. Throwing a bunch of random star players and an offensive line coach together and telling them to play defense is just not a good strategy.

For Minnesota, this is the primary reason for their defensive success. Individually, they are quite talented, but it’s their continuity that matters most. Their core group of players have been together for some time and have an excellent understanding of coach Mike Zimmer’s system. This is what allows them to play fast, push the envelope, and get really creative.

Versus the Run

The success of any defense relies on its ability to win on first and second down. For the Vikings, they do this with an incredible discipline up front and devastating speed at the linebacker position. In addition to their individual talents, their ability to trust the coverage behind them allows them to drop a safety down into the box on almost every running play.

In the clip below, watch how disciplined each man plays along the line. The defensive line takes away the front side gaps, forcing Alvin Kamara to cut back inside to a waiting Eric Kendricks, who displayed great patience letting the play come to him:

In the next clip, the Vikings’ speed is on display. This play is designed to go inside, but the defensive line is able to clog up the lanes and force Mark Ingram outside. Watch how quickly Kendricks is able to diagnose that, get off of his block, and get to the sideline to keep the gain to one yard:

With consistent execution up front and the speed of the linebackers, it is really difficult to beat them on early downs which sets them up for what they do best.

3rd Down Domination

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard that the Vikings defense is great on third down. There’s a statistic floating around that says the Vikings only allowed a first down on 25.2% of their third down plays, good for number one in the league.

But that’s not just number one this season, it’s number one ALL TIME.

Much of this success can be attributed to Zimmer’s creativity in his blitz looks and coverages. He doesn’t blitz at an astronomical rate on early downs, but gets more aggressive on third down and can make things very confusing for a quarterback.

In the play below, the Vikings do a great job confusing the protection called by the Saints. They bring safety Harrison Smith up to the line, showing blitz off of the edge. As a result, the Saints will call a slide protection to the left side to account for Smith, which leaves their right side on an island with Brian Robison and Danielle Hunter. This is a fairly common protection call for an offense, but Zimmer was able to anticipate that reaction and was one step ahead.

At the snap, Hunter drops out into coverage, Robison slides to the outside in an attempt to keep Brees in the pocket and Anthony Barr takes a free run through the A gap. This is a great example of how the Vikings’ pre-snap alignment got Barr in unblocked while the center and right tackle were left blocking ghosts.

The Vikings defense is also known for mixing up its coverages. They will run both zone and man out of a single safety look and mix in a fair amount of quarters coverage with two deep safeties and both outside corners playing a deep quarter of the field.

If the mixing of coverages isn’t enough to confuse the offense, they also disguise them really well. The continuity that each player has in Zimmer’s system allows them to show various pre-snap looks and rotate last minute into a different coverage. One thing to look for is how often the safeties will rotate. Both Smith and safety partner Andrew Sendejo are virtually interchangeable and take advantage of that versatility quite often.

Going back to the Eagles’ 2016 matchup with the Vikings, Zimmer married his exotic blitz concepts with some really cleverly disguised coverages to put rookie Carson Wentz to the test.

In the first play, Smith is again showing blitz off of the edge, but, just before the snap, rolls back to a single high alignment. Meanwhile, on the left side, safety Jayron Kearse moves down into the slot while the nickel corner creeps inside, blitzes off the edge, and gets right into Wentz’s face:

On the next play, the Vikings do what Zimmer defenses are best known for, and set up in both A gaps while also showing blitz from both edges with Smith and the nickel cornerback leaving one safety over the top.

Just as the ball is snapped, the Vikings roll back their left cornerback, putting two high safeties over the top, and then have Smith drop out to cover Dorial Green-Beckham. Meanwhile, both linebackers hesitate, then roll over the top and blitz Wentz’s left side. The play actually results in an interception, primarily because Green-Beckham completely stops his route in the middle of the field.

The Vikings defense brings a lot to the table, particularly on third down. This game will be a huge challenge for Jason Kelce in calling the protections and for Nick Foles in diagnosing the different looks that Zimmer throws at him. It will be key for the Eagles to keep their offense on schedule and avoid too many third and longs. Doing so will keep the Vikings’ defense at bay and hopefully force more conservative, predictable play calling.

As I mentioned earlier, the Vikings defense is very good, but they can be beaten. Tomorrow, in part two of my breakdown, I will explain how. Stay tuned.

Doug, you’ll have to wait one more day for the secret sauce.

NFC Championship Game: A Look at Minnesota’s Defense, Part 1 published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv

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The Outlet Pass: Dirk Back, AD’s Child’s Play, and Denver’s Enjoyable Mess

1. Dirk Nowitzki Still Matters!

It’s sadly impossible to discuss Dirk Nowitzki without mentioning his age or the lame-duck defense he provides on a crummy team. But that conversation is also boring. So instead of harping on all Dirk can’t do, it’s a lot more informative (and fun) to frame his 20th season in a different way: What’s his net value?

Nowitzki is still one of the five most lethal catch-and-shoot three-point threats in basketball. He’s knocking down 44.8 percent of those shots on nearly four tries per game. (Dirk’s overall three-point percentage is at a career high, which, you know, is really saying something.) Only three centers who launch at least 1.5 wide open threes per game are more accurate than Dirk’s 46.3 percent (Kevin Love, Kelly Olynyk, and Kristaps Porzingis).

Miraculously, he’s yet to miss a game. And even though he starts at center, units that pit him at the four beside three guards and another big (usually Dwight Powell) have obliterated the league, with a great defense! Nowitzki never could switch out onto the perimeter, and whenever his man runs up to set a ball screen he behaves as if the paint were surrounded by an electric fence. It’s considered a win whenever he draws the offense in for an inefficient look with the hope that his anticipation and knowledge of angles will be enough.

More times than not, pure doom is the unavoidable result.

But the Mavs are wise enough to adjust and get out of this predicament whenever an opportunity to do so presents itself. They’ll send someone else up with the screener and let Dirk hide.

Even though not every team has someone like Steph Curry or Damian Lillard, an off-the-bounce firecracker who turn immobile bigs into sushi, Nowitzki’s vulnerability on defense remains a back-breaker. So much so that I’m writing about it now even though I swore I wouldn’t in the opening sentence of this section.

But that shouldn’t cloud all the benefits he still yields, with a skill-set that has the timeless appeal of a shawl collar. He never turns it over, and his gravity is tattooed inside every opponent’s limbic system. Nowitzki needs one dribble to carve up a mismatch, and even though he’s at the stage of his career where getting blocked by Marreese Speights is a shock, his right palm remains one of the most comforting launch pads in the sport.

Including a 1-for-7 clunker against the New York Knicks, numbers from Nowitzki’s last nine games have been vintage. He’s averaging 15 points with a 61.2 True Shooting percentage, contributing in a way most elderly icons rarely do.

2. “Situation Matters” is Forever the Truest NBA-Related Statement

Malachi Richardson has not provided any reason to believe he’ll still be a professional basketball player two years from now. Potentially related: The organization that drafted him has shown no indication they belong in the NBA.

This is an endless chicken/egg conundrum when evaluating young prospects. Maybe Richardson just isn’t good enough for this league? And maybe if he was drafted by a more competent team that has more reliable/skilled pieces around him, he’d grow inside an environment more conducive to development.

Nobody will ever know the answer to that question. However, what we do know is that the soil in Sacramento is blood red. For a variety of reasons, it’s long been a place where prospects die. Here’s a snapshot that helps explains why.

A lot of things are happening here, but watch Richardson. The Lakers entered the game playing physical defense. They were into the Kings all over the floor, switching with purpose, locked into Luke Walton’s gameplan.

After a few trips up and down the floor, Richardson responds by jab stepping towards the ball and then back-cutting to the rim. If on any number of different teams, he would continue into the paint, catch a bounce pass, and finish at the basket. Instead Zach Randolph’s presence complicates the play. The 36-year-old can’t space the floor and isn’t much of an offensive threat outside of mid and low-post touches that are ultimately more beneficial to himself than any of his teammates.

Randolph is positioned on the right block when Richardson starts his cut, and Julius Randle is ready to slide over and either contest him at the rim or take a charge. That burns. Even worse? Instead of reading what the defense gives, Cauley-Stein simply runs a play that is all but promised to deny any efficient looks at the cup.

He passes to De’Aaron Fox so the Kings can feed Z-Bo down low. It’s a small, ugly example of why situation really matters when analyzing young players who’re trying to make a name for themselves.

(Richardson was assigned to the G-League earlier this week.)

3. How Can John Collins Fit In?

Five years ago, 13 NBA teams grabbed at least 30 percent of their own missed shots. Four years ago, the number of teams with an offensive rebound rate above that number dropped to 11. Three years ago, it dropped to eight. Last year, it plummeted down to four. And in 2018, only the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers (at 30.4 and 30.0 percent, respectively) are the only two teams grabbing at least 30 percent of their own missed shots.

As pace ratchets up, lineups continue to shrink, big men launch more threes, and piercing defenders as they backpedal to protect their own basket becomes more and more of an offensive priority, the value of transition defense increases while offensive rebounds feel stale. It used to be that sending one or two bigs into the paint was an acceptable strategy, but even that has become a self-defeating approach against most teams.

For big men who’re really good at creating extra opportunities by crashing the glass, this is slightly problematic and may even reduce their worth. John Collins is an intriguing example. Already one of the most active offensive rebounders in the league, the 20-year-old rookie is reckless but also fun. Good things sometimes happen when he races into the paint. But all in all, the bad probably outweighs the good.

According to Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta allows fewer transition opportunities with Collins on the floor, but off live rebounds opponents score 20.7 more points per 100 transition plays when he’s out there. That is…a lot of points.

It’s wrong to blame Collins for what happens above, but plays like this aren’t out of the ordinary, either. He’s trailing the ball as a roll man, prepared to clean up if Isaiah Taylor misses shot. Unfortunately, he gets boxed out by a point guard and, as the only legitimate rim protector on the floor, leaves his own basket naked as Kyle Kuzma sprints ahead for the and-one finish.

