2024: Mississippi State Baseball

College

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April 2, 2024

dm_240317_dm_240317_CBASE_Miss_St_runs_psegot2tag — Photo Cred: ESPN

For the second consecutive year following their 2021 National Championship triumph, Mississippi State fell short of the SEC Tournament. They finished the season with a 27-26 record and a mere 9 conference wins, landing them 6th in the West division. This marks one of the team’s poorest performances in recent memory, causing significant hardship for the players and the program alike. The draft dealt a heavy blow to the Bulldogs, snatching away two of their starting fielders, Kallum Clark and Cade Smith, along with one of their starting pitchers, also named Cade Smith, and key bullpen arm Aaron Nixon.

Photo Cred: Mississippi State

Additionally, they lost two top prospects, Lane Forsythe to transfers and Luke Hancock to graduation. As they head into the 2024 season, Mississippi State’s lineup faces the daunting task of compensating for these losses. While they retain three key players from last year—Jordan Dakota, Hunter Hines, and Amani Larry—whose individual contributions were notable, they represent only a fraction of the puzzle. Supporting them are teammates such as Slade Alford, Connor Hujsak, Bryce Chance, and David Mershon, who are expected to step up after playing lesser roles last season.

Furthermore, the team welcomes new additions, including both freshmen and transfers like Memphis-transfer Logan Kohler and highly touted prospect Dylan Cupp, who are anticipated to make immediate impacts. Despite the challenges, pitching appears to be a relative strength for the Bulldogs in 2024. While they suffered losses in the pitching department, several arms return with a hunger for expanded roles.

Photo Cred: Bull Dog Blitz

Ace Jurrangelo Cijntje resumes his position after tallying 13 starts last year, alongside Purdue transfer Khal Stephen, who brings experience and depth to the rotation. Additionally, the bullpen, reminiscent of last year’s setup, sees the return of arms like Cole Cheatham, Even Siary, Colby Holcombe, and Tyson Hardin, augmented by promising freshmen such as Nolan Stevens and KK Clark. Transfers like Miami’s Karson Ligon further bolster the pitching staff, providing depth and versatility as the Bulldogs navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

2024: Ole Miss Baseball

College

By

Memphis Spence

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April 2, 2024

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Of all the schools on this list or even in the country, there is not one that represents college baseball like Ole Miss. After winning 42 games in 2022 and making it to the College World Series, the 2023 Rebels only won 25 games and missed the SEC tournament altogether, finishing 7th out of 7 in the West. After the season ended, they lost a lot of key pieces, but most importantly, they lost Jacob Gonzalez. After three years as a starter for Ole Miss, Gonzalez was the rock of the team, earning all-SEC honors three times, hitting .327 in his final year and was taken 15th overall.

Photo Cred: NCAA

The draft also took two players who started every game last year, Kemp Alderman and Calvin Harris, and one of their top arms in their pen, Jack Dougherty. They also had their three top prospects drafted, pitchers Josh Knoth and Zander Mueth, and infielder Cooper Pratt. The rest of the players they lost were to the portal or graduation, losing TJ McCants and Peyton Chatagnier to other schools and pitcher Mitch Murrell to eligibility. In 2024, Ole Miss starting pitching will rely on new and old faces. 2023 starters Greyson Saunier and TJ Quinn are back and looking to retain their roles for this season after Saunier finished with a 6.9 ERA in 19 starts and Quinn a 6.8 in 17 appearances (12 starts).

Newcomer Gunnar Dennis from Meridian CC will slide in as the third starter, transferring in for his junior year. Out of the pen, the Rebs will be leaning on returners Mason Nichols and Xavier Rivas to take the lead. Both are coming back after being two of the top arms for them in 2023 and are going to try to make even bigger impacts this year. They will also be getting help from some other familiar faces like Cole Tolbert, Sam Tookoian, and Josh Mallitz.

Photo Cred: BVM Sports

Some of the new faces that will also be getting innings are Coastal Carolina transfer Liam Doyle, Arkansas State transfer Kyler Carmack, and freshman Patrick Galle. Hitting for the Rebels, they will be led by returners like Will Furniss, Ethan Lege, and Ethan Groff. Furniss was the best of them in 2023, hitting .298 with 39 hits. A lot of the lineup, though, will consist of new guys.

