The Best Games for College Basketball’s AP Top Preseason Teams

By

-

October 23, 2023

GettyImages-1311019527_0 — Photo Cred: NCAA

College basketball is almost upon us and the AP Top 25 preseason men’s basketball poll is here. The Kansas Jayhawks are the number one team, with 46 out of 63 first-place votes. They are followed by Duke and Purdue in second and third place. As the season starts, which games will be the toughest for their respective schools?

Duke and Michigan State Clash in the Champions Classic:

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The college basketball season kicks off with a bang. Duke is riding high in the second year of the Jon Scheyer era. They bring back key starters, with Tyrese Proctor, Jeremy Roach, Mark Mitchell, and Kyle Filipowski returning. They have the No. 2 recruiting class in 2023, led by five-star shooting guard Jared McCain. Michigan State brings experience and great guard play from A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker, and Jaden Akins. Tom Izzo has the No. 5 recruiting class this year. If five-star center Xavier Booker grows in Izzo’s system, the Spartans can win a national championship contenders.

Kansas vs UConn on December 1 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence:

Photo Cred: ESPN

This game is not at a neutral site but at the formidable Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas enjoys one of the best home-court advantages in college basketball. The reigning champions have a tough schedule, with three ranked games in the opening weeks. UConn’s star big man Donovan Clingan is recovering from injury but should play in time for this game. The showdown between Clingan and Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson is a must-watch. Not to mention Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer, who is ready to lead the team to back-to-back championships.

Duke and North Carolina in February and March:

Photo Cred: ESPN

This is the most iconic rivalry in college basketball. Both teams return starters and key players. This year’s Tar Heels features familiar faces, with Armando Bacot and RJ Davis back, but also many new ones who Carolina fans hope will help them get back to the top of the mountain. It’s Hubert Davis and Jon Scheyer leading UNC and Duke. The Blue Devils emerged victorious in both games last year, but UNC has a lead in the head-to-head series with 143 wins to Duke’s 115.

Purdue and Michigan State Face Off at Mackey Arena on March 2 in West Lafayette, Indiana:

Photo Cred: NBA.com

This game of top-five teams and Big Ten programs only happens once this season. It’s likely to become even rarer with the addition of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington joining the Big 10. Last season, these two teams clashed twice. The first game was one of the best of the season, with a go-ahead bucket from Zach Edey giving Purdue a 64-63 victory.

Kansas vs. Houston Big 12 Showdown in February and March:

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

Welcome to the Big 12, Houston. The Cougars enter the Big 12 with a bang as they face Kansas for the first time on February 3 in Lawrence. The Jayhawks will return the favor when they visit Houston for the final game of the regular season before the conference tournament begins. This marks the start of a new chapter for Houston, taking on top Big 12 teams like Kansas and Texas (twice), as well as Baylor in their inaugural year in the conference.

Bucky Irving Shines in Blowout Win Against Washington St.

By

Kellan Quinn

-

October 22, 2023

0

Anthony Brown, Ron Stone Jr., Jahad Woods — Photo Cred: AP Photo/Andy Nelson

Bo Nix etched his name into the NCAA record books on Saturday, marking his 54th consecutive start and leading the Ducks to a resounding victory against a struggling Washington State team. Oregon was determined to rebound after a heart-wrenching 33-36 loss to the Washington Huskies just a week prior, and their rivals from Washington State shared a similar sense of urgency after suffering back-to-back defeats against UCLA and Arizona. This game was pivotal for both teams to maintain their standing in the national conversation.

Offensive Power

Photo Cred: KPIC

The Cougars showed promise early in the game by holding the Ducks to only field goal attempts on their first two possessions. Nikia Johnson’s rushing touchdown gave Washington State a 10-3 lead. Nevertheless, Oregon countered with rushing touchdowns from both Bucky Irving and Bo Nix, keeping Washington State at bay with a halftime score of 13-17.

