March Madness 2024’s Most Likely First-Round Upsets

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March 21, 2024

SP_March_Madness_Turner_CBS — Photo Cred: Sportico.com

March Madness is definitely one of the biggest sports competitions of the year. During the first and second rounds, games take place from early afternoon into the night. With multiple games on every channel, it signifies the beginning of one of the best postseason tournaments in all of sports! One thing that March Madness is known for is the upsets. Millions of college basketball fans fill out brackets predicting who will advance and win the tournament. However, most (if not all) brackets are quickly busted by a few surprise upsets by lower seeds over much higher ones.

Photo Cred: Variety

Some popular examples are #16 Fairleigh Dickinson over #1 Purdue (2023), #16 UMBC over #1 Virginia (2018), and #15 St. Peter’s knocking off #2 Kentucky before defeating Murray State and Purdue (2022). The Peacocks advanced all the way to the Elite Eight before falling to championship runners-up North Carolina. This year, while there might be a surprise upset by a 15th or 16th seed, many other games loom large as potential upset picks. Here are some of the top upset picks for the opening round of March Madness.

#9 Northwestern over #8 Florida Atlantic

Starting with an intriguing #8 vs. #9 matchup, this wouldn’t necessarily be the biggest upset, as no. 9 seeds actually have a 78-74 all-time record against the slightly favored 8th seeds. This game jumps out for a few reasons. Florida Atlantic made a Cinderella run to the Final Four as a nine-seed last year but has taken a step back this season. The Owls finished second in their conference and lost to #11 Temple in the American Athletic Conference tournament semifinals. FAU’s highlight of the season was a neutral-court win over #2 Arizona. However, they also lost to unranked teams such as Bryant, FGCU, and Charlotte.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Meanwhile, Northwestern has been a much more consistent team this season, finishing with a 21-11 record in the tough Big Ten conference. They had a home win over #1 Purdue and came close to defeating the Boilermakers a second time in West Lafayette, falling 105-96 in overtime. A shocking loss to lowly Chicago State was a blemish for the Wildcats, but that game was three months ago and Northwestern has played much more consistent basketball as of late. This game could go either way, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Northwestern knocks off an over-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls team riding the glory of last year’s Final Four run into a season where they haven’t been as successful overall.

#10 Nevada over #7 Dayton

Moving to a #7 vs. #10 matchup, Nevada against Dayton is another intriguing upset possibility. The Mountain West was a very competitive league this season, sending six teams to the tournament. On the other hand, Dayton boasted a 24-7 record but finished third in the Atlantic 10 conference behind Loyola Chicago and Richmond. Those teams ended up in the NIT instead. Furthermore, Dayton fell to Duquesne in the A-10 quarterfinals and failed to defeat an at-large team selected for March Madness. The Flyers fell three times in their last seven games, while Nevada ended up as the #2 seed in the Mountain West by winning seven games in a row before their loss to #7 Colorado State. Nevada looks more likely to bounce back and is currently favored by 1.5 points, indicating a high chance for a first-round upset.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

#10 Drake over #7 Washington State

In another #7 vs. #10 matchup, Drake takes on Washington State in a battle of teams looking to make an unexpected run. WSU won 10 out of 12 games and swept #2 seed Arizona, while Drake won a competitive Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Bulldogs defeated at-large contender Indiana State in the championship game to earn a March Madness bid. Drake looks to keep the momentum going as 1.5-point underdogs. They have a more recent tournament history, winning a First Four matchup in 2021 and falling to Miami (a team that reached the Final Four) last season. Star guard Tucker DeVries averages nearly 22 points, so the team’s high-flying offense should be good enough to keep up with the efficiency of the Cougars.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

#11 New Mexico over #6 Clemson

Fresh off a Mountain West tournament championship, New Mexico only managed the #11 seed as they battle the Clemson Tigers in the opening round of March Madness. Clemson finished with a 21-11 record and fifth in the ACC en route to a sixth seed valuation after narrowly missing the tournament last year. However, the Lobos defeated the top teams in the conference tournament, including a win over national runners-up San Diego State, to bring some momentum into their first-round game. The Tigers took a hefty loss against Boston College, falling in the ACC tournament’s opening round, so they are currently 2.5-point underdogs in this matchup. With four players in double figures for New Mexico, expect the Lobos to take down the Tigers and help prove why the Mountain West was disrespected by the selection committee.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

