Missouri Aims to Continue Undefeated Season Against Vanderbilt

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October 1, 2023

No. 23 Missouri will look to start 5-0 as it heads to Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday to take on Vanderbilt. The Tigers will play their first road game of the season against the Commodores to begin conference play.

Series History

Saturday will mark the 16th meeting between the two programs, with Missouri holding a 10-4-1 advantage. Last season, the Tigers held on to defeat the Commodores 17-14 in front of their home crowd. Eliah Drinkwitz’s team jumped out to a 17-0 lead before Vanderbilt scored 14 straight points in the loss.

Photo Cred: ESPN

MU is currently on a three-game winning streak against VU. The last time Missouri lost to Vanderbilt was in 2019 when they fell 21-14 to the Commodores in Nashville. Former Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant threw for 140 yards and a touchdown, and former VU QB Mo Hasan threw for 120 yards and a touchdown to lead Vanderbilt to victory.

Missouri Looks to Keep Climbing Up the Rankings

The Tigers are ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time since 2019, holding the No. 23 spot. MU aims to continue getting national recognition with a victory in Nashville to open up Southeastern Conference play.

After being marked as questionable, QB Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III will both play in Saturday’s matchup. Both players are coming off stellar performances in the Tigers’ 34-27 victory over Memphis last weekend. Cook has recorded back-to-back games with 300+ yards. He recorded 341 yards and two touchdowns against the Memphis Tigers, including a 76-yard TD pass to WR Marquis Johnson. Last Saturday, Burden led Missouri’s receivers with 177 yards on 10 receptions.

WRs Mookie Cooper and Theo Wease Jr. are also entering Saturday’s matchup with momentum after strong performances against UofM. Cooper put up 53 yards on three receptions, and Wease had 29 yards to go with a third-quarter touchdown. Sophomore WR Mehki Miller has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest, while tight end Brett Norfleet is questionable.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

MU’s ground attack looks to continue where it left off against VU. Cody Schrader rushed for 123 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 34-20 lead with 2:46 remaining in the game last weekend. Nathaniel Peat recorded 65 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter for MU last Saturday.

Blake Baker’s defense faces some uncertainty heading into this weekend. Defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and defensive end Darius Robinson are both listed as questionable. Robinson is currently battling a calf sprain, while Rakestraw fully participated in this week’s walkthroughs. Rakestraw is a significant part of Missouri’s defense, with 14 tackles (seven solo) through four games. Robinson has 13 total tackles on the season so far, with nine of them being solo. DB Joseph Charleston leads MU’s defense in tackles with 17 solo tackles, and DB Kris Abrams-Draine leads in interceptions with two.

Vanderbilt Aims to Get Back on Track

Vanderbilt will seek its third win of the season on Saturday. The Commodores are currently on a three-game losing streak, most recently suffering a 45-28 loss to Kentucky at home. VU also lost back-to-back road games to UNLV and Wake Forest before facing the Wildcats.

Clark Lea’s team is also facing uncertainty heading into this weekend’s contest. QB AJ Swann will be a game-time decision due to an elbow contusion. Swann currently ranks sixth in the country with 1,290 passing yards. The QB also has eleven touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. If Swann is unable to play, either Walter Taylor or Ken Seals would start at QB. Freshman WR London Humphreys is also questionable with a lower-body injury. The WR is second on the team in receiving, with 299 yards and three touchdowns.

Photo Cred: The Vanderbilt Hustler

Will Sheppard leads VU’s WR corps with 346 yards and six touchdowns after five games. Sheppard has made multiple big plays for the Commodores this season, including a seven-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter of their 35-28 win over Hawaii. RB Patrick Smith leads Vanderbilt in rushing, with 236 yards and two touchdowns. He is coming off a strong performance against Kentucky, where he had 36 yards and a touchdown.