The second half saw the Ducks asserting their dominance. A 42-yard touchdown pass from Nix to Irving, combined with an electrifying 43-yard TD run by Irving, significantly widened Oregon’s lead. Despite Cameron Ward’s impressive 438 passing yards for the Cougars, he struggled to find the end zone until the closing moments of the fourth quarter. Ward connected with Isaiah Hamilton for a 16-yard touchdown, resulting in a final score of 24-38.

Bucky Irving Shines

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

The standout performer of the game for Oregon was undoubtedly running back Bucky Irving, who showcased his continued improvement throughout the season. Irving rushed for 129 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, an impressive feat on its own. However, his contributions didn’t stop there, as he also made three receptions for 51 yards and added another touchdown to his impressive tally. On the opposing side, kicker Dean Janikowski had a solid outing for the Cougars, consistently converting field goals, including a remarkable 50-yarder in the third quarter.

The two teams displayed different offensive strategies, with Washington State amassing 495 total yards. They gained their yards primarily through the air, as they managed only 57 rushing yards. In contrast, Oregon’s offense demonstrated more balance, accumulating 540 total yards (293 yards in the passing game and 247 on the ground). Looking ahead, both teams are set to hit the road next Saturday, with Oregon facing a formidable Utah squad in Salt Lake City, while Washington State takes on ASU in Tempe.

Explosive First Half Leads No. 20 Missouri Past South Carolina

By

Ethan Burke

-

October 22, 2023

0

Cody_Schrader_MizzouFB_2023_South_Carolina_BANNER_AJ8I6200 — Photo Cred: Missouri Athletics

Missouri scored 24 points in the first half of their 34-12 victory over South Carolina on Saturday at Faurot Field. The Tigers improved to 7-1 for the first time since 2013, heading into their bye week next weekend.

First Half Offense

MU quarterback Brady Cook passed for 138 yards and a touchdown in the first half. His passing touchdown came in the first quarter when he connected with wide receiver Luther Burden III for a 42-yard touchdown. The QB also made several substantial passing plays early in the contest. In the first quarter, Cook found WR Theo Wease Jr. for a 29-yard reception, leading to a touchdown for the Tigers on the next play. Toward the end of the first half, the junior found WR Mookie Cooper for a 23-yard gain. Burden finished the game as the leading receiver for Missouri with 90 yards and a touchdown. Cooper had 57 yards on six receptions.

The Tigers were also effective in running the ball in the first half. Kirby Moore’s offense went into the locker room with 156 rushing yards at halftime. Running back Cody Schrader recorded 102 yards and a touchdown. His lone first-half touchdown was for 10 yards, giving MU a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The senior finished the game with 159 yards and two touchdowns. Cook added 45 yards and a rushing touchdown before halftime. He found the endzone on a 17-yard run to give the Tigers a 21-0 lead with 8:21 left in the second quarter. At the beginning of the second quarter, Cook scrambled to the right to gain 20 yards, putting Missouri on the South Carolina 22-yard line. The junior finished the matchup with 19 more rushing yards.

“We came out very strong offensively in the first half,” head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. “The fact that we were able to score in three out of our first four possessions and jump out to a lead was nice to see.”

Photo Cred: KSTP (#12 Cook)

Preparation was a significant factor in Missouri’s strong offensive start, according to Schrader. The running back mentioned that the team’s practice during this week translated into early-game success.

“Everyone is really buying into the hard work at the line of scrimmage every day at practice and that’s exactly what you saw today,” Schrader said.

First Half Defense

Defensively, MU held UofSC’s offense to just 73 total yards in the first half. Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler threw for 81 yards and completed 11 passes throughout the first two quarters. However, Blake Baker’s defense didn’t give up any rushing yards and forced South Carolina to lose eight yards instead. UofSC only scored three points in the first half, a 51-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter with a little over a minute to go.

