Who Are the Best Players in the Transfer Portal?

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December 6, 2023

ncaa_transfer_portal.0 — Photo Cred: 247Sports

Walter Nolen, DL, Texas A&M

Photo Cred: USA Today

In the midst of the bustling college football transfer portal activity, top-tier programs are eagerly awaiting the decision of Walter Nolen. He is a highly sought-after defensive lineman currently with Texas A&M. This former five-star pass rusher officially entered the transfer portal on a Monday, prompted by the departure of his position coach at College Station (Elijah Robinson). The coach seized an opportunity on Fran Brown’s staff at Syracuse, leading to Nolen exploring new options. Tennessee emerged as the runner-up in his recruitment journey, closely followed by Michigan, thus heightening the competition for his exceptional talents.

DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Oregon State

Photo Cred: Pro Football Network

Following his 2023 season with Oregon State, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is rumored to be considering a return to the ACC. During his sole season with the Beavers, Uiagalelei achieved a career-high of 2,638 passing yards. He threw for 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 145.0. Additionally, he contributed six rushing touchdowns, leading Oregon State to an 8-4 record. Previously, the quarterback represented the Clemson Tigers from 2020-22.

Dante Moore, QB, UCLA

Photo Cred: LA Times

UCLA proudly embraced the arrival of Dante Moore, an immediately-eligible true freshman quarterback and the standout jewel of the Bruins’ 2023 signing class. Hailing from Detroit’s Martin Luther King High School, Moore secured the position as the third-best quarterback and the fourth overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. His recruitment was a triumph for UCLA and coach Chip Kelly, successfully flipping the highly-regarded recruit from Oregon in December 2022.

Moore’s entry signified a pivotal moment for UCLA, not only making him the highest-ranked quarterback signee in the Kelly era but also marking the first five-star recruit under his leadership. Excitement was palpable as Moore brought his exceptional talents to the Bruins’ roster, promising a luminous future for the program. Instead, he now leaves the program and will look to join a new team for the upcoming season.

South Carolina’s Cardoso Headlines USBWA Weekly Women’s Honors

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 5, 2023

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unnamed (1) — Photo Cred: SportsWriters.net

INDIANAPOLIS (USBWA) — There are media veterans of women’s basketball coverage who could not envision a same day in which perennial Final Four aspirants Stanford, Tennessee and UConn would all get slammed the way each got handled this past Sunday, Dec. 3, the close out for candidacy for the latest USBWA women’s awards.

Yet for the first time since Dec. 29, 2004, that’s what occurred and when the result of this week’s Associated Press poll was released Monday at the stroke of noon, Tennessee was ejected, Stanford plunged from three to nine and UConn was ranked at a 30-year low at 17th, just one above its entry-level listing for its record AP appearance streak now extended to 569.

“Parity is truly here, and the fans love it,” said retired Notre Dame coach Muffett McGraw.

It may sound like a broken record but the players and teams causing all this to happen continue to provide dynamic performances, stunning upsets, and a wealth of candidates to fill the USBWA expansion to five Ann Meyers Drysdale national player honorees in addition to the singular Tamika Catchings freshman and team citations.

The USBWA women’s awards, organized under Mel Greenberg, the USBWA Vice President for women’s basketball, are drawn from weekly conference honors as well as at-large additions.

For their performances in the past seven days, this week’s five Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week honorees are South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim, Texas guard Rori Harmon, Ohio State forward Cotie McMahon, and Maine guard Anne Simon.

The Tamika Catchings Freshman Player of the Week is Texas forward Madison Booker, while Southern Miss is the National Team of the Week.