Over time he’ll hopefully learn how to balance the floor a little better, but to some degree this is who Collins is, a cast-iron tumbleweed down the lane who blitzes pick-and-rolls and plays on a trampoline while everyone else jumps off wood. (Strange stat: he’s missed a league-high 16 dunks this year, per Basketball-Reference.)

The Hawks hope his range can stretch to the corner, where he’s 1-for-3 in Atlanta’s last four games after going 0-for-2 in his first 31, but time will tell how effective he can be if/when they decide to reel Collins in from attacking the offensive glass as often as he currently does.

4. The Denver Nuggets Are An Enjoyable Mess

I have no idea what to make of this team. The audio technically hasn’t stopped on Mike Malone’s game of musical chairs, but the song feels like it’s about to end. Paul Millsap’s hard cast is off and he should be back around the All-Star break. Until then, fun stuff is happening that may/may not translate to winning basketball.

Gary Harris is behaving in ways that remind Nuggets play-by-play announcer Chris Marlowe of Julius Erving. The Jazz probably don’t feel too bad about forking over Trey Lyles for a pick that became Donovan Mitchell (more on him later), but the third-year pro just turned 22 and in Denver’s last ten games averaged 17 points and eight rebounds while making 53.3 percent of his shots and 40 percent of his threes. He’s a keeper who’s sucked up any minutes Kenneth Faried or Darrell Arthur hoped were theirs after Millsap went down.

Lyles was dominant against his former team last week, feasting on a small frontline that allowed him to showcase the type of physical post game that’ll make him so much more useful than your average stretch four (or five).

This team is treading water with a different look than they began the season with, and it will likely change some more before the end. Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee (whose skin tone wafts between ghost and radish) are an awkward albeit effective frontcourt duo. Both can pass, one can shoot, and they do a decent job executing Malone’s blitz-heavy scheme. (Teams that short the pick-and-roll have had success against Jokic, though.)

In his sixth season, Will Barton is playing point guard for the first time, and actually doing a fine job balancing his self-serving (that’s meant as a compliment) nature with traditional duties the position calls for. Denver is really good when he’s on the ball and really bad when he’s off it, per Cleaning the Glass, and as a backup who’s often facing second-unit ball-handlers, Barton’s height and length tends to create mismatches that either he or a teammate can take advantage of. (How many backup point guards are 6’6”?)

They should be extremely dangerous once Millsap returns and Malone’s rotation stabilizes. A Lyles-Millsap frontcourt will be cool and Plumlee as a backup five playing 10 minutes a night is overpaid but nice to have.

5. Terry Rozier vs. Delon Wright

These two have a lot in common. Both are backup guards on pseudo-championship contenders, were drafted in 2016, and feel like increasingly promising variables for their respective teams. Both are good enough to tip the scales in a close playoff series and each is enjoying somewhat of a breakout season.

Both of these guys are awesome to watch and will be talking points throughout the playoffs. Here’s a stat: Wright is shooting 57.8 percent on drives to the rim, which ranks seventh among the 161 players who’ve driven the ball at least 100 times this season. Rozier ranks 157th, shooting just 32.2 percent.

Rozier’s obscene athleticism (and lower age) make me feel like his ceiling is slightly higher. The Celtics are untouchable when he’s making threes. On the other hand, Wright is wildly efficient, has great size, and plays with more confidence. For the here and now, he’s a better option.

6. Kyle Kuzma Has Staples Center in the Palm of His Hand

Over the holiday season, I tried to purchase Kyle Kuzma themed socks for my editor, who is a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. (I own Larry Bird socks from the same company and since Kuzma is to the Lakers what Bird was to the Celtics, this felt like a nice gift.) But for reasons that aren’t clear, Kuzma socks do not exist. I had to order Brandon Ingram socks instead.

It’s not weird for Ingram to have his own socks. He’s a promising stud who deserves them. But it’s a criminal offense that Kuzma socks aren’t manufactured by the hundred thousand every day. He is awesome, and the only benefit to having Kuzma come off the bench (seriously why does he come off the bench) is it gives the Staples Center crowd an opportunity to serenade him with a glorious “KOOOOOOOOZ” rally cry.

Recent slump aside, Kuzma has a decent shot at becoming the greatest Laker ever. Everything about him (except everything he does on defense) is fantastic.

7. The Hassan Whiteside/Bam Adebayo Tandem is Pure Madness

Miami has won six straight games since getting completely annihilated by the Brooklyn Nets on December 29th. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics have a better shot at making the playoffs in the East, and since December 1st only the Golden State Warriors and Raptors have more wins.

Miami has the point differential of an average team since then, though. Neither their offense nor their defense ranks in the top 10 and Derrick Jones Jr. (who I adore) has started their last two games at shooting guard on a two-way contract. A few weeks back I wrote about Miami’s bad luck, and it seems like regression to the mean in several categories has been their best friend.

I’m all for experimentation, especially when things aren’t quite right and a few key players are injured, but Erik Spoelstra’s recent call to play Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo at the same time is really out there. But maybe Spoelstra is more “crazy like a fox” than just regular deranged, and I kind of like when a coach catches the opponent off guard with something they had zero time to even consider.

Spoelstra’s used it in three games, all since Whiteside—who does not look good—returned the day after Christmas. In 27 minutes, Miami is -1 when those two centers share the court. Their offense is predictably impotent but they’ve rationalized Spoelstra’s decision with impressive play on the defensive end.

However, watch some film and it’s obvious these two wouldn’t work against a team that’s actually outlined a decent strategy to take advantage. Against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, Whiteside’s entire second stint came with Adebayo (who from this moment forth I will exclusively refer to as “Bam”) on the floor. (Miami was +6 in 6:47.) But, honestly, the Pacers could’ve made life much easier for themselves and chose not to.

It starts with poor Bam getting snuffed out on a roll because there’s absolutely no space for him to operate. More disturbing developments soon follow on the other end. Watch Thaddeus Young, who’s being guarded by Whiteside. Instead of shuffling out to the corner and forcing one of the league’s least mobile big men to worry for at least a second about surrendering an open three, Young does Whiteside a favor and stands just outside the paint while Victor Oladipo and Domas Sabonis run a pick-and-roll on the other side of the floor.

The Pacers want to clear out that side and run a two-man game with arguably their most skilled offensive tandem. That’s not a bad idea. If Bam is too focused on stopping Oladipo’s middle drive then it doesn’t matter where Young (who’s below league-average on corner threes this year) stands. But Indy ultimately turns the ball over because Bam knows Whiteside is in position to help on Oladipo, allowing him to step back and cover Sabonis sooner than the Pacers want.

By not spacing the floor as best he can, Young ultimately does Miami a favor. Here’s another example.

Bam is guarding Al Jefferson and Whiteside is on Young, so the Pacers bring Thaddeus up to set a ball screen. So far, so good…until you realize Al Jefferson is Al Jefferson, drifting towards the same spot where Oladipo wants to finish. Instead of crossing Whiteside up and going left, Oladipo goes in-and-out, stays on the right side, and careens straight into a cluster of terrible.

The Heat are doing the Pacers a favor here, but they politely decline the opportunity to take advantage. It’s a good example of how numbers in a small sample size can be manipulated to say whatever you want. Miami has been excellent on defense when Whiteside and Bam share the floor, but so far that says far more about their opposition than themselves.

Spoelstra knows this, of course. And there’s a difference between trotting those two out against Jefferson and Young than Horford and Tatum or Kawhi and Aldridge. There’s a reason any combination of two pick-and-roll centers that can’t space the floor don’t spend a lot of time together in today’s NBA.

8. Serge Ibaka, Doing Stuff Off The Bounce

For nearly his entire career, Ibaka’s function on the offensive end was to make open shots created by All-Star teammates. His jumper grew to become a lethal weapon from the mid-range before it stretched out behind the three-point line, allowing him to operate as an ideal complementary piece who didn’t need the ball in his hands to positively impact the game.

On the other end, he covered more ground than confetti.

This year we’re seeing a different player, and one the Raptors absolutely need if they want to diversify their attack and punish defenders who load up to stop DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. One way to measure it is how Ibaka creates for himself after his initial shot gets taken away. Here’s a review of his recent work on drives to the basket, per NBA.com:

2013-14 season: 94 total drives; shot 41.2 percent,

2014-15 season: 77 total drives; shot 41.5 percent

2015-16 season: 70 total drives; shot 48.6 percent

2016-17 season: 115 total drives (with Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors); shot 41.8 percent

Everything is different this year. We’re still over a month away from the All-Star break and Ibaka has already logged 110 total drives. Even more impressive is the fact that he’s shooting 62.7 percent on them, which ranks second among all players in the entire league who’ve tallied at least 100 so far.

This is a critical development for Toronto, and speaks more to Ibaka’s evolution than the situation he’s in. The Raptors are dominant when he’s at the five, but the 28-year-old still plays a majority of his minutes with another big who doesn’t stretch the floor by his side, be it Jonas Valanciunas, Jakob Poeltl, Bebe Nogueira, or Pascal Siakam.

Ibaka isn’t Horford. He doesn’t pump-and-go with his mind on finding an open corner three-point shooter or drawing the other big man’s defender in so he can softly lob the ball towards the rim. But his refined aggressiveness (and touch in traffic) is partially responsible for Toronto’s top-five offense.

9. Nobody Makes Basketball Look Easier Than Anthony Davis

Approximately 95 percent of Anthony Davis’s time on a basketball court is spent with him being far and away the best player out there. None of his teammates—sorry Boogie—come close. Nobody on 25 other teams appears near the same conversation. Davis’s true rival on most nights is decision fatigue. There are so many different ways for him to savage the opposition that it eventually bogs down what he should actually do.

As a rule of thumb: Good things happen when he’s around the basket. Two years ago, Davis shot 67.7 percent in the restricted area. The league average was 60.2 percent and they accounted for just under a third of all his field goal attempts. This season, his accuracy and volume have both increased by 10 percent.