The Tigers sacked Rattler three times in the first half. Linebackers Ty’Ron Hopper and Triston Newsom both had a sack early in the game. MU finished the contest with six sacks. Heading into halftime, Hopper and defensive back Daylan Carnell led the way in tackles with four total. Carnell also finished the game as the leader in tackles for Missouri, with seven tackles (six solo). DB Jaylon Carlies also had a great performance with seven tackles, including four solo.

Photo Cred: The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Much like the offensive side of the ball, Drinkwitz was very pleased with how his defensive group started the game.

“Coach Baker did a great job with our defense today,” Drinkwitz said. “It helped a lot that we were able to cause problems defensively and hold them down until halftime.”

Looking Ahead

Missouri will have a bye week before they head to Athens to face off against No. 1 Georgia at Sanford Stadium on November 4th. The time of kickoff is still to be determined.

Photo Cred: Sanford Stadium

How Will Seton Hall’s Upcoming Season Play Out?

By

Sam Cohen

-

October 22, 2023

0

The upcoming Seton Hall basketball season is just around the corner, with their first game scheduled for November 6th against the St. Peters Peacocks. The game holds a special connection for Pirates coach Shaheen Holloway, as it’s his alma mater. This season, the Pirates are determined to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament, a goal they narrowly missed in Holloway’s debut as head coach last year.

Photo Cred: Seton Hall

The team’s roster remains largely intact from the previous season. Kadary Richmond, who transferred from Syracuse during his sophomore year, is expected to be a pivotal force for Seton Hall. Joining him is Al-Amir Dawes, a senior guard who made an impressive debut with the Pirates. He averages 12.1 points per game after transferring from Clemson.

While the Pirates have retained much of their talent, they did suffer a significant loss in the forward department. Tray Jackson, who had initially transferred from the University of Missouri, made his way to the University of Michigan to play under coach Juwan Howard. Jackson was a valuable contributor, averaging 6.5 points per game and shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. His departure leaves a void in floor spacing for the team.

Photo Cred: Seton Hall

To compensate for this loss, the Pirates secured the services of junior center Elijah Hutchins-Everett, who transferred from Austin Peay. Hutchins-Everett had an impressive record, averaging 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Governors. Standing at a towering six feet and eleven inches, he brings much-needed size to the team’s frontcourt.
Another addition to the roster is senior guard Dylan Addae-Wusu, a transfer from St. John’s University in Queens. Addae-Wusu will step into the shoes of the departing Jamir Harris at the shooting guard position, having averaged 9.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Red Storm.

Photo Cred: St. Johns

Coach Holloway is implementing his coaching strategies following the departure of the previous head coach, Kevin Willard, who moved on to the University of Maryland. Holloway is working to mold the program according to his vision, bringing in players who align with his approach to building the team. Although Seton Hall seeks to improve from their previous season’s performance, they may still fall short in competing with powerhouse programs in the Big East like St. John’s, Villanova, and the University of Connecticut. As a result, it’s likely that the Pirates will finish outside of the NCAA tournament this year and secure the fifth position in the Big East conference, trailing behind the University of Connecticut, Villanova, St. John’s, and Marquette.

Anthony White has Turned Atherton High School into a Powerhouse

High School

By

Stephen Patrick

-

October 22, 2023

0

download (13) — Photo Cred: Courier Journal

In a thrilling clash filled with early obstacles, Atherton emerged triumphant, hoisting the Class 5A, District Three title with a convincing 24-6 victory over Fairdale. It was the first district title in Atherton history. The high school was previously known as a dumpster fire and easy win, but not anymore! A spectacular game from running back Mike Curry extended their winning streak to eight. The Ravens had impressive season record of 8-1. Curry, a junior transfer from St. Xavier, played a key role this year, earning the trust of his coach and teammates.

Photo Cred: Courier Journal

Curry reflected on the achievement, saying, “It feels immensely satisfying for me to arrive here in my first year and be a part of something this special, which has never been accomplished at this school. It’s a great feeling to help the people who have been striving for this victory for so long. Coming from a successful program, I’m thrilled to assist them in achieving this.”