VU’s defense is led by linebackers CJ Taylor and Langston Patterson. Taylor has 37 total tackles (18 solo), while Patterson has 25 total tackles (11 solo). Safety De’Rickey Wright, ruled questionable but likely to play, leads Vanderbilt with two interceptions through five games. Cornerback BJ Anderson has been ruled out for the Commodores due to an illness.

Gametime

Missouri will kick off against Vanderbilt at 3 P.M. on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville Tennessee, with the game broadcast on SEC Network.

Where Could Jrue Holiday End Up?

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 27, 2023

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1244886752.0 — Photo Cred: Liberty Ballers

The acquisition of Jrue Holiday was a pivotal moment that propelled the Milwaukee Bucks towards their NBA championship aspirations. Now, they find themselves in a situation where trading him away could potentially have a similar impact on their future success. He was a key part in the D Portland is in a rebuild and most likely will engage with other competitive teams in trade discussions centered around Holiday. However, it’s unclear how the 33-year-old guard fits into a team that appears to be on the path of rebuilding.

Several logical landing spots for Holiday immediately come to mind:

1. Miami Heat

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The Miami Heat, a team that aggressively pursued Damian Lillard during the offseason, stands out as a prime destination for Jrue Holiday. Given the Blazers’ willingness to negotiate, the Heat could capitalize on this opportunity. Holiday’s arrival would represent a significant upgrade at the point guard position, and his exceptional two-way skills would seamlessly complement the Heat’s style of play. With a 39.5 percent three-point shooting record and elite perimeter defense, Holiday’s partnership with Jimmy Butler could be a valuable consolation prize for missing out on Lillard.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Photo Cred: NBA.com

The Los Angeles Clippers have been in search of a marquee guard throughout the offseason. Although James Harden’s efforts to join the team from the Philadelphia 76ers have been unsuccessful so far, the acquisition of Jrue Holiday could provide the Clippers with a new avenue to strengthen their roster. While Russell Westbrook had a decent season after moving to the Clippers, there are doubts about the sustainability of his performance, especially in terms of shooting. Jrue Holiday would not only ease the defensive burden on stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George but could also be a stabilizing force on the defensive end when either of them is unavailable.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Photo Cred: ESPN

Interestingly, the Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in Jrue Holiday, according to reports by Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports. This potential move could have broader implications, as it might facilitate James Harden’s desired trade to the Clippers. Harden could be included in a trade package for Holiday, or President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey might consider a separate deal for Harden if a suitable replacement is secured. While Holiday may not match Harden’s scoring and playmaking abilities, his strong defensive skills would provide much-needed support for Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. Additionally, Holiday is no stranger to playing alongside a dominant post player, making him a feasible fit alongside Joel Embiid.

Jrue Holiday’s impending trade is generating considerable interest among contending teams in the NBA. His unique skill set and defensive prowess make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their rosters and make a championship push. The outcome of this trade could have far-reaching implications for the league’s landscape and the future of the teams involved.

Houston Rockets Guard Arrested for Alleged Assault on Former WNBA Player Girlfriend

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Serenity Martin

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September 27, 2023

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download — Photo Cred: Houston Chronicle (Porter)

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested in a New York City hotel on September 11th. He faced allegations of assaulting his former WNBA player girlfriend, Kysre Gondrezick. Gondrezick suffered a fractured neck vertebrae and a deep cut above her right eye. Porter was taken into custody on assault and strangulation charges. However, he was released the following day after the judge issued a protective order. He was also allowed to post a $75,000 bond.

The Events that Occurred that Night

The incident unfolded after Gondrezick locked Porter out of their shared hotel room. It was alleged that she was upset with him for staying out late. Unable to gain access to the room, the Houston guard sought assistance from hotel security. Upon entering the room, the suspect allegedly assaulted his girlfriend.

Photo Cred: X.com (Gondrezick)

History of Abuse

Porter’s behavioral issues first surfaced during his freshmen season at the University of Southern California. Initially, the freshman guard was suspended indefinitely. However, after just two games, head coach Andy Enfield lifted the suspension. He was reinstated just in time for a resounding victory against Arizona. Enfield commented on the suspension during an interview. “The last thing you want to do as a head coach is suspend any of your players, but when there’s conduct issues, we have no choice,” said Enfield.

