#will playmaker finally lose? find out in 2 weeks from now!

[maindeckdeathtoymonsters]

Bowman's new ace monster, Trident Hydradrive Lord.

[kuriboo]

Hugsaku 2021

Day 5 - Awkward Hugs | Dueling But The Final Blow Is A Hug 

I’ve been writing a continuous story with prompts for Yusaku. This part is getting close to the end of the story. If you’d like to read the whole thing, you can read my previous posts or read the whole thing on ao3; I’ll link the ao3 in the notes. The general story is this: Yusaku finds himself in Heartland with no memory of how he got there, and Yuma decides to help Yusaku figure out how to get home.

As you can guess by the prompts I used, there’s a duel in this one. Probably most of this is actually the duel, and the duel made this pretty long compared to the other days I wrote. I probably actually spent two or three weeks working on just this part because of the duel. I’ve held onto 40 different screenshots to plan out this duel, I had to watch a specific episode of Zexal twice and track down part of an episode of Vrains that I rewatched a bunch of times. I also had to rewrite this duel probably around twice because I used the wrong cards and misread card effects. All the work paid off, though. The duel should all be correct now, and this was one of my favorite parts to write.

⁂

The four of them were doing research together in a park when another one appeared.

It was Tori who had taken the books out from the library. Given she was the biggest reader out of herself, Bronk, and Yuma, she was the only one with a library card. She brought the books to the park and the three of them, alongside Yusaku, read through them.

All the books looked like they discussed the idea that other worlds existed out there somewhere. Their hope was that they discussed how to get to those worlds so they could find a clue.

To help Astral remember his past. To help Yusaku get home.

A lot of books on the subject weren’t really intended for a younger audience. Yusaku seemed to be having an easier time reading through his book than everyone else was. Everyone else other than maybe Yuma, who was cheating and having Astral read his book for him. It wasn’t that Yusaku was overly interested in the subject, Astral was definitely more interested than he was. But Yusaku had read through lengthier, more complicated material to learn the knowledge he needed to see his revenge through. He was used to this.

The book was deep in an explanation of the possibility of other dimensions and what they could be like when they all heard the commotion.

That’s when they chased after its source, and that’s when they found another Number.

Yuma took the Number on, of course. His opponent didn’t take long to summon the Number. Rank 2, 100 Attack. This Number didn’t seem that threatening on the surface, but Yusaku knew better. XYZ Monsters were always more than just their stats. That’s what they had Overlay Units for, and this Number still had all of its own.

Yuma summoned Utopia on his next turn. Immediately after, he entered the battle phase. His victory seemed assured in his eyes, but Yusaku wasn’t so sure about that.

Neither were Yuma’s friends. Bronk, Tori, and Astral each yelled out their own warnings, but Yuma ignored them all. He declared an attack with Utopia against the other Number and…

The monster was destroyed, the other duelist’s life points dropped to 0, and the duel was over.

Yusaku blinked. Surely that Number had an effect. An effect that probably could’ve saved it, he guessed. Why didn’t the other duelist activate it? Why did they let themself lose?

Bronk confronted Yuma about his reckless play, but Yuma didn’t want to hear it. Apparently, as long as he won, he didn’t care about the possibility that his plan went horribly wrong. Yusaku sucked in a deep breath. He was definitely on Bronk’s side on this one, but he also still had to live with Yuma. Joining the argument would just make life more annoying. 

Eventually, Yuma and Bronk’s yelling reached a boiling point. The two of them turned around and left in opposite directions, leaving Tori and Yusaku by themselves.

“I don’t know how he doesn’t understand how dangerous that move was,” Yusaku muttered.

“Yuma never thinks things through like that. I mean, he focuses more on the victory he sees in front of him than the possible obstacles in the way. It helps boost his confidence; if he worried about the roadblocks too much, he’d give up every time. Plus, if that Number used an effect, Yuma could’ve saved himself with Utopia’s ability to negate the attack. Anyway, it doesn’t matter anymore. The duel’s over. We can’t let their friendship end like this,” Tori fretted. “Bronk and Yuma have been best friends for a long time. I don’t know if we can get them to see eye to eye on this, but we have to do something…”

‘We’. Right. Yusaku wasn’t one to care about friendship and friends, but after everything Tori, Yuma, and Bronk had been doing to try to help him, he owed them. Besides, Yuma wasn’t like Yusaku. Yuma deserved to have good friends. But what could Yusaku do about it? It wasn’t like he had much experience with this kind of thing. 

What would Kolter do if Yusaku was stubborn like this? The two of them had a different kind of relationship than Bronk and Yuma, but… 

“You try to talk to Bronk. I’ll try to talk to Yuma. If their friendship should be stronger than this one argument, we’ll try to remind them of that. You know Yuma better than I do, so maybe you can get Bronk to see where Yuma’s coming from.” Yusaku had a feeling that would go better than him trying to convince Yuma to see Bronk’s point of view. “Maybe we can get them to talk after they’ve cooled down a bit.”

If it didn’t work out, though, then it didn’t work out. If they were determined to be mad at each other, Yusaku didn’t know if he could stop them.

“Yeah…” Tori nodded. “I know they can work it out if we can get them to talk. Thanks, Yusaku.”

Yusaku shrugged. He didn’t feel like he was really doing much.

Tori ran after Bronk, while Yusaku headed back to Yuma’s house. Yuma had gone off in that direction, and Yusaku didn’t know where else he might go. If Yuma wasn't home, though, he’d have to go home eventually. Yusaku would be able to talk to him either way.

Luckily for him, though, Yuma was already at his home. As soon as Yusaku walked through the door, Yuma pulled Yusaku into his room to rant to him.

“Who cares if my attack in that duel didn’t work? It did, and that’s all that matters!” Yuma was still really worked up about this. “I know Bronk’s better at dueling me, but that doesn’t mean he has to put down my successes as much as my failures! I’m trying to get better, and he knows it because he’s been trying to help me. Doing a pretty lousy job of it right now, though.”

“Maybe you both have different dueling strategies,” Yusaku suggested. He was having trouble figuring out what to say, but he thought back to Tori’s words. “Sometimes it’s better to declare a reckless attack than to never do anything because you’re afraid of what could happen.” Yusaku knew from experience that that line of thinking would definitely lose you the duel. 

“Exactly! I have to attack if I want my opponent to lose life points! If you were in my situation, what would you have done?”

“I would’ve been thinking about what that Number’s special ability could be. I would’ve felt safer with Utopia than most other monsters in that situation, since Utopia can negate the attack if it looks like it’s going to go back. But it’s always possible the opponent had an effect that would’ve prevented Utopia from using its effect, so I would’ve been cautious. I definitely would’ve wanted a Spell or Trap card backing me up. There’s a possibility I could’ve declared an attack, but I’m not sure.”

“It’s not as black and white as Bronk made it seem, anyway. He doesn’t need to be so high and mighty about it!”

“I don’t think it’s that,” Yusaku said. Not fully, anyway, he didn’t know Bronk that well. But Bronk knew Yuma better than Yusaku did, which meant Bronk probably had stronger feelings about this than Yusaku. At the very least, Yusaku had Kolter’s reactions to help him out on this, whenever Yusaku’s grades slipped or he skipped a class or he skipped meals for Playmaker business. He’d already had this discussion with Kolter multiple times. Yusaku’s relationship with Kolter was still different from Yuma’s relationship with Bronk, though. “I won’t say I know how he’s thinking without any doubts, but…he’s pointing it out because he cares about you. He was worried about you. Not because he thinks you’ll give up if you lose, but these duels involving Numbers are different from duels against your friends. You want to get all the Numbers to help Astral, and Bronk wants you to succeed because he cares about you so��� He wanted you to win, and he was afraid you might not. He’s afraid that this could happen again and not work out for you. Or, uh, something like that, I think.”

“He’s not just trying to be mean?”

“I don’t think so. I don’t think friends are like that.”

Yuma sighed. “I was feeling the flow in that duel. Felt like I could do anything and it couldn’t go wrong. All I could think about was how I was gonna win. When I feel like that, sometimes it feels bad when everyone around me’s not supporting me.”

“You don’t always think ahead as much as other people tend to do. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It can be good to be in the moment and to enjoy the moment while you’re in it.” At the very least, Yusaku did miss that.

“I don’t wanna lose Bronk, but I don’t know what to do…”

“Talk to him. Communication is important in any kind of relationship working out. Figure out where you’re going from here. He probably doesn’t want to lose you, either.”

Yuma agreed to it, and later Bronk agreed to it, and they met up again after school. Tori went with them, while Yusaku met the group there. 

However, it didn’t go well. The meeting turned into more fighting and arguing, and Bronk pushed Yusaku away from him. When he did so, he accidentally disconnected the key hanging around Yuma’s neck from its rope. The key went flying, landing near Yusaku. Yusaku bent down and picked the key up, not sure what else to do in this situation.

Astral was present for this meeting, floating silently next to Yuma. Since the most recent duel against the Number, he’d kept to himself and stayed fairly quiet. But now he was staring at the ground next to him, no longer absorbed in his thoughts. “Yuma, what is that?”

Yuma looked down as well and yelped when he saw it. Black slime was creating a puddle around Yuma, oozing around his shoes. Yusaku looked around the slime for its source; it appeared to be dripping out of Yuma’s deck. That was strange, considering Yuma did not coat his cards in black slime. Everyone else noticed this at the same time as Yuma before focusing their attention back to the slime on the ground. Now it was flowing towards Astral. Astral screamed in pain as it began to envelope him.

“Astral!!” Yuma reached a hand towards Astral, but didn’t make contact.

“Number 96… It is trying to take control of me!” Astral’s body started to turn dark as more of the slime reached him. He opened his eyes and looked towards Yuma. “Yuma… give Yusaku… card…”

Yuma blinked. “What card? Why?”

“Just do it!”

Yuma reached into his deck and pulled out a couple of cards. Briefly, he looked at them as if deciding which one to pick. Then he tossed them to Yusaku, who caught them easily.

Yusaku glanced over the cards Yuma had just given him. One of them he recognized as Utopia. Another he recognized as.... the card he’d found when he first arrived in Heartland…

Were these the cards Astral wanted Yuma to give him? Why did Astral want Yusaku to have these?

Then Yusaku heard laughter, and he looked up from his cards. Astral had been completely overtaken by whatever that darkness was; even his eye that was normally all white was now all black. His lower body turned into long tentacles that curled around Yuma’s arms and torso. Yuma was lifted in the air. 

Yums screamed. “Who are you? Let me go! Let Astral go!!!”

“I am the strongest Number of them all. When you dropped your key, you allowed me to escape.” Not-Astral was smiling coldly. The strongest Number? Astral had mentioned a Number when this started happening. Was this Number 96? “Now onto step two: acquiring Number 39, Utopia!” He glared at Yusaku. Yusaku took a step back. 96 already knew Yusaku had Utopia, then? “You will give him back to me.”

96 stretched his arm forward towards Yusaku, intending to grab the card out of his hand. Yusaku held the cards close to him to make them harder to grasp. 96’s hand came closer but something stopped it before his hand could get close enough. As if an invisible wall was protecting Yusaku. Yuma’s key, still in Yusaku’s other hand, glinted in the light. Did the key protect him?

This all started when the key was separated from Yuma… Was that how 96 had been able to gain control of Astral?

“No matter.” 96 pulled his arm back until it was at its normal length. “If I can’t get it back by force, then I’ll get it back with a duel. All this is is delayed satisfaction.”

Yusaku snorted. Bold of this Number to assume Yusaku would lose. “I’ll take you on to free Astral and Yuma.” Yusaku only dueled when he had to, so luckily for 96, his hand had already been forced. He glanced over at Bronk and Tori. “Stay out of this. I’ll get them back.” 

Thankfully Yusaku was able to keep cool under the pressure. Link Vrains had given him experience dealing with people who seemed menacing and talked a big game. Tori and Bronk weren’t so lucky. They were both clearly worried and panicked. The two of them nodded and moved to be more on the sidelines. Their eyes barely left Yuma, still trapped in the air.

“Excellent.” Number 96 lowered Yuma to the ground. Yuma then proceeded to put on his duel gazer and draw his starting hand. “Oh, and by the way… Yuma will be dueling for me. Not his mind, but his body, so be careful..”

Yuma stared at Yusaku. Yuma was definitely scared, Yusaku could tell, but he knew Yuma wouldn’t lose his determination, either. “Can you duel?” Yuma asked. “You don’t even have a duel gazer…”

“I can duel without it.” Yusaku drew his starting hand as well, after sliding his cards from Yuma into his extra deck. It wasn’t like he could use his Link Monsters, anyway. “I have my deck, and that’s all I need.”

It’s all he ever needed. All the other students at his school had fancier duel disks and everything, but this duel disk that Yusaku had had for years still worked fine. The rest of his apartment had older tech anyway, from his phone to his kitchen appliances. It fit the aesthetic, as if that mattered.

“I’ll go first,” Yusaku announced before looking down at his hand. When he did, he could feel his stomach drop.

Maybe he should’ve asked to borrow Bronk’s deck, or something like that. For just a moment, he’d managed to forget the way his deck was built. It wasn’t just that he couldn’t use Link Monsters. A lot of his cards worked well with Link Monsters, many of them even having effects that required him to have one on his field. He wouldn’t be able to use some of his cards at all. He could win like this, right?

“What’s wrong? Ready to give up already?” Number 96 taunted.

Yusaku shook himself out of it. He could still win. Of course he could win. He couldn’t lose. Especially not now. “Because I have no monsters on my field, I can special summon Linkslayer from my hand.” He normally could start to pull combos in his first turn, but these conditions made it more difficult. “I place two cards face-down and end my turn.”

“A weak start.” Number 96 chuckled. “My turn now.” Yuma drew a card, grimacing. “First, I will place two cards face-down. Next, I am summoning Acorno. I can summon this card by sending one card in my hand to the graveyard. And, you see, since the card I sent to the grave is Pinecono, it sprouts back up right on the field. Next I summon forth Darklon. And now, since Darklon was summoned, all my monsters increase their level by 1. But, I am not done yet. Next, I am overlaying these 3 level 2s to XYZ summon a copy of myself. Number 96: Dark Mist!”

A Number card already? 96 didn’t like to waste time. 

“Wait, how is that thing Dark Mist?” Tori asked. “It’s completely different from before.”

Yusaku didn’t notice any difference, but that was because he couldn’t see Dark Mist at all without the Augmented Reality system. That seemed to be working in his favor right now: Bronk, Tori, and Yuma seemed far more intimidated than him by the newly summoned monster.

“That is because this is Dark Mist’s true appearance. And now, Dark Mist, attack Linkslayer!”

Yusaku frowned. Dark Mist only had 100 Attack, but 96 was still declaring battle. 96 must have something up his sleeve; Yusaku knew there was more to Dark Mist than first appeared.

“I activate Dark Mist’s special ability. By using 1 overlay unit, Dark Mist can steal half of your monster’s Attack points in order to power itself up.”

“So as long as Dark Mist has overlay units, it’ll always be stronger than any of my monsters.” Yusaku grit his teeth. This wasn’t good.

“You catch on quickly!” 96 grinned back at Yusaku. “Now, let him have it.”

Dark Mist started to unleash its attack on Linkslayer, but luckily Yusaku was prepared for an attack, even if he wasn’t sure how. “I activate my trap: Three Strikes Barrier. Linkslayer isn’t destroyed.”

“But you still take the damage! Now, I end my turn,” 96 finished. 