The game began as a defensive battle between the Ravens and the Bulldogs, with both sides demonstrating their resilience. Despite early challenges, Atherton’s defense remained steady, and defensive back QuilShaun Baines intercepted a crucial pass. Atherton faced initial difficulties with the opening kickoff. These struggles persisted into the first half with consecutive fumbles, including one by senior wide receiver Sincere Smith.

Nevertheless, the Ravens bounced back by blocking a field goal. The turning point came when junior lineman Brandon Edwards executed a strip-sack on Fairdale quarterback Jerrel Mason. Following the play, Curry surged ahead, scoring from one yard and capped off the first half on a high note.

Photo Cred: Courier Journal

Head coach Anthony White emphasized the importance of ongoing improvement, saying, “That’s what we practice for; we’re going to review the film and make corrections. Each week presents unique challenges, and that’s why we study the film. We’ll keep getting better. I have one of the best running backs in the state, and I trust these guys, so we’ll make the necessary adjustments, I promise you.”

The Ravens heavily relied on Mike Curry during the second half after junior QB QuaShawn Thompson left the field due injury. Thompson played in two more series before White turned to junior QB Dean Hynniman. Hynniman and Curry established a formidable combination on the field, as the QB connected with Curry down the middle for 21 yards. This significant play set up Curry for his second touchdown, a four-yard rush. Curry then rounded off his performance in the fourth quarter with his third touchdown.

Head coach White praised Curry’s contributions, stating, “He’s a phenomenal player. In cold-weather games on a muddy field, you rely on your workhorse, and that’s exactly what 21 is – a bell cow who carries us home.”

Photo Cred: Courier Journal

This victory held exceptional significance for Atherton, given their previous encounter with Fairdale, a humbling 22-0 loss during the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. Atherton’s extraordinary transformation and championship win marked a watershed moment in the history of their football program.

Julio Urias Will Not Return to the Dodgers in 2024

By

Kellan Quinn

-

October 22, 2023

0

MLB: World Series-Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Dodgers — Oct 27, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Julio Urias (7) celebrates defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in game six of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a crucial decision regarding embattled free agent pitcher Julio Urias. Urias was expected to get a massive payday as an ace-level pitcher entering free agency at just 27 years old. Following a tumultuous year, he will not be re-signed by the Dodgers.

Photo Cred: LA Times

Urias faced a year filled with turmoil, starting with a domestic violence arrest in early September that led to his absence from the pitching mound throughout 2023. Typically, a talented and youthful 27-year-old ace pitcher like Urias would be in high demand during free agency. However, the cloud of legal charges hanging over him raises doubts about whether any team will take the risk of signing him.

In the aftermath of the incident that led to his arrest, the MLB promptly placed Urias on administrative leave. This incident involved a public altercation, in which Urias assaulted a female individual outside an LAFC soccer match. It’s essential to note that this is not the first instance of Urias being involved in potentially abusive behavior. In 2019, he avoided prosecution in a domestic battery case by committing to a year-long domestic violence counseling program.

Photo Cred: Fox Sports

The Dodgers began removing murals featuring Urias towards the end of the season. When questioned about Urias’s potential future with the club in early October, manager Dave Roberts stated, “As far as what the future holds, I have no idea.”

As for Urias’ performance during the 2023 season, he participated in 21 games, securing 11 wins but also suffering eight losses, with an ERA of 4.60. However, his on-field performance seems to have been overshadowed by the off-field troubles that have led to his uncertain future in professional baseball.

Week 8 Super 16 Rankings

By

Joshua Vargo

-

October 22, 2023

0

Cam Spencer Seeks to Make UConn Repeat Champions

By

Stephen Patrick

-

October 21, 2023

0

cam-spencer-uconn-transfer-nil — Photo Cred: Outkick

In the midst of the 2023-2024 college basketball season, the University of Connecticut Huskies have once again seized the spotlight. This storied program, regarded as a blue blood in the world of college basketball, stands as the reigning national champions. Despite the departure of standout players, the expectations for UConn remain unwavering. The pressing question on the minds of fans and analysts alike is whether Dan Hurley can steer the Huskies toward the establishment of a lasting basketball dynasty.