The following spring, Porter was selected as the No. 39 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The predicted lottery pick would last only one season with the Cavaliers. Rumors circulated within the league that it was due to a confrontation between him and the franchise’s general manager, Koby Altman. The confrontation occurred after Porter had a temper tantrum in the locker room following the arrival of a newly traded player, Taurean Prince. Prince’s arrival resulted in his own locker being moved, which prompted the meeting with Altman.

This incident eventually led to Porter’s trade to the Houston Rockets. Despite expectations of a fresh start within a new organization, troubles soon resurfaced. The guard reportedly involved in a locker room altercation with Rockets’ then-head coach, Stephen Silas, resulting in his suspension for his outbursts. Following this incident, Porter faced league fines for attending a strip club during the COVID era, which was in violation of health and safety rules.

These events are a part Porter’s history, with his name linked to incidents of misconduct. When one thinks of Kevin Porter Jr., they may associate him more with a problematic figure than an asset to a team.

The League’s Reaction

The NBA is taking this situation seriously and is conducting a thorough review of Porter’s history. Many fans are questioning whether Kevin Porter Jr. will participate in another NBA game. As of now, the Rockets have not released an official statement. However, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass acknowledged the league’s awareness of the situation in a statement. He is currently in communication with Houston officials to gather additional information regarding the events of that night.

Photo Cred: PR Week (Bass)

Consequences for Porter

The Rockets guard is scheduled to appear in court in Manhattan on October 16th. Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer emphasized that Porter would not receive leniency.

“This is a serious domestic violence case,” said Curzer. “Porter has a history of abusing Gondrezick, including an incident in which he rammed his car into hers.”

Observers are closely monitoring developments of this case over the upcoming weeks. While awaiting further information, it’s crucial to keep the victim, Kysre Gondrezick, in our thoughts and prayers. In many instances involving celebrities in domestic violence cases, the victim’s voice is often overshadowed due to their status. It is essential for this not to be one of those instances.

Photo Cred: WNBA

It’s Dame Time in Milwaukee

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Stephen Patrick

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September 27, 2023

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milwaukee-bucks-are-considering-a-major-trade-to-pair-giannis-antetokounmpo-and-damian-lillard — Photo Cred: Fadeaway Sports

Damian Lillard’s long-standing desire has finally come to fruition, albeit not in its entirety. Reports have surfaced that the Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of acquiring the illustrious seven-time All-Star guard from the Portland Trail Blazers with a complex three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns. In this multifaceted transaction, several notable players are on the move. Heading to the Blazers are Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and Toumani Camara, along with the Bucks’ 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and the rights to swap picks in 2028 and 2030.

Photo Cred: The Boston Globe

Meanwhile, the Suns will acquire Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. Lillard’s yearning for a change of scenery became apparent on the second day of 2023’s free agency. This decision followed years of seeming indecision in Portland’s efforts to construct a championship-caliber team around him.

It’s worth noting that Lillard inked a lucrative two-year, max contract extension during the summer of 2022. This extension binds him to a colossal $216.2 million payday over the next four seasons, with a significant chunk, $63.2 million, coming in the 2026-27 campaign. Last season was a resurgence for Lillard, as he tallied a career-high average of 32.2 points per game.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

This remarkable feat came off a couple of injury-riddled seasons that saw him miss 77 games, more than double the number of games he sat out during the first ten seasons of his illustrious career. Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers failed to make the postseason in the past two years. While Lillard undeniably left an indelible mark on the franchise, leading them to eight postseason appearances, including an appearance in the Western Conference finals during the 2018-19 season, playoff success largely eluded the Blazers.