Yusaku drew his next card. “Since Linkslayer’s Attack is different from its original Attack, I play Cyberse Cache and draw 2 cards.” Perfect. “Now I activate Linkslayer’s special ability. By sending two cards to the graveyard, I destroy your two face-downs.” Destroying the cards themselves wasn’t too important to Yusaku’s plan, but it was a bonus. “I summon ROM Cloudia. ROM Cloudia allows me to add Latency to my hand from my graveyard. And since Latency was added to my hand from my graveyard, I can summon it right away.” Latency went to the field on defense. 

Yusaku stared at the cards on his field. Dark Mist should have 1100 attack right now. Linkslayer couldn’t beat that, but ROM Cloudia was a different story. “Now, ROM Cloudia attacks Dark Mist.”

“I use another overlay unit to use Dark Mist’s attack again!” 96 smirked at Yusaku.

“So you can use that effect during my turn as well,” Yusaku mused.

96 laughed. “Perhaps now you see. For every move you make, I can make one better.”

At least Yusaku knew for sure now. “From my hand, I activate Security Block. Neither of us take damage, and ROM Cloudia isn’t destroyed.”

Dark Mist should now be up to 2000 Attack. This wasn’t looking good, but Yusaku could work with that. “I place one card face-down and end my turn.”

“Stay tough, you hear me?” Yuma called out to Yusaku. 

Yusaku nodded. He had a plan in mind by now, since he was sure how Dark Mist’s ability worked. He wasn’t coming out of this duel with anything but a win. 

Now it was 96’s turn. He looked over the card he drew, and smiled. “Let’s have a do-over. Black Mist, attack ROM Cloudia. Black Mist’s ability activates once again!”

That brought Black Mist up to 2450, if Yusaku’s math was correct. Yusaku frowned. Why was Number 96 so fixated on ROM Cloudia? He couldn’t save ROM Cloudia this time, but he’d already…

96 laughed. “It’s pointless to keep fighting.” He turned to Yuma. “Do you have any insights into what he’s planning?”

“I wouldn’t tell you even if I knew, but I’ve never seen Yusaku duel.” Yuma shrugged. “I’ve never seen his cards, either. It’s all as new to me as it is to you. I’m on the edge of my seat, I can’t wait to see how Yusaku pulls off a victory!”

“He won’t. Not like this,” 96 muttered.

Yusaku looked over his cards. He could make this work. Everything was coming together. “I summon Draconnet. And using its ability, I can summon Dotscaper from my deck.”

“I hope you’re planning something with all these monsters,” Bronk commented.

“I always have a plan.” Normally, it’d be a Link Summon, but this time Yusaku had something different up his sleeve. “I overlay level 1 Latency and Dotscaper.” Yusaku held both his hands out, palms forward, and crossed them over each other. The number 13 appeared, glowing, on his right palm. “Appear, Rank 1, Number 13: Embodiment of Crime!”

As the Embodiment of Crime took the field, Yusaku felt the same feeling he did when he first picked up this card when he arrived in Heartland. Revenge. An overwhelming desire to lash out, get revenge against the people that hurt Yusaku and the people he cared about. It threatened to consume him, just as before. But this time he could direct it. Number 96 had hurt Yuma, taken him hostage, and like this Yusaku could clearly see how much he cared about Yuma. He could direct it at 96 and still do exactly what he intended to do before he had been given any Numbers.

Yusaku had been fueled by his revenge before, and now once more he would direct it to achieve his goals. He still felt that strong desire, but it stopped trying to overtake him as he committed himself. 

Number 96’s eyes widened. “That’s not Rank 4… That’s not… Utopia… What is this?”

“You thought I was trying to summon Utopia?” Yusaku rolled his eyes. Did he look like Yuma, always trying to win his duels with Utopia? “If it was convenient, maybe. But I’m not done. Embodiment of Chaos uses one overlay unit to change all your monsters to Attack mode.”

“Black Mist is already in Attack mode,” 96 pointed out. “I’m starting to wonder if you should have placed your hopes in someone else, Yuma. Someone whose deck you were familiar with and you knew could win, perhaps?”

“I know Yusaku can win. I don’t need to know his deck to know that.”

“And I’m still not finished. Since Dotscaper was the overlay unit I used, its ability activates, allowing me to Special Summon it,” Yusaku went on. “Next, I play Cynet Defrag. I Special Summon Protron from my graveyard. Once again, I overlay both my level 1 monsters to XYZ Summon Number 31: Embodiment of Punishment!” 

This time, during Yusaku’s XYZ Summon, the number 31 glowed on his left palm. 

“Another Rank 1 monster with only a seemingly worthless ability to help you,” Number 96 mused. “If you want to win, your next move better be good.”

“I end my turn,” Yusaku said.

“You pulled off two XYZ Summons and you aren’t even gonna attack?” Yuma puffed his cheeks.

“Why would he? Check you math, Yuma, Embodiments of Crime and Punishment both have only 500 Attack,” Tori pointed out.

“Why summon monsters with almost no Attack??”

As confused as Yuma was, Yusaku wasn’t going to explain anything. Not until Number 96 entered the Battle Phase, anyway. 96 was cautious about the new Number, but Yuma wasn’t about to let him get away without battling.

“I use one overlay unit to activate Embodiment of Punishment’s effect. Dark Mist is forced to attack Embodiment of Punishment. As long as Embodiment of Crime is on the field, Embodiment of Punishment isn’t destroyed as long as it still has one overlay unit, and you take the damage I would take!”

“I do not like this,” 96 said. Even if Black Mist had an overlay unit left, it would only make the situation worse for him.

“Well, you’re going to positively hate what’s coming next. Do you feel it, Yusaku? I sure do!” Yuma yelled.

Black Mist had 2,450 Attack. Embodiment of Punishment had 500, leaving 96 to take 1,950 points of damage, and all the monsters on Yusaku’s field had enough Attack to take out the rest of 96’s Life Points.

96 scowled. “I suppose I have no choice but to end my turn.”

From there, the duel was practically over. All he needed was Cyberse Wizard’s effect, and his monsters took care of the rest.

And as they attacked, he ran forward. He ran towards Yuma. Once he was within reach, Yusaku threw his arms around Yuma. After a moment, Yuma hugged him back. And while they stood there and hugged, Yusaku tied the key’s rope together around Yuma’s neck, allowing him to wear the key just like he had before. 

The hug had started out awkward. Yusaku couldn’t remember the last time he gave a hug, he only ever remembered receiving them, and the way he’d wrapped his arms around Yuma definitely didn’t seem how it felt whenever Yuma had hugged him. Not to mention the difference in their heights. But Yuma did hug him back. And hugged him back. He didn’t let Yusaku go for what seemed like a long time. From behind him, Yusaku could hear Tori and Bronk running towards them as well. Resigning himself to his fate, Yusaku braced himself for a group hug. 

Once the key was securely around Yuma’s neck once more, Astral reappeared beside them. He reabsorbed Number 96, and obtained Black Mist once more.

“Only friends so close fight so much...” Astral mused to himself.

Only seconds later, Yusaku could feel himself being hugged by three people at once, and he was starting to regret some of his decisions.

Bronk and Yuma immediately started apologizing to each other for everything.

“I’m so glad everyone’s getting along again,” Tori sighed. “Of course, we have Yusaku to thank for that!”

“Yeah, that was awesome! I know you said you could duel, but you did so many cool moves, and you totally had a plan the whole time that you made work no matter what, and you saved me and Astral, and I wish I could watch you duel again!”

“Not interested.”

[darkzorua100]

Okay Vrains, you really put me through the ringer with how you decided to handle some events in season 2. Safe to say it could have been better but it could have been worse too. Still I needed that break from it because I really didn’t need to stress over a freaking children’s card game anime. The stupid things my brain decides to take priority over are just dumb. 

Anyway moving onto season 3 and right away I have one BIG question.

How did we go from this?

to this?!

HELLO?! EXCUSE ME?! Ai and Roboppy are going to be our more then likely final villains?! Well I guess we owe Ryoken another apology because yeah he was definitely right about something. 

On a complete unrelated note, is it bad that I lowkey find Ai’s human form attractive? I mean Ryoken/Revolver still top tier in the looks department but damn boy you definitely didn’t get your fashion sense from Yusaku I can tell you that much. I also can’t wait to see the Aiballshipping that’s going to come from this. Finally something more then tentacle porn to work with!

Okay just to point this out. It technically hasn’t been confirmed that these are Ai and Roboppy in human forms but it really is looking to be them. Besides the appearance details (the girl sharing Roboppy’s color scheme and eyes) and the boy sharing Ai’s (with the addition of the Ai themed earrings), the preview gives it away by the spoilers telling us that Ai and Roboppy are going to be paying Queen a visit but instead we see these two in the preview confronting Queen and we don’t have any new names on the cast list either but we know for a fact that these two are speaking from the preview. 

Now one of the things I’m wondering is how did they get human forms? We don’t know how long Ai and Roboppy have been missing since we don’t know the time skip between season 2 and 3 but even if it has been months such as the three month time skip from seasons 1 to 2, I don’t think he created these forms. One of the big things they introduce in today’s episode was that SOL has officially created androids they call SOLtiS (I’m now counting down the episodes until we get the Detroit: Become Human subplot).

It is kinda hard to notice in the shots that they gave us but if you look close enough you can see that the SOLtiS have the same throat device (I have no idea what to call it until we know what it is (my best guess is the power cell) as our two “new” characters. My best guess is that Ai and Roboppy broke into SOL to steal some bodies for whatever it is that they are planning and possibly to take over SOL to use their technology for again whatever it is they are planning to do (maybe to try and being back the other Ignis since we see them mourning the others (even Lightning) in the destroyed Cyberse World). On that note rip Queen. She is so freaking dead and Ai is going to become the King Chess Piece for all we know while Roboppy will become the Pawn.

So if their main goal is to bring back the other Ignis because of his guilt of not being able to save them, how is he going to do it? If Yusaku and Ai are actually going to clash because of this, like the new opening is suggesting and the fact that the spoilers told us that these two “new” characters are going to be our new threat that Team Playmaker is going to have to face off against, it has to be something bad that Yusaku isn’t going to allow to happen. Because why else would these two be against each other when they both share the same goal. Takeru and Aoi want Flame and Aqua to return and I bet that some part of Spectre would also want Earth to come back. So that’s why I think there is more to Ai and Roboppy going after SOL then meets the eye.

I’m starting to think they might actually try and recreate the Hanoi Project.

If they want to actually recreate the rest of the Ignis down to the last detail, the best way might just be to go back to the source, their Origins. They might actually go after Takeru, Jin, Miyu, Spectre, and Windy’s Kid and force them to go through their hell (or heaven in Spectre’s case) in order to bring back their corresponding Ignis using SOL’s technology. Obviously since Ai was created from Yusaku, he wouldn’t need to be apart of this but I think it is safe to save that Yusaku wouldn’t be a fan of this idea and that’s where the clash is going to happen.

But yeah I don’t see this new development as Ai just suddenly deciding to take over humanity because screw them for getting his friends killed (even though it was Lightning’s fault (blame him for everything) but more along the lines of him just being driven by guilt and him trying his best to set things right. I don’t think he wants to fights Playmaker, especially after everything they been through together, but will if he has too. On that note, I’m very much looking forward to that match because if Yusaku wasn’t heartbroken before when he had to face Revolver at the end of season 1 and during his duel with Kusanagi in season 2, THIS is what’s going to break him and if he EVER is going to lose to someone, it is going to be Ai. For one, he can actually LOSE this time since I don’t think Ai will actually kill him and two Ai, besides Kusanagi, knows Yusaku better then anyone. The Ignis was based on him after all and has grown alongside his human since the very beginning. I also very much hope we get a Ai vs Revolver match up now just so Revolver can say “I told you so” and for Ai to get some more sweet sweet revenge. Biting his arm off wasn’t good enough, let’s go for the whole thing this time around!

But yeah, season 3 is off to an interesting start. Next week’s episode is going to be when we find out where the lines are drawn and to get an idea of what Ai is trying to do. The opening seems to hint at that Ai might have went a little crazy based on his facial expressions and if that’s the case I’m going to blame that on Lightning. When Ai took in his power he also took in some of his craziness. Getting some flashbacks to season 3 of GX now along with the Duel Terminal storyline with how the Vylons went mad. I’m all for crazy Ai though. That just sounds like fun. 

[nightfurylover31]

Wrap up of VRAINS season 2

After over a year, it’s finally over. Bohman has been defeated, and his threat is no more. The episode ends on a sullen note. It seems as though too much was lost. However, as seen in the preview, it looks like everyone who was trapped inside the Neuron Link is going to be restored. That sound like good news for Kusanagi, Takeru, and everyone else in the fight. That is, except the Ignis. Which leads to my thoughts fro next season. 

What is Ai’s future? 

It feel like this last episode has focussed more on him. He thought well enough ahead to create a backup program for himself, but he couldn’t save his friends. The preview said he was grief stricken, and there are many ways on how that could turn out for him. He is now the last Ignis. 

The original plan was for the Ignis to create a world away from the network so they couldn’t be bothered by humans who would abuse them, but that doesn’t seem like an option now. It would be condemning Ai to a life of isolation, and I don’t think Yusaku would to that to him. Not when they are finally starting to connect.  

Also, now we can get a better idea of what separates him from the other Ignis. It does seem like Ai truly is the most powerful of them, even if he doesn’t realize this himself. There is something about him that can influence the others. His instincts led to the others developing their own unique personalities by observing him while he goofed off in Cyberse World. And again here. He refused to abandon his friends, and he knew that he needed their help to stop Bohman. So they gave him the last of their power. He inspired them. 

In the summary for next week, it says Ai did not return. However, he is clearly with Playmaker at the end. So maybe he doesn’t return to the real world when Yusaku logs out. But where has he gone? Did he run away? Was knowing the humans came back but not the Ignis too hard for him to take in? This seems like it will take a new turn. 

The way Lightning and Bohman talk to Ai is also concerning. 

Lightning says Ai still doesn’t know the real truth they, the Ignis, are trying to reach. What truth is that? It’s hard to say what he means. Lightning is twisted and overly controlling, thus his plan to fuse the Ignis together. Ai is more free spirited in doing what he wants rather than following orders. Lightning could be talking about what he said to him before back when he first tried to convince Ai to join him. That humans will try to destroy Ai unless he does something. As Lightning said, Ai must now choose which path he must take, now that Bohman is defeated. A path that will decide his future. 

And what did Bohman mean by closing the Ignis’s future? They didn’t really have one trapped inside you, jerk face! Or did he mean something that will happen in the future? SOL Tech has been very quiet these last few episodes, and we know Queen will do anything to get what she wants. She wants the Ignis. And in a few weeks, Ai is going to confront her. What will that lead to? 

There is something else that worries me. When Ai explains his backup data, he said the odds of rebuilding his program were very low due to his free will. He seems the same, but what if he isn’t? What if there’s something that’s different. It could lead to a whole new conflict or change. 

And what about the Knights of Hanoi?? Their goal was to eliminate the Ignis. Only one is left. However, Ai was key in stopping Bohman and saving the world. And Revolver knows it was only Lightning that was the true cause of this Ignis uprising. Will they let this one lone AI be, or will they come back to finish the job. 

There are so many things that could happen next season, I don’t know what to expect. I hope they do find away to bring the other Ignis back, although Lightning is going to have to go through some major reprogramming for a redemption. And if that is the case, I believe Ai would be made their new leader. He became their last hope, and fought hard to protect them. Not just against Bohman, but right at the beginning of the show. In his own way, he’d be a good leader.

But for now, Ai will have to deal with the grief he bears. This season started with him losing his home world. Now it ends with him losing his friends. The only thing he truly has left is his partner, Yusaku. And hopefully, he’ll be there for support. Ai needs him now more than ever. 

