sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
- Messages
- 25,387
- Like
- 109,973
Welcome to Winnie the Pooh Day!
Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated on the birthday of A.A. Milne, the English author who created the popular children's character, Winnie the Pooh. The name "Winnie-the-Pooh" first appeared in a story called "The Wrong Sort of Bees," on Christmas Eve in 1925, in The Evening News. The following year, Milne published a volume of stories about Pooh, simply titled Winnie-the-Pooh. He followed this in 1928 with The House at Pooh Corner.
A black bear named Winnie—short for Winnipeg, as she had come from Canada—was an inspiration for the character. Winnie had resided at the London Zoo, and Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, liked to visit her; he even had the opportunity to feed her honey. Christopher named his own teddy bear Winnie the Pooh, after the real-life Winnie, as well as after a swan named Pooh, that the Milne's had seen while on vacation. Christopher's bear actually had originally been named Edward, and had been purchased at Harrods in London.
SU News
Monmouth DE Lorenzo Hernandez had 2 sacks in the Hawks' 35-17 victory over Charleston Southern at Kessler Stadium in West Long Branch on 3/27/2021. Karlee Sell
Transfer DL Lorenzo Hernandez Nearing Decision (SI; McAllister)
Syracuse extended a scholarship offer to Monmouth transfer defensive lineman Lorenzo Hernandez on Monday. The 6-1, 270 pounder is a grad transfer with one. year of eligibility remaining and wants to enroll at his next destination in time for spring football. That means a decision is coming soon as he says he wants to have a final decision within the next two weeks.
Hernandez has had an eventful football career. As a high school prospect, he signed with Villanova. After redshirting the 2017 season and spending the 2018 campaign with the Wildcats, Hernandez went to the junior college ranks and played for ASA. At ASA, he played for former Syracuse defensive lineman Antonio Anderson who is the defensive line coach at the junior college. Hernandez then went to Monmouth where he played the spring 2021 season (which was to makeup for the postponed 2020 campaign) and the fall 2021 season.
This past fall, he racked up five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss while earning All Big South Second Team honors. When the Syracuse coaches came calling, the message was simple.
"They basically told me they had a need for a defensive tackle, an older guy," Hernandez said. "And coach called (Monday) afternoon and made it happen."
...
Syracuse Football: 4-star lineman is Orange, and I’m saluting SU recruiting (itlh; Fiello)
Francois Nolton is a highly touted defensive end recruit from Miami, Florida, and he has committed to Syracuse football, according to his own personal Twitter account.
Sadly, Syracuse football didn’t get Jared Verse, who was the top transfer portal player I wished for but Nolton is the top high school recruit I hoped for and he’s Orange. Our own Neil Adler provided details on him and why this is a big-time get for the program.
In my opinion, Nolton has the potential to be like Dwight Freeney or Chandler Jones, who will make exciting plays in Orange, have Syracuse footballs fans on their feet cheering loudly and has NFL potential as he develops and gains experience and strength.
Neil also gave a great recap of quarterback Dan Villari, who recently transferred via the portal from Michigan to Syracuse. Both Nolton and Villari intend to enroll early so they can participate in spring practice and start working with staff right away to have a shot at competing right away.
To solidify the quarterback position, Syracuse also offered former Virginia commit LaNorris Sellers. Sellers’ Twitter feed doesn’t say he’s opened up his commitment but he has said in the past that if the QB Coach and OC left Virginia, “things might change” as far as his recruitment is concerned. Those coaches are QB coach Jason Beck and OC Robert Anae, who are now on the Syracuse football staff so that might be something to watch.
...
Rutgers DB Alijah Clark enters NCAA transfer portal (nj.com; Kratch)
Rutgers has suffered a surprising NCAA transfer portal departure.
First-year freshman defensive back Alijah Clark entered the portal on Monday after one season with the Scarlet Knights. His entrance was first reported by 247 Sports. Clark has three years of eligibility left, plus a redshirt season.
Recruitment. Clark was a four-star prospect out of Camden High and Rutgers’ top-ranked recruit during the 2021 signing cycle (quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has since surpassed him after reclassifying). Clark chose Rutgers over a slew of Power Five offers.
2021. Clark appeared in seven games on special teams and as a reserve player in the secondary. He had six tackles and an interception. Clark was seeing more playing time in the secondary as the season progressed, but he missed the final six games of the year with a leg injury.
What it means for 2022 (and beyond). Clark was expected to be a steady contributor next fall and push for a starting job. But the Scarlet Knights had, and still have, significant depth and experience returning in the secondary. His departure seems unlikely to spur Rutgers to pursue a defensive back in the transfer portal, and the impact here may be more of a long-term challenge. Obviously Rutgers doesn’t want to lose the top player in a signing class after one season, especially when he is a Jersey guy with high upside. But the loss may not be fully felt until 2023 and later.