#11 NC State over #6 Texas Tech

Next up in a #6 vs. #11 matchup, the #11 NC State Wolfpack battle the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Round of 64. NC State went on a miraculous run in the ACC tournament, winning five games in five days to capture an ACC championship and an automatic bid to the Big Dance. The Wolfpack took down some of the top teams in the conference along the way, upsetting Duke, Virginia, and #1 seed UNC in consecutive days. They rode stellar play from guard DJ Horne and center DJ Burns among several other key players.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Texas Tech finished fourth in the rugged Big 12 conference behind top tournament teams such as Houston, Iowa State, and Baylor. Pop Issacs and Joe Toussaint are one of the top shooting guard duos in the nation, with some top-notch defense in the backcourt. The Red Raiders are 5.5-point favorites against NC State, however, riding the high of their ACC championship. There is still a chance the Wolfpack continue their magical run and win at least one tournament game before bowing out.

#12 McNeese St. over #5 Gonzaga

In the upset-heavy #5 vs. #12 matchup, McNeese State vs. Gonzaga has a very interesting feel to it. The Cowboys boast a 30-3 record, including a win over Big Ten program Michigan. Meanwhile, Gonzaga made it back to March Madness for the 25th straight season, this time as the West Coast Conference runners-up. The Bulldogs finished second in the conference after splitting the regular season series with St. Mary’s, but they did boast ranked road wins over #3 seed Kentucky and the aforementioned Gaels.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Gonzaga has more size and tournament experience, though, as they reached the Sweet 16 or further nine years in a row under head coach Mark Few. However, McNeese is a great three-point shooting team, making nearly 39% of their threes. Additionally, they have a plus-6.7 turnover margin, which ranks third in the nation. Both teams play an up-tempo style of basketball with stout defense and exciting offenses. If the Cowboys can shoot well from long distance and win the turnover battle as they usually do, McNeese can be a trendy upset pick. They have an opportunity to pull one of the biggest stunners of the tournament and knock out a perennial powerhouse in Gonzaga.

#12 James Madison over #5 Wisconsin

Another trendy upset pick is James Madison over Wisconsin, and there is a lot to like about this prediction. JMU boasts a 31-3 record, including a season-opening win over tournament-bound Michigan State. They also had a 13-game win streak en route to a Sun Belt championship victory. Wisconsin had a strong start to the season, including a win against in-state rival Marquette, but then had a four-game losing streak that featured losses to two bottom-two teams in the Big Ten, Michigan and Rutgers.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

The Badgers recently regained their early-season form, knocking off #1 Purdue in the Big Ten tournament before falling to Illinois in the Big Ten title game. Still, it is hard for viewers to tell which Wisconsin team will show up for March Madness, while the Dukes have been more consistent all season long. They even have a win over a Big Ten team currently in the dance! As one of the top upset picks of the tournament, look out for James Madison to knock off Wisconsin and likely battle with the Duke Blue Devils in the second round.

#13 Samford over #4 Kansas

We conclude with what would be the biggest upset out of all of these games! National powerhouse Kansas battles Samford in a #4 vs. #13 matchup to open their tournaments. The Kansas Jayhawks will be without star guard Kevin McCullar Jr., who is battling a nagging knee injury, while star center Hunter Dickinson is also questionable for this matchup. It will be up to the guard duo of Nicolas Timberlake and Elmarko Jackson to step up in his place.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Meanwhile, the Samford Bulldogs are coming off a 29-5 record and a Southern Conference championship. The Bulldogs have a top offense and have elite three-point shooters at every position. They score efficiently inside the arc and have excellent depth. Although Samford lost handily in an away game against #1 Purdue, the Jayhawks not having McCullar and possibly Dickinson should bode well for their upset chances. If there’s any year for the undersized Samford to knock off one of the nation’s best teams and make a March Madness run, it’s this one!

