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SMU Is Ready for the Power 5

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Photo Cred: The Dallas Morning

The Southern Methodist Mustangs (SMU) delivered a commanding performance against the North Texas Mean Green (UNT), securing a 45-21 victory at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Thursday. SMU’s offense and tenacious defense were pivotal in clinching their eighth win of the season, improving to an 8-2 record. The Mustangs set the tone early, with quarterback Preston Stone connecting with Moochie Dixon for an 8-yard touchdown. This initiated a series of scoring drives that kept North Texas on the defensive throughout the game.

Big Second Half Pushes SMU Past North Texas, 35-12

Photo Cred: ACC

Stone completed 11 of 20 passes for 234 yards, throwing two touchdowns. His targets, Moochie Dixon and RJ Maryland, each contributed a touchdown reception. This highlights the team’s aerial strength. Southern Methodist’s ground game was equally as impressive, with the team accumulating a season-high 318 rushing yards. Jaylan Knighton and LJ Johnson led the charge, each surpassing the 100-yard mark. Knighton dazzled with a 20-yard touchdown run, while Johnson’s consistent drives culminated in a 3-yard score, contributing to the team’s four rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, SMU was unrelenting. They held UNT to a mere 4-for-14 on third down conversions, continuing their trend of defensive dominance. The Mustangs’ defense also recorded four sacks and two crucial takeaways, including an interception by Jahari Rogers and a fumble recovery by JaQwondis Burns. They further stifled North Texas’ offensive ambitions. The Mean Green’s effort was led by Chandler Rogers, who passed for two touchdowns. One of them was a 19-yard connection to Trey Cleveland, while the other was a late 29-yard score to Blair Conwright. However, these efforts were overshadowed by Southern Methodist’s overwhelming control of the game.

Mordecai throws 4 TD passes, SMU routs North Texas 48-10

Photo Cred: Fox 4

The Mustangs led 14-7 at the end of the first quarter and continued to build their lead, showcasing their ability to score on the ground and through the air. Their performance reflected a well-rounded and disciplined team capable of executing their game plan effectively. SMU’s next challenge will be against Memphis on November 18, where they will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the American Athletic Conference.

Meanwhile, the Mean Green’s loss pushes them to a 3-7 record, with improvement needed in both offensive and defensive strategies. With this victory, Southern Methodist not only cements its status as a formidable force in the AAC but also demonstrates the depth and versatility of its squad. They are ready to take on upcoming challenges in the ACC the following season. SMU is ready for the Power 5!

Rushing Offense Leads Missouri Past Tennessee

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Photo Cred: CBS

No. 14 Missouri rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns in their 36-7 victory over No. 13 Tennessee on Saturday at Faurot Field. Cody Schrader and Brady Cook were the rushers who led the offense for the Tigers this weekend.  

Cody Schrader

Cody Schrader

Photo Cred: ESPN

Schrader had a stellar performance for MU on Saturday, rushing for 205 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries. Right from the start, he made his presence known. The St. Louis native ran for 12 yards on two straight carries in the team’s first offensive drive. On Missouri’s next offensive possession, the fifth-year senior tallied 18 rushing yards during the 11-minute drive, which ended in a 31-yard field goal from Harrison Mevis. 

The momentum carried for Schrader in Mizzou’s next drive. Cook connected with Schrader for a 43-yard reception to get to the Volunteers’ 32-yard line. A few plays later, the RB rushed for a seven-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead with 10:33 remaining in the first half. With 20 seconds left in the first half, Missouri’s defense recovered a fumble on UT RB Jaylen Wright on their own 18-yard line. Schrader then recorded a 35-yard scamper on the first play to enter Tennessee territory. The Truman State transfer also rushed for a nine-yard gain with four seconds left. This set Mevis up for a 46-yard field goal, which he converted to make the score 13-7 in favor of MU.

“In that situation, we were just trying to run the ball,” Schrader said. “After my first play, we realized we could get some points, so we aimed for the field goal.”

Schrader picked up right where he left off to begin the second half. The RB rushed for 24 yards on four straight plays, including an 18-yard dash to get inside the red zone. Cook followed with a three-yard rushing touchdown to extend MU’s lead to 19-7.

The St. Louis native played a big part in helping the Tigers run away with the matchup. Schrader rushed up the middle for a 31-yard gain and in Volunteers territory. On the next play, the RB recorded another big rushing play of 14 yards for another touchdown by Cook to give Missouri a 29-7 lead. 