Cardoso, a 6-7 senior center from Montes Claros, Brazil, and a previous USBWA honoree, helped keep the top-ranked Gamecocks from being overthrown on a two-game swing in the Research Triangle, rallying over No. 24 North Carolina as part of the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge and then winning at Duke on Sunday, one of three televised games as part of the Jimmy V Women’s Classic. In the two contests, Cardoso combined for 21 points for a 10.5 average, and 30 rebounds for a 15.0 mark on the boards, getting a double-double against the Blue Devils with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Photo Cred: South Carolina Athletics

Ejim, a 6-1 senior forward from Calgary, Alberta, and a first-time USBWA honoree, in two games averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds, first helping the Zags with 23 points and 10 rebounds in a narrow 82-80 win at Eastern Washington, and then Sunday brought then-No. 3 Stanford’s perfect record to a dead stop, 96-78, shooting 11-of-16 for 68.8 percent from the field for 27 points while grabbing 12 rebounds. Gonzaga is on a 24-game home win streak and her season averages are 20.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg while shooting 66.9 percent from the field. The Stanford win was the highest ranked win ever for the Zags and sent them back into the poll for the first time this season at 23rd. She repeated her previous West Coast Conference player award on Monday.

Photo Cred: Gonzaga University Athletics

Harmon, a 5-6 junior guard from Houston, Texas, and a past USBWA honoree, averaged 18.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg with 13.0 assists in two games starting the week in Texas’ win over Oral Roberts with 10 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists. That followed with a Jimmy V Women’s Classic hosting then-No. 11 UConn in their 10th meeting. Harmon had 27 points and 13 assists as the Longhorns joined several other teams recently getting first-ever wins over the Huskies.

Photo Cred: University of Texas Athletics

McMahon, a 6-0 sophomore forward from Centerville, Ohio, and a past USBWA honoree, in the third Jimmy V Women’s Classic of the day made it a two-season home-and-home sweep of the Lady Vols by the Buckeyes scoring 19 points, shooting 6-for-16 from the field and a perfect connection on all six shots from the line. The result got Tennessee booted from the new AP Poll while Ohio State moved up from 16th to 12th.

Photo Cred: Land-Grant Holy Land

Simon, a 5-9 graduate guard from Sandweiler, Luxemborg, and a first-ever USBWA honoree, had a terrific week with the Black Bears to earn America East Player of the Week honors. Playing then-No. 17 Indiana tough all night at home in Portland, the Hoosiers gave Mackenzie Holmes a homecoming while the Maine star scored 34 points off 12-for-24 from the field, including three from deep, and 11 rebounds in the upset bid that came up short, 67-59. She followed up Saturday in a 74-62 win at Fordham blazing from the field on a 9-for-12 effort, including 4-of-6 on three-pointers, for 27 points while grabbing eight rebounds.

Photo Cred: Maine Athletics

Booker, a 6-1 freshman forward from Ridgeland, Miss., and a first time USBWA honoree, made it a two-woman show for Texas in the wins over Oral Roberts and UConn, scoring 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting against Oral Roberts, followed by 20 points on 9-for-21 shooting and a shot from deep against the Huskies with three rebounds and four assists. The work of Harmon and Booker earned them a sweep Monday of the weekly Big 12 awards. The Longhorns’ 9-0 start is their best since the 2015-16 season.

Photo Cred: University of Texas Athletics

Southern Miss, at 7-0 its best start since 2003-04, upset then-No. 19 Ole Miss, 61-59, at home in Hattiesburg for the first win against a ranked foe since the 1999-2000 season. Senior guard Domonique Davis scored 25 against the Rebels, who dropped out of this week’s poll, one of four from the SEC to depart. It’s a great start for a Lady Eagles program that hasn’t appeared in the NCAA tourney since 1996.

Photo Cred: Southern Miss Athletics

Since the 1987-88 season, the USBWA has named a women’s National Player of the Year. For the 2012-13 season, the national and weekly player award became named for Hall of Famer and former UCLA All-American Ann Meyers Drysdale while the national and weekly freshman award is being given in the name of former Tennessee all-American Tamika Catchings, which was applied at the start of the 2019-20 season.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for both individual awards, which is voted on by the entire membership of the USBWA. The winners of the 2024 Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Year and Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year will be announced and presented at the USBWA’s annual awards event on site at the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Cleveland.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected a women’s All-America team since the 1996-97 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.