[justsportsgalore]

The Texans' season continues for at least another week with a jumble of small-world coincidences. After an easy 20-3 victory over the offensively inept Jacksonville Jaguars this afternoon, built upon another impressive game of pitch-and-catch between Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans are a Blaine Gabbert miracle away from hosting the former Houston Oilers in a playoff game at NRG Stadium next weekend.

"It's a new season," Watson said. "It's do or die now. The tournament is wide open. It's my first playoffs. I'm excited to see how things go."

Hopkins pulled down 12 passes for 147 yards as Watson became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards with 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 500 yards and five touchdowns in a single season. The second-year pro, who scored on a 5-yard keeper in the second quarter, is also the only Texans quarterback other than Matt Schaub to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.

Watson led the Texans in rushing for the fourth consecutive game, gaining a season-best 66 yards on 13 carries. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 234 yards but got sacked six times, upping his season total to 62. The last quarterback to suffer as many as 60 was the Lions' Jon Kitna in 2006. At least Watson didn't come close to threatening David Carr's NFL record of 76, set in the Texans' inaugural 2002 season.

"No doubt about it," O'Brien said when asked if he was concerned about how frequently Watson is being dumped. "We've got to figure it out. He's getting hit too much."

Is he also carrying too much of the rushing load? On that topic, O'Brien got testy.

"I don't want to get into all the schematics of what we did," he said, adding, in a nod to the Jaguars' still-formidable secondary, "It was hard to throw the ball today."

Watson insisted he would "rather throw the ball, but if I have the ball in my hands... I'm a playmaker. I feel I'm the best player on the team. I'm just trying to move the chains, making the best decisions for the team, helping the team being successful."

Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey almost pulled down a fourth-quarter interception at Watson's expense, but a quick official's replay overrule turned it into an incompletion, so Watson would go his last six games and nine of the final 10 without suffering a pick.

With Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota injured, Gabbert starts tonight for the Titans against the Colts in Indianapolis. The anticipated victory by the Colts – it would be their ninth in 10 games after a 1-5 start – will bring Andrew Luck back to Houston for his first postseason appearance in the city where he starred at Stratford high school. Luck's father Oliver, of course, was an Oilers quarterback in the early 1980s.

Gabbert, once the Jaguars' future hope after being drafted in the first round in 2011, can't be completely dismissed as a threat to the Colts. He does have a victory over the Texans, whose 20-17 Week 2 loss at Tennessee – with Mariota hurt then, too – followed an opening-day defeat 27-20 at New England and preceded a 27-22 home loss to the Giants.

But the Texans went on to finish 11-5, the second best record in franchise history to their 12-4 under Gary Kubiak in 2012, and they became just the sixth team to advance to the NFL's postseason after losing three in a row to start a year. The last one to do it was Buffalo in 1998. Those Bills were coached by Wade Phillips, a onetime Oilers assistant and the Texans' defensive coordinator from 2011-13.

Phillips' tenure ended with an 0-3 record as interim head coach after Kubiak got fired in the midst of the 14-game losing streak that led to O'Brien being hired. O'Brien has taken the Texans to the playoffs three times in his five seasons with a Wild Card round victory in 2016.

"It means a lot," O'Brien said of the Texans' impressive run to the playoffs. "These guys have worked hard, especially the way we started. It's a testament to the players in the locker room. Give the credit to the players."

J.J. Watt, responding to a question about the Texans' fifth AFC South title in his eight seasons here, replied, "I've got bigger goals. We've got bigger goals."

As anticipated, the Patriots routed the Jets today to also go 11-5 and secure the coveted first-round postseason bye the Texans had in their sights until they lost on a last-second field goal in Philadelphia last weekend.

The Texans' turnaround began with a 37-34 overtime victory over the Colts Sept. 30, the first of a franchise-record nine consecutive victories that ended with a 24-21 Indianapolis win at NRG Stadium Dec. 9.

The Jaguars, who were a play or two away from reaching the Super Bowl in 2017, slumped to 5-11. They managed only a single first down and 37 yards in the first half as the Texans built a 17-3 lead. If Jacksonville's current quarterback Blake Bortles, who got benched twice this fall, had hoped to use the game to enhance his chances of finding a new team next season, the Texans were disinclined to do him any favors.

The Jaguars wound up with only 119 yards and just six first downs to show for their 12 possessions. But they led 3-0 early on before the Texans found their groove. A muffed punt by DeAndre Carter and Blair Brown's recovery gave the Jaguars the ball at the Texans' 10, leading to Kai Forbath's 25-yard field goal with 10:11 left in the first quarter.

The Texans, with Hopkins catching Watson passes for 8, 9 and 26 yards on consecutive plays, countered straight away with a 23-yard Kai'mi Fairbairn field goal.

"Hop's hard to defend," O'Brien said. "He's a big guy with great hands. He's a competitor. He always want the ball. He's a great football player."

Andre Johnson, the Texans' all-time leading receiver – for now – joined Hopkins, whom he mentored during his rookie season, on the postgame interview podium and said, "He's arguably the best receiver in the NFL. I'll line him up against anybody."

After the Texans got a first-and-goal at the Jacksonville 5 following Lamar Miller's 14-yard gain, Watson carried on three consecutive plays, the second of which appeared to result in a touchdown thanks to a superb second effort after he'd seemingly been stopped. But the replay showed his knee had hit the ground before he'd reached across the goal line with the ball.

Chances are he would have kept it again on fourth-and-1 at the 1, too, but Miller twitched, moving the Texans back 5 yards and presenting Fairbairn with his inevitable opportunity to kick his 36th field goal, breaking Nick Novak's team record set in 2016.

Fairbairn added his 37th in the fourth quarter from 24 yards out, extending his consecutive streak to 15 – he's 21-for-21 inside 40 yards – and giving him 150 points for the season to easily win the NFL's scoring championship.

Andre Hal, who had begun the season inactive while he continued treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma, intercepted his third pass in the fourth quarter to make sure the Jaguars would be held without a touchdown, a first for the Texans' defense.

They held Jacksonville to 10 points this season after the Jaguars outscored them 74-14 in 2017, a season that ended with Watson on injured reserve recovering from a torn ACL suffered in early November and the Texans on a six-game losing streak.

"That's everybody doing their job," defensive end J.J. Watt said of the Texans' defensive tenacity. "It's hard to hold a team to 119 yards in the NFL. A helluva performance."

That's the second-fewest yards Jacksonville has ever totaled in a game. Watt was also part of the lowest, the 117 they gained in 2012.

Watt, who missed most of the last two seasons because of serious back and leg injuries that required multiple surgeries to repair, finished the game with a new brace on his right arm, having wrenched it on the play on which he forced a team-record seventh fumble. He said an X-ray proved negative, but he will "get it looked at again" Monday.

"It's the playoffs," Watt added. "I'll play if I have to cut it off."

[junker-town]

The biggest NBA trade rumors and deals ahead of 2021 deadline

Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

From Kyle Lowry to Lonzo Ball, we have every big rumor and completed deal ahead of the 2021 trade deadline.

The 2021 NBA trade deadline is here, and a new playoff format has more teams than ever thinking they can break into the postseason picture. The league will host a play-in tournament for the final two seeds in each conference involving teams that finish the regular season at No. 7, No. 8, No. 9, and No. 10 in the East and the West. The trade deadline represents for the final chance for playoff hopefuls to bolster their roster ahead of the postseason.

There are several big names expected to be dealt on trade deadline day, including Kyle Lowry. The veteran point guard helped bring the Toronto Raptors a championship during his tremendous career with the club, but with Toronto falling out of the playoff picture, and Lowry on an expiring contract, a trade makes sense for both parties. The Lakers, 76ers, and Heat are the three biggest suitors.

Other notable names on the market this year include Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Magic forward Aaron Gordon, Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, Rockets guard Victor Oladipo, and likely buyout candidates LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Drummond.

We’ll be keeping track of every rumor and deal ahead of the the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 25.

NBA trade rumors 2021

Kyle Lowry, G, Toronto Raptors

The greatest Raptor of all-time turned 35 years old on trade deadline day and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s the biggest name on the trade block, and appears to have the Heat, Lakers, and 76ers seriously vying for him.

Miami Heat: The Heat have been considered the front-runners for the veteran point guard, but have reportedly been reluctant to include either Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson. A package could be built around last year’s first round pick Precious Achiuwa and veteran forward Kelly Olynyk. AP reporter Tim Reynolds said Miami is Lowry’s preferred destination as he heads into free agency next summer.

Los Angeles Lakers: Woj said “don’t rule out the Lakers” on his trade deadline special with Zach Lowe. Read Silver Screen and Roll for the latest on the Lakers’ interest in Lowry.

Los Angeles Clippers: The other LA team has “retained interest” in Lowry, according to The Ringer. Ivica Zubac, Lou Williams, and Patrick Beverley could be part of the package going back to Toronto, but this feels like a long shot, writes Clips Nation.

Philadelphia 76ers: Lowry is a Philly native who played his college ball at Villanova, which has fueled the rumors between the two parties all season. The Sixers are reportedly hesitant to include rookie guard Tyrese Maxey in the trade, but a package could be built around Matisse Thybulle and a first round pick, writes Liberty Ballers.

Aaron Gordon, F, Orlando Magic

The 25-year-old forward has been a productive player for the Magic, but has never seemed to reach his full potential in a crowded frontcourt. He’s requested a trade, and has one-year remaining on contract before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2022.

Boston Celtics: There’s pressure on the Celtics to use their big trade exception acquired from the Gordon Hayward deal to land an impact player like Gordon. Expect at least one, possibly two first round picks to be given up by the Celtics. Marcus Smart’s name also keeps appearing in trade rumors for Gordon.

Denver Nuggets: Denver can match salaries with Gary Harris or Will Barton, and include a young player like R.J. Hampton or Bol Bol. The Nuggets are looking for a replacement for Jerami Grant who departed as a free agent to Detroit over the offseason, and Gordon could fill their need for a big forward.

Harrison Barnes, F, Sacramento Kings

Barnes is under contract for two more seasons after this year at an average of $19 million. The 28-year-old forward is having one of the best seasons of his career with the Kings. Sacramento also believes Barnes could be a key piece in a playoff run for the team next season, and would need an enticing offer to trade him.

Boston Celtics: Boston’s trade exception could also be used to acquire Barnes. Second-year guard Romeo Langford and multiple first round picks could be exchanged.

Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets have also reportedly shown interest in acquiring Barnes, according to the Denver Post. Another combination of Harris or Barton, and Hampton or Bol could be on the table.

Lonzo Ball, G, New Orleans Pelicans

No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft could be on his way to his third team before the end of his rookie contract. The Pelicans have made Ball available before he heads into restricted free agency this summer, and the team could use getting rid of him as a way to shed extra salary from Steven Adams or Eric Bledsoe.

Chicago Bulls: Woj said the Bulls are the ‘team to watch’ with Ball. Chicago has its own restricted free agent-to-be in Lauri Markkanen that would make for a natural one-for-one swap. If Chicago includes Otto Porter Jr.’s expiring deal, it could take on the salary of Adams or Bledsoe. It would reportedly take more than just Markkanen for the Bulls to acquire Ball:

As of this AM, acquiring Lonzo Ball would take more than just an offer of Lauri Markkanen. Don’t know if sweetener would be first-round pick, as word around league was earlier this week, or expanding deal to take larger contract off Pels’ hands for expiring contract.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 25, 2021

Los Angeles Clippers: The Clips need playmaking and have explored routes to landing Ball, according Marc Stein of the New York Times. It would likely require a three-team trade to get Ball to the Clippers because of draft pick complications, per Stein.

Victor Oladipo, G, Houston Rockets

One of the best players reportedly on the block right now is Oladipo. Under normal circumstances the Rockets wouldn’t move one of their most promising players, but the writing is on the wall that Oladipo might leave for free agency in the Summer.

Considering he was the largest piece for Houston in trading away James Harden the team will be loathed to move him, but it will be far worse if the Rockets lose Oladipo and get nothing in return.

Miami Heat: Oladipo has shown a long-term interest in joining Miami according to Adrian Wojnarowski. This means the Heat might submit a lowball offer, knowing they could just wait until the summer to sign him — but something is better than nothing.

New York Knicks: Another team Oladipo has shown interest in is the resurgent Knicks. There’s young talent that could be sent Houston’s way, and getting a 20 point per game scorer would elevate New York for a potential playoff push.

Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are sitting 6th in the west and are in dire need of another elite player to solidify their playoff spot. Their interest would be as a rental, but this could be a higher offer right now than most teams would make.

Nikola Vucevic, C, Orlando Magic

Vucevic became an All-Star for the first time in his career this season at age 30, but he could be had on the trade market if the Magic get offered a massive package of young players and draft picks. Here’s the latest from Woj:

Sources: Orlando continues to listen to offers on All-Star Nikola Vucevic, but it would take a substantial package to pry him. As the Magic drill down on Aaron Gordon trades, an additional move w/ Vucevic for assets would set franchise toward more substantial long-term retooling.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021

Likely NBA buyout candidates

LaMarcus Aldridge, C, San Antonio Spurs

Aldridge has been away from San Antonio and the two sides have agreed to part ways. If the Spurs can’t find a trade partner for the veteran big man, he will likely become one of the top targets on the buyout market.

Miami Heat: Miami is reportedly the front-runner to land Aldridge on the buyout market, per ESPN. Aldridge met with Pat Riley and the Heat in free agency before eventually picking the Spurs.

Brooklyn Nets: The Nets seem to be targeting every top veteran on the buyout market. Aldridge could provide bench minutes as a stretch five in Brooklyn.

Andre Drummond, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Drummond has also been away from the Cavs as they’ve prioritized developing young big man Jarrett Allen. It’s more likely he’s on the buyout market than traded because of his expiring $28.7 million salary.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers need front court depth with Anthony Davis banged up, and it’s possible Drummond could slide into a big role in time for the playoffs.

Brooklyn Nets: The Nets would like another answer for Joel Embiid in the playoffs, and Drummond has the size to battle the MVP candidate down low.

Completed NBA trades at the 2021 deadline

We’ll keep track of every completed trade below.

The Pistons traded guard Delon Wright to the Kings for guard Corey Joseph and two second round picks.

The Nuggets have acquired JaVale McGee from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaiah Hartenstein and two second round picks.

We’ll update this story as it develops.

[jrsechelon]

Busy Ranking - Week 6

Updated Power Rankings

1. The Busy Killers (4/1/0) ↑ [Up 2 Spots] The Busy Killers keeps winning. Losing Delvin Cook this week hurts but this team has shown us they are resilient. They have held together with shaky play from Wentz and now with the recent signing of the 'Red Rifle' Andy Dalton, it looks like Wentz's days as the starter are numbered. This isn't about that though these are the Power Rankings and we're focused on The Busy Killers continued to dominate play each week. In a variety of ways, The Busy Killers are finding ways to pile up the points and shut down their opponents. Quietly this team has garnered the top spot and isn't being talked about too much. They've got a great coaching staff and scouts who are making waves in their locker room and through free agency. Bringing Gronk in was a big help last week, one that shouldn't be ignored. At the top of our Power Rankings, The Busy Killers have big wins against three above .500 teams and a 3/0/0 division record, they are on their way.