Transfers like Jackson Ross (Coastal Carolina), Andrew Fischer (Duke), Treyson Hughes (Mercer), and Luke Hill (Arizona State) will all have significant roles in the lineup this year, possibly starting every game. Reagan Burford is another returner who will have a larger role in 2024, having only started in 14 games last season. They will have a few bats on the bench too, some returners and some freshmen, but the lineup will mostly remain consistent throughout the 2024 season.

The Birmingham Stallions Start the Season with a Major Win on the Road

By

Iliyan Lakhani

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April 2, 2024

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The Birmingham Stallions burst onto the scene for their highly anticipated season opener, securing a resounding 27-14 victory on the road against the Arlington Renegades. The match showcased the promising debut of quarterback sensation Matt Corral, who left an indelible mark in his inaugural appearance in the United Football League (UFL). Corral, hailed as the standout of the game, dazzled fans with his exceptional performance, amassing 201 passing yards, a touchdown, and an impressive 85.6 Quarterback Rating (QBR).

Photo Cred: NBC Sports

His precision was on full display, completing 12 of 21 attempts and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFL. The offensive fireworks were not limited to Corral, as star wide receiver Deon Cain stepped up with his trademark excellence. Fresh from a remarkable championship run in 2023, Cain made a significant impact, hauling in three receptions for 66 yards, including a pivotal touchdown. His 39-yard touchdown catch just before halftime underscored the Stallions’ first-half dominance and set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Stallions’ offensive showcase continued as Corral connected with Ricky Person Jr. for a crucial two-point conversion, showcasing the team’s versatility and depth in offensive strategies. Defensively, the Stallions exhibited their tenacity and skill, tallying an impressive 48 tackles, two sacks, and four pass deflections throughout the game. Mark Gilbert’s interception added to the defensive prowess, effectively stalling the Renegades’ offensive momentum and limiting them to a mere 14 points.

Photo Cred: Fox

Looking ahead to their next challenge against the Michigan Panthers on the road, Head Coach Skip Holtz lauded the team’s depth and stellar performances. In addition to Corral and Cain’s standout contributions, running back CJ Marable emerged as a vital asset, amassing 63 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 36 receiving yards. As the Stallions set their sights on a third consecutive championship, Holtz emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline. The upcoming clash against the Panthers, who showcased their strength with an impressive 64-yard field goal, promises to be a test of the Stallions’ resolve and skill.

With their potent offense and solid defensive play, the Birmingham Stallions are poised for another remarkable season in the UFL. However, they understand that achieving championship glory requires unwavering determination and flawless execution in every upcoming battle. The anticipation for the showdown against the Panthers next Sunday is palpable, as fans eagerly await the continuation of the Stallions’ quest for football greatness.

2023 Performance-Based Pay Distributions Announced

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 1, 2024

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NEW YORK — April 1, 2024 — NFL players will receive $393.8 million in Performance-Based Pay for their performance during the 2023 season, the NFL announced today. The Performance-Based Pay program is a collectively bargained benefit that compensates all players based upon their playing time and salary levels.

Guard JOHN SIMPSON, who played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, earned the highest amount among all NFL players for the 2023 League Year Performance-Based Pay program. His $974,613 distribution will nearly double his 2023 salary. Simpson was a 2020 fourth-round draft choice from Clemson who played the 2023 season under a one-year minimum salary contract. He participated in all but seven plays on offense and almost 19 percent of the club’s special team plays.

Players have been paid nearly $2.4 billion cumulatively since the inception of the Performance-Based Pay program, which was implemented during the 2002 season as part of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association, and has been carried forward in three subsequent collective bargaining agreements.

How Performance-Based Pay Works

Under the Performance-Based Pay program, a fund is created and used as a supplemental form of player compensation based upon a comparison of playing time to salary. Players become eligible to receive a bonus distribution in any regular season in which they play at least one official down. In general, players with higher playtime percentages and lower salaries benefit most from the pool.