2023-24 USBWA Women’s Weekly Honors
• Week ending Nov. 12: Caitlin Clark, Iowa; Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina; Saniya Rivers, NC State; Kiki Iriafen, Stanford; Liza Karlen, Marquette (National); JuJu Watkins, Southern Cal (Freshman); Colorado (Team).
• Week ending Nov. 19: Cameron Brink, Stanford; Taylor Jones, Texas; Ayoka Lee, Kansas State; Lucy Olsen, Villanova; Harmoni Turner, Harvard (National); Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame (Freshman); Baylor (Team).
• Week ending Nov. 26: River Baldwin, NC State; Caitlin Clark, Iowa; Maggie Doogan, Richmond; Aneesah Morrow, LSU; KiKi Rice, UCLA (National); Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy (Freshman); Princeton (Team).
• Week ending Dec. 3: Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina; Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga; Rori Harmon, Texas; Cottie McMahon, Ohio State; Anne Simon, Maine (National); Madison Booker, Texas (Freshman); Southern Miss (Team).

Northwestern’s Buie Headlines USBWA Weekly Men’s Honors

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 5, 2023

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The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has named five Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week for games of the week ending Sunday, Dec. 3.

For the 2023-24 season, the USBWA has expanded its national player of the week program that has been affiliated with the Oscar Robertson Trophy since the 2009-10 season. In past seasons, the USBWA has recognized just one player each week.

Each Tuesday during the regular season, designated USBWA board members will select five standouts from the 32 Division I conference players of the week to be recognized.

Following are the five players selected for performance this past week:

Boo Buie, Northwestern (Big Ten Conference)
Buie averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game as Northwestern went 2-0 on the week. He posted 31 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals with no turnovers in a 92-88 overtime win over then-No. 1 Purdue to open Big Ten play. He became the only top-conference player in the country to post at least 31 points and nine assists with no turnovers in a game since at least 2010. Buie is the first Big Ten player with at least 30 points and nine assists in a game since Denzel Valentine had 30 and 13 for Michigan State against Indiana on Feb. 14, 2016. Earlier in the week, the Albany, N.Y., product scored 23 points and added seven assists, two rebounds and one steal in an 89-67 win over Northern Illinois.

Photo Cred: Northwestern Athletics

Boogie Ellis, USC (Pac-12 Conference)
Ellis torched the nets in USC’s two games averaging 28.0 points on 62 percent shooting (21-of-34), including 12-of-19 behind the arc (63 percent), to go along with 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals. He hit a career-high and Pac-12 season-high eight three-pointers en route to 28 points in 27 minutes during Wednesday’s 106-78 rout of Eastern Washington. Ellis also scored 28 points and added seven rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals in an 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga, going 12-of-21 from the field with four three-pointers.

Photo Cred: USC Athletics

Baylor Scheierman, Creighton (Big East Conference)
Scheierman averaged 22.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in a 2-0 week away from home. He started with 21 points and eight rebounds in a 79-65 victory over Oklahoma State in the BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle and finished by scoring 20 of his game-high 24 points in the first half of an 89-60 win at Nebraska. Scheierman is the nation’s only player with three or more three-pointers in every game this season. He also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Photo Cred: Creighton University Athletics

Shahada Wells, McNeese (Southland Conference)
Wells dominated his competition this week en route to a 2-0 record with the Cowboys. He averaged 30.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals across two games. McNeese defeated UAB, 81-60, with Wells going off for 36 points, six boards and two assists. Wells, a graduate transfer from Amarillo, Texas, followed that up with another 25-point outing, adding eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals in McNeese’s 91-80 win over UT-Martin. He was 24-for-36 (67 percent) from the field, including going 5-for-10 from three point range, and 8-for-10 at the free throw line.

Photo Cred: ESPN

Trazarien White, UNCW (Coastal Athletic Association)
White’s career-best 27-point performance Saturday powered UNCW to an 80-73 win over No. 12 Kentucky at Rupp Arena. The junior from Mansfield, Texas, was 9-for-16 from the floor and added 10 rebounds to secure the Seahawks’ second win over a ranked opponent in program history. White averaged a double-double for the week with 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in games against East Carolina and Kentucky.

Photo Cred: UNCW Athletics

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2024 Men’s Final Four in Glendale, Ariz., with the formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 800 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.