2. Evolution (4/1/0) ↑ [Up 2 Spots] In back-to-back weeks Evolution knocked off the last two remaining undefeated teams. Storming back against Hyrule Empire with the help of Aaron Rodgers's strong arm in Week 4 and with their elite defense in Week 5 against Black Hole Son they find themselves in the 2nd spot in our rankings. Evolution got revenge on Black Hole Son who defeated them in the Championship game last season, snapping Black Hole Sons' 17 game winning streak dating back to last season wasn't something that came easy. Evolution had to battle to the very last play of the game to get the win on a forced fumble recovery on the kickoff. Evolution may hold the 2nd spot but they had to battle from behind two weeks in a row, although that shows the will to never give up, they were shaky victories, and without a strong Week, 6 performance win or lose, Evolution could find themselves falling from the 2nd spot.

3. Black Hole Son (4/1/0) ↓ [Down 2 Spots] Black Hole Son finally fell from the top spot. Falling two spots to the 3rd place in our rankings isn't something they should worry too much about. They played a tough and tight game against Evolution but faltered in the final minutes. Losing Dak Prescott in the same week they suffer their first loss is what hurts this team more than even the loss. What will this team look like without Dak? Wednesday, they agreed on a trade with Evolution who sent Big Ben to Vegas in exchange for Hardman and draft picked between each team, Black Hole Son then sent Derek Carr to Balls Deep in a rare divisional trade for wide receiver Preston Williams. Black Hole Son has several questions now entering Week 6 but they still have a surefire thing in the backfield and as long as they can keep churning those first downs with their running backs, Ben shouldn't have to do too much.

4. Hyrule Empire (4/1/0) ↑ [Up 1 Spot] Hyrule Empire moved up to 4th after falling three spots last week and sitting at 5th. A big comeback victory late in the 4th quarter helped push Hyrule Empire to 4/1/0 on the season and gave them added confidence that they are for real. A majority of the focus is on Russell Wilson for this team and that's fair but let's not forget about this powerhouse defense who has done their part in helping Hryule Empire find themselves at 4/1/0 on the season. In a BIG Week 6 game, the defense will need a massively strong performance to maintain a top 5 ranking for Hyrule Empire.

5. Buds Bums (3/2/0) ↑ [Up 3 Spots] Wow! Buds Bums has found themselves in close affairs this year and has been able to pull out some tough games. The big win on Sunday against division rival LilShupeScoresBIGPoints was one they needed to make this division more difficult for LilShupeScoresBIGPoints to just run away with. Lamar Jackson and Todd Gurley are the bedrock of this team. The gameplan goes through them and that is where the points come from. If they can continue playing big boy football, Buds Bums will maintain a top 5 spot in our ranking week in and week out.

6. Rainelo Hawks (3/2/0) ↑ [Up 1 Spot] Rainelo Hawks held onto what should have been an easy win, instead, they narrowly escaped Balls Deep. Rainelo Hawks team isn't flashy, they don't scream contender, but they're atop their division and in a good spot. Last week Miles Sanders finally looked like himself, if he can continue that kind of play each week, Rainelo Hawks will soon be a contender with Kyler Murray and Sanders leading the charge.

7. LilShupeScoresBIGPoints (3/2/0) ↓ [Down 5 Spots]It was a punch to the gut for LilShupeScoresBIGPoints who suffered a division loss to Buds Bums. Josh Allen finally came back down to earth and entered the earth's atmosphere too fast. Allen didn't play well at all and it gave way to the loss. Higbee hasn't looked good the last two weeks and the lack of Julio Jones, their star playmaker showed last weekend. Luckily for them, Julio will be returning, Josh Allen won't make the same mistakes over and over, and they're bound to get Higbee involved sooner than later. LilShupeScoresBIGPoints may sit 7th but they won't be there long. This team is too good to not correct the mistakes they suffered last week.

8. The Canadian Cripplers (3/2/0) ↑ [Up 2 Spots] The Canadian Cripplers put it to PURPLEHAZE last week, pouring on the points. Brady didn't let up. The team is running on all cylinders in all phases of the ball. The start of our rankings this team was ranked one of the worst teams, they looked like they wouldn't stand a chance to be a middle of the road team. They've surpassed the expectations for them already and if Brady can keep playing to this level they'll continue to build on their success. A massive two-game winning streak against lowly teams was what this team needed to do as the true test comes this week in a division against with Aaron Rodgers and Evolution, who holds a 13/4/0 record all-time over these Canadian Cripplers.

9. VanillaGorillas (3/2/0) ↓ [Down 3 Spots]VanillaGorillas fans will yell that they are under The Canadian Cripplers after defeating them a few weeks ago but our rankings don't depend on who or who you haven't beaten. They depend on preformance and how a team shows up. VanillaGorillas dropped the ball last week, late, very late in the game. This defense allowed Hyrule Empire came back from a 24 point deficit. We say it every week, this team is young, they have a young core and there will be growing pains. This was one of those games they will look back on in the season and feel those growing pains.

10. Straight Edge Society (2/3/0) ↑ [Up 4 Spots]Is it me or does this team like to play on the edge? Every game they've played this year minus the Week 2 game has been a nail-biter. They are a fan of the dramatics I'd say. Their fans probably have heart-attacks every week. You better start taking an aspirin or two before sitting down to watch this team play. Straight Edge Society barely held on against Thunderbuddy4Life, a game they needed to turn their season around. They did it on the arm of Mahomes, the hands of Parker and Brown, and the legs of Gibson. The defense was able to hold down the fort in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter, stopping Thunderbuddy4Life from pulling out the dub. Straight Edge Society now at 2/3/0 and up four spots will look to continue their winning streak against the new franchise in Week 6.

11. Thunderbuddy4Life (2/3/0) ↓ [Down 2 Spots]Benching Ruggs, sitting Baker, disciplining Michael Thomas, and relying on Matt Ryan is all a recipe for failure. Thunderbuddy4Life did all of that and yet almost came away with the victory in Week 5. Down 2 spots they are looking to fix things in a big way. Justin Jackson looks like a massive steal through the waiver wire, and what's better than a two-headed-running game? A three headed-running game! Thunderbuddy4Life has everything they need to be a player in this league for this season, at 11th it looks worse than it is. They'll be alright but they need to start putting together wins if they want to contend for the Pacific, a division they are used to winning.

12. BroncosTillDeath (2/3/0) ↓ [Down 1 Spot] Winners of two straight, BroncosTillDeath looked like a far better team this second meeting against Ultimate Savages than they did in Week 1. Acquiring Gardner Minshew was just what this team needed. The quarterback situation on this franchise was iffy, to begin with, this season and after losing Barkley you knew they were going to have to rely on the quarterback more so. Trubisky wasn't the answer and Daniel Jones hasn't made enough strides to take the reigns completely. Minshew only in his second year is playing like a veteran. He is savvy and has a way of commanding the offense, something this team was lacking. Though they are down one spot in our rankings, they've looked leaps and bounds better the last two weeks and have a chance to keep making headway.

13. Ultimate Savages (1/4/0) ↑ [Up 2 Spots] Ultimate Savages are up two spots through defacto - being the best 1/4/0 team. It's been a tough ride for them since Week 1 and losing McCaffery. Last week they were trying to make a comeback but failed to complete it. They haven't been the same since CMC became sidelined. Brees has looked a bit sharper but still not at the elite level we know him to play. Their running game has been lackluster for several weeks and the receiving game has only been going through Mike Evans. They need more production from everyone on the field. Ryan TanneGOAT will get the nod this week against Straight Edge Society, can Tannehill help this team get off the snide?

14. PURPLEHAZE (1/4/0) ↓ [Down 1 Spot] PURPLEHAZE has not looked good all year. They have been unable to stream together consistency and a focus on winning games. Kirk Cousins isn't the guy, I am just going to say it. It's time to put in Justin Herbert. The kid can play and he has an arm to match. Jamaal Williams and Robert Tonyan have been the saving grace on this team, even La'Veon Bell hasn't done anything to get fans excited. In a loss that was embarrassing to recant, PURPLEHAZE will need to find solutions quickly if they want to turn their season around, it doesn't get any easier either. Their next five games are against four teams above .500 and two of those games are back-to-back divisional games, starting this week against Rainelo Hawks.

15. Yuba City Sultans (1/4/0) ↓ [Down 3 Spots] What is going on with these Sultans? I can't say it's the coaching staff, they are world-class, I can't say it's the players, they are balling out. What I can say is it's their schedule. In back-to-back weeks they have played Black Hole Son and The Busy Killers, this weekend they get LilShupeScoresBIGPoints. That is a brutal three-game stretch, whether you're home or away. Those are three of the better teams this year and have had better gameplans going in than Yuba City Sultans. I don't want to start passing blame to anyone on this team because they have everything they need in order to be a contender, I think it's just been a stream of bad luck, and the other team just wanting it that much more. Yuba City Sultans rounds out the 1/4/0 teams and although they are one of the more complete teams in the league, they haven't been able to put it all together through four quarters. Until then, they'll remain toward the basement.

16. Balls Deep (0/5/0) — [Remains 16th] Balls Deep is 0/5/0 they are having an awful year but they are trying to make moves and it has shown on the field. They almost pulled out a victory over Rainelo Hawks last weekend. It was close, ten or so points separated the two teams. With the signing of rookie receiver Claypool and trading for Derek Carr, Balls Deep may be able to find a silver lining in being so bad so far. They've been able to be first on the waiver wire and claim the guys they feel will give them the best opportunity to win going forward. 0/5/0 is a tough hole to climb out of but I'm excited to see what Carr can do in the bay area for this second-year franchise looking for any answers.

CLICK TO VOTE

[auburnfamilynews]

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Defense is optional this year

After only three weeks of SEC play only two teams remain undefeated. That number is assured to drop to one this time next week. Only one team has been unfortunate enough to lose every game so far this season. Everyone else seems capable of beating or losing to anyone else any day of the week.

It’s chaos and ya’ll know deep down you love it.

It was a wild weekend featuring numerous upsets and some close calls. Attempting to figure out who exactly should be ranked over whom is getting a little ridiculous at this point but I did my best. Let’s take a look at where things stand heading into Week 4.

#1.) Alabama 3-0 (—)

SP+: 3 | FPI: 3

Last Game: 63-48 W @ Ole Miss

Despite two dominant performances to start the season, there were some cracks showing on this Alabama defense. Lane Kiffin took a sledgehammer to it on Saturday night to reveal that everything is not suddenly better on that side of the ball for the Crimson Tide. Granted, Alabama’s excuse is that Kiffin knows their signals since it’s impossible for the opponent to actually just play well against them.

Alabama LB Dylan Moses said he “definitely” thinks Ole Miss had Alabama’s signals on defense, pointing to Lane Kiffin’s time in Tuscaloosa.

— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) October 11, 2020

But it didn’t matter. Mac Jones continues to show why Tua was not a “generational QB”. He was just a good QB in a system that does an excellent job getting its insane amount of playmakers the ball in space.

This weekend though is the big one. Can this offense continue to dominate against the best defense in America? Can this defense slow down UGA’s resurgent run game? I am fascinated to find out.

Next Game: vs Georgia

#2.) Georgia 3-0 (—)

SP+: 4 | FPI: 4

Last Game: 44-21 W vs Tennessee

For the 2nd time this season, UGA went into halftime trailing. For the 2nd time this season, it didn’t matter.

The Dawgs took control of the game in the 2nd half rattling off 27 unanswered points. The Dawgs run game still isn’t dominant but it’s effective. Kearis Jackson is emerging as a big time playmaker in the slot while Stetson Bennett continues to avoid making the big mistakes.

It gets real this weekend with a trip to Tuscaloosa. To be honest, I actually think the Dawgs have been the best team in the SEC through the first 3 weeks and have a great chance at winning this weekend. Can Kirby Smart get over that mental hurdle and take down his former mentor?

Next Game: @ Alabama

#3.) Texas A&M 2-1 (+3)

SP+: 22 | FPI: 24

Last Game: 41-38 W vs Florida

We were all ready to bury Texas A&M early in the third quarter when they fell behind 28-17. But credit this Jimbo Fisher team. They rallied and pulled out a must win and gave Jimbo his first big win as the head coach of the Aggies.

Kellen Mond had that game he has every year where it looks like maybe he’s actually turned the corner and is ready to be an elite QB. He threw for over 300 yards and 3 scores while completing 25 passes on 35 attempts. Isaiah Spiller though was the difference late just gashing a beat down Gator defense again and again.

Despite struggling to beat a bad Vanderbilt team week 1 and getting walloped by Bama week 2, A&M is now in position to cement themselves as the #2 team in the West and a potential CFB darkhorse.

Strange times.

Next Game: @ Mississippi State

#4.) Florida 2-1 (-1)

SP+: 8 | FPI: 9

Last Game: 38-41 L @ Texas A&M

The margin of error is now incredibly slim for the Gators if they wish to finally knock UGA off their SEC East perch. It looked like they had taken control of the game early in the 3rd quarter but poor defense and a brutal late fumble resulted in a frustrating upset.

This offense though is still scary and if the defense can just get slightly better they are still a force to be reckoned with in the East. They MUST win this weekend against a falling apart LSU squad.

Next Game: vs LSU

#5.) Tennessee 2-1 (-1)

SP+: 24 | FPI: 23

Last Game: 21-44 L @ Georgia

For two quarters it looked like Jeremy Pruitt’s Volunteers belonged with the Dawgs. Unfortunately for the men in orange, football is a four quarter game...

The Vols lost their chance to prove they are ready to be an SEC East contender but are still in position to make some noise this season. They play host to Kentucky this weekend, a program they have only lost to twice since 1984. With Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn and Florida still on the schedule, the Vols have plenty of opportunities remaining to put together a big season.

Next Game: vs Kentucky

#6.) Auburn 2-1 (-1)

SP+: 14 | FPI: 13

Last Game 30-28 W vs Arkansas

Auburn rediscovered its run game this past Saturday but failed to consistently do anything through the air and defensively were exposed much of the 2nd half. Bo Nix escaped a catastrophic mistake thanks to an official being so surprised at such a dumb play he blew his whistle early. This team is littered with injuries especially on the defensive side of the ball and continue to struggle to put points on the board.

And yet...

The Tigers are 2-1 with a legitimate chance to beat everyone on their schedule not named Alabama. They likely won’t but it’s a testament to the averageness of the SEC that the Tigers will be the favorite in at least all but two games left on their schedule. If Bo Nix can find any sort of consistency and this defense can get somewhat healthy, they could be a problem later this year. But this weekend is a must win for Gus Malzahn if he hopes to have any shot at challenging for the SEC West crown.

Next Game: @ South Carolina

#7.) Ole Miss 1-2 (+2)

SP+: 44 | FPI: 51

Last Game: 48-63 L vs Alabama

I was wrong on a lot of things this preseason but one team I absolutely nailed was Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin inherited an offense loaded with playmakers and he’s getting the most out of them every night. He also inherited a defense that legitimately might be the worst in the country.

He took the Tide the distance Saturday night in one of the most entertaining games of the year. Now he must travel to take on a pissed off Arkansas team that is proving they aren’t the pushovers of years past.

Next Game: @ Arkansas

#8.) Kentucky 1-2 (+3)

SP+: 33 | FPI: 38

Last Game: 24-2 W vs Mississippi State

I thought the UK-MSST game would have the oddest of box scores this past weekend and man was I right. Just look at this majestic piece of art.

The `Cats dominated a game in which they only had 157 yards of offense including 2.6 yards per carry. That happens when the other team throws 6 interceptions. Though per UK fan logic Mississippi State was clearly the better team...

Next Game: @ Tennessee

#9.) Missouri 1-2 (+4)

SP+: 60 | FPI: 47

Last Game: 45-41 W vs LSU

Ok I didn’t see this one coming...