Performance-Based Pay is computed by using a player index (“Index”). To calculate the Index, a player’s “PBP Playtime” (defined as the player’s regular season total plays played on offense, defense and special teams, divided by the number of plays in which the player with the most total combined plays participated on that team) is divided by his “PBP Compensation” (defined as each player’s regular season full salary, including his prorated portion of signing bonus, and earned incentives). Each player’s Index is then compared to those of all other players on his team to determine the amount of his Performance-Based Pay. If a player’s full season salary is less than the CBA Minimum Salary for a player with seven or more Credited Seasons, additional salary will be imputed to that player so that his salary is equal to the Minimum Salary for a player with seven or more Credited Seasons (i.e., $1.165M for the 2023 season). By imputing a minimum salary of $1.165 million, a slightly higher percentage of the pool is directed to high-performing veteran players whose salaries exceed $1.165 million, but are not among the highest in the League, as contemplated by the formula. This imputation of salary is solely for the purpose of calculating distributions from the pool and does not affect the actual salary paid to the player under his contract.

Illustration Of Performance-Based Pay System

Each player on the same team competes for his own share of his club’s Performance-Based Pay pool. The hypothetical example in the table below illustrates how the Player Index works, using a simplified four-player team and a club bonus pool of $1,000,000. Each player receives his share of the pool depending on how his Index compares to those of his teammates.

	A *PBP* *Playtime*	B *PBP* *Compensation*	C Index (A/B)**	D *% of Club Bonus Pool* *(C/Team Total C)*	E *Hypothetical Bonus* **(D $1,000,000)***
*Player A*	85%	$ 1,165,000	7.3	56.6% of the Club’s pool	56.6% * $1,000,000 = $566,000
*Player B*	50%	$ 2,000,000	2.5	19.4% of the Club’s pool	19.4% * $1,000,000 = $194,000
*Player C*	50%	$ 5,000,000	1.0	7.7% of the Club’s pool	7.7% * $1,000,000 = $77,000
*Player D*	25%	$ 1,165,000	2.1	16.3% of the Club’s pool	16.3% * $1,000,000 = $163,000
Team Total:			12.9 Points

** Index is multiplied by 10⁷ for legibility purposes only

Top 25 Performance-Based Pay Distributions For 2023

	PLAYER	2023 CLUB	POS.	COLLEGE	ROOKIE YEAR	DRAFT ROUND	DISTRIBUTION (ROUNDED)
1	John Simpson	Baltimore	G	Clemson	2020	4	$ 974,613
2	Reed Blankenship	Philadelphia	S	Middle Tennessee State	2022	UDFA	$ 923,059
3	Spencer Brown	Buffalo	T	Northern Iowa	2021	3	$ 912,723
4	Cordell Volson	Cincinnati	G	North Dakota State	2022	4	$ 905,972
5	Kader Kohou	Miami	CB	Texas A&M-Commerce	2022	UDFA	$ 878,167
6	Luke Fortner	Jacksonville	C	Kentucky	2022	3	$ 872,196
7	Trey Smith	Kansas City	G	Tennessee	2021	6	$ 865,484
8	O’Cyrus Torrence	Buffalo	G	Florida	2023	2	$ 847,180
9	Jamaree Salyer	L.A. Chargers	G	Georgia	2022	6	$ 840,282
10	Tariq Woolen	Seattle	CB	Texas-San Antonio	2022	5	$ 839,154
11	Jason Pinnock	N.Y. Giants	S	Pittsburgh	2021	5	$ 817,224
12	Will Fries	Indianapolis	G	Penn State	2021	7	$ 810,961
13	Brandon Stephens	Baltimore	S	Southern Methodist	2021	3	$ 805,253
14	Deommodore Lenoir	San Francisco	CB	Oregon	2021	5	$ 790,744
15	Camryn Bynum	Minnesota	S	California	2021	4	$ 785,489
16	Tony Adams	N.Y. Jets	S	Illinois	2022	UDFA	$ 777,965
17	Terrel Bernard	Buffalo	LB	Baylor	2022	3	$ 777,092
18	Rodney Thomas	Indianapolis	S	Yale	2022	7	$ 769,445
19	Ben Bredeson	N.Y. Giants	G	Michigan	2020	4	$ 764,130
20	DaRon Bland	Dallas	CB	Fresno State	2022	5	$ 759,756
21	Nate Landman	Atlanta	LB	Colorado	2022	UDFA	$ 753,273
22	Quinn Meinerz	Denver	G	Wisconsin-Whitewater	2021	3	$ 747,505
23	Dan Moore	Pittsburgh	T	Texas A&M	2021	4	$ 740,319
24	Brock Purdy	San Francisco	QB	Iowa State	2022	7	$ 739,795
25	Jonathon Cooper	Denver	LB	Ohio State	2021	7	$ 738,916