“He’s (Schrader) a very talented player,” head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. “He’s constantly putting in the work and always competing, so he earned a performance like that.” 

Brady Cook

Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook pulls Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Elijah Simmons for a couple of extra yards during Saturday’s game at Faurot Field.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Cook also had a strong showing rushing the ball with 55 yards and a touchdown. The junior QB rushed 12 times and made some big plays when it mattered most, especially on two big rushing plays in the first half. Cook scrambled up the middle for 12 yards in the first quarter and gained 10 yards on a third-and-six situation in the second. 

The QB’s biggest play of the game came at the start of the fourth quarter. With the ball on their own one-yard line on third down, Cook rushed to the right for 24 yards. He also had a play in the third quarter where he gained 17 yards and an additional 15 yards due to an unnecessary roughness call by UT defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott.

“He (Cook) did a great job scrambling,” Schrader said. “He was able to use his legs on plays that he didn’t see an open receiver, and that’s a huge part of our offense.”

In addition to a strong performance running the ball, Cook also was effective in the passing game, throwing for 275 yards and a touchdown. His passing touchdown came in the fourth quarter, as he connected with wide receiver Luther Burden III for a 21-yard touchdown with 6:21 remaining.

Robert Williams III to Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery

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Photo Cred: Blazer's Edge

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III’s season has taken an unfortunate turn, as he is set to miss the remaining games due to a critical knee injury that necessitates surgery. The injury occurred during the Blazers’ recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Williams sustained damage to both his kneecaps and ligaments, which further complicates the team’s performance this season. Acquired in a trade with the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jrue Holiday, Williams had swiftly solidified his status as an elite NBA big man, often showcasing his skills alongside Deandre Ayton on the court.

Report: Blazers' Robert Williams III to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery on Knee Injury | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Photo Cred: BR

Despite leading the league in allowed field goal percentage among players who defended over 1,000 shots, Williams has grappled with persistent knee issues in recent years. This presents an ongoing challenge for both him and the team. The setback follows Williams’ earlier absence at the commencement of the 2022-23 season, during which he recovered from offseason surgery on his left knee. Unfortunately, this period of recovery was interrupted when he tore the meniscus in the same knee in March 2022. Despite these challenges, the 2021-22 season marked a standout performance for Williams, as he started 61 games for the Celtics. He contributed impressive averages of 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.

Robert Williams III to have knee surgery / News - Basketnews.com

Photo Credit: Basket News

His stellar defensive prowess earned him a second-team All-NBA selection during the Celtics’ commendable journey to the finals. Adding to the Blazers’ woes, rookie guard Scoot Henderson is set to be sidelined for the next two to three weeks due to an ankle injury, further straining the team’s roster. With a lackluster start to the 2023-24 campaign, the Blazers now find themselves in the midst of a crisis as multiple promising young stars contend with injuries. All of these will pose a significant challenge to the team’s performance and aspirations for the season.

Missouri Falls to Memphis After Second Half Offensive Struggles

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Photo Cred: SI

Missouri only scored 22 points in the second half in their 70-55 loss to Memphis on Friday at Mizzou Arena. MU had a strong showing offensively in the first half before cooling off significantly in the second. 

Cold Second Half

The Missouri Tigers shot 19.2% from the field in the second half. Dennis Gates’ team also only made five field goals throughout the final 20 minutes on 26 attempts. Mizzou couldn’t score a bucket for four straight minutes at the beginning of the half. Throughout those minutes, Memphis scored ten straight points to take a 48-38 lead with 13:33 remaining and never looked back. After freshman forward Anthony Robinson stopped the drought with three free throws, Missouri went through another period where they couldn’t score, this time for three-and-a-half minutes. 

“Missed shots can definitely be contagious,” fifth-year senior guard Nick Honor said. “Shooting is what we still need to work on, and we need to make sure we don’t get mentally affected by it and get back to the gym.”

Mizzou scoring halted in second half as Tigers tumble vs. Memphis at home | Mizzou Men's Basketball | columbiamissourian.com

Photo Cred: columbiamissourian.com

Another struggle that Missouri went through in the second half was turnovers. The Missouri Tigers turned the ball over five times, including two within the first three minutes, which helped keep the momentum with UofM. Memphis Tigers guard Jahvon Quinerly stole the ball from Caleb Grill, and Tamar Bates turned it over on a bad pass, which resulted in a fastbreak layup by David Jones to give the Memphis Tigers a 38-36 lead. 