He is so dominant that defenses still fall for Rajon Rondo’s “Rajon Rondo Move” even though he’s literally been doing it for 10 years.

The Pelicans understand this, and one reason they play at a faster pace is so Davis can catch a throw-ahead pass from Rondo or Jrue Holiday, then immediately go to work against his man, or isolate on a mismatch. There isn’t a defender alive who can stop Davis one-on-one.

Often, the most convenient way to show off Davis’s dominance arrives in the simplest ways, which might explain why—Ron Baker’s broken face aside—he slides just below the radar in casual discussions about the league’s very best players.

It is 25 times more difficult to change a lightbulb than design a play that results in Davis catching the ball above the rim and dropping it through the net. There’s nothing fancy about this sideline out of bounds action, and minus the part where Anthony Tolliver turns into a fluttering plastic bag the moment Holiday back screens him, the Detroit Pistons actually do a decent job defending it.

Avery Bradley recognizes they want to throw a lob to Davis so he immediately switches onto him, gets low and tries to drive Davis out of position. A for effort. Rondo responds by throwing a pass well out of Bradley’s reach, and the Pelicans trot down the floor two points richer. It’s straightforward and clean. A play that isn’t complicated because it doesn’t have to be. There’s no dummy action or misdirection. Let’s just throw the ball up to our best player and let him take care of it.

The Pelicans are 20-20. FiveThirtyEight gives them a 63 percent chance of making the playoffs and if the season ended today they’d have a delightful first-round re-match (of sorts) against the defending champs. It’s so freaking weird to say it like this, but Davis is quietly having the best season of his career. An endless reserve of knick-knack injuries have caused him to miss five games and leave two or three others early, but at the end of the day nobody’s points are accumulated with less strain than his.

Not everyone can win MVP or even be in the conversation, but look at AD’s on-off numbers (in an environment where Cousins is usually on when he isn’t, the Pelicans are a 55-win team with Davis and a 25-win team that doesn’t play defense without), then glance at his stats (is 64 percent True Shooting good?). It’s not his fault that E’Twaun Moore is integral when his play should be more of a luxury, or that New Orleans’ front office plugs DeAndre Liggins in for Tony Allen, who was in for Solomon Hill, and think that’s totally reasonable.

Davis is a legend before his 25th birthday.

10. Manu Ginobili Should Be An All-Star Because He’s Manu Ginobili

Results from the NBA’s first All-Star fan vote were released last week, and only nine players (four in the backcourt) tallied a larger demand than Ginobili in the Western Conference. He is 40 years old, which makes that amazing.

After an unnatural dip last season in which only 24 percent of his shots were attempted at the rim—understandable to those who would not dare to even look at a basketball ever again after suffering through all Ginobili has—he’s attacking with the spryness of a 35-year-old once again. (Alex Len isn’t Joel Embiid, but come on.)

On the very next play, Ginobili cut off Danuel House’s drive then blocked the two-way player’s shot without fouling or knocking the ball out of bounds. Ten seconds after that, Ginobili trailed the fast break for an open three. The Spurs are demonstrably better when he’s on the floor, including in smaller lineups that feature LaMarcus Aldridge at the five.

Somehow, Ginobili—one of the most unique, memorable, and effective geniuses in NBA history—has only qualified for the All-Star game twice (for those counting at home that’s five fewer appearances than Joe Johnson!). Even if Gregg Popovich recently joked about Ginobili’s career lasting at least another five years, let’s assume (and be wrong) that 2018 is his last run in a relevant role. All-Star games were created for people like him.

11. Donovan Mitchell’s Hands Are His Life

Utah’s new franchise priority makes at least three incomprehensible plays every game. Whether it’s a whiplash-inducing skip pass, a right-handed finger roll on the left side of the rim, launching a casual 30 footer, or violently finishing a lob after the pass forces him to reach back beyond the glass’s lower corner to punish the rim.

Mitchell is a marvel, and I think his hands might be responsible. At last year’s NBA combine, they measured in at the same length and width as Frank Kaminsky’s. (Kaminsky is seven-feet tall. Mitchell is 6’3” in shoes.) They aren’t Kawhi Leonard-esque meat cleavers, but larger than the average primary ball-handler (Michael Carter-Williams’s hands measured an inch shorter both ways); useful tools that help him complete some of his more complex and creative action. Look at this freaking pass!

Obviously, a lot more goes into plays like this than the length of Mitchell’s middle finger, but from how he yo-yo’s the ball in traffic to perfectly manipulating its trajectory on passes like the one seen above, Mitchell’s large hands don’t hurt. Teams care about this sort of thing more than you think.

12. The Phoenix Suns Are Huge Fans of Self Mutilation

This team’s margin for error can glide through a keyhole, but for all the excuses about their lack of talent, they’re so bad because they commit more preventable mental errors (some because they’re lazy, others thanks to inexperience) than anybody in the league.

Some mistakes are larger than others, but each one affects their bottom line. Look at this droopy pass Devin Booker makes to T.J. Warren that leads him to bobble it.

Instead of Marquese Chriss ending the possession with an open corner three (where he’s 2-for-12 on the year, but still), Warren reverses the ball back to Booker for another side pick-and-roll that Denver’s defense is already loaded up to stop. (Chriss’s arms go limp at his side once he realizes he isn’t getting the ball. I laughed.)

This play reminds me of an extremely zen thing Phil Jackson once said. I’m paraphrasing here, but “everything matters” is essentially it. Throwing even the most routine pass off target can have an avalanche effect on everything that follows. Open corner threes turn into contested fadeaways. It’s devastating precisely because it’s preventable.

Here’s another play from the same game that touches on a different type of mistake. I can’t tell if this sideline out-of-bounds play drawn up by Jay Triano fell apart because of poor execution or just a dumb rookie mistake, but either way it’s the type of problem Phoenix can and should nip in the bud.

Tyler Ulis runs a high pick-and-roll with Greg Monroe that draws Lyles and Harris into the paint. Once again, Chriss is left alone in the corner, so Ulis beelines a cross-court pass that should result in another efficient shot. Instead, as Monroe rumbles through the paint, Josh Jackson runs in from the perimeter to, um, I’m not exactly sure what he’s doing. More likely than not, he’s trying to set a screen on Lyles that will ensure Chriss enough time to shoot. But if that’s his plan he had a funny way of pulling it off.

All Jackson does is lead Harris towards the corner and let him switch onto the ball. Now Chriss is out of options. He can’t drive because Jackson is clogging the lane, and he can’t shoot because Harris is inside his jersey. Another promising possession is ruined.

The Outlet Pass: Dirk Back, AD’s Child’s Play, and Denver’s Enjoyable Mess syndicated from http://ift.tt/2ug2Ns6

[wlcannavina-blog]