Elijah Drinkwitz got his first win as head coach of Missouri by beating the defending champs on a 1 yard goal line stand. It was an incredible offensive performance as the Tigers picked apart Pelini’s defense all day long. I still don’t think this is a great team but they deserve the bump after a big time win

Next Game: vs Vanderbilt

#10.) Arkansas 1-2 (—)

SP+: 72 | FPI: 46

Last Game: 28-30 L @ Auburn

As if Arkansas fans needed anymore reasons to hate Auburn...

After falling behind 17-0, Arkansas outscored the Tigers 28-13 the rest of the way. Unfortunately for them, that was not enough to make up for the slow start and now Gus Malzahn is 6-1 against his alma mater.

It’s clear Sam Pittman is getting the most out of this team and I think it’s likely they get at least one more W before this season is over. Let’s see if Barry Odom’s defense can slow the Lane Train down.

Next Game: vs Ole Miss

#11.) South Carolina 1-2 (+1)

SP+: 42 | FPI: 32

Last Game: 41-7 W vs Vanderbilt

After some valiant but unsuccessful efforts to start the season, Will Muschamp’s Gamecocks took it to a bad Vanderbilt team in Nashville over the weekend. Kevin Harris averaged 8 yards a carry and scored two touchdowns. They get a vulnerable Auburn team this weekend inside Williams-Brice Stadium. Which boom will be the loudest this weekend?

Next Game: vs Auburn

#12.) Mississippi State 1-2 (-5)

SP+: 54 | FPI: 57

Last Game: 2-24 L @ Kentucky

Ok so it turns out I wasn’t wrong about Mississippi State. This is a bad team who was fortunate enough to draw a REALLY bad LSU defense week 1. K.J. Costello is a walking turnover and Mike Leach is already blaming everything on his players. Things are totally gonna go great in Starkville this year.

Next Game: vs Texas A&M

#13.) LSU 1-2 (-5)

SP+: 18 | FPI: 16

Last Game: 41-45 @ Missouri

I thought LSU would take a major step back this season. I did not expect that step to be “2nd worst team in the SEC” back but here we are.

Turns out that Bo Pelini is in fact NOT better than Dave Aranda. The LSU defense is a sieve and seemingly incapable of making any sort of in game adjustments. With all that said though it still wouldn’t shock me if they upset Dan Mullen this weekend....

Next Game: @ Florida

#14.) Vanderbilt 0-3 (—)

SP+: 117 | FPI: 112

Last Game: 7-41 L vs South Carolina

Every team that has beaten Vanderbilt this season has immediately lost the following game. Here’s to hoping that trend continues.

Next Game: @ Missouri

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/10/12/21511196/sec-power-rankings-week-4

[kuriboo]

Hugsaku 2021

Day 2 - Don’t Touch Me | “I don’t want your help!”

I handwrote my first three entries for this, this part being the last one I handwrote. I was able to start typing it out after this, thankfully, since that was a lot easier. 

This is the third part of a continuous fic I’m writing for hugsaku week: Yusaku ends in Heartland with no idea of how he got there or how to get home, and Yuma commits to helping Yusaku out. I’m also posting the whole story together on ao3. I’ll post the link to it in the notes. I hope you enjoy!

--

“What do you mean you don't like hugs?"

"I don't like people touching me. At all.”

Yusaku walked ahead of Yuma, pulling on the jacket of his school uniform. His hands had gone into muscle memory to loosely tie his tie around his neck. Pulling it too tightly felt uncomfortable, like a noose around his neck, but this made him look more sloppy and disheveled. He didn't dislike that. It seemed to be a fairly average look for boys his age. Yuma, meanwhile, had just changed out of his school uniform and into an outfit similar to what he'd worn when he met Yusaku; Yuma had just gotten out at school. For some reason, Yuma had thought it was a good idea to let Yusaku sleep until he got home, rather than wake him up so he could begin his search to get home. Yusaku didn't need that much rest. Between that and Yuma’s apparent constant desire for physical contact, he was a little annoyed. 

“How can you not like hugs? They’re good for the soul!" 

"Alright, boys, hold it right there." 

Both boys turned around to look up at Yuma’s older sister, Kari. Most of her red hair was kept back in a ponytail, but her bangs framed her face . Like Yuma, she had some strands of pink hair, a fact that made Yusaku pull self-consciously at the pink strands in his own hair. She always seemed to stick to casual clothes since she was old enough to be done with school. She wore a nice blouse under a hooded vest, as well as galaxy print leggings. Kari sighed, her attention focused on Yuma. "Yuma, leave him alone and apologize.” 

"But Kari- "

Kari cut him off. " I thought we taught you better than this, Yuma. No means no, If he doesn't like being touched, that's all there is to it."

Yuma turned to Yusako, biting his lip. " You're right, Kari... Sorry, Yusaku.”

Yusaku shrugged. "It's okay," As long as Yuma backed off in the future, that was all that mattered in the end, he supposed.

Kari kept her attention on Yuma. "Now, is your room clean, or did you leave your clothes all over the place when you changed?"

"I'll, uh..." Yuma gulped. "I'll be right back!! " He dashed back towards his room at top-speed.

Kari rolled her eyes. "Sorry about him,” she said to Yusaku. "I know he can be a lot. 

Yusaku blinked. "Why is he so..."

"He's just like this with all his friends. And he's made a lot of new friends, lately. He insists anyone he duels is his friend. He's brought over more new friends in the past couple of months then I can count.”

“I'm not his friend. We didn't even duel; I declined his challenge." 

"That's probably enough for him.” Kari sighed. "I wish he wouldn’t duel so much. I know I'm hard on him about it, but someone has to be." She frowned at Yusaku. "He said you don't like to duel."

"Bad experiences." Yusaku shrugged, He refused to get any more specific than that, but he had a bit of respect for their mutual dislike of the game. "He said you don't like it either.”

“Most of it's because of him," Kari admitted. "Don't get me wrong, I love my little brother a lot. But that's actually the problem. Mom and Dad told me that dueling was going to put him in danger. I don't want to see him get hurt.” She sniffed. "I don't want to lose him. He's..." She sounded too upset to keep going from there. Yusaku didn't know how to respond to that.

Right in that moment, Yuma ran back into the room. “Okay okay, my room's clean now. Can we go?”

She recovered fast. "Fine, but you better be back before dark. You can't be late for dinner, and you still have homework to do!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do it!” Yuma said in a tone that sounded like he'd already forgotten about the homework. "Come on Yusaku, you gotta meet Bronk and Tori!" 

Tori and Bronte turned out to be two of Yuma’s friends. The three of them were in the same class, and Yuma and Bronk dueled against each other a lot. 

“The five us us can figure this out together for sure," Yuma declared after they all met up in a local park. Yusaku was confused about Yuma's math for a second, until he remembered the apparent existence of Astral. “Right .. " Tori placed her hands on her hips. "So what's your master plan to figure this out,Yuma?"

Yuma stared blankly at her.

“Figured.” Tori stuck her tongue out at Yuma, then looked more softly at Yusaku. "What about you, Yusaku? Any thoughts?

Yusaku’s first instinct was always to hack his way out of his problems. “I'd see what I can find out on a computer, but I left mine at home and Kari is busy with hers." And Kolter’s hacking hot dog truck was at the same place Yusaku’s computer was: home.

“Finally, someone with a brain,” Tori said. "You're in high school, so of course you'd be smarter than Yuma.” Yusaku knew better than to make an assumption like that. "There's computers at the library we can use. And the library's close by.” 

"Libraries make me itchy," Yuma mumbled. 

“Just because you don't like to read doesn't mean they can't be helpful!" Brank laughed. 

When they got to the library, Tori jumped onto the first computer they found. "So, Yusaku, where are you from?"

"Den City."

Tori typed the city into a search on the Internet, but no results came up. Den City apparently didn't exist. "Uh..." 

"That can't be right,” Yusaku reached around Tori to type other queries in to the search. He wasn't stupid enough to search for himself. He went out of his way to make himself as unmemorable and invisible as possible. But he tried other things. Den City High School. Akira Zaizen. SOL Technologies. Playmaker. Blue Angel. Link Vrains. It all came up with nothing. "There's no way…”

(“Maybe he really is from another world.”)

Pain throbbed in Yusaku’s head. This couldn't be right. "It's like my entire life just doesn't exist…” What was he supposed to do without Kolter or Ai? Who was he supposed to be if the Lost Incident never happened or if he wasn’t Playmaker? Now what did he do? 

Yuma, Tori, and Bronk each shared a look. “We'll just have to work even harder to help you get back home, then.” 

"I don't even know if I can get home.” If he remembered how he got here, he could at least try reverse engineering that, but Yusaku didn’t even have that much. He was alone, in a strange place where he didn't exist. He had nothing here to drive him, no reason to keep going.I have nothing to go on,” Yusaku muttered to himself. "What’s the point?"

“There's still a chance. It's small, but as long as it's there it's worth trying. We can't give up yet,” Yuma insisted.

Yusaku stared blankly at him. "’We'? I never said I wanted your help. Actually, I don't want your help.” All he was doing was wasting their time. “Just leave me alone." 

Tori and Bronk actually laughed at that. "You really don't get it, do you?” Tori asked. "Asking Yuma not to help someone is like telling a bird not to fly." 

"It's about feeling the flow!" Yuma added. "And right now, I’m feeling it. Now that we're friends, I'm not giving up. I don't care if you think it's hopeless, Yusaku. It might look that way, but there's always hope deep down if you look hard enough. We're going to get you home."

"Now that you're friends with Yuma, you can't get out of it,” Bronk added. “Yuma always does everything he can to help his friends. And any friend of Yuma's a friend of ours, too, so now you're stuck with all of us." 

Yusaku couldn't really get it. His idea of friendship was clearly different from theirs. But he could see he couldn't talk them out of it. "If you're not going to give up, I guess I have no choice. It looks like I can't give up, either." 

"Great!" Yuma pumped his fist into the air. “Can we do a group hug?" 

Some part of Yusaku felt like he needed it. "Yeah." 

The three of them gathered next to Yusaku and brought him into a gentle but firm hug. Comforting and grounding. For a moment, Yusaku really believed they might be able to get him back home.

[darkzorua100]

I first off like to say that a part of me is disappointed that we didn’t actually get the clash of the titans between Revolver and Soulburner. That duel would have just been so epic and I’m crossing my fingers so hard that they will end up having a rematch in the future. I’m very thankful though that the writers didn’t go the route I seriously thought they would have by having Lightning’s group show up to interrupt the duel just so Soulburner wouldn’t have actually lose because lets be real here, with the way he was acting, Revolver would have kicked his ass so badly if he wanted to. 

No, I’m genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed this episode. Like holy crap, this was amazing for character development and season 1 nostalgia. This is a obvious statement but jesus everyone in this show needs therapy, even those that went to therapy need more therapy!

First off let’s talk about Takeru/Soulburner. This episode really solidified a big character flaw of his. His emotions. When his anger gets the better of him, he really doesn’t not think straight. His dueling, while it might not seem like it on the surface, was just so rash, summoning his ace monster whose effect makes it so much better to summon it in the late game but he summoned it right out of the gate just to have a big beater on the field. And I just love how Flame was the one to address this. He was willing to risk Flame’s very life, when it wasn’t necessary in the first place, just to get his revenge on Revolver. And guess what, he didn’t care. He put his own partner’s existence at risk, not thinking of the consequences of his actions, because all he was thinking about in that very moment was getting even at Revolver for the Hanoi Project and his parents’ death. If Revolver was actually going to be dueling for keeps, he would have destroyed him because Soulburner wasn’t thinking straight at all. He would have lost Flame because his anger got the best of him in that moment. Interesting implications for what this could mean for the future because now that this fatal flaw of Takeru’s has been addressed, it is definitely going to come back to bite him in the ass and the next time this happens, he is going to lose Flame and who knows how Takeru is going to react to that. After all, Flame is the one that has been helping Takeru through all of his problems, the one that has been addressing his problems and helping him find a solution for them. His depression, his lack of confidence in himself, his anger. I’m genuinely worried about Takeru’s emotion state if he actually does lose Flame. It is definitely not going to be pretty.

Now Ryoken/Revolver. Oh my god, and I thought his guilt complex was bad during season 1. It seriously has gotten so much worse during season 2. Now I know the fandom is very divided when it comes to Ryoken/Revolver as a character. You either love his guts or you want to stab said guts. There really is no middle ground when it comes to him. Still, regardless if you hate the guy or love him, you can’t deny his impact on the show. This guy has had a hand in everything that has happen at this point. And that really has not been a good thing for Ryoken’s mental state. This whole duel, Revolver allowed Soulburner to use him as a punching bag to unleash his frustration on because in his eyes, he probably thinks he deserves it as the son of the man who destroyed Takeru’s life. And it is just sad because when it comes to the Hanoi Project, Ryoken did nothing wrong! Yes he was the reason that Yusaku ended up in the Hanoi Project but do I have to restate the fact that he was just a kid! Heck I even went back to episode 43, the episode where we got Ryoken’s backstory, and he even states it himself that he had no idea what was actually going on! So no, you actually can’t blame him for that. If anything, he saved his life! Those six kids probably would have died if Ryoken didn’t do what he did. But as we all know, Ryoken couldn’t feel good about that because life had to guilt him with ever choice he makes. Geez, Ryoken seriously is just the unofficial 7th Lost Child. This single event destroyed his life as well and has continued to destroy it. He became Revolver when he was 13. That just says a lot right there. He is just so obsessed with completing his father’s work that’s lets say he actually does destroy all six Ignises. Then what? Where does he seriously go from there? I don’t know and it is concerning when you remember that he was planning on suicide bombing Link Vrains just to kill the Ignis.

I do like to mention Yusaku/Playmaker role in this whole thing. As good as this duel was for Ryoken and Takeru’s characters, this whole thing probably could have been avoid if he just told Takeru what the heck was up when it come to Revolver. Yeah we know Yusaku isn’t some social butterfly, and in his mind probably didn’t think it was his right to tell Takeru about Ryoken without his permission, but you seriously didn’t tell Takeru anything?! You could have left the detail out about who Revolver actually was, again that feels like something Ryoken should do personally (and holy crap he actually did in front of everyone. That made my jaw drop when he revealed his real life identity to everyone) but you could have at least told him that Revolver was the one to save you guys from the Hanoi Project and inform him that he wasn’t the one directly responsible for it. I feel like this is a trust issue between them that needs to be addressed but isn’t going to be. Yusaku has shown that he’s a bit protective of Takeru after the whole Blood Shepherd’s incident but that doesn’t mean you just leave the guy in the dark when it comes to the same event that you both were apart of. He has a right to know as well, Yusaku. I mean yeah he needed to get that build up anger out of his system but this situation still could have been handled so much better if you just told him the truth. Though with that in mind, I take it he doesn’t know about Spectre being a Lost Child either? Yeah we just need to sit Takeru down and tell him everything huh?

Now for the other half of the episode. The return of the Tower of Hanoi. Holy crap, that was awesome. I love when shows take a symbol that was once used as destruction and turn it into something the heroes can use later down the line. The Tower of Hanoi has essentially been turned into the symbol of the alliance between Team Playmaker and the Knights of Hanoi since they all came together to turn it into a locator for Lightning. That was just the highlight of my week. I also liked how Takeru and Flame had a moment together about this alliance. Ryoken knows that Takeru sucks at coding but he still had him show up, knowing that he was going to be pissed at him, just so he could get his anger out of his system. I just love how in his own way Ryoken cares for each of the Lost Incident victims and wants to make up to them for what his father did. They are still going to have to fight against each other later down the line but I’m going to enjoy this alliance and Ryoken being a big brother figure to the Lost Childen as long as I can. On another note, I find it interesting how in this episode we find out how Neo Link Vrains wasn’t even a fixed up and improved Link Vrains but simply a new version of it. The old was so destroyed because of the Tower of Hanoi that SOL Technologies couldn’t fix it or they simply didn’t even try to. Knowing SOL, they probably didn’t even try. 