“We had two different approaches to how we came into each half,” Gates said. “We didn’t approach the second half with the same energy as we did to start the game, which hurt us, and it starts with me.”

Missouri also missed four free throws in the second half, which made an impact. MU couldn’t score on three free-throw attempts during the two-and-a-half minute time period where they were down 48-41. Fifth-year senior guard Sean East II missed two free throws after drawing a foul driving to the rim. Forward Noah Carter also missed a free-throw attempt in a one-and-one situation with 10:24 left in the contest.

Bright Spots

Despite their first loss of the season, the Missouri Tigers still found some success they can build on. Gates’ team led by as many as 14 points in the first half and went into the locker room with a 33-26 lead at halftime. East had a sensational first half, scoring 14 points and recording two assists. The Louisville, Kentucky native hit two three-pointers and assisted Aidan Shaw for a dunk and Noah Carter for a three-point play to give MU a 23-13 lead.

Down 14, Memphis Explodes to Rout Missouri on Road - University of Memphis Athletics

Photo Cred: Memphis

Honor tallied eight points for the Missouri Tigers on Friday. The former Clemson Tiger shot 50% from the field and went 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Honor hit a three-pointer in each half. Defensively, Missouri caused some issues for Memphis, as they forced 11 turnovers throughout the game. UofM turned the ball over seven times in the first half. In the second half, MU began to struggle on the defensive side of the ball, as they were only able to force four turnovers.

Arizona State Women’s Basketball is Off to a Fast Start

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Photo Cred: ASU

The Arizona State University (ASU) women’s basketball team showcased an impressive performance in their home opener on Monday against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Dominating the majority of the game, the ASU Sun Devils established an early lead, setting the tone for a commanding victory. This article recaps the highlights of the game, emphasizing the team’s exceptional effort and skill, and looks ahead to their upcoming match against Montana State.

ASU women's basketball wins two games in ASU Classic - The Arizona State Press

Photo Cred: The State Press

From the opening tip-off, ASU asserted their dominance on the court. The first quarter saw a remarkable display of skill and teamwork as they surged to a commanding 21-6 lead. The early offensive and defensive prowess showcased by the Sun Devils set the stage for a game where they could effectively dictate the tempo.

Having established a significant lead in the first quarter, Arizona State was able to play the rest of the game in cruise control. This not only allowed them to conserve energy but also provided an opportunity to showcase their depth and versatility on the court. The team’s ability to maintain control throughout the game reflects their strong fundamentals and strategic approach to each matchup.

Women's Basketball suffers 70-55 setback to Sun Devils in season opener - UTSA Athletics - Official Athletics Website

Photo Cred: UTSA

The ASU women’s basketball team ultimately secured a convincing victory with a final score of 70-55. The win not only highlights their proficiency in executing game plans but also underscores the team’s determination and resilience. The ability to maintain focus and momentum throughout the game speaks volumes about the players’ dedication and the coaching staff’s strategic acumen.

With the momentum from their home opener, Arizona State is gearing up for their upcoming matchup against Montana State on Friday. Fans can expect to witness the same level of effort and dominance displayed in the previous game. The team’s consistent performance is a testament to their work ethic, skill development, and overall commitment to excellence.

Dominant First Half Paves the Way for WBB's Season Opening Win - Arizona State University Athletics

Photo Cred: ASU

ASU’s home opener against UTSA was a resounding success, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court.  The Sun Devils used a 10-0 fourth quarter run to stave off a challenge from Montana State in ASU’s 75-62 win in the program’s annual Salute to Service game in their second. As the Sun Devils continue to demonstrate their skill, teamwork, and determination, fans can anticipate an exciting and successful season ahead.

Who Has the Most Iconic Stadiums in College Football?

Photo Cred: USA Today
  1. Ranking the top college football stadiums is no easy feat, but the Horseshoe in Columbus stands out as a remarkable architectural gem. The Ohio State Buckeyes consistently draw massive crowds to Ohio Stadium, the third-largest college football venue in the United States. Even with a seating capacity of 103,000, the demand to witness the Buckeyes in action exceeds expectations. The relentless fans, the perpetual buzz, and the consistently exceptional program make Ohio Stadium a strong contender for the title of the best college football stadium, securing its place at the top of our list.Ohio State 'Horseshoe' one of college football's iconic stadiums - mlive.comPhoto Cred: Ohio State

2. While an argument can be made for Beaver Stadium as the ultimate venue, the current state of Penn State football tempers the claim. James Franklin’s contributions have revitalized the program, turning Beaver Stadium into a sea of blue and white on game days. Despite not being among the nation’s top teams, the Nittany Lions’ home crowd elevates Beaver Stadium to one of the best college football stadiums in 2023.