✨Giveaway+Release Blitz✨ Counting Daisies, a clean romance full of heart and emotion by Whitney Cannavina is LIVE! Counting Daisies (Flowers and Hearts Series) by Whitney Cannavina Release Date: December 20th, 2017 Blog Tour: December 26th-Decemeber 30th *Counting Daisies is a standalone in a series *This is a clean teen romance Signed Paperback Giveaway: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWhitneyCannavina/posts/1531507766905209 Add to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/bo…/show/36402431-counting-daisies Buy Counting Daisies on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hlO8v9 Blurb: With the loss of her mother, Makayla's life it turned upside down. Starting over in a new school, meeting new friends, and getting to know the father she never met before, she has to learn to navigate this new life that was thrust upon her. With new experiences, and new friends, she finally begins to live the life she never thought she'd have all with a new and exciting romance with the uber popular, Austin James. Follow Makayla on a journey of self discovery, loss, love, and finding happiness in this clean teen romance. *This is a standalone in a series. Excerpt: “What are you wearing on your date? What about your dress for the dance?” Bobby plops down on my bed with an eager stare after rapidly asking her questions. “I don’t know about a dress for the dance. I didn’t buy one yet.” “But he will be here in an hour?” Bobby cries. “I know when he’ll be here. But I have been working almost every day after school except for Monday and Friday. I just haven’t had time to go shopping.” Am I freaking out about my predicament? You bet. But at this point I have no other options because I can’t go and buy a dress in an hour with as far as I have to drive and the time it will take to pick one and then arriving here in time to get ready for my date before the dance. Instead I am just going to grab my summer dress and hope he doesn’t notice it’s nothing fancy. Who am I kidding? Of course he’ll notice. It’s a dang summer dress! “I’m just going to tell him I’m sick. I can’t go. He’ll believe it right?” “Oh no you don’t. There is no way you are getting out of this date.” Bobby rummages through my limited amount of dresses hanging in my closet looking for something that could work but they are all out dated and simple dresses that don’t scream fancy, more like ‘I had nothing to wear so I threw this thing on’. “Makayla?” There is a light knock followed by my step mom poking her head in with a sparkle in her eye as if she knows something I don’t. “Come in, Sarah. We were just trying to figure out a good excuse to give Austin when I cancel my date.” “Oh my, why would you go and do a thing like that?” Pulling a knee length, slender cream-colored dress from behind her causes Bobby and I to gasp in surprise. “I didn’t have a dress so…” I stutter, staring in awe at the beautiful dress Sarah lays on my bed. “Is that for me?” Whispering in disbelief, I glance from the dress to Sarah and back again, excitement bubbling below the surface with hope that my night isn’t ruined. “I knew you didn’t have time to search for a dress for tonight. It’s not much but I saw it and thought of you so I bought it for you to wear tonight.” “Wow. I’m so…I’m speechless, Sarah. Thank you so much. It’s so beautiful and simple. It’s perfect and exactly what I would have chosen.” “Oh good.” Sarah clasps her hands in front of her with nervous anticipation. “Well, try it on, Hun. I want to see how beautiful you’ll look in it.” “Yes. Try it on.” Bobby chimes in. “Ok.” Taking the dress with me, I head to the bathroom. Slipping out of my yoga pants and tank top before stepping into the dress. Once I have the one-inch straps in place and the zipper in the back pulled all the way up, I take a look in the full-length mirror hanging on the back of the bathroom door. The cream colored dress reminds me of the dress that Baby wears at the end of dirty dancing with the tight, low-cut bodice that flares out at my waste and ends just above my knees. A lace overlay covers the entire dress giving it more fancy feel making it perfect for the dance tonight. It looks amazing on me and I feel so grateful to Sarah for finding me the perfect dress to hopefully go with the perfect night. Stepping back into my bedroom, Bobby and Sarah stop mid-sentence to turn towards me. In unison, they squeal in appreciation and I can’t help but follow suit. “You look amazing in that dress. Austin won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.” Bobby gushes. “Honey, you look beautiful. Do you like it?” Sarah questions. “I love it. It’s perfect.” Spinning slowly so they can see the full effect, I stop short, remembering that I don’t have a pair of shoes to match. “Oh no. I need shoes.” Scrunching my nose, I make a dash for my closet in hopes that I have a pair of black or white heels that would match. “Oh. I knew I forgot something. Hang on. I have your shoes in my room.” Sarah hurries out as Bobby pulls me to sit down on my bed next to her. “Your stepmom seems great.” “She is. I’ve heard of evil stepmoms but she has been nothing but kind to me.” “That’s good. My stepdad is a jerk. My dad hasn’t remarried but if he does, I hope she’s as nice as Sarah.” I nod, feeling bad for Bobby knowing she has been dealt a crappy stepparent. She’s told me a little about it but not much. I’m sure it’s hard for her so I don’t push. Sarah pops back in with a box and hands it to me to open. “I hope you like them. I thought they would match the dress perfectly.” Lifting the lid on the box, a gorgeous pair of black sued ankle booties lay inside. They are the cutest pair of heels I have ever seen. They’re perfect for the dress, too. “These are so cute!” I exclaim. “Put them on. Put them on.” Bobby encourages. Pulling them out of the box carefully as if they may disappear, I slide them on my feet and stand up to take a look in the mirror that hangs on my door. “Everything is perfect. Thank you Sarah.” Sarah and I embrace in a tight hug that I hope shows my appreciation for all that she’s done. “You’re welcome, Kayla. Now finish getting ready because Austin will be here in a half an hour.” Sarah leaves Bobby and I to finish getting my make-up and hair done before Austin arrives. Bobby does a great job leaving my hair in a half up-do with waves cascading down my back and a light touch of makeup with only a slightly dark brown eye shadow on my eyes to give a slightly smoky look without being overly dramatic. “There. Perfect. Austin’s jaw will drop once he sees you.” “You think?” Bobby nods her head animatedly. “Should I dress casual first and change into my dress later, or should I wear my dress with some flats, and add the booties when we arrive to the dance? Or should I wear my dress and booties the whole time?” As I continue to ask questions, Bobby must hear the panic in my voice as I try to figure out what to wear. “How about you just relax. I am pretty sure that Austin doesn’t expect you to get ready after your date so he is probably expecting you to be in your dress already. The shoes are up to you. We can gauge what you should wear when he arrives. I’ll see what he is wearing as he waits for you in the living room, and let you know.” Blowing out a breath of relief, I feel so grateful for Bobby’s help today. “Thank you.” “For what?” “For helping me get ready. I’m sorry I bailed on you tonight.” “No worries, Kayla. I totally get it. Besides, I roped Beau into being my date. After Austin picks you up I’ll be heading home to get ready for Beau to pick me up and take me to dinner.” Wiggling her eyebrows I can’t help but snort in laughter. “Does that mean you guys are going to try and date?” Shrugging, Bobby replies. “I don’t really know yet. I guess we will see after tonight.” As we double check and make sure everything is good to go, I slip the dress back on since I had changed back into my yoga pants and tank top earlier to avoid getting anything on my dress as I got ready. Just as I finish smoothing it down my waist, the doorbell rings alerting me to Austin’s presence. My heart races in nervous anticipation. I just hope my dad doesn’t give him too much of a hard time. “He’s here.” Bobby claps and bounces excitedly and tells me to shush. “Stay here. I’m going to see how he’s dressed. Then I’ll let you know what shoes to wear.” Wringing my hands in nervous anticipation, Bobby sneaks out and tiptoes her way down the hall. Hearing her quick and light footsteps as she hurries back to my room, she bursts through my door huffing and puffing as if she just ran a marathon. “You do realize you didn’t have to sneak out there and hurry back.” “Shh, I’m doing recon work. Wear your heals. Austin is looking handsome in a black suit and his hair slick back.” My excitement grows as I slip one shoe then the other onto my dainty feet. “How do I look?” Doing a quick twirl, Bobby gives me thumbs up and follows me out into the living room. “…Buck last year hangin’ on our wall. It was my first kill.” Clearing my throat, Austin halts on whatever he was about to say next to turn towards my interruption. Seeing the look of awe and appreciation sends a fit of butterflies loose in my belly. “Wow Kayla. You look gorgeous.” Austin strides purposely to me and lands a kiss to my cheek keeping it chaste in front of my parents. “Thank you. You’re looking handsome yourself.” It takes all my will power to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor at the sight of my boyfriend in a suit. He looks like he just walked out of a GQ photo shoot. “Here. I brought you these.” Sliding a bouquet of yellow and white daisies into my shaking hands, the tears instantly well up behind my eyes threatening to spill over at his thoughtful gesture. Knowing he bought daisies for me in a way of including my mom on this night has me falling completely head over heels for this man. “Daisies?” It’s a rhetorical question and Austin seems to understand. “I wanted tonight to be perfect for you and I know you wish your mom could be here so this was my way of making sure she was included.” “I can’t believe you remembered.” I whisper only loud enough for Austin to hear. “I remember everything you say.” Tilting my chin up with his thumb and forefinger, Austin kisses me once again, giving more meaning behind it by pressing his lips firmly against mine before pulling away and wiping the few errant tears that escaped from my eyes. “Thank you. This means everything to me. I’ll be right back. I’m going to put these in a vase.” Without glancing at the rest of the room, I make my way to the kitchen and open each cupboard searching for a vase to put the flowers in. “That was so romantic.” Bobby gushes as her and Sarah follows behind me into the kitchen. “Here, let me put those in a vase for you, honey.” I hand Sarah the flowers mechanically while my head spins at Austin’s thoughtfulness. “I think that boy truly cares about you. This was such a sweet gesture.” I nod as she arranges the flowers before filling the vase with water. “I’m just so…so…oh my god. I don’t even know how to explain it.” “In love.” Bobby exhales dreamily. “Yes. No. I don’t know.” How do you know when you’re in love? “It’s ok to feel overwhelmed, Kayla.” Sarah rubs my back in comfort. Knowing Austin did this to include my mom has the panic wanting to rise out of me but I do my best to push it down. Freaking out over my feelings for this man will not bode well for the night. Breathing out a deep exhale, I feel as if I am ready to go back out there. “I know.” Chewing my lip, it’s time to get back to Austin. “I think I’m ready now.” Walking back into the living room where Austin and my dad are still conversing, I make my way to Austin’s side and wrap my arm through his. “Are you ok?” Austin asks quietly, concern evident in his tone. “Yeah. I’m perfect.” And I meant it. Searching my face, Austin believes me and turns back to my dad. “I promise to have Makayla back by curfew tonight.” Shaking my dads hand, I feel like maybe they came to a truce when it comes to me. “Be good to my daughter. Have fun you two.” Stepping up to my dad, I kiss his cheek and step back under Austin’s arm as we head out. Bobby follows us as Austin makes his way to her car in the driveway and opens the driver’s side door. “After you, malady.” ​“Why thank you kind sir.” She jokes back as she slides in behind the wheel. ​Leaning down to eye level, I remind Bobby about the dance. “Text me when you get to the dance so we can find you and meet up.” ​“Have fun you two.” Wiggling her fingers in a tiny wave, she pulls away while Austin escorts me to his lifted truck. Austin easily lifts me by the waist placing me gently into the cab where I pull the seat belt over and buckle in. ​“I feel like a little kid when you do that,” I laugh out. ​“Sorry,” Austin chuckles. “You’re tiny so it’s just easier if I lift you up.” Lifting a shoulder as if it’s no big deal, I grin in amusement. ​“Where are we going?” Austin hadn’t mentioned anything about where he planned to take me before the dance. Curiosity has gotten the better of me as I pestered him relentlessly throughout the week for just a hint but he didn’t budge. Austin winks at me without giving an answer as we drive along the open road. The drivers here are never in a hurry, cruising at the speed limit or just under like it’s a Sunday morning. As we drive moderately down the road, I feel completely at ease. Passing through town, I start to wonder where Austin could possibly be taking me. I doubt he would drive into the nearest city for our date seeing as we wouldn’t have much time to relax having to rush in order to make it back in time for the dance, but Austin surprises me at every turn. ​Pulling onto a dirt road that is lined with trees, I become even more curious as to Austin’s plans. ​“You’re taking me to the middle of nowhere to chop off my head and burry me like those old horror films aren’t you,” I jest in mock horror. “No. I’d never do that. If anything, I’d keep you locked up in my basement so I’d never have to let you go and I could keep you all to my self.” “That’s creepy. You’re crazy, you know that?” Shoving him lightly, I snicker good-naturedly. “Crazy about you.” The serious tone in which Austin utters has me pausing my retort. Could he honestly feel that strongly for me already? I know I have fallen hard for him but Austin is so hard to read that I can’t tell what he’s thinking. “We’re here.” Austin turns the truck so the passenger side faces the picturesque scene. Seeing the beautiful view before me, I am in awe. Before us lays a field of knee high brown and green grass with a single trail that cuts through it leading to a small lake surrounded by large oak trees. Throughout the grass are white and yellow flowers whom most would consider weeds that sway in the slight breeze. The trees that line the edge of the lake are filled with orange, yellow, and red leaves that hang precariously on the thick, long branches where some have already started to fall onto the ground as the season changes from summer to fall. The water is still except for the occasional ripple from the breeze and fish that pop up trying to catch the bugs that skim on the water. Leaves of varying colors float atop the glassy surface adding color to go along with the reflection of the darkening sky that’s awash in orange, pink, and blue as the sun begins to set. “This is so…stunning.” Austin hops out of the truck before ambling over to my side and helping me down. The crunch of the dried leaves beneath my shoes reminds me of my favorite time of year, autumn when the world is painted with warm tones and the fragrance of cinnamon and spice permeates the air. I wait for Austin to grab what he needs out of the back seat before following him to the truck bed. The sun is just barely setting as Austin lays the blanket down and turns on the propane lamp for more light. Helping me once again into the back of the truck, Austin follows after me with ease before we each take a seat on the soft, cushiony blue blanket. “This is the most romantic date I have ever been on.” Looking around me at the open field, every once in a while I can spot flickers of light from the lightning bugs as dusk sets in turning the day into night. I’ve only seen them from afar and not so many in a single area, but as I glance around me, lightning bugs are lighting up everywhere, making the grass look like it’s lit up with Christmas lights. It’s a sight to behold. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend our date. “This is my favorite place to visit when I need to think. It’s quiet and peaceful here with no interruptions.” “This place does have a serene quality about it. Thank you for bringing me here tonight.” “I wanted to share it with you. You’re the only girl I’ve brought here.” Seeing the vulnerability on his face has my heart skipping a bit. Knowing that this is Austin’s sanctuary and I’m here sharing this moment with him feels like he’s showing me a side of him nobody else has seen before. “I-I don’t know what to say.” Austin says nothing but smiles brightly at me as he divvies up the food. Handing me a plate loaded with a salad, chicken with some sort of herb scattered on it, and a roll. We both dig in eating quietly, enjoying the sounds of nature surrounding us. The crickets chirp, birds sing, and an owl hoots in the distance waiting for the last ray of light to disappear so it can hunt for food. Austin moves to lean against the cab of the truck where I slide in between his legs and watch as the starry night blinks above us while the moon shines brightly making it feel as if a spotlight has been put on us. If I were to sit in the back of a truck and look at the night sky in California, there could be no way I would be able to see every star twinkling as brightly as I do right now. “You know, my dad told me a story when we first met about a time he spent just like this one with my mom. Sitting here with you just like this, reminds me of her. I feel like maybe she’s watching over us right now.” “She’ll always be with you. We can come out here as often as you’d like. Or you can come here whenever if you need time to yourself.” My heart settles, and in this moment I know I’ll never feel for another as I do for Austin. Such a simple gesture has pushed my already fallen heart completely over the edge and into oblivion. I am innately in love with Austin James. Other Books by Whitney- Fate (Short Story): https://www.amazon.com/Fate-Unexpected-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01LW34V5B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510696143&sr=8-1&keywords=fate+by+whitney+cannavina The Romance Series Starting Over- https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Over-Romance-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00RO2AH0U/ref=sr_1_3_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469052029&sr=8-3&keywords=whitney+cannavina# Looking For Love- https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Love-Book-2-Romance-ebook/dp/B013CVOXPG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469052029&sr=8-5&keywords=whitney+cannavina#navbar Romance Series Bundle- https://www.amazon.com/Romance-Bundle-Whitney-Cannavina-ebook/dp/B00UF9EGGK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469052564&sr=8-2&keywords=the+romance+series+by+whitney+cannavina#navbar Taken Series Save Me- https://www.amazon.com/Save-Me-Taken-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00Y96U5TW?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc#navbar Break Me- https://www.amazon.com/Break-Me-Taken-Book-2-ebook/dp/B01CRASOKI/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51ffkIrTrXL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v7%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-50_OU01_AC_UL320_SR200%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=ZFEBWJVRB15S2KJWGC8N#navbar Reclaim Me- http://amzn.to/2lQdRch About Whitney: I am an author, blogger, and mom to the best kid ever. On the days that are not hectic (which is hardly ever) I spend my time writing what I can. I write mostly contemporary adult romance but I think I will venture out just a little and write a few for teens to broaden my reader spectrum. I have always been imaginative making up stories and friends when I was younger, and once I had a teacher tell me how horrible a story I wrote was, that I didn't write until just a few years ago. I realized I don't care what her or anyone else thinks, as long as I love what I write then I am happy. That doesn't mean I don't want readers to love my books, I am just understanding that not everyone will love what they read and I am ok with that. I also run a blog with two other awesome ladies called Country Gals BOOK Blog and I hope that you would take a look and see what we have going on. I was just kind of thrust into it but I love exploring new genres, finding new authors, and reading a range of books I might not have heard of before then. It also helps I love to tell other readers about some great authors. I grew up in Southern California, and on top of being and author, blogger and mom, I also love to watch movies, read excessively, go to hockey and baseball games, and relax with just my friends and family. I hope you take the chance to check out my books and hopefully enjoy them. Stalk Me: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WhitneylCannavina Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home Twitter- https://twitter.com/ @ashtonsmom2012 Instagram- https://instagram.com/wlcannavina/ Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/ Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11854292.Whitney_Cannavina?from_search=true&search_version=service Author Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Whitney-Cannavina/e/B00RQ0RAPK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1433608560&sr=8-1 Personal Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/AASII5XSU40TS?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_your_profile# Google+- https://plus.google.com/u/0/101160155052383027690/postseason Snapchat- wlcannavina87 Wordpress-https://wordpress.com/me