2023-24 USBWA Men’s Weekly Honors
• Week ending Nov. 12: Armando Bacot, North Carolina; Tucker DeVries, Drake; Terrence Edwards, James Madison; Dillon Jones, Weber State; Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor.
• Week ending Nov. 19: Hunter Dickinson, Kansas; Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State; Quinten Post, Boston College; Kyle Rode, Liberty; Marcus Tsohonis, Long Beach State.
• Week ending Nov. 26: Zach Edey, Purdue; Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas; Isaiah Stevens, Colorado State; Tyler Thomas, Hofstra; Jamir Watkins, Florida State.
• Week ending Dec. 3: Boo Buie Northwestern; Boogie Ellis, USC; Baylor Scheierman, Creighton; Shahada Wells, McNeese; Trazarien White, UNCW.

Broyles Award Announces Winner

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 5, 2023

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r924654_1296x729_16-9 — Photo Cred: ESPN

BROYLES AWARD ANNOUNCES WINNER– Press release

Iowa’s Phil Parker Named College Football’s Top Assistant Coach

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (December 5, 2023) – The Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation is pleased to announce Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator/Secondaries coach at the University of Iowa, as the winner of the 2023 Broyles Award. The winner was selected from a group of five finalists by a selection committee made of former hall of fame coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and broadcasters.

Photo Cred: University of Iowa Athletics

The 2023 Broyles Award finalists included:

GEORGIA – Mike Bobo, Offensive Coordinator/QB
IOWA – Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator/Secondaries
LSU – Mike Denbrock, Offensive Coordinator/TE
MICHIGAN – Sherrone Moore, Offensive Coordinator/OL
OREGON – Will Stein, Offensive Coordinator

The winner was announced at the Broyles Award ceremony on Tuesday, December 5, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is the 28th assistant coach to receive the Broyles Award. Visit the Broyles Award website for a full list of previous finalists and winners.

The Broyles Award is presented by Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Proceeds from the 2023 Broyles Award support the mission of the Broyles Foundation to provide a game plan through education, support, and resources to Alzheimer’s caregivers. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photo Cred: AMP – Arkansas Money & Politics

About the Broyles Award
The Broyles Award was created in 1996 recognizing Coach Frank Broyles’ legacy of selecting and developing great assistants during his hall of fame career as head coach at Arkansas. You can follow the Broyles Award on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the National College Football Awards Association
The Broyles Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 800 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.

About the Football Writers Association of America
The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters, and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game‐day operations, major awards, and its annual All‐American team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

About Oaklawn
Located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Oaklawn is one of the premiere Thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904, best known as home of the Arkansas Derby. The casino features slots, live table games, and sports betting year‐round. Our newest offering is Oaklawn Sports, an online sports wagering platform. Live racing is held from Dec 8, 2023 to May 4, 2024 and simulcast racing throughout the year. Plan your visit at Oaklawn’s luxurious hotel, multi‐purpose event center, luxury spa, and several dining options.

Photo Cred: The Broyles Award

Best Bowls During Bowl Season

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 5, 2023

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Bowl_Season_for_Site — Photo Cred: Bowl Season

Cotton Bowl

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

Missouri (10-2) will play in its first New Year’s Six bowl appearance since 2013 against Ohio State (11-1). The Buckeyes will be facing the possibility of NFL Draft opt-outs. Missouri boasts the SEC’s leading rusher in RB Cody Schrader, who topped the conference in rushing yards. On the defensive side, Ohio State has been a force, allowing just 4.1 yards per play and conceding a mere 11 points per game. This paves the way for an intriguing clash of strengths.

Orange Bowl

Photo Cred: Capital One Orange Bowl

The Orange Bowl pits unbeaten Florida State (13-0) against Georgia (12-1), with both teams nursing the disappointment of being left out of the playoffs. Even with the potential absence of Jordan Travis, the game is expected to deliver excitement. Florida State brings an intimidating defense. Georgia’s tumble from No. 1 adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.

Sugar Bowl

Photo Cred: Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

A playoff-era rematch unfolds in the Sugar Bowl, as No. 2 Washington (13-0) squares off against No. 3 Texas (12-1). This matchup will rekindle the intensity of last season’s non-playoff Alamo Bowl, where the Huskies emerged victorious by securing a 27-20 win. Both teams, propelled by MVP performances from Michael Penix Jr. and Quinn Ewers in their respective conference title games, have showcased an elevated level of play this year. It sets the perfect stage for a clash of titans.

