SMU Mustangs Gallop to a Convincing Victory in American Conference Opener

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October 1, 2023

image-placeholder-title — Photo Cred: The World

In a thrilling Saturday night showdown, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs kicked off their American Conference campaign with a resounding 34-16 victory over the Charlotte 49ers. Jaylan Knighton emerged as the hero of the night, donning the Mustangs’ shining armor with a remarkable performance that included rushing for two touchdowns and an impressive 150 yards.

Photo Cred: SMU

The Mustangs’ defense proved to be an impenetrable fortress, holding the Charlotte 49ers to a mere three points in the first half. Seeking a spark, Charlotte made a quarterback switch at halftime, replacing Jalon Jones with Trexler Ivey. Ivey wasted no time in injecting life into the 49ers’ offense, orchestrating a stunning 75-yard touchdown drive on his first possession of the night.

While Southern Methodist’s dominance was evident, the team had its share of challenges throughout the game. Penalties plagued the Mustangs, tarnishing an otherwise stellar display. The passing game left much to be desired, but the robust rushing attack was the anchor that kept SMU ahead. A total of 238 rushing yards were accumulated through three RBs, their QB, and a WR. One of the pivotal moments came in the fourth quarter, during a critical fourth-and-2 situation. SMU quarterback Preston Stone connected with RJ Maryland for a touchdown pass, reaffirming Maryland’s status as a reliable tight end entering this season.

Photo Cred: On3

As the night’s action drew to a close, Cale Sanders Jr. of SMU intercepted a pass from Ivey, allowing the Mustangs to run down the clock to 1:31. Even though possession was returned to the 49ers, they ultimately ran out of time. This victory marked a promising 1-0 start for SMU in the conference. A significant portion of these yards came from a breathtaking 95-yard run by Knighton during SMU’s first drive in the second half, leaving SMU fans with high hopes for the remainder of the season.

The SMU Mustangs have set a strong tone for their American Conference campaign, showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball. With Jaylan Knighton leading the way and the defense proving its mettle, Southern Methodist fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead in the season. As the conference battles intensify, the Mustangs will aim to build on this convincing victory and gallop toward success.

SMU Football Looks to Rebound in First Conference Matchup Against Charlotte

By

Jesus Gomez

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October 1, 2023

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The SMU Mustangs are gearing up for an exciting clash as they kick off their first conference matchup against the newly inducted Charlotte 49ers, who joined the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2021. This game presents a crucial opportunity for SMU to rebound after a challenging outing in their last matchup. The Mustangs have shown their ability to dominate teams with subpar records, but they’ve struggled against tougher adversaries like TCU and Oklahoma.

Photo Cred: SMU Athletics

The game poses a unique challenge for Charlotte, who must face the Mustangs on the road and have faced their own struggles in recent seasons. With both teams eager to secure a victory, this matchup holds significant implications for the future of SMU football. Southern Methodist has showcased their prowess against teams that struggle to achieve over .500 seasons, such as Louisiana Tech and Prairie View. When faced with these opponents, SMU’s offense tends to flourish, putting up impressive numbers on the scoreboard. In such games, the Mustangs’ high-octane offense becomes a formidable force.

However, the narrative changes when Southern Methodist faces stronger adversaries like TCU and Oklahoma. In these matchups, the Mustangs have often struggled to orchestrate solid offensive drives, with their defense often stepping up as the saving grace. These games have posed significant challenges for SMU, highlighting the need to strengthen their offensive capabilities.

Photo Cred: SI

Charlotte, on the other hand, finds itself in a situation similar to what SMU faced when joining the AAC in 2013. The 49ers have failed to finish above .500 in the past three seasons, and they’re now navigating the challenging landscape of a new conference. Their journey in the AAC is an uphill battle, but they’ve already shown their potential by holding Maryland to just nine points in the first half during a recent game. The 49ers’ defense demonstrated resilience and the ability to stifle a potent offensive opponent.

As Southern Methodist enters this game one victory ahead of the Charlotte 49ers, it’s clear that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. This matchup holds significant weight, as the Mustangs need to secure a victory to build momentum before facing conference leaders Memphis and Tulsa, both of whom have already notched three wins this season. A victory in this game could serve as a catalyst for SMU, potentially boosting their offensive confidence following a tepid performance against TCU.

Photo Cred: Underdog Dynasty

The SMU Mustangs are set to face the Charlotte 49ers in their first conference matchup of the season. While Southern Methodist has a history of dominating teams with subpar records, they’ve struggled against tougher opponents. Meanwhile, Charlotte is looking to make its mark in the AAC after years of struggling to achieve above .500 seasons. With both teams hungry for a win, this game holds significant implications for the Mustangs’ football season. A victory here could be the spark that ignites their offensive confidence as they prepare to face formidable conference leaders in the coming weeks. SMU fans eagerly await kickoff, hoping their Mustangs will ride to victory and set the tone for a successful season in the AAC.

Where Do the Broncos Go From Here?

By

Troy Finnegan

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October 1, 2023

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Denver Broncos Rookie Mini Camp — CENTENNIAL, CO - MAY 13: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during Denver Broncos rookie mini camp at Dove Valley May 13, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos, on Sunday, surrendered a staggering 70 points—an astounding feat and not a typographical error. This demoralizing 70-20 defeat at the hands of the surging Miami Dolphins marked the first instance of an NFL team scoring 70 points in a game since 1966 and only the fourth time in league history. This performance represents a new low for Denver. This season was supposed to be a fresh start following last year’s rock-bottom finish.