[othersportsnews-blog]

The case for 'uncommon' Deshaun Watson as Houston Texans' starting off QB - Houston Texans Website

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/the-case-for-uncommon-deshaun-watson-as-houston-texans-starting-off-qb-houston-texans-website/

The case for 'uncommon' Deshaun Watson as Houston Texans' starting off QB - Houston Texans Website

HOUSTON — It was late on a Saturday night in January, just a couple months immediately after Deshaun Watson enrolled at Clemson. Tigers offensive coordinator Jeff Scott, who was assembly a recruit on campus by Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, saw two persons managing on the industry less than the emergency lights.

Scott rapidly recognized that it was Watson and his freshman roommate, wide receiver Artavis Scott, now a Chargers rookie. They ended up applying the flashlight on a cellphone to see the performs they ended up managing.

“They had only been on campus for about two months, and I understood correct then, I was like, ‘Wow, in this article it is. It’s a Saturday night, the lights are off in the stadium, it is 35 degrees, and these fellas are out in this article managing as a result of performs,'” Jeff Scott said.

That night in Clemson was an early indication of Watson’s good function ethic and motivation to changeover rapidly to the future level, attributes that established him on a path to dominate in faculty and turn out to be the 12th all round choose by the Houston Texans.

Watson came to Houston significantly geared up for rookie minicamp, and he impressed on the to start with working day of crew meetings.

“The a person factor that stood out to me is, genuinely, his function ethic and how focused he is to executing it,” Texans quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said. “Nowadays is a working day off for him formally, but I just went down to the quarterback space. He is in there, he is learning, and I just feel that’s how he is approached it because he walked in in this article. His tactic to it, how critical he is about it and his experienced demeanor for a young man has been outstanding for me.”

As outstanding as Watson was throughout offseason routines, he is still a rookie who enters instruction camp as unproven Tom Savage’s understudy. The Texans, who have gained the AFC South the previous two seasons and return the NFL’s top-ranked defense, have playoff anticipations, even however their biggest issue is at the most essential situation in the video game.

Is Watson capable of stepping in and major a crew primed for a playoff operate? Watson’s time at Clemson confirmed that he is capable of finding up a complicated offense and climbing up the depth chart rapidly.

“[He is] unusual. It’s unbelievable,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I you should not genuinely know how to articulate what I know about him. And [comparing him to Michael Jordan] is the only way I know how to do it. All these good types, the Michael Jordans, the Steph Currys, the LeBron Jameses, the Joe Montanas, the Tom Bradys … there is a uniqueness to them. There’s a little something to them. Yes, you can see expertise. But there is this other things that you cannot see until eventually you genuinely get about it each working day. And that’s what he is acquired. And how to articulate that, I you should not genuinely know, other than this is likely to be a good 30 for 30 a person of these days.”

The rookie QB obstacle

To open the year as the Texans’ starting off quarterback, Watson will have to defeat Savage, who has been with the Texans for 3 a long time the group drafted him in the fourth spherical in 2014. But Savage has played in only two of these 3 seasons simply because he missed 2015 with a shoulder injuries suffered in a preseason video game.

Normal manager Rick Smith and coach Invoice O’Brien said on draft night that Savage would be their starter.

Due to the fact the Texans traded Brock Osweiler in March, O’Brien has emphasized how complicated it is for a rookie quarterback to commence in the NFL. He and Smith echoed these remarks immediately after they drafted Watson, even with the fact that the Texans compensated a hefty rate (their 2017 to start with-spherical choose at No. 25 and a 2018 to start with-spherical choose) to trade up to the No. 12 choose to get him.

“There’s this other things that you cannot see until eventually you genuinely get about it each working day. And that’s what he is acquired. And how to articulate that, I you should not genuinely know, other than this is likely to be a good 30 for 30 a person of these days.”

Dabo Swinney on Deshaun Watson

Very last year, the Texans’ offense ranked 29th in passing yards for every video game and 31st in touchdowns with Osweiler and Savage less than middle. Regardless of the lackluster QB engage in, Houston gained the AFC South with a nine-7 report, defeat the Raiders in a wild-card playoff video game and caught with the Patriots for a person 50 % on the highway in Foxborough throughout the divisional spherical. A great deal of that can be credited to the NFL’s No. one defense that now returns J.J. Watt, who missed most of the preceding year with a back injuries.

To acquire the future move — achieving the AFC Championship Sport for the to start with time in crew heritage — Houston requires significantly-improved engage in from its quarterback.