Three Upsets to Watch Out for in the First Weekend of March Madness

College

By

Jordan DeBusk

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March 20, 2024

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15402410-e2e4-11ee-bfb3-a779e0d26e29 — Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

After a tumultuous regular season of college hoops, March Madness is finally upon us—time to savor the moment. From now until the National Championship on April 8, it’s the era for legends to emerge, stories to unfold, and hopefully, a few monumental upsets along the way. This is what the NCAA Tournament is all about—chaos and the unforeseen. Each year, we witness a new Cinderella story, whether it’s a stunning upset in the first round like last year’s 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson taking down top-seeded Purdue, or the magical Final Four run of UCLA in 2021, starting as an 11 seed and from the first four play-in games.

It’s these moments that make the sport and the tournament so captivating—the chance for underdogs to topple giants. Last year’s tournament showcased the FDU upset and an Elite Eight devoid of any top-seeded teams. The highest-seeded team in the Final Four, UConn, emerged as a 4th seed from the West region. While last year set a high bar, this postseason promises excitement and unpredictability, stemming from a topsy-turvy regular season where over 50 schools found themselves ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. As mentioned earlier, in March Madness, expect the unexpected. Here are a few potential upsets in the first round to keep a close eye on:

Samford over Kansas

Photo Cred: Sporting News

This upset pick has gained popularity due to recent news of an injury to Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. The leading scorer for the Jayhawks has missed six of their last 12 games due to a nagging knee bone bruise. McCullar Jr. earned first-team All-Big 12 honors for his stellar season, and now, Kansas must find a way to fill his void. This challenge is compounded by the Jayhawks’ struggles in generating points off the bench. Enter the 13th-seeded Samford Bulldogs, a team ranked in the top 10 for turnovers forced, playing a fast-paced style that could leave Jayhawks defenders trailing.

With a tempo akin to that of Kentucky and Alabama, Samford aims to dictate the game’s speed and potentially push Kansas into a high-scoring affair. The Bulldogs boast a top-10 scoring offense, averaging 86 points per game and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Had McCullar Jr. been in play, the outcome might differ, as Kansas boasts a top-15 defense in field-goal percentage allowed. However, without McCullar Jr.’s scoring prowess to match Samford’s rapid offense, an early exit for the Jayhawks seems likely this March.

McNeese State over Gonzaga

Welcome back to the big dance, Will Wade! The former LSU coach has redeemed himself in the eyes of college basketball fans after his dismissal in early 2022 due to recruiting violations. In today’s world of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL), coaches have more flexibility in financially incentivizing players to join their programs—an arena where Wade excels. Wade has transformed a McNeese State team that went 11-23 the previous year into a dominant force, clinching the Southland conference championship with a remarkable 30-3 record.

A key addition to this turnaround was senior transfer Shahada Wells from TCU, leading the Cowboys in scoring with 17.8 points per game on over 47% shooting. Wells also shines defensively, averaging three steals per game. Defensively, McNeese State poses a significant threat, ranking in the top 3 nationally for turnover margin, trailing only Houston and Iowa State.

Similar to Samford, the Cowboys excel at forcing turnovers, averaging over 16 per game. However, they play at a slower pace. While Gonzaga boasts a potent offense, ranking top 10 in the nation for points per game (83.6) and top 3 in offensive rating (120.2), McNeese State’s style might disrupt Gonzaga’s rhythm. This matchup could swing either way, but I’m leaning toward the Cowboys and their exceptional turnover margin for a first-round victory.

New Mexico over Clemson

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Is it truly an upset if the lower-seeded team is favored by 2.5 points over the higher seed? I believe so—just look at the seeds! Clemson started strong with an 11-1 record but faltered to a .500 finish, ending the season with 10 wins and 10 losses. Conversely, New Mexico closed the year on a high note, winning four straight games, including victories against three NCAA tournament teams, and clinching the Mountain West title. The dynamic guard duo of Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House poses a formidable challenge for a Clemson defense ranking near the bottom half of Division 1 with a defensive rating of 104.9.

New Mexico forces over 14 turnovers per game and boasts a top-10 turnover margin of 4.2. I see potential for New Mexico to make a Sweet Sixteen run, especially if they face an average defense like Baylor in the second round. While these are my top three upset picks, a few others bear mention: Oregon over South Carolina, Drake over Washington State, James Madison over Wisconsin, and Charleston over Alabama. Each of these matchups holds upset potential, particularly with their aggressive defenses capable of turning turnovers into points.

Now, let the madness begin.