Penn State Hires Populous for Beaver Stadium Renovation - Sports Illustrated Penn State Nittany Lions News, Analysis and More

Photo Cred: SI

3. In considering the best stadiums, we weigh the quality of the teams heavily. The team’s performance significantly impacts the atmosphere, with historic stadiums coming alive during pivotal games. A notable example is Michigan Stadium, which witnessed a resurgence in 2021 as Michigan became the Big Ten champions and played in the College Football Playoff semifinals. With Jim Harbaugh committed for the long term, Michigan Stadium promises an electric environment for years to come.

Michigan Stadium - University of Michigan Athletics

Photo Cred: Michigan

4. Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, although a formidable venue, takes a slight dip in our rankings due to the program’s need to prove itself under Brian Kelly. However, when Alabama visits them this year, the intensity and atmosphere will undeniably make it one of the best stadiums in college football.

LSU Tigers | In-Stadium Policies: Tiger Stadium

Photo Cred: LSU

5. Affectionately known as “The Swamp,” the Florida Gators’ home turf in Gainesville is a daunting destination for any opposing team. Florida’s storied program, coupled with the transformative tenure of Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow, elevated the Gators to new heights. Under the guidance of Dan Mullen, Florida enters an exciting new era, solidifying “The Swamp” as a perennial contender for the title of one of the best college football stadiums.

Never Been to The Swamp? Now's Your Chance! - Florida Gators

Photo Cred: Florida

Missouri’s Defense Has a Tough Task Against Tennessee’s Ground Attack

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Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

No. 14 Missouri will look to bounce back as they host No. 13 Tennessee at Faurot Field on Saturday. Both teams sit at 7-2 heading into this weekend’s matchup. For the Tigers to take sole possession of second place in the SEC East, the defense needs to figure out how to contain the Volunteers’ talented ground attack.

Tennessee’s Explosive Running Game

Blake Baker’s defense will have their hands full on Saturday against UT’s rushing offense. Tennessee is ranked third in the nation in this category, averaging 227.8 yards per game. Josh Huepel’s offense has 17 rushing touchdowns on the season and averages 5.77 yards per carry. 

Blake Baker (@CoachBlakeBaker) / X

Photo Cred: X

Running back Jaylen Wright is the rushing leader for the Volunteers. He has recorded 826 yards and three touchdowns through nine games this season, which is good for 26th in the country. Wright is coming off a strong performance in UT’s 59-3 victory over UConn last week, with 113 yards and a touchdown. His lone touchdown in the game was an 82-yard dash in the first minute. The junior also rushed for 136 yards in UT’s hard fought 20-13 win over Texas A&M last month. 

Along with Wright, Joey Halzle’s offense also gets quality rushing yards from senior RB Jabari Small. Small is coming into this Saturday’s contest with 415 rushing yards and two touchdowns in back-to-back victories over the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and South Carolina. Dylan Sampson is also a talented rusher for UT, with 405 yards and seven touchdowns. His most impressive performance of the year so far came in Tennessee’s 45-14 win over UTSA in September, where he rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, quarterback Joe Milton III is dangerous running the ball as well. He has 265 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on the season.

Jabari Small explains the difficulty of playing through shoulder injury - On3

Photo Cred: On3

Missouri’s Run Defense

The Tigers’ defense has been solid in stopping the run this year. Missouri is ranked 24th in the nation in run defense, allowing 114.3 rushing yards per game. The team has only allowed five rushing touchdowns this season.

The Tigers’ defensive group has had some impressive performances against opposing rushing offenses this season. In Missouri’s 35-10 season-opening victory over South Dakota, Mizzou held the Coyotes to just 46 yards on the ground. The Tigers also allowed just 41 rushing yards to Vanderbilt in their win over the Commodores in September. However, Baker’s defense has also had some situations where they struggled to stop the run. They gave up 274 yards on the ground in their 49-39 loss to LSU. Kansas State’s ground attack caused some issues for Missouri’s run defense by putting up 138 rushing yards, though the Tigers would win in a thriller 30-27.