Despite boasting arguably the franchise’s greatest player in history, they perennially exited in the early rounds and never reached the zenith of the league. Lillard departs from Portland as the Blazers’ all-time leading scorer, a milestone he achieved in 2022 when he surpassed Clyde Drexler, amassing an impressive 19,376 points. Additionally, he holds the franchise records for three-pointers made, free throws made, and scoring average, cementing his legacy as a true icon in Portland.

Bo Nix Leads The Ducks To 42-6 Exsanguination of Colorado

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Kellan Quinn

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September 26, 2023

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usatsi_21488404 — Photo Cred: College Football News

The prime time wasn’t what head coach Dan Lanning, Bo Nix, and the Oregon Ducks squad had expected. They convincingly dismantled Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes on a Saturday afternoon, displaying their dominance with a 42-6 victory. Despite entering the game as 21-point underdogs, the buzz surrounding the Sanders family and Colorado’s strong start following a dismal 1-11 performance in 2022 had led analysts and fans to anticipate a closer contest. The pregame theatrics included Colorado players disrespecting the UO logo by stomping on it and the Ducks’ mascot adding fuel to the fire by smashing an oversized clock labeled “Prime Time” with a sledgehammer.

Photo Cred: SI

After a fiery speech from Dan Lanning, where he boldly declared, “The Cinderella story is over” and asserted, “They’re fighting for clicks, and we’re fighting for wins,” the Ducks wasted no time making their mark. They scored on their first three possessions of the game and maintained their momentum throughout. A pivotal moment was when the Ducks faced a challenging 4th-and-four on their own 17. A direct snap to d-lineman Casey Rogers delivered an impressive run to keep the drive alive. This drive culminated in a Ducks touchdown, firmly establishing their control.

Oregon QB Bo Nix, a Heisman contender, led the Ducks with an impressive 276 passing yards and three touchdowns. Two touchdowns went to WR Troy Franklin, who dismantled the Colorado defense with eight receptions and 126 yards. The Ducks’ running game was equally impressive, with Bucky Irving, Jordan James, and Noah Whittington combining for 188 yards and each contributing a touchdown, with Nix adding another on a short burst in the third quarter.

Much was made of the absence of Colorado’s star cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, who left last week’s game against CSU due to a flagrantly dirty hit on the sideline. While Nix targeted Hunter’s replacement, Omarion Cooper, it became evident that Cooper was no match for Troy Franklin. The clear X-factor for Oregon was their dominance on the line. Oregon’s defense, which had struggled with tackling this year, sacked Shadeur Sanders seven times for a combined loss of 73 yards. The Buffaloes were limited to a mere 199 yards compared to the Ducks’ impressive 522. Colorado also committed 12 penalties, resulting in a loss of 103 yards.

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

Coach Deion Sanders made no excuses for his team’s performance after the game, stating, “What transpired was a good old-fashioned butt-kicking.” Nevertheless, Prime remained optimistic, saying, “This is the worst we’re going to get beat. I can see the future, and it looks really good, so I’m excited about it.”

It will be fascinating to observe how Colorado and Coach Prime recover from such a defeat. Also intriguing will be how Oregon responds to the newfound national attention and media scrutiny that such a victory inevitably brings. But don’t make a mistake, Sanders feels he will build this team into national contenders.

Tennessee State Tigers Upset Tennessee Tech in Thrilling 5-Set Volleyball Clash

By

Chante Gayden

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September 25, 2023

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In a thrilling five-set showdown on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, volleyball fans were treated to an unexpected upset as the Tennessee State University Tigers faced off against the highly favored Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Cookville, TN. The Tennessee State Tigers emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win, stunning their opponents and shaking up the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) standings.

Tennessee Tech, widely anticipated to be the dominant force in OVC play, had their title aspirations challenged by the resurgent Tigers. With only four losses in recent memory, two of which were inflicted by Tennessee State, the Golden Eagles were undoubtedly the team to beat. However, on this memorable day, the Tigers of TSU proved that they were more than up to the challenge.