The Resurgence of Workhorse RBs: Saquon Barkley & Derrick Henry Headline NFL Free Agency

By

Ventine Richardson

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April 1, 2024

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As NFL Free Agency makes a huge splash, there have been some notable running backs who secured substantial contracts this offseason. With the game evolving each year, the necessity of having an elite, 20-carry running back to win games seemed to be diminishing. Perhaps having a duo to share the load works better. The position’s lack of financial value became a concern over the past two offseasons.

Saquon Barkley, 27, achieved a career-high 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2022 season. However, that offseason, the New York Giants opted not to offer him a multi-year contract, settling instead for a 1-year, $10 million deal. Out west, Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,653 yards during the same season. The Raiders chose not to extend his contract as desired, placing him on a franchise tag.

Photo Cred: SI

The All-Pro back settled for a one-year deal worth up to $12 million. Both players found themselves in holdout situations due to these circumstances. It seems that not only are most running backs not considered valuable for the long term, but even the cream of the crop isn’t getting the recognition they deserve. There are various scenarios one could imagine for why some of the most talented players in the NFL aren’t being compensated as such.

Whether it’s the higher risk of injury leading to shorter careers, the supply and demand dynamics, or the increasing trend towards a pass-heavy style of play in football, it just doesn’t add up. In my opinion, running the ball remains the most crucial element in football for both offense and defense. Controlling the line of scrimmage greatly increases your chances of winning. A running back consistently gaining four to five yards per carry during a game can be demoralized for a defensive front seven.

Workhorse running backs like the greats of the past such as Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson are not found every day. Any offense, regardless of level, aims to have a fully balanced attack, with a reliable finisher around the goal line. While the quarterback position is undoubtedly the most critical, an elite running back can elevate your offense to another level. Despite being in a new age, there are clear examples of “workhorse” backs in today’s game. And although the market didn’t recognize it at the time, the upcoming season proved the eyes didn’t deceive.

Photo Cred: Opta

With Derrick Henry’s unwavering consistency, Barkley’s star power, Jacobs’ grit, and a host of other talents, the money has been flowing, and the landscape of the NFL has shifted. After a stellar season on a lackluster deal, Saquon Barkley secured a three-year agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles worth over $37 million dollars. It’s a significant upgrade for the superstar, and he’s not alone in receiving a hefty paycheck. Josh Jacobs signed a four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers worth $48 million, while Derrick Henry made waves in the AFC, heading to the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million dollar deal.

NC State Continue Miraculous Run into Final Four

By

Augustus Oswald

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April 1, 2024

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NC State hadn’t reached a Final Four since 1983, and the odds seemed against them changing that this year as the regular season wrapped up. The Wolfpack had stumbled, losing their last four games before entering the ACC tournament, far from the bubble. Then, a stunning turnaround: the Wolfpack triumphed in five games over five days, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. They conquered Duke and North Carolina in the ACC tournament, continuing their miraculous journey to the Final Four as an 11th seed.

Photo Cred: ESPN

This included a decisive 76-64 victory against their rival 4th seed, Duke, in the Elite Eight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, this past Sunday. Once again, the Wolfpack were led by the March Madness sensation, power forward DJ Burns Jr., who amassed 29 points, shooting an impressive 13-19 from the field, alongside four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Another standout contributor to the Wolfpack’s success, guard DJ Horne, added 20 points, shooting 7-16 overall, with four rebounds and three assists. Burns Jr. was rightly named the South Region’s most outstanding player, consistently scoring in double figures throughout NC State’s NCAA tournament run.

