Game Review: Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee State

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September 12, 2023

dm_230910_SEC_NCF_Highlight_Missouri_MTSU_230909 — Photo Cred: ESPN

Missouri narrowly escaped a tough challenge from Middle Tennessee State (MTSU) on Saturday night, securing a 23-19 victory. The Tigers’ defense came up with a big stop with a little over three minutes remaining. Senior running back Cody Schrader’s seven-yard run for a first down in the final minutes sealed Missouri’s first 2-0 start since 2018. Let’s delve into the key performers and highlights.

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

The Tigers’ Defense

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit shone brightly during the game. Blue Raiders quarterback Nicholas Vattiato was sacked four times. Defensive lineman Nyles Gaddy was a standout with two sacks, while defensive backs Sydney Williams and Daylan Carnell each contributed with one sack. Carnell and Darius Robinson led the Tigers in tackles on Saturday. Carnell and Darius Robinson led the Tigers in tackles, with Carnell tallying eight total tackles (four solo) and Robinson recording seven total tackles (three solo).

Photo Cred: Mizzou Athletics (#21 Gaddy) Photo Cred: Daily Journal

Missouri’s defense set the tone early by forcing two consecutive three-and-outs in MTSU’s opening offensive possessions. The Blue Raiders’ offense was forced to punt five times throughout the game and had a turnover on downs in their final possession. The Tigers’ defense also concluded the matchup with five total pass breakups. DB Kris Abrams-Draine led the team with two.

Brady Cook

Redshirt junior QB Brady Cook picked things up after a tough start to the game. He finished the night with 204 yards and two touchdowns. Things were looking rough early for the QB, as he was sacked three times in the first quarter. Cook also missed key opportunities by not connecting with open receivers. With 24 seconds remaining in the first half, the redshirt junior finally got things together. He powered his way into the endzone for a one-yard touchdown to give Missouri a 10-7 lead.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports (#12 Cook) Photo Cred: KTGR (Wease Jr.)

Cook kept things rolling to start the second half. He connected with wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. for a five-yard touchdown in Missouri’s first possession of the third quarter. On the very next drive, Cook completed a 49-yard touchdown pass to running back Nathaniel Peat on the opening play of the fourth quarter. Despite the strong second half, the St. Louis native fumbled the ball in the endzone, which resulted in a safety. This cut the Tigers’ lead to 23-19 with six minutes left.

Missouri’s Ground Attack

Schrader reached 2,000 career rushing yards on Saturday with an 84-yard performance. The senior made several critical plays, including a 10-yard gain in the third quarter on second-and-three. The Truman State transfer also made the biggest play of the game. He rushed for seven yards on second-and-six with a little over two minutes remaining to seal the game.

Photo Creds: L- Screenshot taken from a KMIZ ABC 17 News highlights video (#7 Schrader), R- St. Louis Post-Dispatch (#8 Peat)

Peat also had a strong performance on Saturday, as he rushed for 51 yards and had a receiving touchdown. The Stanford transfer showcased his skills with a 15-yard rush in the first quarter.

MTSU Gave Missouri All It Can Handle

The Blue Raiders were no easy task for the Tigers, as they were resilient and formidable. Despite being 21-point underdogs, the Blue Raiders mounted a fierce challenge, giving Missouri more than it bargained for.

Vattiato had a strong showing with 214 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown pass came in the second quarter when he connected with WR Kalani Norris, giving the Blue Raiders a 7-3 lead. The redshirt sophomore’s biggest play came with 6:57 left in the game. On fourth down, he threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Justin Olson to cut Middle Tennessee State’s deficit to 23-17.

Photo Creds: L- St. Joseph News-Press (Vattiato), R- Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

MTSU’s defense also put up a fight, sacking Cook four times during the game. Linebacker Drew Francis led the team with two sacks, while LB Sam Brumfield and DL Quindarius Dunnigan each contributed one. Head Coach Rick Stockstill’s defense also got major production from safety Tra Fluellen. He finished the game with nine total tackles (six solo).

This Saturday

Missouri aims to maintain its undefeated record as it hosts No. 15 Kansas State at 11 A.M. at Faurot Field this Saturday, with the game airing on SEC Network.

Photo Cred: YouTube

Chris Jones is Back!