Photo Cred: TSU Athletics

One of the most remarkable aspects of this match was the remarkable team effort displayed by Tennessee State. Four Tigers players achieved double-digit kills during the game, showcasing their depth and versatility on the court. This collective effort was instrumental in their victory over the favored Tennessee Tech team.

At the conclusion of the game, the Tigers’ record stood at 2-10, a modest record on the surface, but a closer look revealed their dominance in conference play as they maintained a flawless 2-0 record within the OVC. This victory marked their fourth consecutive win over TTU, solidifying their status as a formidable contender within the conference.

Photo Cred: TTU

Key Game Notes:

Set Two Dominance: Tennessee State University’s Tigers demonstrated their mettle early in the game, never trailing in the second set, which they clinched with a narrow 25-23 victory.
Balanced Attack: Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of TSU’s performance was their balanced offensive approach. Four different players reached double figures in kills, proving that their success was not reliant on one standout performer.
Holcombe’s Heroics: Jayla Holcombe had a standout performance, achieving a season-high 23 kills while also contributing four blocks and an ace to her team’s effort.
Cabranes’ Defensive Prowess: Celianiz Cabranes made her mark with an astounding 26 digs, showcasing her exceptional defensive skills and contributing significantly to her team’s success.
Otero’s Precision: Alayns Otero was the maestro behind the Tigers’ offense, tallying an impressive 47 assists, along with contributing 17 digs to help her team secure victory.
Rojecka’s Impact: Aleksandra Rojecka’s 12 kills added to the team’s offensive prowess, making her an essential part of TSU’s winning formula.
Fifth-Set Heroics: A remarkable 6-0 run led by Tennessee State proved pivotal in the fifth set, securing a 15-12 victory and completing their comeback win over the favored Tennessee Tech team.

This victory was a testament to TSU’s resilience, teamwork, and determination. They proved that, on any given day, the underdogs can rise to the occasion and outshine the favorites. As the Tigers continue to build on their momentum, the landscape of OVC volleyball is bound to become even more competitive, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and ensuring that every game is a must-watch event.

Buffs Get Stomped 42-6 in Pac-12 Opener

By

Troy Finnegan

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September 24, 2023

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usa_today_21487484.0 — Photo Cred: addicted to quack

Amidst all the excitement surrounding Deion Sanders and his undefeated Buffaloes at 3-0, they faced their most significant challenge when they traveled to Eugene to take on the 10th-ranked Oregon Ducks in their first Pac-12 matchup. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, the Ducks displayed what it takes to be a genuine top-10 team, thoroughly dominating them from the opening snap and securing a convincing 42-6 victory. After the game, Deion Sanders admitted, “That’s a classic case of being outplayed. No excuses. Their coaching staff prepared their team exceptionally well, while we clearly fell short.”

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Oregon demonstrated their prowess on both offense and defense throughout the game. Their running game was unstoppable, exploiting massive gaps created by their offensive line as their running backs powered through any Buffaloes defenders in their path. Quarterback Bo Nix, in the initial stages of his Heisman Trophy campaign, continued to impress with a remarkable performance, completing 28 of 33 passes for 276 yards and contributing four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Nix and star wide receiver Troy Franklin displayed incredible synergy, with Franklin accumulating eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Oregon pass rush wreaked havoc, relentlessly pressuring Shedeur Sanders and sacking him seven times. The Buffaloes’ struggle with pass protection persisted throughout the season, but the speed and strength of the Ducks’ front elevated the problem to new heights. When Sanders did manage to release the ball, the Oregon secondary effectively shut down CU’s receivers all day. Notably, Alabama transfer Khyree Jackson stood out for the Ducks, delivering multiple outstanding pass breakups in one-on-one coverage.

Photo Cred: College Football News

On the Buffaloes’ side, this game exposed a glaring weakness in their trenches. While they can hold their own in matchups against top teams in skill positions, their lack of size and strength on the interior was evident on Saturday. They surrendered 240 rushing yards at an average of over six yards per carry, a statistic that makes it incredibly challenging to compete against a top-tier team like Oregon. Sanders struggled to connect on explosive plays down the field, finishing the game with just 159 passing yards and one late touchdown pass to Michael Harrison.