...
ACC Syracuse Football | Garrett Shrader 2021 Regular Season Highlights | Syracuse QB (fansided.com; video)
Sophomore Garrett Shrader took over as the Syracuse starting …
Early ACC Football Predictions for 2022 (athlonsports.com; Lassan)
The battle to win the ACC looks to be a wide-open race atop both the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions in the way-too-early predictions for 2022. Clemson, NC State and Wake Forest each have a strong case to take the top spot in the Atlantic, while Miami and Pittsburgh get the early nod as the favorite in the Coastal. The ACC also features plenty of intriguing teams outside of the top contenders. Florida State is improving under coach Mike Norvell, North Carolina should still be a factor in the Coastal if it can replace quarterback Sam Howell, and both Virginia and Virginia Tech will have new coaches in '22.
It’s never too early to think about predictions or rankings for the 2022 college football season. With that in mind, Athlon provides its very early power rankings for the ACC for 2022:
Even with coordinator Brent Venables off to be the head coach at Oklahoma, the strength of Clemson’s ’22 squad will be its defense. This unit led the ACC by limiting teams to just 14.8 points a game in ’21 and returns standouts up front in Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy, along with linebacker Trenton Simpson and safety Andrew Mukuba. However, big concerns still surround the offense. The Tigers need better play up front and at receiver. Also, is quarterback DJ Uiagalelei poised to improve in his second year as the starter? Or will freshman Cade Klubnik win the job this offseason?
Related: Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 for 2022
2. Wake Forest
Dave Clawson’s team is primed for another run at the Atlantic Division title. Quarterback Sam Hartman returns to pilot an offense that averaged 41 points a game last season. Leading rusher Christian Beal-Smith transferred to South Carolina and receiver Jaquarii Roberson is off to the NFL, but the Demon Deacons should be fine at the skill spots, especially with A.T. Perry (71 catches) back in ’22. Coordinator Brad Lambert was hired away from Purdue to improve a defense that allowed 31.2 points a game in ACC matchups last year. Wake Forest hosts Clemson but has to play at NC State next fall.
3. NC State
The Wolfpack rank No. 3 here (for now), but coach Dave Doeren’s team should be among the top 15 teams in early ’22 rankings. Quarterback Devin Leary returns to lead the offense, with replacing left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and running backs Ricky Person and Bam Knight topping the list of concerns. NC State’s defense finished second in the ACC in fewest points allowed (19.7 a game) in ’21. Look for this unit to be near the top of the conference again, especially with linebackers Payton Wilson and Isaiah Moore opting to return.
4. Florida State
The Seminoles showed progress in coach Mike Norvell’s second year, just missing out on a bowl with a 5-7 final record. More improvement is likely in 2022, especially with the offense in capable hands with quarterback Jordan Travis and talented options arriving from the transfer portal to restock the receiving corps. Also, Florida State’s offensive line has made significant progress over the last two seasons. After giving up 36 points a game in ’20, the ‘Noles cut that total to 26.5. End Jermaine Johnson will be missed, but this unit isn’t losing many significant contributors.
5. Boston College
The Eagles received good news when quarterback Phil Jurkovec passed on the NFL for another year in Chestnut Hill. Although there are personnel holes to fill up front along the offensive line, Jurkovec returns two standout skill players in running back Pat Garwo II (1,045 yards) and big-play receiver Zay Flowers (16.9 yards per catch) next fall. The offense should be more dynamic with Jurkovec in place next year, but coach Jeff Hafley’s defense needs to get better overall (5.7 yards per play allowed) and especially versus the run after giving up 170.3 yards a game.
6. Louisville
The 2022 season is a critical one for coach Scott Satterfield after a 6-7 mark in 2021, but quarterback Malik Cunningham’s (305.8 total yards a game) returns gives this team a chance to finish higher in the ACC. Tight end Marshon Ford and running backs Tiyon Evans (Tennessee transfer) and Jalen Mitchell are set to anchor the key weapons around Cunningham. Louisville’s defense surrendered 5.8 yards per play and allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 65.2 percent of their throws last season. Restocking the secondary will be a priority after a couple of transfers, while leading tackler C.J. Avery also finished his eligibility.
7. Syracuse
After three consecutive losing seasons, Dino Babers will enter ’22 on the hot seat. Babers hopes the hire of veteran play-caller Robert Anae helps to spark an offense that managed only 22.1 points a game in ACC matchups last year. Running back Sean Tucker (1,496 rushing yards in 2021) is arguably one of the nation’s most underrated players. Quarterback Garrett Shrader (781 yards) is a threat on the ground but only connected on 52.6 percent of his throws in ’21. Linebacker Mikel Jones and cornerback Garrett Williams are back to lead a defense that held opponents to 26.3 points a game (down from 32.7) last year.