Rose Bowl

Photo Cred: Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl takes center stage as No. 1 Michigan (13-0) and No. 4 Alabama (12-1) lock horns in a tantalizing playoff semifinal featuring two of college football’s most iconic programs. With only three previous meetings, and just one under the stewardship of Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban, the Wolverines and Crimson Tide last faced off on January 1, 2020. It was in the Citrus Bowl, with Alabama prevailing 35-16. This matchup promises high stakes and intense competition as both teams vie for a spot in the national championship.

Alamo Bowl

Photo Cred: Valero Alamo Bowl

Arizona (9-3) and Oklahoma (10-2) headline a highly anticipated Alamo Bowl matchup, consistently ranking among the top non-New Year’s Six bowls. Arizona rides into the game on the momentum of a six-game win streak to close out the season. Oklahoma rebounded from consecutive losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State, finishing strong with an impressive 159 points scored in their final three games. The clash showcases the resilience and determination of both teams, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in San Antonio.

Jets Change QBs Again, Lose Sloppy Game to Falcons

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 4, 2023

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trevor-siemian-vs-falcons — Photo Cred: SI

In a disappointing turn of events, the New York Jets faced their fifth consecutive defeat this week, succumbing to the Atlanta Falcons with a final score of 13-8. The loss brought the Jets’ season record to four wins and eight losses. Struggling to find their footing, the team failed to reach the endzone once again, marking the fourth time in the last five games. A major concern for the Jets is their alarming offensive performance, currently ranking 31st in the entire National Football League in offensive yards per game.

Photo Cred: Gang Green

First-year offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett appears to have exacerbated the team’s offensive woes. He’s pushed them further back than his predecessor, now-Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. The Jets’ offensive struggles are evident in their difficulty advancing beyond the 50-yard line and, more significantly, in their limited ability to score touchdowns. With the 30th-lowest points scored in the league, the outlook for a quick turnaround seems bleak.

The Jets’ star players, normally reliable weapons, were effectively neutralized by the underrated Falcons defense in this latest match. Garrett Wilson, the team’s leading receiver, managed only three receptions for 40 yards on seven targets. Running back Breece Hall faced a tough day, rushing the ball 13 times for a mere 16 yards. Quarterback Tim Boyle, in his attempt to outshine his predecessor Zach Wilson, struggled. He completed only 14 of 25 passes for 148 yards, accompanied by an interception before being replaced by backup Trevor Siemian. However, Siemian’s entrance did little to alleviate the team’s woes, securing only five completions for 66 yards and a fumble.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Looking ahead, the Jets are set to face the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium next week, hoping to reverse their fortunes. Their upcoming challenge includes containing rookie sensation C.J. Stroud and the formidable Texans pass attack. The Texans, who are desperate to revitalize their offense, will be without rookie wide receiver Tank Dell. Dell was carted off during their recent game against the Denver Broncos. Despite his absence, the team remains determined to overcome the odds and rebound from their recent setbacks.

Defense Was Key for Missouri in Victory over Wichita State

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Ethan Burke

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December 4, 2023

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MIZ41316__1_ — Photo Cred: Missouri Athletics

Missouri showcased a formidable defensive performance on Sunday at Mizzou Arena. They forced 18 turnovers and blocked six shots in their 82-72 victory over Wichita State (WSU). With this win, the Tigers improved to a 7-2 record for the season, riding high on a four-game winning streak. Mizzou will be gearing up for their Border War rivalry showdown against the No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks next Saturday.

Forcing Turnovers

WSU faced a daunting defensive challenge throughout the game, struggling to move the ball against Missouri’s relentless pressure. MU capitalized on this, forcing 10 turnovers in the first half and adding eight more in the second. Mizzou finished the game with an impressive tally of 13 steals.

From the opening minutes, Missouri disrupted the Shockers’ offensive flow, as the Shockers turned the ball over four times in the first three minutes. Tamar Bates and Sean East II set the tone with early steals. Bates stole the ball from Wichita State forward Kenny Pohto, while Sean East II stole a ball that led to a Nick Honor three-pointer on the other end. The initiation of a fast-paced game hurt WSU, who proceeded to turn the ball over on back-to-back possessions due to passing errors.