The running game continued to be a struggle for the Buffaloes, who entered the game ranked 127th in the FBS in rushing offense. Their ground game woes persisted as they managed 40 yards against Oregon’s stout defense. The Buffaloes’ quarterback lamented, “We’re never satisfied when we can’t produce and open up the passing game. It comes down to understanding the reads and, personally, making better decisions.”

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

The absence of Travis Hunter, sidelined due to a lacerated liver sustained in the previous week’s game against Colorado State, was sorely felt by the Buffaloes. In his absence, Xavier Weaver put up a valiant effort with nine catches for 75 yards but left the game with an apparent ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. With more challenges ahead, the Buffaloes cannot afford further injuries. This weekend, they will host the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, and the 5th-ranked USC Trojans.

Missouri Outlasts Memphis to Conclude Non-Conference Play

By

Ethan Burke

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September 24, 2023

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USATSI_21491252 — Photo Cred: The Kansas City Star

Missouri scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 34-27 victory over American Athletic Conference opponent Memphis at the Dome in America’s Center in St. Louis. The Missouri Tigers are 4-0 for the first time since 2013.

MU Needed the Fourth Quarter to Hold On

Both teams put up 10 points in the fourth quarter. Every time Missouri started to pull away, Memphis came roaring back.

Missouri and Memphis exchanged field goals to begin the final quarter. MU kicker Harrison Mevis, who successfully converted two field goal attempts, made a 32-yarder to give Missouri a 27-17 lead. UofM redshirt junior Tanner Gillis, who filled in at the kicker position for the injured Seth Morgan and Tristian Vandenberg, also made both of his field goal attempts. One of them was for a 22-yarder with a little over five minutes remaining.

In the following possession, Kirby Moore’s offense responded. Running back Cody Schrader ran for eight yards to secure a first down into Memphis territory. On the very next play, the senior rushed for a 37-yard touchdown, extending the Missouri Tigers’ lead to 34-20 with 2:46 left in the game.

Photo Cred: ESPN

UofM didn’t back down, as quarterback Seth Henigan made a couple of quick, significant plays. The junior completed a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Roc Taylor, placing them in Mizzou territory. A few plays later, Henigan connected with WR Tauskie Dove, a former Missouri Tiger, for 12 yards. With just over a minute remaining, the QB found WR Koby Drake in the endzone to cut the Missouri Tigers’ lead to 34-27.

WR Luther Burden III, who led Missouri WRs with 177 yards on 10 receptions, recovered the onside kick with 1:20 left in the game. Schrader rushed for a first down, which sealed the game for MU as the clock began to wind down.

Multiple Impressive Performances for Missouri

QB Brady Cook recorded his second straight game with 300 or more passing yards. The junior finished with 341 yards and two touchdowns. Cook’s first touchdown came in Missouri’s first offensive possession of the game, with a 47-yard pass to WR Marquis Johnson. The QB also found WR Theo Wease Jr. in the endzone to give the Missouri Tigers a 24-10 lead in the third quarter.

MU’s ground attack also delivered a strong performance on Saturday. RBs Nathaniel Peat and Schrader each scored a touchdown. Peat led the way with 123 yards on 14 carries, while Schrader finished with 65 yards on 15 carries.

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

The WR core for MU was effective during Saturday’s matchup. In addition to Burden, Mookie Cooper also had a solid performance. He finished with 53 yards, including a 24-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Wease played a key role in Missouri’s offensive success with 29 yards and a touchdown. Along with the touchdown, he caught a seven-yard pass from Cook in the second quarter to advance into Memphis territory.