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 11, 2023

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Chris Jones wasted no time leaving his mark on the NFL, swiftly establishing himself as a dominant force on the defensive line. His imposing size, remarkable strength, and outstanding athleticism make him an undeniable presence in the league. In no time, he became an indispensable asset for the Kansas City Chiefs, playing a pivotal role in securing victories and leading the team to deep playoff runs. It’s no exaggeration to say that Chris Jones ranks as one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, second only to the formidable Aaron Donald of the LA Rams. Jones’ prowess on the field is a sight to behold. His uncanny ability to disrupt opposing offenses, consistently sack quarterbacks, and halt running plays has earned him the coveted title of an All-Pro player.

Photo Cred: KXAN

But his impact extends far beyond the gridiron. Chris Jones has become renowned for his charismatic personality and his active involvement in the community. He brings more than just physical strength to the team; his leadership and inspirational qualities uplift the entire roster. Off the field, Chris Jones has harnessed his platform for good. He’s been a driving force behind various charitable causes, using his influence and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others. He serves as an inspiration to young athletes, irrespective of their backgrounds, encouraging them to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.

The Kansas City Chiefs recognized the immense value of Chris Jones and couldn’t afford to let him hold out for the season. Consequently, they secured his return with a new contract that could potentially earn him more than the $19.5 million stipulated in his previous deal. This move solidified Jones’ place in the heart of the Chiefs’ defense for the foreseeable future. Throughout his NFL journey, spanning seven seasons with the Chiefs, Chris Jones has accumulated an impressive track record. With 107 games under his belt, including 86 starts, he boasts 243 tackles (168 solo), an astonishing 65.0 sacks resulting in a loss of 457 yards, 65 tackles for loss, and 146 pressures. Jones has also showcased his versatility with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, 33 passes defended, 12 forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Photo Cred: SI

“Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he’s really developed into a leader on our team,” General Manager Brett Veach said. “He’s been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform. I’d like to thank Chris and his representation, Michael and Jason Katz, for their desire and patience to get this done. Through this process two things were obvious, Chris wanted to be a Chief, and the Katz brothers worked diligently on his behalf.”

Photo Cred: Arrowhead Pride

Chris Jones’ remarkable journey from humble beginnings to NFL stardom serves as a testament to the transformative power of hard work, unwavering determination, and undeniable talent. His story continues to inspire countless aspiring athletes who face their own challenges on the path to greatness. With each tackle, each sack, and each victory, Chris Jones cements his legacy as a symbol of what one can achieve through unrelenting dedication and a steadfast belief in oneself. As he continues to shine in his career, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the ongoing ascent of this exceptional player. His commitment to charitable causes and inspirational leadership only adds to his allure, making him an essential part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ future.

34th Southern Heritage Classic: TSU Tigers for the Win

By

Chante Gayden

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September 10, 2023

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ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg (1) — Photo Cred: The Commercial Appeal

In a thrilling showdown at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday night, September 9th, 2023, the 34th Southern Heritage Classic showcased a riveting battle between Tennessee State University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Under the guidance of Coach Eddie George, TSU was victorious with a final score of 24-14, marking George’s first Classic win since 2021. Despite some defensive challenges, the Tigers managed to maintain their lead and secure a significant early-season triumph.

The Game’s Key Moments

From the onset, the Tigers took control of the game. Tennessee State scored their first touchdown with 7:10 remaining in the first quarter, putting them ahead 7-0. They continued to dominate, adding another touchdown just before halftime, extending their lead to 14-0. However, UAPB refused to back down. They put points on the board with a field goal, narrowing the gap to 14-3 in the third quarter.

Photo Cred: The Commercial Appeal

The game’s intensity heightened as the Golden Lions launched a determined comeback in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a faltering Tennessee State defense. They scored two touchdowns, bringing the score to a suspenseful 14-17 in favor of UAPB, with hopes of forcing an overtime showdown. Yet, the Tigers had one final play up their sleeves. With just 53 seconds left, Brent Rowe delivered a crucial block, allowing James Green to make a remarkable 92-yard return, securing the game for Tennessee State.