2024 SEC Baseball: Alabama

By

Memphis Spence

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March 20, 2024

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An Alabama squad won 43 games and finished fourth in the SEC West before advancing to the Super Regionals, only to fall to Wake Forest 2-0 in the series. They hosted their own regional in 2024 with a new coach, aiming to overcome that hurdle and reach Omaha. However, the team faced significant losses on both sides following the 2023 season. In the draft, the Tide said goodbye to six players, including two top infield prospects and one pitching prospect.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Among those departing were Andrew Pinckney, who boasted a .339 batting average with 15 home runs last year, Grayson Hitt, a top starter recovering from injury, and Jim Jarvis, who started all 64 games in 2023. Additionally, several players transferred to different schools. Key starter Luke Holman, with 15 starts and a 3.67 ERA, and Colby Shelton, who hit 25 homers as a freshman, were notable names among those who entered the transfer portal. The team also bid farewell to graduates Tommy Seidl, leading with a .355 average in 60 games, Ed Johnson, third with a .315 average in 60 games, and Jacob McNairy, boasting 17 starts on the mound.

Looking at the lineup, Alabama will feature some familiar faces alongside new additions. Among the returning players expected to take on larger roles are infielder Will Hodo, who played 39 games in 2023, Mac Guscette, with 48 starts, and Bryce Eblin, who started 40 games. The Tide benefitted from the transfer portal after the 2023 season, acquiring players such as Rutgers-transfer Evan Sleight, Bishop State-transfer Gage Miller, and Maryland-transfer Ian Petrutz, all anticipated to assume significant roles immediately.

Photo Cred: Alabama

The lineup also bids farewell to everyday starter Drew Williamson due to graduation, leaving a gap to fill. Another addition is Ole Miss-transfer TJ McCants, joining to bolster the lineup. Notably, top 10 Florida shortstop Justin Lebron arrives as a freshman, set to have an immediate impact on the infield. On the pitching side, Alabama faces fewer uncertainties compared to their lineup, with several returning players for 2024 and strong additions from the transfer portal and freshman class.

Leading the pack is D1Baseball.com’s third-team preseason pitcher Ben Hess, who started seven games in 2023 with a 3.22 ERA. The returning pitchers, including key bullpen arms Alton Davis II, Riley Quick, and Braylon Myers, are expected to be the backbone of the staff. New faces such as Louisville-transfer Greg Farone, Wofford-transfer Coulson Buchanan, Texas-transfer Pierce George, and redshirt freshman Tyler Fay will further strengthen the pitching crew for the 2024 season.

Colorado State Rolls Through Virginia

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Jordan DeBusk

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March 20, 2024

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In the second game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Colorado State dominated, defeating Virginia 67-42. This victory marks the Rams’ first tournament win since 2013 and their 25th win of the year. They advance to the round of 64, where they will face the Midwest seventh seed, the Texas Longhorns. While Virginia appeared to have a chance at their first tournament win since their 2019 national championship victory, Colorado State took control.

Led by Nique Clifford and Joel Scott, the Rams stifled Virginia’s struggling offense, limiting them to a 25% shooting percentage from the field, their lowest of the year. Virginia had the lowest scoring average of any tournament team at 62.9 points per game, and their 14-for-56 shooting night was a significant drop from their usual 43.4% field goal percentage. On the offensive end, Colorado State had a strong performance, shooting over half their field goals.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Transfer senior Nique Clifford had an impressive all-around game with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Clifford’s impact was evident throughout the game with timely cuts to the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he held Virginia’s leading scorer this season, Isaac McKneely, to just six points on a 2-for-13 shooting night. Another standout for the Rams was Joel Scott, leading CSU with 23 points and securing another double-double with 11 rebounds in the victory.

Colorado State dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Virginia’s 24. The Rams’ focus and physicality in the paint contributed to this advantage, but Virginia’s poor shooting also played a role. Of CSU’s 43 rebounds, 37 were on the defensive end. Virginia had a tough shooting night overall, particularly in the first half when they went 5-for-29.

Photo Cred: Streaking the Lawn

They closed the first half with a ten-and-a-half-minute drought without a field goal. They missed their first five shots of the second half, resulting in 20 consecutive missed field goal attempts. Reece Beekman led Virginia in the losing effort with 15 points and 4 assists. Colorado State now advances to face Texas in the Round of 64 in Charlotte, looking to continue their impressive season. This win adds to one of the best seasons in school history for the Rams.