Photo Credit: Mile High Report

The team brought in Sean Payton to instill stability and leadership after the tumultuous single-season tenure under Nathaniel Hackett. After three weeks, the Broncos find themselves at an unsettling 0-3 record. They were marred by a home loss to a division rival and a home defeat to Washington, a game where they squandered a substantial lead. They now share the unfortunate distinction of being one of the four remaining winless teams in the NFL, languishing at the bottom of the AFC West.

This stark deviation from expectations under Sean Payton begs the question: What comes next? Interestingly, the reasons behind their dismal start in the 2023-24 season are distinct from their struggles of the previous year. While their offense may not evoke memories of the 2007 Patriots, it can be deemed a serviceable unit. Overall, the offensive performance has not been abysmal.

Russell Wilson is staging a comeback, ranking in the top 10 in the league for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer rating through three weeks. He has also generated a fair share of explosive plays in the passing game. The running game has faced some struggles, but it is far from being considered subpar, with Denver ranking 20th in rushing yards.

The Broncos’ offense does encounter difficulties in the red zone, where they convert less than half of their trips into touchdowns.

Photo Credit: Yardbarker

However, these offensive woes shouldn’t warrant the team being one of the league’s laughingstocks entering week four. The defense, which boasted elite status in 2022, has severely disappointed this season. After three weeks in 2023, they find themselves dead last in both yards and points allowed. Although the Miami game inflates these statistics, the unit suffered a disheartening collapse in the second half against Washington.

Before the season commenced, the loss of linebacker Jonas Griffith to a season-ending ACL tear during practice was a significant setback. Baron Browning, the team’s premier pass rusher, has yet to appear after offseason knee surgery. Caden Sterns, a promising young safety, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the week one loss to the Raiders.

While these losses are undeniably impactful, they should not result in the worst defense in football. Surprisingly, the departure of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has had a more substantial impact on the Broncos than they would’ve expected. Evero departed during the offseason to become defensive coordinator in Carolina, leaving a vacancy for Sean Payton to fill.

Payton selected Vance Joseph, who had previously served as head coach for the Broncos in 2017-18 and had been overseeing the defense in Arizona. Unfortunately, the results have been underwhelming. Despite calls from numerous Broncos fans and media for Joseph’s dismissal following the historic embarrassment against Miami, Payton has retained him. All hope is not yet lost for Denver.

It seems more likely for the defense to improve than for the offense to regress. Payton’s history of orchestrating potent offenses is well-established. Wilson may not be the player he was five years ago but is performing better than last season. He has been more aggressive in pushing the ball downfield, and the addition of deep threat Marvin Mims Jr. has undoubtedly aided the team.

Photo Credit: Pro Football Network

Defensively, the current abysmal performance is unlikely to persist. While the 70 points and over 700 yards conceded against Miami were undeniably alarming, the Dolphins currently possess the league’s most formidable offense, dominating all opponents. Denver’s upcoming matchups against the Bears and the Jets, both of whom have struggled offensively, provide an opportunity for the defense to rebound.

A return to the mean is not only possible but anticipated. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that, despite the upcoming schedule, the Broncos have invested significantly in their quarterback. Regardless, the pressure is mounting from a fan base that has not witnessed a Broncos playoff game since Super Bowl 50. The path to competitiveness in Denver is undoubtedly within reach, but the clock is ticking for Sean Payton and the Broncos.

Three Amazing Moments in Pac-12 Football History

By

Kellan Quinn

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October 1, 2023

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EndOfPac12_RingerIllo — Photo Cred: The Ringer

Oregon and Washington are heading to the Big 10, and Utah, ASU, CU, and Arizona are entering the Big 12. From next year, the landscape of college football will be entirely different, with the transformation of this storied conference on the immediate horizon. Let’s look at just a few of the most important and memorable moments in the history of the Pac-12.

3. Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans go back-to-back (2003-2004)

Photo Cred: NBC Sports

This was eventually stained by the improper benefits scandal involving Reggie Bush. Regardless, you can’t talk about the modern Pac-12 without mentioning the sheer dominance USC imparted to its opponents in the early to mid-2000s. Led on offense by Matt Leinart and Bush, the 2003 Trojans went 12-1, winning a share of the 2003 championship with LSU. In 2004, they left no doubt with Leinart winning the Heisman, a 13-0 record, and a destruction of Oklahoma in the national championship. Although the eventual scandal marred their legacy, the Pete Carroll Trojans remain one of the most dominant squads in football history.

2. The Stanford Band Play

Photo Cred: San Francisco Chronicle

One of the most famous plays in football history, the Stanford Band Play truly encompassed the unpredictability of the Pac-12 Conference. With eight seconds remaining and Stanford up by one, they sent a squib quick over to Berkeley’s Kevin Moen. After five incredible laterals, Moen found himself back with the ball running into the end zone. Even more unexpectedly, the Stanford band had stormed the field early to perform their routine, mistakenly believing the play had ended. Moen bulldozed a trombone player, ran through to the end zone, and capped off one of the most incredible plays in college football.

1. 2009 Oregon Vs. Oregon State: Civil War for the Rose Bowl

Photo Cred: Oregon Live

The rivalry game once known as the “Civil War” has always been a fixture of the Pac-12, but it never had more riding on it than in 2009. The winner would go on to their first Rose Bowl in decades. Although OSU got out to a 30-21 lead, Oregon shot back in the second half. They were energized by the return of the previously suspended LeGarrette Blount and took a 34-33 score going into the fourth. Facing a fourth-and-15 late, the Beavers elected to go for it instead of kicking a 45-yard field goal and threw an incomplete pass. This would seal the Ducks’ victory and give them their first Rose Bowl bid since 1995 in a Civil War game truly unlike any other!

Missouri Aims to Continue Undefeated Season Against Vanderbilt

By

Ethan Burke

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October 1, 2023

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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

Photo Cred: 1000 logos

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

By

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

By

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

By

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.

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