What we learned from No. 1 Georgia's comeback win against Missouri

Photo Cred: USA Today

Mizzou’s defensive linemen are going to need big games this weekend. DL Darius Robinson will look to play a role, as he has 32 tackles (22 solo) and leads the team with 5.5 sacks. Junior Johnny Walker Jr. will also be heavily relied on against the Volunteers’ ground attack. He has 22 solo tackles and four sacks this season. Missouri will need big performances from their linebackers, with Chuck Hicks and Chad Bailey leading the position. DLs Nyles Gaddy, Realus George Jr., Jayden Jernigan, and Kristian Williams will aim to play critical roles.

Trio of Returning Players Shine in Missouri’s Season-Opening Victory

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Photo Cred: Bleacher Nation

Missouri’s experienced players showcased their skill in a commanding 101-79 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) to kick off the new season at Mizzou Arena on Monday. The trio of Sean East II, Nick Honor, and Noah Carter started their season on a high note.

Sean East III

East made a quick impact in his second year with the Tigers. The guard began the matchup by sinking two three-pointers in the first two minutes. Alongside his initial three-pointers, East continued to find ways to score. He amassed 14 points by halftime, scoring 12 within the first six minutes of the game.

The Louisville, Kentucky native carried his momentum into the second half by contributing eight straight points. He assisted fifth-year senior guard Caleb Grill wide open underneath the basket for a layup. A couple possessions later, East scored on a baseline drive. The starting point guard completed a three-point play on a second-chance layup, extending Missouri’s lead to 75-48 with 13:21 remaining in the contest.

East, Bates power Missouri to 101-79 romp over UAPB - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Photo Cred: San Diego Union-Tribune

East concluded the game as MU’s leading scorer with 21 points, alongside three rebounds and two assists. Reflecting on his impressive performance, the fifth-year senior attributed it to the hard work he put into improving his shot. 

“I have been putting a lot of work on my shots,” East said. “Over the past two years, I have been working extra hard to improve my shooting and my shots were going in tonight.”

Nick Honor

Honor also delivered a stellar performance in MU’s season opener. The Orlando, Florida native finished the matchup with 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists. The former Clemson Tiger made an impact early in the first half, contributing 10 points in the opening 20 minutes. He also recorded a crucial assist by finding sophomore forward Aidan Shaw on a baseline drive that resulted in a dunk. The Tigers were then up 20-12 with 12:57 remaining in the first half.

The starting point guard continued his impressive display in the second half, scoring five consecutive points. Honor recorded a layup on a fast break and knocked down a three-pointer in transition 30 seconds later as well. This gave Missouri a 68-44 lead with 15:58 left in the game. The fifth-year senior guard made four three-pointers throughout the matchup, concluding with a successful shot from beyond the arc with a little over three minutes remaining. 

Ark Pine Bluff Missouri Basketball | National Sports | hjnews.com

Photo Cred: The Herald Journal

Post-game, head coach Dennis Gates expressed his desire for Honor to take more shots. Gates emphasized the need for the point guard to be more assertive instead of unselfish when given the opportunity.

“I want to convince him to take more shots,” Gates said. “He made 40% of his three-pointers so it would build more confidence for him and our team if he is able to shoot more.” 

Noah Carter

Another returning starter who made a strong impact was Carter. The forward finished with 15 points and six rebounds, capitalizing on his strength advantage against UAPB to score eight points in the paint. The fifth-year player started the night with an easy bucket to give the Tigers a 10-3 lead early. 

Nine of Carter’s 15 points came in the second half, where he made an immediate impact. The  Dubuque, Iowa native scored MU’s first points of the second half with a layup. Shortly after, he knocked down a jumper to extend Missouri’s lead to 63-44 with just over 17 minutes remaining. The 6’6”, 235-pound forward showcased his versatility by sinking a three-pointer with 1:08 remaining, securing a 98-77 lead for the Tigers.

Mizzou wins men's basketball season opener over UAPB | | hannibal.net

Photo Cred: Hannibal Courier-Post

When asked about Carter and the other returning starters, Coach Gates emphasized that they earned their minutes. The second-year coach highlighted that the returners secured their right to start through offseason hard work and their unselfish attitude.

“This offseason they (Carter, Honor, East) earned their right to start,” Gates said. “The way they were able to lead our new guys and get excited when the moment wasn’t theirs is incredible.” 

Looking Ahead

Missouri will tip off against Memphis at 8 P.M. CT tomorrow at Mizzou Arena, with the game broadcast on SEC Network.

Best NFL Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 10

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Photo Cred: ESPN

Fantasy football approaches its halfway point, and the waiver wire can make or break a someone’s season. You could either find the next Puca Nacua or James Robinson or someone who takes you out of the playoff race altogether. The first player to look at is one if you need a quarterback. Tennessee Titans rookie Will Levis looks like a perfect fit in the Titans offense since taking over for the injured Ryan Tannehill in Week 8. In those two weeks, it has been up and down for Levis.