The Frog and Pigeon. I love how Revolver wasn’t having any of their crap and just trapped them in a hamster ball and just decided on the spot that “hey I have a frog and pigeon as pets now.” I truly do love this meme lord. He really make this show so much more fun. I do like how he allowed them to come along with him and the others when they were entering Mirror Link Vrains. I truly do think Revolver is going to use them to show the world that the Knights of Hanoi are fighting for a good reason and that the Ignises are a threat to humanity. Don’t think the start of season 3 is looking to good in Playmaker’s favor if he and his team are going to be seen as the enemies in that case for supporting humanity’s greatest threat. 

So a last few things to add before I wrap this up. Playmaker/Ai, Soulburner/Flame, Blue Maiden/Aqua, Revolver, and Spectre are the ones heading into Mirror Link Vrains. Ghost Girl is staying behind to watch over normal Link Vrains should Lightning unleash an attack while everyone is gone. Kusanagi is watching over the boys as always, the rest of the Knights are watching over Revolver and Spectre as while as the rest of the network, and Blue Maiden...well she is a strong independent woman who doesn’t need anyone watching over her. We got to see Bohman and Haru during this episode. Bohman seems to be getting his final upgrades and he thanks Haru for watching over him as a brother during his beginning states but Haru just tells him he did so because of his orders. Interesting how Bohman still see Haru as his brother and I wonder if that’s going to have any effect in the upcoming episodes for the both of them? Bohman did say an infamous line from ARC-V, implying that him and Haru are also going to be joining together at some point and it makes it wonder if he’s actually going to go through with that? Ai finally fulfilled his promise to Roboppy and made her smarter and I’m 100% sure that’s going to have some terrible repercussions. Akira seems to have made a program to protect Link Vrains so hopefully he will be joining Ghost Girl soon in guard duty. Windy...I don’t even know what the heck he is wearing. The tiny cape and eyepatch are just amazing. He isn’t to happy about his new appearance though. Seriously hoping his Origin has a similar design because parallels. 

But yeah a really good episode. I bash on this show a lot but when it does good things, they are really good things. The preview is also looking promising because with what we saw of Haru this episode and what was stated about him in the preview, it really looks like Blue Maiden might actually get the win and get through to Haru. This will be a nice call back if so to season 1 during her duel against Spectre on how she tried and failed to save him because she truly didn’t understand him. Maybe this time she will with Haru? If not, and she actually does end up losing, the fake out is real.

We also have the summary for episode 87 now and yeah Spectre vs Lightning is going to be two parts. Seems that Spectre has taken back the lead but I’m still 100% he isn’t beating Lightning. I am curious now though, after thinking about it, that if he does end up getting killed during this duel, similar to how he felt Earth’s death, will Go end up feeling Spectre’s death because Earth is inside of him? Again I’m a sucker for parallels so I’m very curious to see if Go will be on the cast list for this episode because of this. Also Revolver’s reaction. Lightning has just been going for Ryoken’s throat, trying to wear him down by taking out his allies. If he takes out Spectre, that will be a hard blow to Revolver. If Lightning does have a clone of Dr. Kogami around here somewhere, oh boy here come the pain train. Next stop, Revolver.

[gadgetsrevv]

Euro 2020 qualifiers and international football: 10 things to look out for | Football

1) Pressure on Dutch as entertaining foes meet again

Before October 2018, the Netherlands had not kicked a ball in anger against Germany for six years. When the teams walk out for the Group C qualifier in Hamburg, it will be the fourth time the fierce rivals have faced each other in 11 months. Not that neutrals should be complaining. There have been 12 goals in the two Nations League matches and one Euro 2020 qualifier that have been played since – and some scintillating football. Nico Schulz’s 90th-minute strike for Germany sealed a 3-2 victory in a pulsating qualifier at the Johan Cruyff Arena in March that left the Dutch on three points from two matches and facing a tricky game of catch-up to ensure automatic qualification. Northern Ireland’s flawless start has powered them to the top of Group C on 12 points and piled pressure on Ronald Koeman’s side, who will have to go on the attack at the Volksparkstadion. Expect another entertaining open game from two vibrant young sides. Gregg Bakowski

• Germany v Netherlands, 7.45pm (all times BST), Friday

2) Finland close in on their finest hour

Football has rarely been able to dent ice hockey’s primacy in Finland but Markku Kanerva’s team are on the verge of changing that. Over the next week they face two of the most important games in their history and, if at least one of Greece and Italy can be seen off in Tampere, a place at Euro 2020 should be within touching distance. They sit second in Group J, three points clear of Armenia and five in front of Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is a golden opportunity for a country that has only once come close to reaching a major tournament, when they fell just short of Euro 2008. Finland are formidable at home, they have not conceded in their last eight games, and in Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki they have one of Europe’s hottest centre-forwards. They may fancy their chances of toppling the injury-hit Italians, who will miss Lorenzo Insigne and Giorgio Chiellini and could be caught at the top when they meet on Sunday if all goes to plan. And if it unravels spectacularly? Finland would have the fallback of entering the play-offs, in that case, having been one of the winners in Nations League C. The opportunity that lies ahead could hardly be greater. Nick Ames

The Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email.

3) Romanian fledglings have chance to show they can fly

Romania had their most exciting footballing summer since 1994 thanks to the entertaining under-21 side that reached the semi-finals at the European Championships. Ianis Hagi, son of the legendary Gheorghe, was the star , earning a move to Genk, although Ajax were also linked to the playmaker. He is joined in Cosmin Contra’s squad to face Spain and Malta by six teammates from that under-21 squad, who became known for their attacking football as they defeated England and Croatia, and they will be given the chance to prove themselves at full international level against Spain in Bucharest. Whether Hagi can follow in his famous father’s footsteps is unknown but he can be as influential for this generation and their first test could be telling, not that they will be afraid. Will Unwin

• Romania v Spain, 7.45pm, Thursday

Romania training in Bucharest on Wednesday. Photograph: Robert Ghement/EPA

4) Republic can take huge step towards qualifying against Swiss

Three wins and a draw from their first four matches have taken the Republic of Ireland top of Group D on 10 points and given them a big psychological advantage over third-placed Switzerland as they prepare to meet in Dublin. Vladimir Petkovic’s side are similarly unbeaten but have played only two games, a win over Georgia and a hugely deflating 3-3 draw with Denmark in which they let a three-goal lead slip in the final six minutes. This means Mick McCarthy’s side can open up a nine-point advantage over the only other realistic contenders for automatic qualification. McCarthy’s preparations have not been entirely smooth, however, with James McCarthy, Kieren Westwood, Matt Doherty and Sean Maguire withdrawing through injury. GB

• Rep of Ireland v Switzerland, 7.45pm, Thursday

5) Brighton’s Mac Allister looking to make his mark for Argentina

With Lionel Messi suspended from international football for his corruption comments during the Copa América, the Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni, has drafted in seven upcapped players for the friendlies against Chile and Mexico, one of who is Alexis Mac Allister. The son of the former international Carlos Mac Allister – whose unusual name originates from his family roots in Fife, Scotland – signed for Brighton last year, but work permit issues led to him being loaned to Boca Juniors this season. The 20-year-old plays alongside his older brother, Kevin Mac Allister, and scored this worldie winner in the Copa Libertadores on his first start for the club. Alexis’ international call-up is good news for Brighton – the diminutive central midfielder could secure a British work permit next season if he continues to be involved with Argentina. It will be interesting to see if he makes his debut on Friday against Chile, who are missing their own Alexis, with Sánchez still in Italy after completing his loan move to Inter. Michael Butler

• Chile v Argentina, 3am, Friday

Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, on loan at Boca Juniors, has been called up to the Argentina squad for the first time. Photograph: Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images

6) McBurnie must show he cares by letting his feet do the talking

Scotland are in a curious position under Steve Clarke; the scars from that embarrassing defeat in Astana are yet to heal, but two paths remain open to qualify for Euro 2020, where they would be among the host nations. Clarke needs his squad to gel quickly, and said at his unveiling that his players need to be “100% committed”. In that context, Oli McBurnie’s gaffe this week was particularly unfortunate, with the Sheffield United striker caught on camera sounding less than thrilled at the prospect of an international break. It was a snippet taken from a light-hearted exchange and McBurnie has dealt with it maturely, addressing his teammates in private. Outside of his Twitter mentions, all is forgiven. Now would be a good time for the Yorkshireman to do his talking on the pitch and find a first international goal. Scotland welcome Russia and Belgium to Hampden in this round of fixtures – matches that will surely shape the group. Niall McVeigh

• Scotland v Russia, 7.45pm, Friday.

7) Japan drop experience for youth as Olympics near

This is an important time for Japan, who start their qualification campaign for the World Cup this month in Myanmar, but whose priority is to prepare for the Olympic Games at home next summer. With just three players aged over 23 permitted at Tokyo 2020, the head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has opted for a young squad for the friendly against Paraguay, dropping Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki, both of whom this summer signed for clubs in the Spanish second tier. While Kagawa has impressed for Real Zaragoza, scoring against Ponferradina, Okazaki left Málaga on Tuesday after 34 days, without making an appearance. Japan’s investment in youth means much is expected of Takefusa Kubo, who impressed in pre-season at Real Madrid and has joined Mallorca on loan. Without Kagawa, the 18-year-old is, perhaps unfairly, the headline name in this burgeoning team. MB

• Japan v Paraguay, 11.20pm, Thursday

Shinji Kagawa has been dropped from Japan’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images

8) Turkey mix experience and youth to propel team forward

Since the return of Senol Gunes for his second spell as Turkey head coach there has been an increasing focus on youth. Twenty of the players called up to face Andorra and Moldova are under the age of 25, including hot prospects Abdulkadir Omur of Trabzonspor and Besiktas striker Guven Yalcin. Despite this new focus, Gunes knows the importance of experience and the most capped player in the squad, captain Emre Belozoglu, will earn his 100th a few days shy of his 39th birthday. He is required to influence those flair players alongside him to give Turkey momentum from two supposedly simple qualifiers. Even if they fail to qualify this time around, there is greater hope for the Turkish national team than there has been for a while. WU

• Turkey v Andorra, 7.45pm, Saturday

9) Kosovo shorn of their star turns before England clash

Kosovo’s success story is well told by now and they will bounce into St Mary’s next Tuesday on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run, which included an eyecatching win in Bulgaria last time out. They are Europe’s youngest international team and, these days, a deadly serious one; anyone expecting an England walkover should think again but it is a shame they travel without their two biggest threats. Milot Rashica and Arber Zeneli are two of the most exciting wingers around but both are injured. Their absence dilutes a realistic chance of reaching Euro 2020 and Benjamin Kololli and Hekuran Kryeziu will miss out too. But Kosovo have other threats, such as the in-form Fenerbahce striker Vedat Muriqi and Swansea’s Bersant Celina, so if they can emerge from Saturday’s home tie with the Czech Republic unscathed then perhaps a shock in Southampton will be on. NA

10) Chad seek success after four-year sabbatical

How many matches do you think Chad’s senior team have contested since their last tilt at World Cup qualifying, which ended with a 4-0 defeat to Egypt in November 2015? One, is the answer, and that fixture has since been expunged from the records. They have not taken to the field since losing to Tanzania the following March, after which they withdrew from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competition on financial grounds, and were banned from the 2019 edition as a result. A squad of players based in France, Belgium, Niger, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Indonesia and the local league will have had some catching up to do before facing Sudan in Thursday’s first-round, first leg qualifier for Qatar 2022 in N’Djamena. Thehe Frenchman Emmanuel Trégoat has returned as coach in the hope of leading them into a new era. Chad is far from the only country that has had sustained issues putting a football team out but it goes to show that international football is not something anyone should take for granted. NA

• Chad v Sudan, 3.30pm, Thursday

Source link . More news

via wordpress https://ift.tt/2ZTyY0o

[junker-town]

Here’s our first 2020 NFL mock draft after the regular season

Joe Burrow will likely be 2020’s No. 1 pick, but Chase Young and Derrick Brown won’t be far behind.

Now that regular season is over and we know the order of the first 20 picks, here’s a first-round projection.

The regular season is now over, meaning the top 20 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft are set. With just over 100 days until the draft is here, teams are figuring out which players to target in the first round.

That includes a lot of receiving talent. This week’s mock draft features six wide receivers, two of whom are from Alabama. Speaking of the Crimson Tide, even though the team isn’t playing for a national title this year, seven Alabama players are in the first round of this mock.

But none of them will get picked higher than SEC nemesis Joe Burrow. The LSU quarterback has vaulted from Day 2 pick to the probable first overall selection by the Cincinnati Bengals. That pick is pretty well known, as is Chase Young of Ohio State going second overall. After that, the draft opens up.

Here’s one projection for how it could play out:

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Unless something unexpected happens between now and the start of the draft on April 23, Burrow needs to be the pick for Cincinnati. That’s regardless of what the team decides to do with disappointing veteran Andy Dalton, who still has a year on his contract. Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner who will play for the national title on Jan. 13, has ascended throughout the college season and can be the Bengals’ next franchise quarterback.

2. Washington: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Washington fell apart at the end of the season, losing the final four games of the season. In doing so, Washington won the Chase Young Bowl. There is no better player in the 2020 draft than Young, and he’s the obvious choice for any team that doesn’t need a quarterback. His fit in Washington will need to be figured out — he’s been a traditional 4-3 defensive end at Ohio State. But he’s the caliber of player where the defensive scheme is built around his talents.

3. Detroit Lions: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

If the Lions stay at No. 3 — and a trade down will be attractive — they have a multitude of options. An offensive tackle like Tristan Wirfs of Iowa or Andrew Thomas of Georgia, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, or Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons could be considered. However, Brown would give Detroit a player up the middle who can disrupt the pocket and help the pass rush.

4. New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

We’ve seen time and again in the NFL that a young quarterback struggles to develop when the offensive line is bad. If New York wants to fully maximize Daniel Jones’ potential, it has to do a better job of giving him a clean pocket. There is plenty debate about who the best offensive tackle in the 2020 draft is, but Thomas is tops for me right now. He’s a true left tackle who has good size and athleticism.

5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The Dolphins managed to mess up their tank season, but could still get the quarterback they’ve coveted all along. Of course with Tagovailoa, Miami and any other team looking for a quarterback will have to be comfortable with his long medical report. If teams are concerned about the serious hip injury he suffered this season, they could pass. But if Miami is fine with Tagovailoa’s injuries, he has to be the pick. Tagovailoa is arguably the most gifted passer in this draft, and Miami has been badly in need of a franchise signal caller.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

What the Chargers do in this draft will be fascinating. Generally, the Chargers are conservative team in the first round. Last year they took defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, a good but safe selection. If they want to be daring, the team could finally take Philip Rivers’ replacement. Herbert is a hot-and-cold player, but his talent is obvious.

7. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Okudah is among the elite players in the 2020 draft. While Carolina needs to bolster the offensive line — nothing new for the Panthers — Okudah’s skills can’t be overlooked. Teams actively avoided Okudah for much of the season, but he still managed three interceptions and seven pass breakups.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray got knocked around this season, with the Cardinals finishing near the bottom of the league in the NFL in offensive sack percentage. Arizona needs to get better at both tackle spots, and a player like Wills could slot into either spot.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Jacksonville has taken a defender in four of the last five first rounds. It could be poised to again if Simmons lasts until the ninth pick. He’s a rangy defender who can play everywhere from deep safety to edge rusher. His most natural position will be at linebacker, but he can neutralize matchup problems.