This included a notable 24-point performance, shooting 9-12 overall, in the 79-73 overtime triumph over the 14th seed, Oakland, in the round of 32. The matchup marked the 257th meeting between the two schools, their first-ever encounter in the NCAA tournament, and a historic first between an 11th seed and a 4th seed. NC State has now clinched nine consecutive elimination games, while the university’s women’s program has advanced to the Elite Eight as a 3rd seed, defeating 1st seed Texas 76-66 last Sunday.

Head Coach Kevin Keatts expressed his admiration for the team’s incredible journey, stating, “These guys are truly special, facing nine elimination games where it’s win or go home.”

Duke’s standout freshman guard, Jared McCain, notched his second 30-point game of this year’s NCAA tournament, scoring 32 points on 8-20 shooting overall, including 5-11 from beyond the arc, alongside six rebounds and one assist. McCain had previously achieved 30 points in 31 minutes, shooting 10-15 overall and 8-11 from three, during the 93-55 victory over James Madison in the round of 32. However, the Blue Devils’ sophomore center Kyle Filipowski, averaging 16.6 points per game this season, struggled, only managing 11 points on 3-12 shooting overall, and going 0-3 from three against the relentless Wolfpack.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Both teams endured a challenging first half with poor shooting performances. Duke managed a slim 27-21 lead, shooting 8-26 overall and 2-7 from three, while NC State wasn’t much better at 9-34 overall and 1-7 from three. However, the Wolfpack rallied in the second half, narrowing Duke’s lead to 35-34 after a crucial three-pointer by Horne with 13:24 remaining. The game remained closely contested until consecutive jumpers by Horne and Burns Jr. propelled the Wolfpack to a 42-38 lead with 10:44 left.

From there, NC State never looked back, embarking on an 11-4 run to establish a commanding 53-42 lead with 6:56 on the clock. Duke failed to mount a serious comeback, as NC State maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. Duke struggled offensively, aside from McCain, finishing at 32.2% overall and a mere 5-20 from three, all five three-pointers coming from McCain. NC State fared slightly better from beyond the arc, finishing 3-13, and showcased a solid 46.7% shooting overall.

The Wolfpack dominated the paint, scoring 38 points led by Burns Jr., compared to Duke’s 26. Both teams took care of possession, with NC State committing only five turnovers compared to Duke’s nine. NC State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 13 points off Duke’s mistakes, in contrast to Duke’s mere two points off turnovers. This marked the second consecutive game where NC State controlled proceedings against a higher seed.

In the Sweet Sixteen clash against the 2nd seed Marquette Golden Eagles, NC State emerged victorious with a 67-58 win. They seized the lead early at 9-7 with 15:51 remaining in the first half and held a commanding 37-24 lead at halftime. While Burns Jr. contributed only four points in this game, Horne shone with 19 points, supported by guard Casey Morsell’s 15 points on 7-12 shooting overall.

Photo Cred: FOX

The Wolfpack’s defense was outstanding, limiting Marquette to 33.3% shooting overall and a dismal 4-31 from three. Looking ahead, the Wolfpack now face their toughest challenge yet, the 1st seed Purdue Boilermakers (33-4), in the Final Four in Phoenix next Saturday on TBS. Although Duke’s season has come to a close with a successful run to the Elite Eight, where they defeated the 1st seed Houston 54-51 in the Sweet Sixteen, head coach Jon Scheyer’s second season has shown promise for the Blue Devils (27-9).

The MVP Race is Heating Up

By

Koby Skillern

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April 1, 2024

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The Most Valuable Player award is the most coveted regular season honor, and currently, it’s a three-man race, all from the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Nikola Jokic holds the lead, with Luka Doncic closely following. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trails in third place, his chances to win the award seeming slim. It’s worth noting that the Thunder have secured this award twice in the last decade (Kevin Durant in 2014 and Russell Westbrook in 2017). As we enter this crucial phase of the regular season where each victory counts, and with all three MVP frontrunners winning their recent games, it’s the perfect time to examine each player’s case for the MVP title.