Defensive intensity remained a constant for the Tigers. East stole the ball from Harlond Beverly, which led to a fast-break layup from Anthony Robinson II to give Mizzou a 12-7 lead with 13:08 remaining in the first half. With nine minutes to go in the half, forward Noah Carter took the ball from Beverly, which led to a trip to the free-throw line for Caleb Grill after a fast break. Robinson came up with another fast-break layup towards the end of the half. He stole the ball from Wichita State guard Colby Rodgers to extend Missouri’s lead to 41-32 with 1:12 left in the half.

Photo Cred: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The second half saw Missouri’s defensive prowess continue, with Honor and Bates recording steals early on. Honor stole the ball from Beverly 54 seconds into the half, while Bates intercepted a pass and went all the way for a dunk to give the Tigers a 45-34 lead.

Head coach Dennis Gates commended Bates for his efficiency on the defensive end, highlighting the significance of his fast-break. The junior guard concluded the contest with three steals, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court.

“He (Bates) was very efficient for us defensively,” Gates said. “His dunk was big for us as he was able to unite the crowd and give us more momentum.”

Photo Cred: FOX 2

Gates’ defensive strategy paid off further as his team forced multiple turnovers, including two by Rodgers in 30 seconds. The guard was called for an offensive foul with 14:13 remaining in the game. 29 seconds later, Robinson stole the ball from Rodgers.

The defensive efforts were a collective endeavor, with players like Carter and East also contributing three steals each. Anthony Robinson II and Caleb Grill added crucial steals as well, solidifying Missouri’s dominance on the defensive front.

Denying Baskets

The defensive showcase extended to shot-blocking, with Gates’ squad amassing six blocks in the game. Sophomore Aidan Shaw led the charge with three himself, including a pivotal chasedown block on Harlond Beverly’s fast-break layup. Jordan Butler (two blocks) and Connor Vanover (one block) also made significant contributions, denying key shots from Wichita State throughout the game.

Shaw’s three blocks all came in the second half, which proved pivotal as it displayed his defensive versatility. Shaw also blocked two of Rodgers’ jump shots on the same possession shortly after his block on Beverly. Butler’s well-timed blocks (both on Beverly) in each half showcased the freshman’s defensive acumen.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

One was a blocked layup attempt after the Wichita State guard grabbed the offensive rebound. The other was a denied three-pointer when the Tigers were up 59-53 with a little under nine minutes remaining in the game. Center Connor Vanover rounded out the shot-blocking display with a rejection of Beverly’s jumper in the final 10 minutes.

Looking Ahead

In summarizing the defensive performance, Gates praised his team’s collective effort and highlighted the impact of timely steals and blocks. The victory over Wichita State not only extends Missouri’s winning streak but also solidifies their defensive prowess heading into the highly anticipated rivalry against Kansas coming up next.

#1 Michigan vs. #4 Alabama Preview

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 3, 2023

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michigan-vs-alabama-semifinal-at-the-rose-bowl-v0-r35Vg_8LOgwDwWhS03KJ98SL8LKsn7qSFAJaFbxKyPw — Photo Cred: ESPN

In the two prior matchups between the Wolverines and the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban’s leadership, Michigan found itself on the losing side. The first encounter took place in the 2012 season opener, where Alabama secured a dominant 41-14 victory. The second meeting occurred in the 2020 Citrus Bowl, with the Crimson Tide emerging triumphant 35-16. In both instances, Michigan faced setbacks against the formidable Alabama squad.

Photo Cred: USA Today

As the impending matchup approaches, Alabama appears to be hitting its stride, especially with the noteworthy emergence of Jalen Milroe. Over the last five games, Milroe has demonstrated his prowess, averaging an impressive 220.2 passing yards per game. He also recorded 10 touchdowns while throwing just one interception during that stretch. Additionally, he has proven to be a dual threat, with 325 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. This presents a formidable challenge for Michigan’s defense, which is known for its strength in the interior and ability to generate turnovers through standout secondary players Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil. Those two combined for eight interceptions this season.