The Texans have two choices in that department: an unproven starter who confirmed flashes in his quick stint in reduction of Osweiler very last year but who has not thrown an NFL touchdown and a rookie who dominated in faculty but has function to do in his changeover to the NFL.

Rookie quarterbacks have had varying success in the NFL in new a long time, although the Dallas Cowboys strike the jackpot very last year in fourth-spherical choose Dak Prescott, who led them to a thirteen-3 report immediately after profitable the starting off job when injuries felled Tony Romo and Kellen Moore. In 2016, Prescott and Raiders fourth-spherical choose Connor Cook started off playoff online games, just about every dropping his lone commence. According to ESPN Stats & Information, sixteen rookie quarterbacks have started off a playoff video game in the Tremendous Bowl era (because 1966). None has ever reached the Tremendous Bowl.

Due to the fact 2006, when QBR was to start with tracked, rookie quarterbacks who ended up drafted in the to start with spherical have a mixed report of 131-176, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Of the 29 quarterbacks taken in the to start with spherical because then, five have started off a playoff video game — but none because Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III in 2012.

Texans backup quarterback Brandon Weeden said Watson is exhibiting that he is capable of rapidly building the leap to the NFL.

“He is a incredibly good man,” Weeden said. “He retains info incredibly nicely, so he is kind of ahead of the curve. He is executing a large amount of good things. This is a tough process for a quarterback, but I feel he is taking all the correct methods and placing in the function to get better.”

Watson has two veteran quarterbacks to lean on in Brandon Weeden, still left, and Tom Savage, correct. AP Picture/Bob Levey

Although Watson is a rookie, players have gravitated towards him in the locker space, and he is currently earning the regard of his new teammates.

“When you viewed him, or at minimum when we viewed him in the building in this article about our players, it was really evident that that leadership trait that he has, it is infectious,” Smith said.

Extra offensive assistant Pat O’Hara: “I feel he has that [leadership] about him without having declaring a word. He has a nature about him that I feel persons go to him. I feel he has a authentic powerful temperament that’s perhaps not authentic, authentic vocal, but that’s Alright. But he has a existence about him that’s authentic beneficial. A genuinely poised guy. But no, he doesn’t want to be out there screaming and yelling. He just kind of gets that regard. That is a little something that’s difficult to locate, and Deshaun has that.”

Watson shown this leadership early in his time at Clemson, and Swinney said it was strongest when he was major by illustration. In assembly rooms, Watson had a existence that produced players want to function harder and get better.

“He is generally taking notes, generally producing things down. He is just so engaged in everything,” Swinney said. “Each individual time I am about him, irrespective of whether he is read a little something a hundred occasions, he is so engaged as if he is under no circumstances read it. And that sends these a good information to all people else. That is a way to effect your teammates without having ever declaring a word.”

“Understanding a new language”

The toughest aspect for Watson throughout this changeover is starting off from scratch and studying the terminology and playbook of an NFL process, according to O’Brien. The fundamentals are even rough, things that most persons you should not feel about, these as how the crew huddles, how to phone a engage in and the verbiage of a engage in phone. The checklist goes on.

“It’s like studying a new language,” O’Brien said.

But Watson is not a stranger to the problems of rapidly studying a complicated scheme. He had to do the very same factor at Clemson. Jeff Scott recalled how Watson blew away the Tigers’ coaching team with how rapidly he picked up the playbook as a correct freshman.

“His total freshman year, we established the planet report for applying the word ‘wow’ on the headsets.”

Clemson offensive coordinator Jeff Scott

While making ready for the to start with video game of the 2014 year towards Ga, Clemson’s coaching team warned their quarterbacks about an exotic blitz the Bulldogs could operate that would trigger a problem if they failed to make a major pre-snap adjustment. It was a blitz the defense introduced significantly less than two per cent of the time, but simply because of the troubles it could trigger if Ga ran it, the Tigers desired to be geared up.

On the to start with collection of Watson’s faculty career, Ga called that blitz. Watson saw it coming promptly in advance of the snap, produced the calls to his teammates to make the adjustment and threw a 30-property touchdown over the defender in a incredibly restricted window.

“That total circumstance is a little something you would hope your junior or senior veteran quarterback would be in a position to do,” Scott said. “And for him to be in a position to go in his incredibly to start with push as a correct freshman on that stage and not only see it, realize it, make the adjustments and then be in a position to stand in the pocket and be in a position to make that restricted toss in that window, that was a minute that all of us on the headsets went, ‘Wow. This child genuinely is exclusive.’ That was a genuinely massive minute for us.

“His total freshman year, we established the planet report for applying the word ‘wow’ on the headsets.”

It could not be extended in advance of the Texans’ coaching team is having the very same response. In the course of the Texans’ necessary minicamp, O’Brien said Watson was acquiring “better each working day.” At his introductory information meeting, Watson promised to “be a sponge” when he acquired to Houston, and hence significantly, he has been that.

Dabo Swinney doesn’t know how to articulate what makes Deshaun Watson unique, but the coach saw a great deal of it when coaching the QB at Clemson. Tyler Smith/Getty Images

“He is finished a good job of taking the info from the night in advance of and taking it to the industry,” O’Hara said. “He is genuinely been ahead of the video game with that, and that’s been very good to see.”

One particular of the knocks on Watson is the unfold offense he ran at Clemson. The Tigers’ process has commonly put some limitations on the quarterback so they can engage in up-tempo, according to Scott. But the offensive coordinator insisted that Watson altered that tactic, taking over the protections and earning the correct to have “a large amount of flexibility in the offense to alter performs” at the line of scrimmage.

O’Brien said the Texans recognized that when looking at Watson’s movie from Clemson.

“We studied each video game that he played. There ended up many things that ended up put on his plate in his career,” O’Brien said. “I can notify you just from looking at movie, he had to do many things, irrespective of whether it was signaling a development to wide receivers or switching protection at the line of scrimmage or likely from a person engage in to the future.”

For the coaching team that knows Watson the greatest, it was annoying to see a pre-draft aim on a little something the young quarterback could not command.

“That was a little something that was annoying for us as coaches over the very last six months, listening to the things that we would hear when persons could issue Deshaun and the offense he played in, the terminology and irrespective of whether he could choose that up,” Scott said. “And there is no doubt, for all quarterbacks, there is a changeover. It’s most likely the hardest changeover in all of major league sports activities, likely to be an NFL quarterback. But we know Deshaun better than any individual. And Deshaun is a person of these fellas that he was generally thirsty for additional.

“He stretched us as coaches. We put in additional things simply because he desired additional things. He could acquire everything you could give him and additional. And he is a person of these fellas that, you notify him a person time, and he gets it. He is a perfectionist. He is likely to function on it. You can notify him a little something in a assembly, and 3 months later, he can carry it correct back up and know accurately wherever it is in his notebook.

“And I feel a large amount of persons on the exterior that failed to know Deshaun as nicely as we did, they could see his athletic ability, the throws that he can make and his savviness in online games, but they could not genuinely realize how good [he is]. … I come to feel a person of his strengths is his soccer IQ and his information. … He just procedures things so rapidly.”

Prepared to compete

With instruction camp approaching, Smith and O’Brien will before long have a choice to make: Sit Watson and allow him learn, or genuinely allow him compete with Savage for the starting off job. Even if Savage commences the year as Houston’s starter, he probable will be on a shorter leash. If he is ineffective early in the year — or is not able to keep healthy — the Texans could have minimal decision but to convert to Watson.

As a participant who started off at Clemson and was a five-star recruit out of superior school, Watson is utilized to being the No. one man. But it failed to commence out that way. Watson acquired wounded throughout spring soccer in advance of his freshman year, so Clemson gave senior Cole Stoudt the starting off job. But the Tigers still acquired Watson some playing time, and over a pair of online games, he took advantage of his option and was named the Tigers’ starting off quarterback.

Deshaun Watson hasn’t been in Houston extended, but he has currently impressed with his leadership. Troy Taormina-United states of america Nowadays Sports

Watson said he programs to make use of the very same mindset as he attempts to earn the quarterback job in Houston.

“I was a starter at Clemson the previous 3 a long time, but just about every and each working day, I would go into the working day considering I am not the starter and I could reduce my job. So for me, that’s natural,” Watson said. “I am a competitor. I am likely to compete just about every and each working day to get better.”

Scott said Watson’s demeanor stood out to him immediately after Watson missed out on the starting off job as a freshman simply because “he under no circumstances was panicking early in the year that he is acquired to commence. He understood he was likely to get his opportunities.”

While Watson has, of class, communicated his motivation to commence for the Texans, Swinney said he are unable to see there being any drama from Watson over the starting off job.

“If he is the starter, good. If he is not, you will never hear a word from Deshaun,” Swinney said. “He is just likely to hold performing and demonstrate up each working day and hold making ready for when his time comes. That is just how he is. He is a lower-servicing celebrity.”

Even however Savage has played in only five online games in two NFL seasons, he definitely has a leg up in his information of O’Brien’s process. However, he is still an unproven starter who hasn’t been in a position to keep healthy. And now the man lots of look at to be the greatest rookie quarterback prospect is waiting around in the wings.

Whether Watson is the starter in 7 days one of 2017 or 7 days one of 2018 or anytime in between, the Texans hope they have located their to start with correct franchise quarterback.

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[paoulkaye-blog]

Good Publicity, or Good Story?