Lead Scorers Shine

Several key players stood out in this thrilling encounter:

Deveon Bryant, Tennessee State’s quarterback, showcased his precision with a 73.7% completion rate, going 14-for-19 in passes. He averaged an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt and contributed significantly on the ground, amassing 80 rushing yards at an average of 8 yards per carry.
Jalen Rouse led the rushing yards for the Tigers with a remarkable 91 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
The receiving corps also played a pivotal role, with Dayron Johnson completing four catches for 64 yards and Trenton adding five catches for 57 yards.Photo Cred: The Commercial Appeal

Season Records

This win elevates Tennessee State to a season record of 1-1, providing them with a boost of confidence early in the season. Meanwhile, UAPB is 0-2, looking to regroup and bounce back in the upcoming games. The 34th Southern Heritage Classic showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, providing fans with a memorable night of college football in Memphis. Coach Eddie George and the Tennessee State Tigers celebrated a hard-fought victory, while UAPB demonstrated their capacity to rally against adversity. As the season progresses, both teams will continue to captivate football enthusiasts across the nation.

TSU’s Gabrielle Johnson Has a Big Day in Close Loss

By

Chante Gayden

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September 10, 2023

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The Tennessee State Tiger volleyball team had an impressive performance with a balanced attack but fell in a thrilling five-set match to the San Francisco Dons. The Tennessee State Tiger volleyball team lost 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22, 10-15). Gabrielle Johnson, the formidable Middle Blocker (MB) for Tennessee State University’s Women’s Volleyball team, has displayed unwavering determination and skill in the face of fierce opponents during this week’s road games. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the 6’2″ sophomore standout is renowned for her tenacious defense and commanding offensive prowess, leaving an impression on the volleyball circuit.

Photo Cred: TSU Athletics

Supported by her teammate Hennesys Lalane, who provided multiple assists in crucial moments, Johnson exhibited prowess in two pivotal matchups against Utah and San Francisco. In the clash with Utah and Tennessee State, Johnson tallied an impressive stat line, recording five kills and two blocks, proving her mettle on both sides of the net. It was the encounter with San Francisco that displayed Johnson’s exceptional abilities.

Despite an unexpected loss in a grueling five-set contest, Johnson’s performance was stellar. She achieved a new career high with a remarkable 17 kills, two aces, eight blocks, and an impressive 0.433 hitting percentage. While Tennessee State may not have emerged victorious, Johnson made an emphatic statement that her contributions should not go unnoticed. She also had two service aces, which helped her have a match high of 24 points.

Photo Cred: UC Santa Barbara

Looking ahead, Johnson and the Tigers are gearing up for their next challenge as they prepare to face UC Santa Barbara. With her extraordinary skills and unwavering dedication, Gabrielle Johnson continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court, leaving fans and opponents alike eagerly anticipating her next remarkable performance.

Colorado Prove They’re Not A Fluke

By

Troy Finnegan

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September 10, 2023

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g5MHlK8baRB9_16SYTBqJv0Hq_1440x960 — Photo Cred: The Athletic

In a revival of one of college football’s storied rivalries, the No. 22 Colorado Buffaloes delivered a resounding 36-14 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. The showdown marked the highly anticipated debut of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as the head coach at Folsom Field. Many celebrities and former NFL players visited Boulder, Co.

Photo Cred: Corn Nation

The first quarter of the game was characterized by a lackluster performance from both teams, marred by a series of errors and penalties, leaving the score at zero. Nebraska’s formidable defense posed a significant challenge for Colorado, controlling much of the first half and making life difficult for the Buffaloes’ offense. It contrasted with their strong showing the previous week. But the offense would figure it out.

“Great win, started slow,” Sanders reflected postgame. “Played like hot garbage in the first half.”

Nebraska initiated the game with a promising drive that faltered when quarterback Jeff Sims fumbled a snap, a recurring issue that would haunt them throughout the afternoon. The overarching theme of the first half was Nebraska’s inability to capitalize on Colorado’s sluggish offensive start. Despite the Huskers’ defense forcing four consecutive punts within the initial 25 minutes of the game, Sims’ fumble and a missed field goal prevented Nebraska from registering any points.

Colorado seized control of the game at the close of the first half. Following a second fumbled snap by Sims and a successful Jace Feely field goal, junior safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig intercepted a pass along the right sideline, highlighting an acrobatic jump to snatch the ball and marking the third turnover by Sims in the first half. Shadeur Sanders immediately capitalized on this momentum shift, connecting with Tar’Varish Dawson for a 30-yard touchdown on the ensuing play.

Photo Cred: Lincoln Star

Nebraska mounted a response at the start of the second half, forcing a turnover on downs and finally breaking their scoring drought with a 57-yard touchdown run by Sims. However, the Buffaloes remained unfazed, securing points on each of their next four offensive possessions, putting the game out of reach. Colorado’s performance was an impressive follow-up to their standout showing in week one, now boasting a 2-0 record. While they struggled to gain ground on the rush, accumulating only 58 yards on 33 attempts, Sanders shone brightly, orchestrating the offense with precision, and displaying his versatility.