10. Cleveland Browns: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Both of Cleveland’s offensive tackles struggled this season, and the result was an inconsistent passing offense. Wirfs can take over the right tackle spot from Chris Hubbard and give the Browns the type of aggressive blocker they lack.

11. New York Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

It is imperative that this offseason for the Jets revolve around finding weapons for quarterback Sam Darnold. Jeudy is the most sure thing at receiver in the draft thanks to his precise route running and stellar hands. He favorably compares to Marvin Harrison, and could be Darnold’s No. 1 option.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The Raiders lack a true No. 1 receiving option, but have some nice pieces in wideouts Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow, and tight end Darren Waller. Ruggs, arguably the fastest receiver in the draft, can stretch the field for the Raiders and keep safeties from stacking the box against running back Josh Jacobs.

13. Indianapolis Colts: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

It’s conceivable we see this run on wide receivers given how good the position is in 2020. It’s not some consolation for a team taking the third wide receiver in Lamb. He’s a big-play wideout with shades of DeAndre Hopkins to his game.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Although the Buccaneers need offensive line help, they also have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Delpit is the kind of safety who is comfortable in coverage and coming up to play the run.

15. Denver Broncos: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Ohio State’s “other” cornerback is pretty good in his own right. Chris Harris Jr. is a free agent, and Denver has few other good players at the position. Wade is a versatile cornerback who can play in the slot and has safety size at 6’1 and 194 pounds.

16. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Epenesa had another standout season for Iowa with 11.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss despite frequently facing multiple blockers. He’s an interesting prospect at 6’6 and 280 pounds because he can work from the outside, or be moved inside in nickel packages.

17. Dallas Cowboys: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

If you didn’t watch much of the 4-8 South Carolina Gamecocks this season, you missed out on one of the more fun players to watch in Kinlaw. He’s a lean 310-pound interior defender who can rush the passer and stuff the run.

18. Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh Steelers): Yetur Gross-Matos, DE/OLB, Penn State

The Dolphins gave up the most sacks in the NFL this season, and registered the fewest on defense. That’s quite something. At least one of those has to be remedied in the first round. Gross-Matos is a player head coach Brian Flores can use rushing standing up or with his hand down.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago Bears): Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Raiders need more talent at linebacker, and Murray is the type of player who would fit well on their defense. He’s a good athlete who closes on the run in a hurry, and he has some pass rush skills in his game.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: (via Los Angeles Rams): Austin Jackson, OT, USC

The Jaguars are another team that seems to perpetually need help on the offensive line. Jackson started two seasons at left tackle for USC, and has the type of athleticism and foot quickness to stick at the position.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

Philadelphia’s offense is light on playmakers, and Shenault showed with average quarterback play at Colorado that he can be a star.

22. Tennessee Titans: K’Lavon Chaisson, DE/OLB, LSU

Even after taking Harold Landry in the second round in 2018, the Titans still need a pass rusher. Chaisson has had a breakout 2019 for LSU after missing last season with an injury.

23. Buffalo Bills: Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama

Buffalo is another team that needs pass rush help, and Jerry Hughes will be 32 at the start of next season. Lewis is another player who has bounced back after missing the 2018 with injury.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Xavier Rhodes has regressed, and the Vikings are in need of talent at cornerback. Diggs is a big corner, which head coach Mike Zimmer will like.

25. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans): Josh Jones, OT, Houston

With three first-round picks, the Dolphins have a great opportunity to complete re-shape their franchise. Jones is a little more of a developmental tackle, but his athleticism is probably the best of any tackle in this class.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Curtis Weaver, DE, Boise State

A year after taking L.J. Collier in the first round, the Seahawks still need playmakers on the defensive line. Weaver is a fringe first-round player who could see his draft stock rise if he looks good in the offseason process.

27. New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

This would be wacky. But Love has high-end skills, but he’s coming off a bad final college season. If the Patriots think they can mold him into their version of Patrick Mahomes, he’d make for a savvy choice in the first round.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

Protecting Patrick Mahomes needs to be the chief priority for Kansas City. A player like Biadasz can play all three interior positions, but he’s best at center.

29. New Orleans Saints: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

The Saints could get some help for Michael Thomas by staying instate and taking breakout LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. He’s an athletic pass catcher with decent size and a penchant for big plays.

30. Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Aaron Rodgers has made do with a bunch of low-rate wide receivers except for Davante Adams, and as he approaches the final chapters of his career the Packers need to get him some weapons. Higgins has excellent size at 6’4 and 215 pounds, and he knows how to get to the end zone with 25 touchdowns the past two seasons.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

It’s a far outside shot that Humphrey goes pro considering he’s just a redshirt sophomore. But if he does, he’ll garner first-round talk. He’s a technician with a nasty demeanor — exactly what you want in a center.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

The Ravens have not only had a great season, but they’ve positioned themselves smartly for the future. The only real thing to keep an eye on is if Matt Judon leaves in free agency. If he does, Baltimore could use a pass rusher. Baun fits the bill, and he can play linebacker.

[rogerdvies]

So you know how in the sweater hcs it was said that Ron would go on to play professional quidditch? Well let's say for a minute that yes, he did. And before that, let's admit Vik would've found out how amazing he is at Wizard's Chess pretty quickly, and pretty quickly, he would've been able to piece together "wtf he's like the best damn strategist I've ever seen" and introduced him to his team. Ron becomes the Bulgarian team's official playmaker. "But wait! I thought Ron ends up 1/? Playmaker

message #2: actually playing professional quidditch!“ Why, you’re right. Bc that was just when he was in school. Now imagine he graduates and almost instantly gets an offer to join this one team, and he’s like what the heck so he accepts. And all of a sudden. There’s the Bulgarian team. And when they find out he’s the competition they’re all just like "oH nO” and freaking the fuck out bc first of all no way would Viktor shut up about him so they all definitely know how good of a keeper he is 

message #3: so they know they’re going to have to get past that first of all and from Vik’s description it sounds pretty damn impossible, but forget that because they’ve got bigger problems on their hands. Because on top of that, they just lost their playmaker. All of their best maneuvers, plays and strategies came from him. And they can’t use like… any of them anymore bc they need to be able to get used to making their own strategies and not playing with his when they go against other teams

message #4: And of course they can’t use them when going against his team because he’d remember and realize what they were doing and be quick to fill in his team on how to avoid playing into their hands, and of course he went over all of their old strategies and plays too and either approved them or found a way to fix them so he’s going to remember those too, so they’ve got virtually nothing to use against his team and they’re all freaking out and like forget our sixty four game winning streak 

message #5: why did we ever let him be our playmaker???? And like for the three weeks leading up to their first game against his team you could just find them all crashed at one of their places, scattered around the living room, which is full of mugs of tea, coffee, and cocoa, vials of pepper up potion, take out boxes (bc wizarding take out you can bet it’s a thing and if not then one of them’s gotta have muggle connections of some sort) and stacks of waffles and crumpled balls of papers and 

message #6: snapped quills and empty inkwells while try all frantically try to come up with new, original plays that will outsmart him and his team and at this point they’re seriously considering going in without a strategy and just playing as wildcard as they can possibly get just to throw them off but there’s always a chance they’ll be able to get over it quick and this is the first official match Viktor is playing against Ron and he’ll be damned if they lose it. 

wow. first off: thank you for taking the time to write all of this and send it in to me !! i, like, have nothing to add to this? i love the idea of ron being this amazing strategist -- as seen with the chess games. he’s got an amazing mind for strategy when it comes to games like that and if he could put quidditch in his mind like that -- along with everything else he knows about quidditch, especially once he starts playing it -- i can definitely see him being amazing at it. i love that idea. thank you for presenting it !! 

also the entire bulgarian team just a mass sleepover at one of their places, messy boys with messy habits and sleep-deprivation -- i love it. they are finally being pushed to their boundaries because they are against someone that knows everything about them -- knows the players on a personal basis *cough* especially viktor *cought* and now they have to essentially re-create themselves. and they are, for those moments, not just professional sports players but also stressed-out af boys. also i love the idea of them ordering muggle takeout because none of them can be bothered to cook like lets take it back to the basics boys magic can’t save you this time. 

and yes !! viktor and ron being super-competitive (not mean about it but really competitive) and pushing their respective teams to practice hard and train hard and everything hard because this !! is !! my !! boyfriend’s !! team !! we !! cannot !! lose !! to !! him !! i !! need !! to !! look !! good !! to !! him !! and then on the bulgarian team’s side, who are friend’s with ron, they have even more motivation because the entire team as a whole is playing against a friend. yes.

[sportsleague365]

England return to action on Friday against Czech Republic in the first of ten Euro 2020 qualifiers and the sense of optimism surrounding the international break has surely never been higher. The Three Lions gifted us all a summer to remember as they battled all the way to the World Cup semi-finals before losing in heartbreaking fashion to Croatia, whom they exacted revenge upon in their November Nations League clash. England fans, players and Gareth Southgate will now be looking ahead to next summer, where they will have the opportunity to build on their successes of the previous one. First, though, they must advance through the qualifying rounds and Czech Republic are the first obstacle in their path. This week’s fans – Football Fancast’s very own Harry Sherlock and Billy Meyers – give their thoughts ahead of the clash below. ARE THERE ANY PLAYERS NAMED IN THE INITIAL SQUAD WHO YOU FEEL WERE FORTUNATE TO GET IN AND WHO WOULD YOU HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH? Harry: “It was obviously a surprise when James Ward-Prowse was omitted but, rather by luck than judgement, he has found his way into the squad. One would say that Kieran Trippier, on form, probably doesn’t deserve to be in the team; Aaron Wan-Bissaka would have been an obvious replacement, allowing the Crystal Palace youngster to find his feet at international level.” Billy: “I feel that James Tarkowski was lucky to make the squad. Burnley haven’t set the world alight this season and have been poor for the majority of the campaign, and it is criminal that the former Brentford man has made the cut when Conor Coady, captain of the Premier League’s 7th-placed side, is sat at home.” Indeed, Southampton’s Ward-Prowse has been in scintillating form for the Saints in 2019 – the midfielder has scored six goals in his last nine games and three in his last three, two of which were superb free-kicks against Manchester United and Spurs. The 24-year-old’s dead-ball goals might have given some flashbacks to Trippier’s own strike against Croatia, although the right-back hasn’t been so great since – there were certainly arguments to be had for Wan-Bissaka to take his place in the squad, although the Palace man remains with the Under-21’s. Burnley’s Tarkowski, meanwhile, hasn’t quite been as immense as he was last season, while Coady has led Wolves to what will surely be an impressive top-half finish having just come up from the Championship. SHOULD GARETH SOUTHGATE GO WITH THE THREE-AT-THE-BACK APPROACH WHICH WAS SO SUCCESSFUL IN THE WORLD CUP OR GO WITH THE FORMATION WHICH BEAT SPAIN IN OCTOBER? Billy: “I think Southgate should go with the three-at-the-back formation. It worked well at the World Cup, and suits a lot of the players in the side who will most likely be eager to carry on in the same system as a result of the aforementioned success, which will breed confidence as it has shown the squad that it is an effective formula for results.” Harry: “Southgate need not pin down one formation. England’s squad is filled with multifunctional, technical players for the first time in a generation; he can change the system as the games come. The fact is, in qualification for Euro 2020, it is unlikely to matter. England should be winning these games, even if they play 6-3-1.” The former Middlesbrough man’s taking of the Three Lions wheel saw a complete overhaul of style and approach, with the introduction of a new 3-5-2 setup which reaped rewards in the World Cup. England were playing some fantastic football and, a fortuitous run of games aside, fully deserved to reach the last-four of the competition. It was somewhat a surprise, therefore, when the formation was thrown out for the Nations League games against Spain and nemeses Croatia at the end of the year. Quickly, though, all questions were answered, with the Three Lions beating both. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE THREE LIONS THAT WE HAVE PLAYERS LIKE CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI AND JADON SANCHO BREAKING THROUGH TO THE FIRST TEAM? Harry: “England have the most exciting crop of youngsters in a generation. Never before have we seen so many exciting young talents break through and then actually threaten to live up to the hype. Sancho is already a £100m player and Hudson-Odoi could save Chelsea a fortune across the next couple of years.” “Add into that the fact that all of these players remain eligible for the Under-21s: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Ryan Sessegnon, James Maddison, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford. This is the new golden generation.” Billy: “I think it’s phenomenally exciting to have the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jadon Sancho in the side. With the latter mainly playing on the right-wing at Borussia Dortmund, and Hudson-Odoi a fan of cutting in on his right foot off the left flank, England could potentially have the two best wingers in world football in a few years time. “Our very own Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, perhaps?” Sancho has been nothing short of incredible since trading Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund – the 18-year-old has chalked up a jaw-dropping 15 league assists for BVB this campaign, while also netting eight goals, in just 26 appearances. Southgate has repeatedly promised to select players for his England squad based on performances rather than reputation and the electric winger has vindicated that claim. Another youngster making waves in club competition is Chelsea’s Hudson-Odoi, although the speedster has been limited to far fewer minutes than his former England Under-17’s teammates. Don’t bet against the 5 ft 10 forward making a huge impact on the international stage this month though. MATEJ VYDRA HAS IDENTIFIED HARRY MAGUIRE AS A WEAK-POINT FOR ENGLAND – IS HE RIGHT? Billy: “Harry Maguire definitely seems to have fallen away from his man-mountain-like state that we saw at the World Cup. Perhaps playing in an unhappy, uncertain environment at Leicester under Claude Puel, before he was sacked of course, has affected him. Hopefully he can regain some form in the international break and carry it on under Brendan Rodgers upon his return to the Foxes.” Harry: “No. Maguire confirmed his abilities at the World Cup. This is a defender who can tackle, win the ball in the air and distribute. There isn’t much more you can ask. Defence may not be the strongest point of Southgate’s squad but Maguire is far from a weak link.” Check out the harsh words the Playmaker FC squad had to say about Wayne Rooney’s England career in the video below Indeed, ‘Slab-head’ – as he was affectionately dubbed by the England fans – has been underwhelming for the Foxes this season. As Billy says, though, he may just have been a victim of poor management while Puel was still at the helm. There are no certainly questions regarding the 26-year-old behemoth’s quality after his sensational showings at centre-back in the summer; that is, unless you’re Burnley’s Vydra, who believes Maguire will be exploitable on Friday. FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR SCORE PREDICTIONS? Harry: “England should win comfortably. It’s at Wembley and the Czechs have been in remarkably patchy form. They beat Slovakia and Poland by a goal to nil in their most recent outings but were thrashed 5-1 by Russia as recently as September. I’ll go 4-0.” Billy: “England 3-0 Czech Republic.” #GarethSouthgate #ThreeLions #KieranTrippier

[auburnfamilynews]

https://twitter.com/AuburnFootball/status/1207509376497532930

A closer look at all 22 players that signed with Auburn yesterday

Funny how fast things can change in recruiting. On Tuesday afternoon and evening, the Auburn family wasn’t feeling great about the direction of this 2020 class. 3* OT Jeremy Flax had just chosen Kentucky over Auburn, Alabama was trending for 4* TE Jeremiah Pegues, 4* DB Eric Reed Jr still seemed like a pipe dream and it was hard to tell what exactly was going to happen with 3* Buck Romello Height. It looked like Auburn might only be adding one more player to its 2020 class and would head into January with quite a few spots still left to fill.