2024 SEC Baseball: Auburn

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Auburn is coming off a surprising season. Expected to finish next to last in the SEC West, the Tigers won 34 games, including 17 in conference play, and secured a 3rd place finish in the West. South Carolina also hosted a regional for the second consecutive year. The Gamecocks failed to secure a win in the regionals, going 0-2 and falling to Southern Mississippi. The 2024 Tigers aim to make an impact in the SEC, entering the season ranked 23rd by Baseball America.

Photo Cred: Aurbun

Auburn hopes to make a push for a National Championship. Notably, the team faces significant losses in its infield. Cole Foster, the starting shortstop, and Bryson Ware, the starting third baseman known for his power at bat, played in 50 or more games in 2023 before being drafted. Additionally, the Tigers lost two promising prospects to the draft: Kevin McGonigle and Colt Emerson, both shortstops. While other position players transferred out, none of the starters departed.

On the pitching front, most of last year’s pitchers return. The team did lose a couple to the transfer portal. The most notable losses are Tommy Vail, the top starter who graduated, and the top relief pitcher Chase Isbell. Last year, the Tigers boasted one of the top offenses in college baseball, with multiple players hitting more than 10 home runs.

Photo Cred: Auburn

The lineup will be formidable in 2024. Returning catcher Ike Irish, who played in all 54 games last season, led the team with a .361 average and 24 doubles, with only 5 errors behind the plate. Other returning key players include starting center fielder Chris Stanfield, who started 40 games, Bobby Peirce, batting .343, and Cooper McMurray, who hit 14 homers last season. Auburn made significant moves in the transfer portal, bringing players such as Deric Fabian from Florida, Cooper Weiss from Miami (OH), and Javon Hernandez from Jacksonville State for the infield.

Mason Maners, another transfer from Jacksonville State, joins the team in the outfield.
On the pitching side, the staff remains mostly unchanged from last year. Apart from the losses of Vail and Isbell, the rotation and bullpen look familiar with some new additions. Joseph Gonzalez, a standout pitcher who missed the 2023 season after just one start, returns for 2024.

Auburn also acquired pitchers for the starting rotation, including Connor McBride from Division II St. Johns River and Carson Myers from UAB. Many of last year’s key arms are back, including Will Cannon, John Armstrong, Chase Allsup, and Tanner Bauman, all aiming for a shot at the national championship.

2024 SEC Baseball: South Carolina

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Photo Cred: 1000 logos

After a 2023 super-regional loss to fellow SEC team Florida, the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for a strong 2024 season. Finishing third in a competitive SEC East with a 42-21 (16-13) record, they began the year ranked 12th in Baseball America’s preseason rankings and are poised to contend for a national championship. Projected to once again rank near the top, South Carolina anticipates hosting another Regional as they pursue a title run.

Pitching is pose the biggest challenge for the Gamecocks this season. The team lost five pitchers to the draft, including a top starter from 2023. Jack Mahoney started 17 games for SC in 2023, pitching just over 84 innings with a 4.16 ERA. Also drafted were Will Sanders, who started 11 games, and Noah Hall, who started seven. Returning players and new additions will fill these roles. Notable returning pitchers include bullpen arm Eli Jones and starter Matthew Becker, with over 50 innings pitched in 2023.

Photo Cred: The State

Big righty Connor McCreery expects to step up in relief in 2024. Freshmen Eddy Cooper, Parker Marlatt, and Tyler Pitzer should contribute immediately. Transfers Ty Good from Charleston and Tyler Dean from Virginia Tech should make an impact. The 2023 Gamecocks were known for their strong offense, a trend likely to continue in 2024. The team hit over 100 home runs last season, and many sluggers return. The departure of top hitter Braylen Wimmer, who batted .304 in 2023 with 11 doubles and 14 homers, is notable. However, the core of the potent offense remains intact.

Leading the returners is right-handed outfielder Ethan Petry, a preseason All-American and 2023 freshman of the year, boasting a .376 average with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs. Also returning are infielders Gavin Casas, Talmadge LeCroy, and catcher Cole Messina, all starters in over 50 games last season. New additions to the lineup include transfers Kennedy Jones from UNC Greensboro, Tyler Causey from UNC, andfreshmen Ryan Bakes and Lee Ellis.