The Buffaloes’ star quarterback completed 31 of 42 passes for 393 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders also added a 6-yard rushing touchdown late in the game, along with his signature “Prime shuffle” celebration. On the receiving end, two South Florida transfers emerged as Sanders’ primary targets. Jimmy Horn Jr. hauled in eight receptions for 64 yards, consistently converting crucial third downs, while Xavier Weaver exploded with an impressive performance, amassing ten receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Buffaloes showed vulnerability against the run, allowing Nebraska to gain 222 rushing yards. However, their secondary once again proved its mettle by stifling Nebraska’s passing game and denying open opportunities for the Huskers. Additionally, Colorado generated more pressure on the quarterback than in their previous outing, resulting in two sacks.

Photo Cred: Buff Zone

For Nebraska, Sims struggled throughout the game, completing 9 of 15 passes for 106 yards and committing four turnovers (three fumbles and one interception) before sustaining an injury late in the second half. The Huskers displayed a diverse rushing attack, with three players—Sims, Gabe Ervin Jr., and Rahmir Johnson—all exceeding 60 rushing yards. The Buffaloes will conclude their non-conference schedule next Saturday night with another intense rivalry matchup as in-state rival Colorado State visits Boulder. Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. MST.

My Ideal Replacements for KKR Players in the IPL 2023 Season

By

Rupayan Samanta

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September 10, 2023

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96471354 — Photo Cred: The Times of India

In the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had several player unavailabilities throughout the season. They needed suitable replacements to maintain the quality of their playing XI. Backups are always an integral part of a whole season to make sure there is a “next man up” ready at all times. Here are my ideal replacements for the players who were unavailable during the season.

Photo Cred: Sportskeeda

Key: Bowling abbreviations can be found in this hyperlink. RHB- Right-Handed Batter, LHB- Left-Handed Batter.

Shreyas Iyer- Back Injury/Surgery

(Written as of April 1st and April 6th; stats written as of the present time)

“Shreyas Iyer (RHB, OB, LBG), the captain of the Knight Riders, has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. He will be having back surgery that will take him out for at least three months. This is a big blow to the side, as coach Chandrakant Pandit was expecting Shreyas to be back near the second half or end of the season. This means Nitish Rana will be the full-time captain for the rest of the 2023 season.”

On the loss of Iyer: “Batting-wise, I am not exactly optimistic about our chances. [Andre] Russell might need to move up higher if we lose wickets early. Our team is filled with way too many opening (and wicket-keeping) options and not enough middle-order depth… Of course, [if] Venkatesh Iyer [drops] to the middle-order, [I feel like] things are more rounded up. [Narayan] Jagadeesan can [then] continue his run at the top.”

Stats: T20I/T20- 49/197 matches, 1043/5217 runs, 30.67/32.00 ave, 135.98/130.29 SR.

IPL-specific stats: 101 matches, 2776 runs, 31.55 ave, 125.38 SR.

Photo Cred: Mens Team | IPLT20 (Iyer)

His Possible Replacements

“If I had things my way or if I were a part of the KKR think tank/management, my ideal replacement for (Shreyas) would be a middle-order batter. Our middle-order has not been a strength in recent years, although this year particularly looks bad, especially more so without (Iyer) shoring things up.” I found a total of eight batters, with three from the 2023 IPL Auction unsold list and another five from the list of registered players who did not have their names called.

Unsold List Players

(Written as of the present time, with details from April 1st)

Karan Shinde (LHB, LBG)- Of the three players mentioned, he has the most extreme statistics. He has the best ave and SR but also has played the fewest games and, consequently, scored the fewest runs. However, if his six matches have yielded such a performance, I would duly look forward to what this 25-year-old can bring.
- Stats: T20- 6 matches, 176 runs, 44.00 ave, 149.15 SR.
Ekant Sen (RHB, RAM)- The eldest of the three. He has a decent number of runs in the matches played, but his strike rate is on the lower side. The average could use some improvement but is still acceptable.
- Stats: T20- 25 matches, 416 runs, 26.00 ave, 126.06 SR.
Himmat Singh (RHB, OB)- The most experienced player among the three, both in terms of matches played and runs scored. While his ave is the lowest, it seems to go with his high SR. It’s still good enough for what I am expecting of a replacement player.
- Stats: T20- 40 matches, 654 runs, 25.15 ave, 130.80 SR.