The key for Michigan will be preventing the significant plays in the passing game that plagued them in their previous encounters with Alabama. On the offensive front, Michigan has the opportunity to regroup and recover, particularly on the offensive line. That line has faced challenges following guard Zak Zinter’s season-ending injury against Ohio State. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, with just four interceptions this season, will need to take calculated risks against Alabama’s improved secondary. Dallas Turner, a defensive force with nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, could potentially be a game-changer for Alabama.

Photo Cred: Michigan

Reflecting on the past, Michigan did manage to run for 162 yards in the Citrus Bowl loss to Alabama, and the running duo of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards will play a crucial role in maintaining that ground attack against the Crimson Tide. This, in turn, could provide the Wolverines with an opportunity they lacked in the initial two matchups. As anticipation builds, the upcoming clash appears to be a closely contested affair, possibly even a virtual pick ’em by kickoff.

The looming question remains: can Jim Harbaugh secure a monumental victory against an SEC opponent? Michigan, having lost its last six bowl games, with four of those defeats coming at the hands of SEC schools, seeks redemption. On the other side, Alabama aims to validate its playoff spot by advancing to yet another College Football Playoff championship. The iconic Rose Bowl sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown, and football enthusiasts await eagerly to witness the resolution of this gridiron saga.

Final College Football Rankings

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 3, 2023

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College Football Rankings – 12/3

Michigan
Washington
Texas
Alabama
Florida State
Georgia
Ohio State
Oregon
Missouri
Penn State
Ole Miss
Oklahoma
LSU
Arizona
Louisville
Notre Dame
Iowa
NC State
Oregon State
Oklahoma State
Tennessee
Clemson
Liberty
SMU
Kansas State

Photo Cred: College Football Playoff

A Wild Day in College Football

By

Stephen Patrick

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December 3, 2023

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Photo Cred: WYFF

In a stunning twist of fate, the decisions made by the College Football Playoff committee have reverberated beyond Florida State. They are affecting various programs, with Louisville standing out as a significant casualty. The previously undefeated Atlantic Coast Conference champion Seminoles were unexpectedly left out of a coveted playoff spot, causing shockwaves through the postseason landscape. This surprising turn of events not only altered the trajectory of the Seminoles but also reshaped the plans of other deserving teams, including the Louisville Cardinals.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Originally positioned for a spot in the prestigious Orange Bowl in Miami, Louisville is instead relegated to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California. Their scheduled matchup against Southern California on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 8 PM represented a notable departure from their anticipated postseason destination. The root cause of this unexpected shift lies in the committee’s preference for Alabama over Florida State for the fourth playoff spot. This redirected the Seminoles to the Holiday Bowl and prompted a reshuffling of the entire bowl lineup.

The repercussions were so substantial that the ACC league office faced delays in confirming the bowl matchups, causing confusion among league schools eagerly awaiting the finalized details by 3 PM, The official list was eventually disclosed at 4:45 PM, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the committee’s decisions. Amidst this bowl chaos, Kentucky secured a spot in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, scheduled for noon on December 29th. Their opponent, Clemson, had a challenging season with an 8-4 record, including four losses within the league. In the Famous Toastery Bowl in Charlotte, Western Kentucky will face Old Dominion, concluding a season that saw the Hilltoppers finish with a respectable 7-5 record.

Photo Cred: WKU

Despite a lackluster season for USC, commencing as the sixth-ranked team in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 but concluding with a 7-5 record, the Trojans secured a bowl game. Their upcoming challenge is intensified by the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner from the previous season, who has yet to confirm his participation after the team’s final game. Coach Jeff Brohm’s team faced adversity in the last two games against Kentucky and Florida State, concluding the season on a commendable note with a 10-3 record, securing the No. 15 ranking in the college football playoff poll announced on Sunday.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Despite Florida State’s impressive 13-0 record and ACC title, they shockingly landed fifth in the final committee vote. The absence of starting quarterback Jordan Travis, who suffered a knee injury two weeks prior, was cited as a contributing factor. As a result, FSU is now preparing to face two-time national champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl, while No. 4 Alabama gears up for a showdown against top-seeded Michigan at the Rose Bowl. The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans will witness a clash between No. 2 seed Washington and No. 3 Texas, adding further drama to the college football postseason spectacle.

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