2024 SEC: Arkansas Razorbacks

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Expectations are soaring this season for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who are determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to TCU in the Regionals on their field last year. The Razorbacks are following a 43-18 (20-10) campaign that secured the SEC West title ahead of eventual national champions LSU are poised to dominate the SEC and contend for the national championship. Picked to clinch the top spot in the SEC West once again in the Preseason SEC polls, Arkansas is primed to clinch the SEC tournament and host a regional for the third time in four years.

Photo Cred: Arkansas Money

Ranked as a consensus top-five team in preseason polls, placing 2nd by Perfect Game and 3rd by D1Baseball, Arkansas boasts an impressive pitching staff. Leading the charge this year is LHP Hagan Smith, a preseason first-team All-American pitcher. Smith, a Golden Spikes semifinalist last season, concluded 2023 with a 3.64 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Joining him in the starting rotation are standouts like Texas Tech transfer Mason Molina and returner Brady Tygart, who steps into a starting role this season.

With Cody Adcock departing to the draft, the bullpen should be anchored by Gage Wood, who notched 42 strikeouts in 30 innings over 23 appearances in 2023. The Razorbacks’ lineup this season is a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers. Leading the charge at the plate is returning OF/DH Kendall Diggs, projected to be a mainstay in the field this year for Arkansas after primarily serving as DH last season.

Photo Cred: Southwest Times

Diggs concluded last season with nearly a .300 batting average and a team-leading 63 RBIs. Following Diggs, power hitters in the lineup include Texas Tech transfer Hudson White and Missouri transfer Ty Wilsmeyer.

Israel to Square Off against Iceland in Euro 2024 Qualifying Play-off Semifinal

By

Ethan Burke

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March 19, 2024

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33V37F3-highres — Photo Cred: Time of Israel

After a four-month break, Israel will continue its quest for the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament as they will face Iceland in a single-leg knockout match on Thursday. Israel got placed in the PATH B semifinal group along with Iceland, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina due to finishing in third place in Group I. The winner of Israel vs. Iceland will face the winner of Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 26.

Thursday’s matchup will be at Szusza Ferenc Stadion in Budapest, Hungary. The contest is considered a “home game” for Israel, but moved due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel has a chance to make history. The Israel national soccer team has never qualified for a European championship since being a member of UEFA in 1994. Alon Hazan’s team heads into the semifinals ranked 75th in the world, two spots below Iceland at No. 73.

Photo Cred: Facebook

After 10 matches in the qualification round, Israel finished third in its group behind Romania and Switzerland. The Israel national soccer team ended group play with four wins, three draws, and three losses. Hazan’s team started the competition with a 1-1 draw against Kosovo and a 3-0 loss to Switzerland. Israel rebounded with victories over Belarus and Romania before drawing with Romania in its fifth matchup. Maccabi Tel-Aviv midfielder Gavriel Kanichowsky scored the game-winning goal to lift Israel past Belarus 1-0 in their second matchup in September.

It was a challenging finish to group play for Israel. In their first game since the conflict began, Israel’s national soccer team fell to Kosovo 1-0 after allowing a goal from midfielder Milot Rashica in the 43rd minute. U.S. Salernitana 1919 forward Shon Weissman scored a late goal in the 88th minute to secure a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in its eighth game of the qualifying round. Hazan’s team conceded two goals in the second half of their 2-1 loss to Romania before finishing the qualification round with a 2-0 victory over Andorra.

Photo Cred: AP News

Weismann and FC Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh have been the leading goal scorers for Israel throughout the EURO 2024 qualifying tournament, with two each. Both players scored in the final five minutes in Israel’s 2-1 win over Belarus in June. Gloukh also scored in the second half of Israel’s 1-1 draw with Romania in September. Other goal scorers for Israel in the tournament are Maccabi Tel-Aviv midfielder Dor Peretz, Tottenham midfielder Manor Solomon, Maccabi Haifa F.C. midfielder Gadi Kinda, Maccabi Tel-Aviv forward Eran Zahavi, and defender Raz Shlomo.