Photo Cred: YouTube- Cricket Mirror (Shinde) Photo Cred: ESPNcricinfo (Singh)

Remaining Registered List Players

(Written as of April 6th)

Gurkeerat Singh Mann (RHB, OB)- One of the three former KKR players in this list. Compared to most other options on the registered players list, I am comfortable with his stats. Decent average and SR in the format. His IPL stats could use a lot of work, though.
- Stats: T20- 118 matches, 1985 runs, 25.77 ave, 124.06 SR.
- IPL-specific stats: 41 matches, 511 runs, 21.29 ave, 121.09 SR.
Karun Nair (RHB, OB)- The second former KKR player. Surprisingly, he has wonderful T20 stats. For some reason, it just hasn’t been applied in the IPL specifically. He is known more for his Test and First-Class cricket exploits.
- Stats: T20: 150 matches, 2989 runs, 28.77 ave, 133.09 SR.
- IPL-specific stats: 76 matches, 1496 runs, 23.75 ave, 127.75 SR.
Apoorv Wankhade (RHB, RAM)- The last of the KKR members. Judging by what I’m seeing, he’s the best of this lot. Hasn’t made his IPL debut yet, looks like a good time for him to get one.
- Stats: T20- 70 matches, 1295 runs, 28.77 ave, 131.15 SR.
Amandeep Khare (RHB, RAM)- One of the rare times I pick a player because of a superior batting average than [the] strike rate! [A] 40+ average in this short format is almost unheard of. SR is not bad at all either.
- Stats: T20- 41 matches, 1194 runs, 41.17 ave, 123.34 SR.
Armaan Jaffer (RHB, OB)- Jaffer may have played only one game in the T20 format but, if those are the stats, sign me up! Mostly has been a List A (15 matches) and First-Class (15 matches) cricketer. Great batting averages (42.00/29.57), FC strike rate looks good, List A SR could use work.
- Stats: T20- One match, 27 runs, 27.00 ave, 168.75 SR.

Photo Cred: Kolkata Knight Riders Photo Cred: ESPNcricinfo (Nair)

Iyer’s Actual Replacement

(Written as of April 16th)

“This is not exactly new news, as the information did come out right before the KKR-SRH matchup on Friday, but KKR has finally roped in a player to replace Shreyas Iyer. Well, it hasn’t been officially said who he is replacing, but I will assume it’s for Iyer. 20-year-old Gujarati player Aarya Desai (LHB, OB) has joined us for Rs. 20 lakhs.”

“Desai has played three First-Class cricket matches for Gujarat so far this year, his only games. He’s hit 151 runs at an average of 25.16 and a strike rate of 57.63. He does have one 50 in six innings, a high score of 88. He’s also bowled nine overs at a 4.00 econ. In all six innings, he’s either batted at 1 or 2, meaning he is an opener.”

Photo Cred: Sportskeeda

“My thoughts: WHY? Why do we need yet another player whose primary position is either as an opener or the top-order? Our struggles this year have been consistency in the middle order. Are we going to try to force someone out of position to fix those problems? When Shakib Al Hasan was out, we replaced him with Jason Roy. Now, Desai is (essentially) Iyer’s replacement… I wouldn’t have minded us even signing another spinner or spin-bowling all-rounder, but the last thing we needed was another opener…”

Shakib Al Hasan- Opted Out Due to International Commitments

(Almost all of the section was written as of April 6th)

“Along with Shreyas, another player will not be representing the Galaxy of Knights. Shakib Al Hasan (LHB, SLA) has opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons as well as international engagements for Bangladesh. This loss will not affect us as much, as he was always supposed to be cover/a like-for-like replacement for Sunil Narine as a spin-bowling all-rounder.”

Stats (written as of the present time): T20I/T20- 117/415 matches, 2382/6954 runs, 23.82/21.39 ave, 122.40/124.24 SR, 140/465 wickets, 20.49/21.32 ave, 6.79/6.77 econ.

IPL-specific stats (written as of the present time): 71 matches, 793 runs, 19.83 ave, 124.49 SR, 63 wickets, 29.19 ave, 7.44 econ.

Photo Cred: Circle of Cricket (Shakib)