The Case for Nikola Jokic:

Photo Cred: Eurohoops

In his most recent game, Jokic displayed an impressive stat line of 26 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists, and one steal during a dominant 130-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the past four years, Nikola Jokic has consistently been considered one of the NBA’s top players. He consistently achieves triple-doubles and currently has his team as the second seed in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the first seed. If his team secures the top spot, Jokic stands a good chance of claiming his third MVP title in the last four years. His current stats stand at 26.1 (PTS), 12.3 (REB), 9 (AST), 0.9 (Blk), and 1.3 (STL), numbers that are in line with his MVP seasons, all while showing improvement in limiting turnovers. The Nuggets have a 2-1 record without Jokic this season.

The Case for Luka Doncic:

Photo Cred: SI

Last night, Luka Doncic exploded for 47 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, sinking 9 three-pointers and adding two steals against the red-hot Houston Rockets. Before this game, the Rockets had been on an 11-game winning streak, which Luka and the Mavericks halted with a triumphant 125-107 victory. Luka is currently averaging 34 (PTS), 9.1 (REB), 9.8 (AST), 0.5 (BLK), and 1.5 (STL) per game. These numbers in points, assists, and rebounds haven’t been seen since the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. If Luka maintains these stats, he could achieve a historic feat as no player has ever averaged 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in a season. The Mavericks hold a 3-6 record without Luka this season.

The Case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

Photo Cred: SI

In his recent game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a relatively modest performance by his standards, scoring 19 points, grabbing two rebounds, and dishing out three assists, along with one steal. However, he redeemed himself with a game-winning shot in a 113-112 win against the Knicks. Shai is currently recognized as the best two-way player in the league, averaging 30.3 (PTS), 5.5 (REB), 6.3 (AST), 0.9 (BLK), and 2.1 (STL). He ranks third in the league in scoring and first in steals. While he has put up impressive numbers, he’s not quite at the same level as Luka and Jokic. The Thunder hold a 1-2 record without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season.

My Prediction:

I predict that Luka Doncic will clinch his first-ever MVP award this season. The Mavericks have won 11 of their last 12 games with Luka leading the charge. Luka’s numbers are unprecedented, and he has steered his team out of the play-in position, currently standing at the 5th seed with a chance to move up to the 4th seed. If Luka and the Mavericks continue their stellar performances, the NBA voters will likely select the first-ever Slovenian MVP.

Xavier Weaver, Former Colorado Buffaloes Wide Receiver, Shows NFL Potential Despite Challenges

By

Augustus Oswald

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April 1, 2024

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Xavier Weaver, a standout wide receiver hailing from Orlando, Florida, made quite the impact in his senior year at the University of Colorado Boulder. Weaver, donning the #10 jersey for the Buffaloes, transferred from the University of South Florida Bulls before the 2023 season and wasted no time in proving his worth. Weaver’s connection with quarterback Shedeur Sanders was evident from the get-go, making waves in CU’s season opener against the #17 TCU Horned Frogs.

Photo Cred: SI

In a thrilling 45-42 road victory, Weaver showcased his skills with 6 receptions for 118 yards, including an impressive 44-yard play, averaging 19.7 yards per reception. This stellar performance was just the beginning for Weaver. The following week, in a home game against Nebraska, he delivered a jaw-dropping 10 receptions for 170 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown, in a convincing 36-14 win. His momentum continued against the rival Colorado State Rams, where he snagged 9 receptions for 98 yards, securing a critical touchdown in a 43-35 double-overtime victory.

As PAC-12 conference play commenced, Weaver remained a force to be reckoned with. Despite facing tough opponents like #10 Oregon and #8 USC, he managed a combined 16 receptions for 104 yards in two closely contested losses. By the end of the season, Weaver tallied an impressive 68 receptions for 908 receiving yards and four touchdowns, boasting an average of 13.4 yards per reception. This marked another standout year for Weaver, following a solid 2022 season with USF, where he accumulated 53 receptions for 718 yards and six touchdowns.

Photo Cred: CU

However, Weaver’s achievements came amidst adversity. He revealed that he played the entire season with a torn labrum, which unfortunately led to his absence from the NFL Combine. Despite this setback, NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein recognizes Weaver’s potential, awarding him a prospect grade of 5.95. Zierlein praises Weaver’s proficiency in route running and envisions a potential future for him in the league as a punt returner, citing his “dangerous punt returner” skills, exceptional field vision, and speed. Weaver notably tallied 132 yards on eight punt returns during the 2023 season.