FC Dynamo Moscow right-back Eli Dasa, the captain of the Israel national team, is another player to watch. Omri Glazer, goalkeeper for Israel, also plays for FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in Serbia. Iceland heads into Thursday’s matchup after a challenging stretch in group play. They aim to qualify for its first Euro tournament since 2016. Iceland’s national soccer team finished fourth in Group J with three wins, a draw, and six losses. Age Hareide’s team concluded the qualification round behind Portugal, Slovakia, and Luxembourg.

Israel faces a tough task against Iceland’s talent. K.A.S. Eupen striker Alfred Finnbogason will be a challenging matchup. Finnbogason, with several accomplishments in his career, was named MVP of the Eredivisie league in 2014 and won the Super League in Greece with Olympiacos Piraeus in 2016. The 35-year-old striker has three goals in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers so far. LOSC Lille midfielder Hakon Arnor Haraladsson also scored three goals in group play, including goals in Iceland’s victories over Liechtenstein and one in its 3-1 loss to Luxembourg in September.

Photo Cred: Times of Israel

Aron Gunnarson, Iceland’s team captain, also has three goals, all coming in Iceland’s 7-0 win over Liechtenstein in September. F.C. Copenhagen midfielder Orri Oskarsson has scored two goals in Iceland’s national soccer team’s 1-1 draw with Luxembourg and in the first half of their 4-2 loss to Slovakia in November. Lyngby Boldklub forward Andri Gudjohnsen has also been effective for Iceland. Israel vs. Iceland will kick off on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. CT.

Netflix Announces New Sports Series ‘Receiver’

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 19, 2024

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — March 19, 2024 — Today, Netflix announced its newest sports series “Receiver” that follows pass catchers for the 2023 NFL season: Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions). “Receiver” is an eight-episode series set to premiere in Summer 2024 as a continuation of Netflix’s relationship with the NFL that first began with “Quarterback,” which hit the Netflix Global Top 10 for three weeks last year.

The series is produced by NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions, with executive producers Ross Ketover, Pat Kelleher and Keith Cossrow from NFL Films, executive producers Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz from Omaha Productions, and executive producer Patrick Mahomes from 2PM Productions.

“The natural progression is from a pass to a catch, so we’re excited to dive into the ‘Receiver’ world after the success of our ‘Quarterback’ series,” said Gabe Spitzer, vice president, nonfiction sports, Netflix. “NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions have delivered again in finding unique and dynamic athletes who will further highlight the drama of this sport on and off the field.”

“We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks,” said Joe Zucco, supervising producer, NFL Films. “We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication and passion of the NFL’s great wide receivers – and one tight end – will make a perfect follow-up.”

“We are excited to be working again with Netflix and NFL Films to give fans unprecedented access to what it’s like to play receiver at the highest level,” said Peyton Manning. “As we did with ‘Quarterback,’ we look forward to telling the stories of five incredible receivers, each with their unique personality, skillset and motivation for what drives them to be the best.”

Netflix is the premier home for great sports stories as this series joins Netflix’s lineup of sports programming, including recent releases like “Quarterback,” “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” “Full Swing,” “NASCAR: Full Speed,” “Untold,” “Tour de France: Unchained,” “Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team,” “Six Nations: Full Contact” and more. Netflix has partnered with sports leagues including Formula 1, National Football League (NFL), the PGA TOUR, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and more.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with over 260 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About NFL Films

NFL Films is widely recognized as the most honored filmmaker in sports and continues to produce innovative franchises and documentaries across multiple networks and platforms, including “Quarterback” on Netflix, “Hard Knocks” on HBO/Max, “Peyton’s Places” on ESPN+, eight “30 for 30″ films on ESPN, and recent premium programming across Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, MGM+, Fox, NBC, CBS, NFL Network, NFL+ and The Roku Channel. In 2023, NFL Films productions earned seven No. 1 rankings on five different platforms. “Bullies of Baltimore” was the No. 1 ranked “30 for 30″ film premiere in the history of the ESPN+ platform, “Quarterback” was the No. 1 series on Netflix for eight days and Top 10 in 16 countries, “The Pick is In” was the No. 1 ranking Roku Original documentary premiere of all time, “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets” was the No. 1 unscripted series for six straight weeks on Max, and “Kelce” became the No. 1 movie or series on Amazon Prime Video, only to be surpassed by “Bye Bye Barry” just two months later as the platform’s No. 1 documentary of all time in the U.S. Completing the extraordinary year, HBO’s “Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins” became the No. 1 series on Max in the final week of 2023. With 136 Sports Emmy Awards to its credit, NFL Films remains a gold standard in premium sports content, providing an elevated and connected viewer experience with unprecedented access to the athlete story.