Blake Baker’s defense came up big when necessary. MU had two interceptions from defensive backs Kris Abrams-Draine and Marcus Clarke. Abrams-Draine recorded his second interception of the season by picking off Henigan in the third quarter, while Clarke came up with a pick on fourth down in the red zone to start the fourth quarter. Missouri sacked Henigan three times in the game. Defensive linemen Johnny Walker Jr. and Darius Robinson, along with linebacker Chad Bailey, each contributed one sack. Abrams-Draine led Mizzou’s defense with seven total tackles, all of which were solo. LB Ty’Ron Hopper also put up seven tackles (three solo).

Memphis Kept Fighting

UofM gave Missouri all it could handle, battling throughout the entire game. Henigan finished with 316 yards and two touchdowns. The junior’s first touchdown came in the first quarter. A three-yard touchdown pass to WR Joseph Scates gave the Memphis Tigers a 10-7 lead.

Memphis’ WR corps was also potent during Saturday’s game. Taylor led UofM in receiving with 143 yards on seven receptions. The WR came up with multiple big plays, such as a 33-yard reception in the third quarter. RB Blake Watson was a strong contributor to UofM’s offense as a receiver. He amassed nine receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, reducing the Memphis Tigers’ deficit to 24-17. WR Demeer Blankumsee also recorded 36 yards on seven receptions.

Photo Cred: YouTube- American Athletic Conference

Matt Barnes’ defense had some strong contributions throughout the contest. LB Geoffery Cantin-Arku forced Schrader to fumble at Missouri’s own 10-yard line, with DL William Whitlow Jr. recovering the ball. The fumble eventually led to UofM’s first touchdown of the game. Memphis’ defense sacked Cook twice, with LB Cincir Evans and DL Keveion’ta Spears each having one. DBs Greg Rubin and Cameron Smith played prominent roles for the Memphis Tigers’ defense on Saturday. Rubin tallied eight total tackles (five solo) and Smith had seven tackles (six solo).

Looking Ahead

Missouri will aim to continue its winning streak as it heads to Nashville, Tennessee next Saturday to take on Vanderbilt at 3 P.M. at FirstBank Stadium, with the broadcast on SEC Network.

TCU Keeps Iron Skillet as SMU Moves to ACC

By

Jesus Gomez

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September 23, 2023

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download (6) — Photo Cred: SMU Athletics

In the heart of the DFW metroplex, a storied rivalry continues to captivate football enthusiasts and ignite the passions of fans on both sides. The annual gridiron clash between Texas Christian University (TCU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) reached another thrilling conclusion. The Horned Frogs were again victorious and retained the coveted Iron Skillet, a symbol of their regional dominance and a testament to their football prowess. The Iron Skillet, an iconic award born out of fan passion, holds a special place in the hearts of TCU and SMU supporters.

Photo Cred: Frogs O War

Bragging rights, territorial supremacy, and a tradition that transcends the passage of time were on the line. This year marked TCU’s second consecutive triumph with a 34-17 victory over their arch-rivals. Since Texas Christian’s departure from the Western Athletic Conference in 2000, the two universities have found a way to keep the tradition alive by facing off in non-conference games. This commitment to the “Battle for the Iron Skillet” has produced a rich tapestry of thrilling contests and memorable moments that have endeared themselves to fans and players alike.

The game was a testament to the fierce competitiveness that defines this rivalry. The first half was a closely fought battle. SMU trailed by just four points at halftime. However, the second half was a different story. Southern Methodist’s offense struggled with inefficiencies, including three-and-outs, a turnover on downs, and a crucial interception. A pivotal moment came when Mustangs quarterback Preston Stone attempted a pass into triple coverage, only to have it intercepted by TCU Cornerback Josh Newton. Newton’s significant return positioned the Horned Frogs inside the 10-yard line as the third quarter closed.

Photo Cred: Spectrum

While SMU’s defense managed to prevent TCU from extending their lead early in the fourth quarter, a mishandled fake punt by Texas Christian proved to be a lucky break for the Mustangs. Nevertheless, the Horned Frogs’ second interception early in the final quarter sealed their victory. It ensured that the Iron Skillet would remain in their possession, echoing their narrow win in Dallas the previous year, where they triumphed 34-32.