Nevertheless, challenges persist for Weaver as he enters the NFL draft. Mock drafts project him as an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in a highly competitive year for wide receivers. Zierlein points out that Weaver’s missed time due to injury, including sitting out the final game against Utah, could impact his stock. Additionally, physical corners have been noted to pose a challenge for Weaver during contested catches. Despite these obstacles, Xavier Weaver’s standout performances and undeniable talent on the field position him as a player to watch as the NFL draft approaches.

Seton Hall in Final Four of the NIT, Look to Advance to Finals

By

Sam Cohen

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March 31, 2024

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The Seton Hall Pirates are making a formidable run in the National Invitation Tournament, setting their sights on a bold statement to the NCAA Tournament Committee. Tonight, they face the Georgia Bulldogs with ambitions to secure a spot in the tournament’s final round. This comes on the heels of their impressive 91-68 victory over UNLV, propelling them forward.

Al Amir Dawes has been a standout performer for the Pirates, exemplifying his season’s excellence with a notable performance against UNLV. Dawes tallied 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, leading the charge for Seton Hall. His performance this season has been a key factor in the team’s success, and his contributions were particularly significant in their recent victory. Jaden Bediako’s efficiency was also on display, as he hit all 5 of his attempts for a total of 11 points. Kadary Richmond added 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting, continuing to assert his leadership on the court.

Photo Cred: Seton Hall

Richmond’s playmaking was also highlighted, with 10 assists complementing his scoring output. The Pirates are now set to clash with the Bulldogs in the NIT semifinals, a matchup that promises to be engaging. Their journey through the tournament has been marked by dominant performances, and a win tonight would place them in the final, a testament to their prowess.

This run has sparked discussions about Seton Hall’s exclusion from the NCAA Tournament, underscoring the ongoing debate about the Big East Conference’s valuation by the selection committee. Tonight’s game is not just about advancing to the finals but also about proving the merit and strength of Seton Hall and the Big East Conference on a larger stage. It will be interesting to see how people react to this run by the Pirates, and if it will transfer over into next season.

Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott Open to Reunion

By

Luke Caputo

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March 31, 2024

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Panthers Cowboys Football — Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott gestures to the crowd as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

In a potential NFL homecoming, sources close to the situation have revealed to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the Dallas Cowboys and free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott are exploring a reunion. Elliott, who wrapped up the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, is reportedly in talks with his former team, sparking excitement among fans longing for his return. Could he make a return?

Photo Cred: The Spun

Elliott’s performance with the Patriots last season, where he rushed for 642 yards and scored three touchdowns, has been a focal point of discussions. Despite a modest start, Elliott demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in the season’s final five games, amassing 213 rushing yards. This surge in performance, especially during the Patriots’ starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence due to a high-ankle sprain, has reportedly caught the Cowboys’ attention.

The 27-year-old running back’s tenure with the Cowboys, which ended in 2022, was marked by significant achievements, including 876 rushing yards on 231 carries and 12 touchdowns in his final season with the team. Elliott’s departure was a strategic move by Dallas, aimed at managing salary cap space and making room for rising star Tony Pollard. However, with Pollard’s recent move to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys find themselves reassessing their running back lineup. As of now, the Cowboys’ running back roster includes Snoop Connor, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Leupke, Rico Dowdle, and Malik Davis.

Photo Cred: SI

The potential addition of Elliott could shake up the team’s dynamics and possibly reinstate him as the starting running back, a role he held for six seasons during his initial stint with the team. Elliott, the fourth overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, has left an indelible mark on the league and his team. With three Pro Bowl selections and two NFL rushing titles in his first three seasons, Elliott’s career stats boast 8,904 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns, underscoring his impact on the field.

While discussions between Elliott and the Cowboys are ongoing, financial considerations will play a crucial role in any potential agreement. The Cowboys, with $6.7 million in cap space remaining and a conservative approach in the 2024 free agency so far, are weighing their options carefully. As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the possibility of Elliott donning the Cowboys’ jersey once more has sparked anticipation and debate among the NFL community.

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The Case for Nikola Jokic:

The Case for Luka Doncic:

The Case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

My Prediction:

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