About Omaha Productions

Omaha Productions is a media company launched by Peyton Manning following his retirement from the NFL. Omaha focuses on developing content that unifies and uplifts people and communities. Omaha Productions executive produces ESPN’s Emmy-award-winning “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” along with alternative telecasts for college football, NBA, golf, F1 and The UFC. The company also produces ESPN+’s “Places” franchise featuring series from Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Abby Wambach, Vince Carter, David Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, P.K. Subban, Sue Bird and John McEnroe. Omaha executive produced the Netflix series “Quarterback” and shows for ABC, A+E Networks and NBCUniversal. Omaha has also teamed up with the NFL to reimagine the Pro-Bowl and launch the inaugural NFL FLAG Championships, a youth flag football tournament airing on ESPN in July. The Omaha Audio Network provides daily sports talk in partnership with ESPN. More info here: http://www.omahaproductions.com.

Fans Can Now Register for Free Entry to NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light in Detroit

By

Stephen Patrick

-

March 19, 2024

0

NEW YORK — March 19, 2024 — The 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is heading to Detroit for the first time. The three-day event will be free and open to fans in the downtown area surrounding the award-winning Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza from April 25 – April 27.

Fans can now register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. All adults are required to register but can also register up to five children to get into the event.

“The NFL Draft has an unmatched energy, one full of hope and optimism for both prospects, teams and fans, and we’re thrilled to welcome Detroit residents and visitors from around the country and the world to this unique, three-day free event,” said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president, league events, club business and international at the NFL. “As the home of the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit’s rich history and culture in football, music, art and style will be on full display for all fans and families to experience and enjoy.”

The 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage – the NFL’s ultimate fan festival – will take place during all three days of the Draft. This free fan experience invites Detroit residents and visitors to participate in immersive exhibits and sponsor activations; take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage. The player appearance schedule will be announced in the coming weeks and available exclusively in the NFL OnePass app.

Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences. Corner Ballpark will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics. Fans are encouraged to get to Draft Experience early, as attendance will be on a first-come first-served basis.

With Detroit’s distinct culture in music, art, food and style, the Draft Experience will feature elements unique to the Motor City. Food and beverage vendors will highlight the local fare, as the Taste of Detroit concessions will represent various neighborhoods in the city, including soul food, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and East African cuisines. As an integral part of Detroit’s culture, dance will play a large role on Day 3 of the Draft. The Detroit Hustle will be celebrated across Campus Martius Park with fan participation encouraged.

NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY ROCKET MORTGAGE – HOURS OF OPERATION

DATE	HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, April 25	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All times are local and may be subject to change.

Built in front of the award-winning Campus Martius Park, the NFL Draft Theater will act as the hub where all 32 teams pick the future football stars live and in-person. General fan viewing is standing room only and will be on a first-come first-served basis. The Draft in its entirety will also be broadcasted on multiple screens throughout the Draft Experience site.

During each day of the major event, the NFL will host free concerts in the Draft Theater as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light. On Thursday and Friday, concerts will take place before picks start and feature local artists, along with a post-Draft Drone Show and tribute to Detroit music on Friday night. A post-Draft performance on Saturday will close out the major event. Each day, the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light will be on a first-come first-served basis and standing room only. Headliners will be announced at a later date.

NFL DRAFT PROGRAMMING – TIMING

DATE	TIMING (ESTIMATED)
Thursday, April 25	8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All times are local and may be subject to change.

For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage and for the full list of interactive games and attractions, fans should visit https://www.nfl.com/draft/event-info/ and download the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Fans are required to download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage, receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. For fans without a smartphone, registration on site via our Fan Services staff is also permitted.

The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is a fully accessible event. For more details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation options and road closures, fans can check the Know Before You Go information, which will be released over the coming weeks. The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and streamed on NFL+ beginning Thursday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET with the first round, followed by Rounds 2-3 Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET and Rounds 4-7 Saturday, April 27 at noon ET from Detroit.

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