So… Suicide Squad. Okay, I know. I know. I keep saying I’ll get to DC vs. Marvel at some point, but come on. It isn’t even a contest at this point, is it? DC’s last hope to keep me at all interested is the Wonder Woman movie, and I hope against hope that they don’t completely screw it up somehow, because my wife is very much looking forward to it. Marvel won this fight ages ago when the possibilities became endless simply by putting Samuel L Jackson in a post credits scene in Iron Man. The only thing DC seems to have going for it, aside from a horde of blind fanboys who ceaselessly shout down the detractors of the collection of messes DC is trying to put together into a collected movie universe, is that they can make a damn fine commercial. DC’s movie trailers, I will admit, are good at building hype. They have successfully convinced many, many people to keep going to DC movies, oftentimes against their better judgement. DC’s marketing budget is ridiculous, if only in the fact that it seems to outstrip their budget for pretty much everything else that isn’t actors and special effects in their movies. Certainly the writing and editing don’t factor in here. Jabs aside, DC’s marketing team is without peer. Marvel’s trailers have a decade plus of material to draw on and legitimately anticipated movies coming out. DC’s ads are, by comparison, magic for making something out of nothing. Repeatedly. And while that works out for DC because they can post good opening weekends out of sheer marketing draw, it does have… let’s say collateral damage. When Suicide Squad opened in theaters, the world met it with a collective “… meh?” The story is a mess, the characters are wasted with the exception of Harley and Deadshot, the much-advertised appearance of Jared Leto’s Joker was quite possibly the most vicious letdown in recent film history, and the whole movie literally only happened because Amanda Waller is portrayed as a world-class idiot who would, ironically, probably be right at home in the current administration. If that was intentional, bravo, but the body of available evidence does not strain to suggest as such. So if the Marvel movies are clearly better, as I have stated, why talk about Suicide Squad at all? Well, because it impacted the movie landscape when it came out the same way any blockbuster does. It drowns out everything around it. Because for a few weeks, all anyone seemed to care about was Suicide Squad and the amount that it made, despite being an objectively bad movie on a lot of levels, and other movies fell by the wayside. Buried under DC’s marketing blitz. Such a movie was Kubo and the Two Strings, made by the studio that brought you Coraline and ParaNorman. I don’t tend to get into dollar amounts when I choose to care about one movie versus another movie, but I feel it’s instructional here. On its opening weekend, Suicide Squad raked in about $147 million against the $175 million the film cost to make. Making that amount of its costs back on opening weekend is, by all measurements, a successful film. From a purely financial standpoint at the very least. By contrast, Kubo and the Two Strings, a movie which hit theaters roughly a week or so after Suicide Squad, brought in about $12.6 million against a production cost of $55 million. This was, by the financial metric, a flop. Partially, it can be surmised, because many people went to see Suicide Squad to see if it was really as bad as they had been told. Here is my problem: Kubo and the Two Strings is unquestionably a better movie. Almost a third of the cost, and not even 10% of the opening weekend, and you may ask how that’s possible. If you haven’t seen Kubo and the Two Strings, I invite you to do so now. It’s on Netflix. Go ahead. I can wait. Okay, so since we’re all on the same page now, you may understand my problem a little better. Kubo and the Two Strings, for those who have ignored my advice and just kept reading, is a stop-motion animated movie based on Japanese folklore that tells the story of a boy who can control little pieces of paper by playing his magic Shamisen (a three-stringed guitar, effectively). He goes on a journey to learn about the fate of his father and to take up his quest to find three ancient magical artifacts to combat the villainous moon king. And that really is the least of it. Kubo’s story is beautiful. It’s touching, funny, awe inspiring, and frightening in a mix unlike any I have seen since… I dunno, Secret of Nihm? Not only is this movie critically acclaimed, it is also a much better fit for its rating than Suicide Squad’s ‘We can swear this many times without getting an R so we can appeal to a wider audience’ brand of nonsense that drives me up the damn wall. Kubo is, by all of the metrics I care about, a much, much better movie than Suicide Squad. And I don’t think I’d have a hard time finding a lot of people who agree with me. DC’s movie-making army, able as it was to leverage release dates and marketing pushes to plan and scheme about the perfect time to unleash its mediocrity on the world, inflicted a lot of damage on the studios and films that did not have the financial clout to play that game. Kubo came out when it did because that’s when it was done, and the studio wanted you to see it. Suicide Squad came out when it did to compete with Guardians of the Galaxy, which had come out the previous year, because DC was trying to imply that their movie would be a similar fun-fest to Marvel’s surprise blockbuster. And DC is well within its rights to play that game, because apparently that matters to marketing people. But I think they have managed to do us a disservice. For that matter, Marvel does the same thing. When one of these action-blockbusters with the trailers with over 2 million views on YouTube comes out, it buries everything else. Sometimes that’s not a bad thing, and bad movies get buried without getting condemned like they should because no one cares. But sometimes a good movie, a really good story told well and presented in a wonderful visual style gets buried by a bloated budget movie that claims to do the same thing. Kubo is a beautiful movie, with a great story, fantastic pacing, wonderful visuals and a message that is truly heartwarming. Suicide Squad is so obviously a cash-grabbing copy-cat that fails at being half as good as the movie it is trying to ape. One of these movies made $147 million on its opening weekend. The other made $12.6 million. One of these movies was trying so damn hard to be part of a larger, consistent universe of movies in a desperate attempt to catch up to the competition that has literally been doing this for a decade, and the other is a stand-alone story with no expectation for a sequel. One of these movies was a massive disappointment because of how it was built up, and the other was a delightful surprise the likes of which I haven’t seen in a long, long time. Suicide Squad had good publicity. Kubo and the Two Strings had a good story. The difference should not be so staggering. If there was justice, really, in the world, nothing but the financial scores would be exchanged. Even just on a percentage basis. Alas. I’ll admit. I don’t really have a point to this, but it was bothering me. If I did my job right, now it’s bothering you, too. Thanks for reading.

[auburnfamilynews]

We preview the 2019 SEC Basketball slate. Where will everyone finish? Read more to find out!

Happy New Year!! As we flip the calendar from 2018 to 2019, this means that conference play is here and time for another Power Rankings! Going forward, I’ll be putting these out on a weekly basis.

In case you want to catch up on the first two Volumes: we broke the preseason rankings (Volume I) up into two articles (Part 1) (Part 2), and then Volume II looked at the state of things at the end of November. Now that SEC play begins on Saturday, it’s time to breakdown the conference so far and reveal where I think each SEC team will finish this year.

#1 Tennessee Volunteers (11-1)

This Week: Saturday vs. Georgia

Current KenPom Ranking: 11

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Gonzaga (3), Louisville (43)

Leading Scorers: Grant Williams (20.1), Admiral Schofield (18.2), Jordan Bone (14.3)

Points Per Game: 85.5 (1st in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.4 (5th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: March 9 at Auburn

Tennessee is the best team in the SEC, at least at the moment. They have the best win in the conference, over Gonzaga, and haven’t lost in regulation yet. That loss came in overtime against Kansas on a neutral floor, in a game that Grant Williams fouled out in regulation. Currently, Tennessee has the top 2 scorers in the SEC in Williams and Schofield.

We have to wait until the final game of the season to see Auburn and Tennessee go at it this year. The hope for Tiger fans is for that game to have meaning in regards to who wins the SEC Regular Season Championship.

#2 Auburn Tigers (11-2)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 12

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Arizona (53), Washington (55), Murray State (61), Xavier (67)

Leading Scorers: Bryce Brown (15.3), Jared Harper (14.9), Austin Wiley (11.9)

Points Per Game: 85.2 (2nd in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 64.5 (3rd in SEC)

Auburn has 4 Top 75 KenPom (Q1) wins, however none of those teams are Top 50, right now. The Tigers need Arizona and/or Washington to take charge in the Pac-12 (and trust me, somebody needs to do it) as well as Murray State to dominate the Ohio Valley Conference to make those wins look better.

Auburn has the best PG in the SEC in Jared Harper who in addition to his points, leads the SEC in assists per game at 6.8. Austin Wiley played a season high 26 minutes against Murray State two weeks ago and with him being in the starting lineup, I can see him averaging close to that mark now the league play is upon us.

#3 Kentucky Wildcats (10-2)

This Week: Saturday at Alabama

Current KenPom Ranking: 13

Top 75 KenPom Wins: North Carolina (8), Louisville (43)

Leading Scorers: Keldon Johnson (16.4), Reid Travis (14.6), Tyler Herro (13.3)

Points Per Game: 83.1 (3rd in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 69.4 (7th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 19 at Auburn, February 23 at Kentucky

Talent-wise, Kentucky may be the best team in the league, but they are also the youngest. We have seen the Wildcats play well in their last 2 games against North Carolina and Louisville and look to have figured some things out after getting blitzed by 34 against Duke on opening night. Still, there will be times when Coach Cal will have to work extra hard to motivate his guys. We see it every year, and usually by late February and March, we begin to really see the Kentucky team that most expected throughout the season. Take last season for example, they got hot at the end of the year, rolled through the SEC Tournament and was the league’s only representative in the Sweet 16. They seem to have found a point guard in Ashton Hagans who had 8 steals in their win over the Tar Heels. He may not score a bunch, but his defense is pivotal to Kentucky’s success this year.

Auburn drew Kentucky twice this year, which is good for Auburn as they’ll get a chance to beat Kentucky for the 3rd straight time at Auburn Arena and attempt to win at Rupp Arena for the first time since 1988.

#4 Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-1)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 20

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Cincinnati (27), Clemson (33), Saint Mary’s (44), Wofford (64)

Leading Scorers: Quinndary Weatherspoon (17.2), Lamar Peters (13.2), Aric Holman (12.5)

Points Per Game: 80.2 (7th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.7 (6th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 26 at Mississippi State, March 2 at Auburn

Here’s a team flying under the radar but when they’re consistently, they are one of the league’s best. Ben Howland has done a tremendous job getting this program back on track. Last year, we lamented all year about how their non-conference schedule was holding the team back from more NCAA Tournament consideration as their Strength of Schedule (SOS) was around 300. So to fix that problem this year, the Bulldogs scheduled well and have 3 Top 50 KenPom wins, most in the league. If they consistently play at a high level night in and night out, this team could end up jumping into the Top 3 of the league.

Auburn gets the Bulldogs twice this year and they’ll both be big games. Auburn sees them in 3 weeks at the Hump, a building where Auburn won for the first time since 2009 last season. The Tigers also host Mississippi State in the second to last home game of the year. This will be another big Saturday home contest for the Tigers.