Photo Cred: SI

The memory of the Huskies’ championship win in the previous season still lingers on in the hearts of Connecticut’s passionate basketball enthusiasts. The team concluded the prior season with an impressive final record of 31-8, boasting a conference record of 13-7. In the challenging arena of the Big East, UConn managed to secure a fourth-place finish, even though their journey ended with a loss in the Big East semifinals. Their true test, however, awaited them in the NCAA Tournament.

UConn’s refusal to falter in the face of adversity became evident during their remarkable March Madness run. The team’s outstanding offensive capabilities played a pivotal role in their success. With remarkable field goal percentages and unrivaled three-point shooting, the Huskies clinched the third spot in points per game within their conference, solidifying their position as a dominant force in college basketball.

The 2023-2024 season brings new opportunities for the Huskies, thanks to the transfer portal. A notable addition to their roster comes in the form of Cam Spencer, a transfer from Rutgers. With a remarkable basketball IQ and an impressive background, Spencer is a deadeye three-point shooter. His accuracy from beyond the arc stands at an impressive 43.4 percent, and he averaged 13.2 points per game while launching five three-pointers per contest. His experience competing in the Big Ten last season only enhances his value to the Huskies.

Photo Cred: Pressbox

Spencer consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against top-tier opponents, making him an invaluable asset to UConn’s arsenal. As the 2023-2024 season approaches, his addition promises to infuse a new dimension into the Huskies’ offensive strategy, creating a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among the fans.

Fresh off their championship run, the UConn Huskies are poised to prove their mettle once again. While they face the formidable task of filling the shoes of departed stars, the team’s offensive prowess and the addition of Cam Spencer suggest that Connecticut remains a formidable force. They have set their sights on the pursuit of back-to-back championships and the realization of their dream of establishing a lasting basketball dynasty.

SMU Makes Record Fundraising as they Beat Temple

By

Jesus Gomez

-

October 21, 2023

0

Gerald_J_Ford_Stadium — Photo Cred: USA Today

SMU’s transition to the ACC marks a significant milestone in the university’s athletic history. The move comes with its fair share of challenges and opportunities, and the infusion of $100 million in funding will be crucial in navigating this transformative journey.

Transitioning to a new athletic conference entails various financial commitments, from upgrading facilities to recruiting and retaining top-tier coaches and athletes. The $100 million raised by SMU will help bridge the financial gaps associated with this transition, ensuring that the university can compete at the highest level within the ACC.

Beyond the financial commitment, the ACC move has already yielded substantial economic benefits for SMU. Media coverage of this transition generated over $163 million in advertising revenue in just three days. This revenue demonstrates the market’s confidence in the potential of SMU within the ACC and the broader interest generated by the move.

While the university’s transition to the ACC is grabbing the spotlight, it’s important to recognize the outstanding performance of SMU’s athletic programs. A recent game against the Temple Owls showcased the prowess of the SMU Mustangs, reinforcing their status as formidable contenders for the conference championship. In that game, the Mustangs demonstrated their offensive prowess and rock-solid defense in a convincing 55-0 victory. Southern Methodist’s performance left no room for doubt, as they established a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and extended it to 24-0 by halftime.

Multi-Dimensional Scoring

SMU’s offensive strategy was multi-dimensional, with touchdowns coming from both passing and running the ball. Quarterback Preston Stone showcased exceptional form, throwing for 300 yards and contributing two touchdowns. The Mustangs recorded an impressive 563 total yards, with seven different players finding their way into the end zone. This highlights the depth and variety of their offensive arsenal.

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

Stifling Defense

The Southern Methodist defense played the best game of their season. They prevented Temple from converting any third downs in the first half and limited them to just 134 total yards. The Mustangs managed to sack the Temple quarterback five times, illustrating their dominance remarkably on both sides of the ball.