Titans name Will Levis starting quarterback over Ryan Tannehill for rest of season | Fox News

Photo Cred: Fox News

In the first week, Levis debuted with 239 yards passing and four touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons, who currently rank sixth in defensive yards allowed per game. This accounted for 26.62 fantasy points for Levis. The second week, Levis cooled down a bit against TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the rookie putting up more yards than his first week (262) but no scores.

This week, Levis takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, who have a formidable foe for any rookie QB. There are many stars on that roster, such as linebacker Devin White and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. However, the Buccaneers rank 29th in the entire league in defensive yards allowed per game, according to Fox Sports’s rankings. Levis was named the starter for Week 10 by Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Expect a big game from the young QB this week and have him as your QB2 or starter if you are dealing with bye week troubles.

The next player who should be on everyone’s waiver list is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer. Even though Palmer is behind stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the wide receiver depth chart, Palmer has received more targets since the bye week, with seven, two, six, and four respectively. He is also the first man up as the WR2 if one of Evans or Godwin is dealing with an injury.

Bucs rookie receiver Trey Palmer isn't fastest guy on the field — yet

Photo Cred: Tampa Bay Times

In the Buccaneers matchup with the Titans this week, I would not discount Palmer having an impact on Sunday’s game. Palmer is more of a long-term option as a WR3 or flex option, but don’t discount Palmer’s immediate impact in the Buccaneers offense. He can explode on any play.

NFL Check-In: What Will the 2024 Top 5 Picks Look Like?

Photo Cred: ESPN

1. Arizona Cardinals

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State presents an intriguing option for the Arizona Cardinals with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team faces a critical decision as Kyler Murray is set to return. They must decide whether to continue with Murray and enhance their offensive arsenal, or potentially seek a new franchise quarterback in the coming weeks. The most prudent choice would be to have faith in Murray’s return to his pre-injury form and to add the dynamic talent of Harrison. He is a receiver who has demonstrated exceptional abilities, making him one of the most outstanding in recent years.

Marvin Harrison Jr., McKinstry to Cardinals in Todd McShay 2024 NFL Mock Draft | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Photo Cred: Bleacher Report

2. Chicago Bears

With the pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers, USC quarterback Caleb Williams will now be in the Chicago Bears’ radar. Justin Fields’ inconsistency and injury concerns will make it challenging for the Bears to extend him, especially when Williams is in the 2024 draft class. Chicago is placing its bet on Williams, banking on his exceptional attributes over the safer choice of Drake Maye. The Bears have talent on offense and Justin Fields has the trade value for the team to get draft picks, start over, and get more talent.

Chicago Bears Rumors: Draft Caleb Williams In 2024 If Justin Fields Fails? Bears NFL Draft Questions - YouTube

Photo Cred: YouTube- Bears Now by Chat Sports

3. Chicago Bears

Protecting Williams is key. That’s where Olumuyiwa Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State, comes into the picture. Fashanu stands out as one of the premier offensive linemen of this class. Projected as a top-10 pick last year, Fashanu instead returned to Penn State, which disappointed a lot of teams. This year, he has solidified himself as a generational offensive tackle prospect, so selecting Fashanu should be an easy decision.

Penn State Football: Olumuyiwa Fashanu named Outland Trophy National Player of the Week

Photo Cred: ABC27

4. New York Giants

The Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll partnership is ending in 2023, despite promising signs in Daboll’s first year as head coach. The team’s cap situation may restrict them from making a move in 2024 but, with a possible out in 2025, the New York Giants would be wise to invest their premium pick in their future quarterback: Drake Maye.

2024 NFL draft prospect Room to Improve: North Carolina QB Drake Maye

Photo Cred: The Draft Wire – USA Today

5. New England Patriots

Instead of immediately selecting a quarterback, the Patriots must attend to various issues across their team. Adding a dynamic playmaker like Keon Coleman from Florida State checks that box. New England’s offense has been lacking playmaking ability. Coleman is tailor-made to be a quarterback and offensive coordinator’s most valuable asset. Having a 6-foot-4, 215-pound wide receiver with a great catch radius will remove the pressure on whoever takes charge of New England’s offense.

Indianapolis Colts grab WR Keon Coleman in latest Draft Wire mock

Photo Cred: Colts Wire – USA Today