But a lot changed in 24 hours. By the end of the day Wednesday, Auburn had gone 4/5 on their top targets, signed 18 of their 20 commits and surged to just outside the top 5 of 247 Composite team rankings. So much for a poor close huh?

If you want a full play by play of what happened yesterday, checkout the live thread. I did my best to document things as they happened so if you are a normal human being who spent their day working instead of following the decision of high school athletes, you can at least get a feel for the flow of the day.

Here’s a breakdown of who signed yesterday.

Quarterback

3* Chayil Garnett (EE)

It was going to be hard to find a blue chip prospect willing to sit for at least 2 years behind Bo Nix. So Auburn went out and tried to hunt down a developmental player who has the tools they believe can be successful in Auburn’s scheme and can develop over the next 2 years. They found that in Garnett.

He’s a true dual threat QB with the raw tools to be a very good player at the next level. His senior season did not go as hoped in large part because of a nagging injury but he will be on campus this spring and have a chance to compete for the back up spot. It’s vitally important Auburn have confidence in their #2 trigger man so that they feel comfortable using Nix’s legs in the offense. It wouldn’t be a shock if AU went out and found a 2nd QB in the late period.

Bringing that dual-threat attack to The Plains. #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/EmdmSuw1PZ

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Running Back

5* Tank Bigsby (EE)

One of the reasons Gus Malzahn decided to move on from long time running back coach Tim Horton was his desire to add a more dynamic recruiter to the staff. Horton is an outstanding coach and a very good recruiter but it was clear that Auburn’s rivals had an edge on the trail in terms of signing elite talent.

Enter Carnell Williams.

In his first year as Auburn’s running back coach he reeled in the #4 RB in the country per 247 Composite and the Tigers’ only 5* prospect. Not bad for a debut.

As for Tank, he’s everything you want in a running back. Malzahn called him a “one-play drive type of guy” and that’s a great description of what he brings to AU’s backfield that’s missing right now. This was a huge win for the Tigers and I fully expect Bigsby to be apart of the offense next year. With Boobee, DJ, Shivers, Joiner, Mark-Antony Richards and Bigsby, the Tigers are as deep at that position as they have been in quite awhile.

Tank rolling onto The Plains. #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/kamjVqsURl

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Wide Receiver

4* Kobe Hudson (EE), 4* Ze’Vian Capers, 4* J.J. Evans, 3* Elijah Canion

Kodi Burns once again did work on the trail. He’s been a very good recruiter since joining Auburn’s staff but this 2020 group might be his best yet.

Kobe Hudson was the leader of this 2020 class, committing the earliest of the signees and staying loyal through an 8-5 season. He’s a playmaker that has a knack for making defenders miss in space and elite short area quickness. Hudson actually reported yesterday afternoon to Auburn and will participate in bowl practice. Don’t be shocked if he’s apart of the WR rotation in 2020.

Capers, Evans and Canion provide Auburn with some much needed size to Auburn’s WR corps. All three are listed at 6’3” plus and bring some physical traits the Tigers have been lacking. Capers is an explosive weapon in the open field who can also stretch a defense vertically while being a nightmare matchup in the redzone. Evans is a true deep threat who isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty blocking on the edge. The staff thinks Canion is one of the more underrated prospects in this class with Malzahn comparing his skillset to Seth Williams. At least one, possibly two signees from this group will make an impact next season.

Can't wait to see that ⚡️ in Jordan-Hare!#WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/3uJ5BxJxya

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Adding to this dynamic group of receivers! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/HQbGYhpEOF

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Makin' folks miss all the way to The Plains.#WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/afNo4Rrx25

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Pure play-making ability! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/ID3XHaPLUc

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Tight End

4* Jeremiah Pegues (EE)

One of the most unique athletes in this class, Auburn was able to hold off a late surge by the Crimson Tide to ink their top tight end target. Pegues is penciled in to play the 3-back position in the Tigers’ offense and brings as complete a skillset to that position as any player Auburn has had. He can carry the football, block on the edge, split out wide or even play a little Wildcat QB all at 6’2” 290+ lbs. Pegues is an early enrollee and will have a chance to push for playing time behind John Samuel Shenker in 2020.

Big man bringing his athleticism to The Plains. #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/fUCidXuToH

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Offensive Line

3* Avery Jernigan (EE), 3* Kilian Zierer (EE), 3* Brenden Coffey, 3* Tate Johnson (EE), 3* Jeremiah Wright

Gus Malzahn promised that the 2020 OL class would be one of his biggest yet last signing day and has delivered on that promise. Avery Jernigan and Tate Johnson were the stars of social media yesterday accurately predicting every single one of Auburn’s commitments. They also give Auburn two outstanding interior players for the future. They became leaders of this 2020 class and I suspect will one day be leaders for Auburn’s football program. Both are enrolling early and will be roommates their freshman year on the Plains.

Wright is an interesting prospect. Malzahn stated in his press conference yesterday that he believes Wright would be more highly regarded if he played in more highly trafficked areas such as Atlanta. The gist being they think they’ve found an underrated gem. He’s a massive human being at 6’5” 340 lbs who could play tackle or guard for the Tigers. I personally think his future is inside but he will likely start out at right tackle.

Finally, Auburn reeled in two of the top three JUCO offensive tackles in the 2020 class. Kilian Zierer only started playing football a couple of years ago but has already blossomed into a top JUCO prospect. Unfortunately, an ACL injury will keep him out of spring practice which likely impacts his chances of winning the starting job. Coffey won’t be an early enrollee but might be the best pure athlete of Auburn’s 5 OL signees. He will arrive in the summer and will attempt to at least crack the two deep in 2020.

It wasn’t all roses though on the trail for Auburn at this position. Losing Flax hurt because he was an early enrollee and had three more years of eligibility. Auburn also lost their top ranked prep prospect last week in Javion Cohen. I fully expect Auburn to sign at least one more offensive tackle in February.

Another big time OL joining the Family. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/fOnGNRVBBy

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Ready to get the big man on The Plains! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/PAZBk8LeTW

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Welcome to the squad, @TateJohnson76! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/yBUxq9gfru

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Another big man coming to The Plains! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/6OMZiMZ5cd

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

That's a BIG MAN headed to The Plains! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/36OQhSI4cA

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Defensive Line

4* Zykeivous Walker (EE), 3* Romello Height (EE), 3* Daniel Foster-Allen (EE)

Always trust Rodney Garner. Jay Hardy not signing early takes a little luster off this group but overall hard not to be very happy with this threesome. All three are early enrollees who will have a chance to find a way into Auburn’s rotation next season.

Walker was one of Auburn’s biggest victories on the trail beating out the Dawgs for the nation’s #7 SDE. The staff is extremely high on this kid and there is a strong belief he will be an impact player in 2020.

Height was a surprise flip from Miami who brings a skillset to Auburn’s defensive line they don’t really have right now. He has a combination of length, quickness and bend that is needed to be an elite pass rusher. Auburn’s defensive line was the best in the land this past season but if there was a weakness it was the lack of a truly dominant edge rusher ala Jeff Holland or Carl Lawson. Height has the skillset to make that type of impact.

Finally, Auburn likes Foster-Allen a lot. He’s only 17 years old and still growing so don’t be surprised if he’s eventually a 6’5” 300 lb force in the interior. He will need to get stronger if he wants to play immediately but getting him on campus early is big. I expect him to eventually develop into a very important piece of Auburn’s DL rotation.

Another DE ready to make a BIG impact. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/GLn0mNR6ii

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Bringing chaos to backfields across the country.#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/bcABB4CtwP

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Another BIG TIME defensive end joining the squad. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/QVJu9keRkN

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Linebacker

4* Wesley Steiner, 4* Desmond Tisdol, 4* Cam Riley

It’s been a wild year for Auburn’s linebacker recruiting. They lost two top 50 players in Trenton Simpson and Demouy Kennedy that absolutely hurt. But Travis Williams still signed a three man blue chip class who look likely to continue Auburn’s resurgence at linebacker.

Steiner is a special athlete. As I have mentioned pretty much every time I write about Steiner, he beat Owen Pappoe’s SPARQ score this past July which should tell you what type of athleticism this kid possesses. Desmond Tisdol is a big time athlete as well who WANTS to be an Auburn Tiger and looks to be a future starting MLB. Then there’s Cam Riley who had an incredibly productive senior campaign and could play any number of positions for the Tigers moving forward.

Losing 5*s hurt but this is still a durn good linebacker class that should have fans excited for the future.

.@ItsYa_Boi_Wes ready to bring the #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/kZh9PeXu9A

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

.@T_WILL4REAL adding another big hitter to the squad. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/64mBITMHaL

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Another heavy hitter for @T_WILL4REAL. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/QJrniLHinO

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Defensive Backs

4* Eric Reed Jr, 4* Ladarius Tennison (EE), 4* Chris Thompson Jr (EE), 4* Marco Domio (EE)

Auburn is starting to show some encouraging consistency in signing blue chip defensive backs. In the past, Auburn often relied on overlooked athletes that they developed into DBs. Now the Tigers are beating top programs in the country for big time talent. That’s an important change considering the continued growth of dynamic passing attacks in the SEC.

Reed Jr, in my opinion at least, was the big time win yesterday. He’s an elite talent that UGA really wanted. Auburn was able to beat out the Dawgs for the LA native who can do a little of everything. It’s likely he will start out at cornerback but he can play almost anywhere in the secondary.

If Noah Igbinoghene leaves early that would mean Auburn is down four starting DBs including both corners. Roger McCreary was a de facto starter and will lock down one spot next season. But the Tigers will need someone ready to go day 1 next season from this 2020 class. That’s where Marco Domio fits in. Auburn fought off LSU and A&M for his commit earlier this summer. He’s an early enrollee so don’t be surprised if he’s starting for the Tigers September 5th, 2020.

Then there the Bash Bros (I am trying to make this a thing) in Chris Thompson Jr and Ladarius Tennison. They have completely different body types but produce the same results - pain. Auburn plucked Thompson away from the in state Longhorns in a shocker over the summer. Tennison is a former Miami commit (Manny Diaz is probably not an Auburn fan) who is a freaky athlete that isn’t afraid to deliver some punishment. Both will practice this spring and have a chance to carve out role in Auburn’s defense in 2020

⬇️#WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/bUZhRxW3P5

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

A firecracker joining the defensive backfield! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/xxRzSOuLVJ

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Another big time DB headed to The Plains! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/6SCEoF8cnb

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

Another ⬇️ CB on the way! #WarEagle x #AUNSD20 pic.twitter.com/TVYeyiBKcP

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 18, 2019

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/12/19/21029906/2020-auburn-football-recruiting-early-signing-day-class-recap

[truebluedc4l-blog]

The sting of it all...

If you are anything like me, you are probably still licking your wounds after Sunday’s tough Divisional Round loss at AT&T Stadium.  If I have to hear Stephen A. Smith proclaim “He’s a bad man” one more time I think I might hurl.  Sunday’s loss to Green Bay and more particularly “The Bad Man himself” Aaron Rodgers is going to sting for quite a while.  The 2014 playoff loss hurt for all of the obvious reasons and I still do not understand how it was not a catch.  However, this season’s loss hurts for a whole new set of reasons.  Not only did the Cowboys lose, but we may have also witnessed Tony Romo wearing a Cowboys jersey for the very last time.  For that, this loss cuts far deeper for me.

Two years later and the same issues plagued the Dallas Cowboys.  The team couldn’t get any pressure on Rodgers as he sat back like Dr. Sean McNamara in an Episode of Nip/Tuck and surgically took apart the Cowboys secondary.  In the earlier season matchup, Rodgers did not have Ty Montgomery running the ball with the efficiency he showed in the post season.  Montgomery in my mind was the unsung hero of the game for Green Bay because of his early ability to gash the Cowboys for large chunks.  Those large early runs helped putt Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens on their toes and forced them to bite first on the run.  Rodgers was able to sit back and use play action to buy a solid 2-3 extra seconds of time, giving him 6 or more seconds on just about every drop back.  I hate to say it, but even Ryan Leaf could have success with that much time.  How in the world did Rodgers even make that throw rolling left?  His playmaking ability is absolutely ridiculous.

I’m probably about the biggest Tony Romo fan you will ever meet.  We can all sit back and wonder what if.  I will just go ahead and say it as a homer, but I believe Romo wins that game on Sunday.  Yes, I said it.  Just as I say that, it surely does not mean that I believe this loss was Dak’s fault.  Dak showed poise and great resolve leading the come back and giving the Cowboys a chance at overtime.  However, early on Tony would have recognized just how important every drive was against an Aaron Rodgers led team.  Tony would have seen the importance of stretching the field and making big plays when they presented themselves and that comes with ability, confidence and most importantly experience.  I firmly believe Dak will look back over game tape and see some first half drives where check downs were not totally necessary and that letting out his inner gunslinger is not always a bad thing.  It is surely not his fault this game was lost, but I do believe he will recognize some plays left on the table that could have changed the face of the game drastically.

Rod Marinelli did a great job all year with the Cowboys defense.  In fact, he has done a great job every season as the Cowboys Defensive Coordinator.  He has taken lesser talent and other team’s castaway practice squad talent and turned one of the league’s worst defenses into a defense that competes.  The defense still does not have the talent to dominate, but they still fought each and every game.  Facing the savvy Aaron Rodgers has to truly be a coordinators nightmare.  The inability once again to get edge pressure proved to be costly.  Bringing all out blitzes exposes the secondary in one-on-one matchups and if that pressure never arrives, Rodgers sits back and destroys you.  I believe Marinelli did all he could with what he had personnel wise.  I did personally call for him to switch to the 3-2-6 scheme that he used against the Lions.   I felt like that change might be enough to cause some issues for Rodgers.  Marinelli finally went to it a bit in the second half and was able to get some stops.   I look for the offseason focus of the Cowboys to be finding Edge Rushers in this draft.  With Eli Manning, Kirk Cousins and a young gunslinger in Carson Wentz, the Cowboys will need a pass rush if they want to stay on top of the NFC East.

Most off-seasons, Cowboy fans spend time looking at Free Agents and clamor at what could be.  For the first time in many years, I believe it is time we start taking care of own.  It is time to start locking down players we have developed and keep them from heading elsewhere.  Guys like Barry Church, Ronald Leary, Terrell McClain, David Irving and Terrence Williams will all hopefully be resigned.  It is imperative that the Cowboys keep some of these vital pieces to the puzzle.

The 2016 season is over.  It does suck.  Dak Prescott said it best at his closing interview – “I mean, it’s sinking in.  It sucks.  It stinks.  But I mean it was fun, it was a great year.  Great teammates, great coaches.  The reality of it though is we all won’t be back together.  That’s what team meeting was all about.  We know it’s the business of this league.  It’s part of it.  But yeah, it sucks.”.  That is the reality of it.  We are now on day 3 of the 2017 season.  Guys are Free Agents.  The 2017 Dallas Cowboys team will likely look much different than the 2016 edition.  Each new season also presents its own challenges, so you can never start back off where you left off the previous season.

Right now as a fan, I plan to sit back and reflect on a great year.  I will not call this season a failure, but it is far from the success anybody that bleeds blue and silver would ever accept.  If it was Tony’s last ride in Dallas, then I would like to thank him for the memories.  Tony made us all believe again that no matter what the odds were, his team always had a chance...

I will be writing a weekly column on everything Cowboys up until the Draft in April.  So each week look for a new column addressing this team and the steps moving forward to achieve greatness.  Also look for draft analysis and scouting reports on players the Cowboys might be looking at in the upcoming NFL Draft.  If you’d like to reach me you can do so at truebluedc4l@yahoo.com