Beyond the excitement of this annual rivalry clash, significant changes are on the horizon for SMU. Holding a balanced 2-2 record, the Mustangs are preparing to make a leap to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) starting in the next season. This move represents a new chapter for Southern Methodist. Remarkably, donors rallied behind this transition, raising a staggering $100 million in just seven days to support the university’s bold move.

Photo Cred: Dallas Moring News

The shift to the ACC offers SMU an unprecedented opportunity to face off against renowned football programs and establish themselves as formidable contenders in a prestigious conference. With optimism as their guiding star, the Mustangs embark on this journey, aspiring to make a significant impact in their inaugural ACC season. As TCU savors another year with the Iron Skillet in its possession and Southern Methodist prepares for fresh challenges in the ACC, the anticipation for next year’s “Battle for the Iron Skillet” is already building.

Oklahoma Spoils the University of Cincinnati’s Big 12 Conference Debut

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 23, 2023

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ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg (3) — Photo Cred: USA Today

The University of Cincinnati Bearcats embarked on their inaugural Big 12 Conference campaign with an anticipated showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma is going home with a 20-6 win. The Sooners stumbled out of the gate, recording a dismal -4-yard rushing performance on their opening drive. This early setback was a glimmer of hope for the Bearcats. Gentry Williams drew a pass interference call, positioning UC favorably on the field. Ryan Montgomery hit a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati an early 3-0 lead.

Photo Cred: WCPO

However, the Sooners quickly regrouped. Despite an earlier missed opportunity for a touchdown, they found their footing and began to move the ball effectively. Their momentum was halted by Bryon Threats when he forced a crucial quarterback fumble, denying OU a chance to score. The Bearcats faced a nerve-wracking moment when Xzavier Henderson made a breathtaking toe-tap catch. This remarkable play underwent review but ultimately stood, allowing UC to escape the shadows of its own endzone.

Oklahoma would swiftly strike back as Nic Anderson capitalized on a pass from Dillon Gabriel, giving the Sooners a 7-3 lead. This scoring drive comprised of six plays covering 66 yards, and consumed a mere one minute and 47 seconds. The second quarter opened with the Bearcats determined to claw their way back into contention. Yet, they faced staunch resistance from Oklahoma.

Photo Cred: Cincinnati Enquirer

A combination of a sack and a false start pushed OU deep into their territory, backing them up at their own 3-yard line. Still, a remarkable 20-yard run breathed life into the Sooners’ drive as they methodically moved down the field through the air, eventually settling for a 34-yard field goal. Emory Jones unleashed a deep pass to the right, connecting with Chamon Metayer for an impressive 40-yard gain.

However, the game took another dramatic turn when Jones attempted a deep pass to the left targeting Xzavier Henderson, only to be intercepted by Key Lawrence. Lawrence’s interception resulted in a touchback. With the first half winding down, Cincinnati missed a pivotal 26-yard field goal attempt, leaving the scoreboard reading 10-3 in favor of Oklahoma. The game had already showcased electrifying moments, hinting at a thrilling second half that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Photo Cred: SI

The third quarter was much of the same. The Sooners struggled to generate momentum on their first possession, punting the ball back to the Bearcats. Cincinnati embarked on a methodical 12-play drive that concluded with a 55-yard field goal following a Jonah Laulu sack. OU swiftly responded, scoring a touchdown with Gabriel’s keeper after a nine-play, 75-yard drive where they found some success on the ground.

UC were threatening on their first drive of the fourth quarter, but pressure led to an interception by Billy Bowman, the second for the Sooners in the game. Oklahoma’s defense then came up big on a pair of fourth-down stops, securing a 14-point win and pushing their season record to 4-0, including a 1-0 start in Big 12 play. While the final score favored OU, the game had thrilling plays, momentum swings, and moments of sheer brilliance on both sides of the field.

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