#5 LSU Tigers (10-3)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 40

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Saint Mary’s (44)

Leading Scorers: Skylar Mays (13.5), Naz Reid (12.6), Tremont Waters (12.5)

Points Per Game: 80.7 (6th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70 (8th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 9 at LSU

LSU played some solid mid-majors at home in their non-conference schedule and they were the team to end Furman’s undefeated run. They have wins over the Paladins, UNC Greensboro and Memphis. While the Tigers were led by Tremont Waters in most categories last year, he has other guys helping him this year and his numbers are a bit down. But his defense is still there as he is the only person with more steals per game than Chuma Okeke. Each of LSU’s 4 freshmen have played and nicely contributed to this year’s squad including 6’10” Naz Reid who will be a handful for most of the league in the paint.

Last year, Auburn blew the doors off of LSU inside Auburn Arena in a game that was over in the first 5 minutes. LSU will look for revenge as Auburn comes to Baton Rouge on February 9th. Auburn has won their last 2 games in Baton Rouge and for the Bayou Bengals, this will be a huge game in regards to their NCAA Tournament hopes.

#6 Florida Gators (8-4)

This Week: Saturday vs. South Carolina

Current KenPom Ranking: 16

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Butler (37), West Virginia (51)

Leading Scorers: KeVaughn Allen (10.3), Noah Locke (9.4), Deaundrae Ballard (8.6)

Points Per Game: 71 (13th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 59.8 (1st in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 5 at Auburn

This team’s defense is good enough to play with anyone in the league, and if they can get their offense going, they’ll show why I thought they were one of the league’s sleepers going into the year. I had them 4th in the Preseason but a rough November had me questioning that. The Gators may have put it together in a 34 point win over Butler in their final non-conference game last Saturday. The Gators have balanced scoring as they have 8 guys averaging at least 6.6 points per game. One of the biggest mysteries this year is the disappearance of Jalen Hudson. After leading the Gators in scoring last year at 15.5 a game, he is averaging just 6.6 points this season. Hudson was a 40% 3-point shooter last year, but just 24.4% this year. If the Gators can get Hudson him going, this team will looked poised to stay in the top half of the SEC standings.

Auburn doesn’t go to the Swamp this year but gets a crack at the Gators in Auburn on February 5th. Auburn has lost 11 straight against Florida dating back to March 13, 2009. In fact, both of Auburn’s wins over Florida in this millennium have come in the SEC Tournament, the other win coming in 2000. You have to go back to 1999 when Auburn last beat Florida in the regular season.

#7 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3)

This Week: Saturday vs. #13 Kentucky

Current KenPom Ranking: 63

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Penn State (46), Arizona (53), Murray State (61)

Leading Scorers: Kira Lewis Jr. (15), Donta Hall (11.1), John Petty (11.1)

Points Per Game: 76.5 (10th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71.3 (LAST in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 2 at Auburn, March 5 at Alabama

While most fans wondered how they would replace Collin Sexton, 17 year old Kira Lewis Jr. has been that answer. He leads the team in scoring but has also made the guys around him better making this team poised to be better than anticipated. Donta Hall is a prime example of this. He’s Alabama’s go to guy in the paint and in 5 December games, he averaged 14.8 points and 10 rebounds a game. Granted, all 3 of their losses are against teams they should have beat but this teams has gotten better towards the end of conference play and get tested right out of the gate as Kentucky comes to Tuscaloosa to open SEC play.

As usual, the Tigers and Tide will play each other twice with Auburn getting the first hosting opportunity this year. Auburn’s last road game of the season is in Tuscaloosa and that game will also serve as Alabama’s last home game.

#8 Vanderbilt Commodores (9-3)

This Week: Saturday vs. Ole Miss

Current KenPom Ranking: 58

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Arizona State (50)

Leading Scorers: Simisola Shittu (14.4), Saben Lee (12.5), Matt Ryan (10.9)

Points Per Game: 82.9 (4th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.3 (Tied for 9th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 16 at Vanderbilt

Losing Darius Garland to a torn ACL at the beginning of the year was a big blow for the Dores but Saben Lee and Simisola Shittu have stepped up to try and keep Vandy’s season on track. The Commodores are young but this team is lengthier, deeper and more talented than last year’s group. Despite Garland’s injury, Vandy has 9 guys playing at least 15 minutes a game. Depending on how league play goes, will have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament this year.

Auburn ended some long losing streaks last year on opponents home floors and this is another place Auburn will look to break the hex, the weirdness and bizarreness known as Memorial Gym. Auburn beat Vandy for the first time since 2007 last Spring and the Tigers will look to win at Vanderbilt for the first time since February 16, 2000. Ironically, this game is on February 16th this year.

#9 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3)

This Week: Saturday at Texas A&M

Current KenPom Ranking: 57

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Indiana (26)

Leading Scorers: Daniel Gafford (17.5), Isaiah Joe (15.8), Mason Jones (13.4)

Points Per Game: 81.8 (5th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.3 (Tied for 9th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: February 20 at Auburn

The Razorbacks have been somewhat of a pleasant surprise so far this season and their 3 losses are by a total of 6 points combined, granted two of those were on their home floor. The Razorbacks still go through Daniel Gafford, averaging 17.5 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. Freshmen Isaiah Joe has exceeded expectations so far, scoring in double figures in every game so far, including a 34 point performance. He along with Mason Jones is part of why the Razorbacks have outperformed their expectations so far.

No trip to Fayetteville for Auburn this year and the Tigers won’t see the Razorbacks until the latter part of February at Auburn Arena. This is the game before Auburn’s trip to Kentucky.

#10 Ole Miss Rebels (10-2)

This Week: Saturday at Vanderbilt

Current KenPom Ranking: 48

Top 75 KenPom Wins: Baylor (59)

Leading Scorers: Breein Tyree (17.3), Terence Davis (15.5), Devontae Shuler (10.3)

Points Per Game: 79.4 (8th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 66.1 (4th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 9 at Ole Miss, February 13 at Auburn

Kermit Davis is a helluva coach and he’s got Ole Miss playing better than most people expected. Their only losses are to Butler and Cincinnati and Breein Tyree has averaged 6.5 more points a game this year than last year. I picked this team to finish last in the preseason but now I think this team is capable of sneaking into the Top 10 of the conference.

Auburn gets to see Ole Miss right out of the gate next Wednesday in the Tigers conference opener. Ole Miss has one of the better backcourts in the league in Terence Davis and Breein Tyree so this game will not be a pushover for the Tigers.

#11 Missouri Tigers (9-3)

This Week: OFF

Current KenPom Ranking: 72

Top 75 KenPom Wins: UCF (38), Xavier (67)

Leading Scorers: Jordan Geist (13.9), Mark Smith (12), Jeremiah Tilmon (10.8)

Points Per Game: 69.1 (LAST in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 63.2 (2nd in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 30 at Auburn

Expectations for this team sunk when Jontay Porter had a season ending injury before the year started. They got a huge boost when Mark Smith was declared eligible after transferring from Illinois. They play a lot of lower scoring contests and have scored just 80 points on 1 occasion this year.

Auburn only meets Missouri once this year as Mizzou comes to Auburn on January 30th to start a 3 game homestand for Auburn.

#12 Georgia Bulldogs (8-4)

This Week: Saturday at #3 Tennessee

Current KenPom Ranking: 100

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: Rayshaun Hammonds (15), Nicolas Claxton (13.3), Tyree Crump (11.2)

Points Per Game: 79.2 (9th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71 (Tied for 12th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 12 at Auburn, February 27 at Georgia

Georgia had the daunting task of replacing Yante Maten this year but Tom Crean has come close to finding that guy in Nicolas Claxton. In addition to being Georgia’s second leading scorer, he’s also averaging 10.2 rebounds a game, tops in the SEC. The biggest Achilles heel on this team is turning the ball over. Georgia has 200 turnovers in their 12 games so far this season.

Auburn and Georgia meet twice annually and Tigers fans will see Georgia next Saturday in Auburn Arena before traveling to Athens at the end of February. Last year, Auburn beat Georgia twice in the same season for the first time since 1985-1986.

#13 Texas A&M Aggies (6-5)

This Week: Saturday vs. Arkansas

Current KenPom Ranking: 97

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: T.J. Starks (13.5), Savion Flagg (12), Christian Mekowulu (11)

Points Per Game: 75.5 (11th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 71 (Tied for 12th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 16 at Texas A&M

It’s been a tough go for the Aggies this year as they started the year 1-4 before winning 5 of their last 6 non-conference games. They lost Admon Gilder for the year early and don’t quite have the interior play they did last season in Robert Williams and Tyler Davis. T.J. Starks leads the way for A&M and he scored 23 points last year in their meeting with Auburn.

Auburn will look to avenge its only home loss last season when the Tigers head to College Station on January 16th. Auburn last beat Texas A&M in the 2015 SEC Tournament when K.T. Harrell led a 13th seeded Tigers squad all the way to the semifinals. Since the Aggies joined the SEC, Auburn has beaten Texas A&M just once, in College Station, in 2014.

#14 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-7)

This Week: Saturday at Florida

Current KenPom Ranking: 125

Top 75 KenPom Wins: None

Leading Scorers: A.J. Lawson (13.8), Chris Silva (12.8), Hassani Gravett (9.9)

Points Per Game: 74.1 (12th in SEC)

Points Allowed Per Game: 70.4 (11th in SEC)

When do they play Auburn: January 22 at South Carolina

Is Frank Martin on the hot seat in Columbia? After expectations soared upon reaching the Final Four in 2017, the Gamecocks have struggled mightily since Sindarius Thornwell graduated. This year, the Gamecocks have played a brutal schedule including games against Virginia, Clemson, and at Michigan.

Auburn will look to win at a place that’s given them fits over the last few years, especially last year. This game’s at a dangerous spot on the schedule considering the game is the Tuesday right after the Kentucky home game.

If you made it here, congratulations and thanks for reading! As we get into the New Year, I’m hoping to bring you guys the best basketball coverage possible. Until next week, War Eagle!

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