Photo Cred: Underdog dynasty

A Promising Future

This victory marked SMU’s first conference shutout since their days in Conference USA and their second shutout of the season. With an undefeated record against conference opponents, the Mustangs look poised to compete for the conference championship title, making their transition to the ACC even more exciting and promising.

Southern Methodist’s successful fundraising campaign and its impressive performance on the field signal a bright future for the university as it makes the leap to the ACC. With substantial financial support and a winning spirit, SMU is well-prepared to thrive in its new athletic conference, showcasing the excellence and potential of both the university and the city of Dallas.

How Michael Penix Jr. Can Improve His Heisman Case

By

Huston Dunston

-

October 21, 2023

0

NCAA Football: California at Washington — Photo Cred: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual honor, is a dream for many talented players. Michael Penix Jr., the Washington Huskies’ quarterback, is making a strong case to join the ranks of Heisman contenders this year. With a remarkable season so far, Penix is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Arizona State University (ASU), which might be his best opportunity yet to enhance his Heisman resume.

Photo Cred: Washington

In the 2023 college football season, Michael Penix Jr. has established himself as one of the nation’s top players. With impressive statistics, he is capturing the attention of fans, pundits, and Heisman voters alike. As the Washington Huskies’ star quarterback, Penix has thrown for an astounding 2,301 yards, connecting on 20 touchdowns while throwing a mere three interceptions. These numbers undoubtedly set him apart as a dynamic force on the football field.

ASU’s Vulnerable Defense

One of the critical factors working in Penix’s favor is the matchup against ASU this weekend. Arizona State’s defense, which has been uncharacteristically porous this season, is allowing an average of 339 yards per game to opposing teams. With the Washington Huskies’ offensive prowess, averaging 424 passing yards per game, this contest has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

Penix Jr.’s Path to Heisman Glory

To have a shot at the Heisman Trophy, a player must exhibit exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency throughout the season. Michael Penix Jr. has undoubtedly displayed these attributes in his 2023 campaign. Let’s take a closer look at what makes him a legitimate contender:

Exceptional Passing Statistics: Penix’s 2,301 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions are truly outstanding. These statistics highlight his ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and lead his team to victory.Photo Cred: Bally Sports
Consistency: He has consistently delivered strong performances week in and week out, proving that he is not just a one-game wonder. His ability to maintain a high level of play is a hallmark of a Heisman-worthy candidate.
Strong Team Performance: Penix’s individual success is intrinsically tied to the Washington Huskies’ overall performance. His leadership on the field has propelled his team to success, making their presence felt in the competitive college football landscape.
Opportune Moment: With USC QB Caleb Williams, another Heisman hopeful, losing a game last week, the field is wide open for Michael Penix Jr. to make his mark. Beating ASU and putting up an impressive performance could significantly boost his chances.

Photo Cred: Fox News

Michael Penix Jr.’s journey to the Heisman Trophy is in full swing, and the game against Arizona State this weekend is a crucial step in that journey. With remarkable passing statistics, a consistent performance record, and a vulnerable Sun Devils defense as the backdrop, Penix has a golden opportunity to further bolster his Heisman candidacy. As he lights up the scoreboard and showcases his talent, football fans around the nation will be keeping a close eye on this rising star and his quest for college football’s most coveted individual award.

.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;} .st1{fill:#E52E2E;} Sports Radio America

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Duke and Michigan State Clash in the Champions Classic:

Kansas vs UConn on December 1 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence:

Duke and North Carolina in February and March:

Purdue and Michigan State Face Off at Mackey Arena on March 2 in West Lafayette, Indiana:

Kansas vs. Houston Big 12 Showdown in February and March:

Offensive Power

Bucky Irving Shines

First Half Offense

First Half Defense

Looking Ahead

Multi-Dimensional Scoring

Stifling Defense

A Promising Future

ASU’s Vulnerable Defense

Penix Jr.’s Path to Heisman Glory

Company

Headlines

Newsletter

Sports Radio America