...
First and 10: Be careful, ACC. Greg Sankey will get an expanded Playoff — with or without you (saturdaydownsouth.com; Hayes)
Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner and the most powerful man in college football, took to the stage and congratulated Georgia on its national title.
Then added this dig to the rest of college football: “As commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, I think the 4-team Playoff worked out fine this year, didn’t you?”
But how much longer?
No matter what Sankey says publicly – and he’s right, the 4-team setup does benefit the best conference in college football – at some point soon 4 teams will not be enough for the SEC.
That point more than likely arrives when Oklahoma and Texas begin playing in the SEC, which could be any time from this summer to the 2025 season.
But make no mistake, the move of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC wasn’t made in a vacuum. It was made with an eye to the future of college sports and specifically college football.
The sport is changing, and the postseason must change with it. That’s what makes the ACC’s odd stance against Playoff expansion – its decision alone likely tabling the process for 4 years – so counterproductive.
The question is, why?
Why would the ACC make a stand when it knows an expanded Playoff is the answer for monetary concerns (remember universities cutting programs during the 2020 season?), and for other issues that are quickly and clearly coming into focus (hello, pay for play).
Multiple industry sources believe there were two overriding reasons: A check on SEC power, and an attempted power play to force Notre Dame into the ACC – to supplement the conference’s undervalued media rights deal.
Neither will work, and both could eventually further strengthen the SEC (more on that later).
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips denied during a conference call last week that the move was a power play for Notre Dame and said the ACC is concerned about the health and welfare of players in an expanded postseason.
While those concerns are real, they were addressed “at length,” two Power 5 officials told me, over the past year with specific proposals to protect players by limiting contact over the course of the entire year – not just the season.
In an odd admission on that conference call, Phillips also said he could see FBS football contracting over the next year with the ongoing NCAA reorganization.
...
2021-22 ACC Bowls TV Ratings (RX; HM)
...
Why is ACC holding up CFP expansion? (RX; HM)
I'll admit, I have no idea what he's talking about here. Maybe ESPN wants the ACC, AAC, and/or SEC to make a play on more Fox properties? Phillips might have insider information..
...
2022 FBS OOC Games (RX; HM)
Let's start with the SEC games...
...
Links, News and Rumors 2022-01-17 (RX; HM)
College football rankings: Way-too-early Preseason Top 25 for the 2022 season (ncaa.com; Staats)
A memorable football season ended with Georgia dethroning Alabama to win a national championship for the first time since 1980. The Bulldogs and their fans earned a long celebration period, but everyone else might already be thinking about the 2022 season.
Knowing next season is still many months away, why not have some fun? Things can — and will — change, but here's an early, E-A-R-L-Y look at preseason college football rankings for the 2022 season. These rankings are mine and mine alone.
...
Other
This is the footprint of a bold plan to remake the East Adams Street neighborhood, including three public housing complexes, into a new, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood.provided by Syracuse Housing Authority
Syracuse embarks on $800 million plan to end public housing as we know it (PS; Breidenbach & Craig)
The city of Syracuse is about to embark on an ambitious $800 million plan that would replace the public housing projects in the shadow of Interstate 81 with a new neighborhood where low-income residents live side-by-side with people paying market-rate downtown rent.
It will be the end of the state’s oldest public housing – hundreds of institutional brick apartments built in 1938 just south of downtown Syracuse and the hundreds of other gated-off buildings that grew up around it.
City planners are expected to ask the federal government for the first $50 million in a grant application to be revealed today. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard looked at the plans.
In the poorest ZIP code in Syracuse, depressing blocks of apartment buildings would be replaced by modern, colorful townhomes and multi-story buildings with high-end appliances along tree-lined, walkable streets. There would be no more enclosed courtyard parking lots that attract nuisance behavior.
Planners envision parks on every block, a grocery store, community gardens, improved schools and more job opportunities. They hope people who take the bus to minimum-wage jobs in nursing homes and retail stores will live in the same homes as doctors who can walk up the hill to work.
The Black neighborhood everyone still calls the “15th Ward” was torn apart in the 1950s and ‘60s when the government built a highway overpass through it. Now, as that highway has aged out of its useful life, government leaders have promised to remake it in a way that gives justice to past mistakes.
A nonprofit called Blueprint 15 has been tasked with reimagining the neighborhood. The nonprofit was formed by the city, the Syracuse Housing Authority and the Allyn Foundation, which is using money from the sale of Welch Allyn to fight poverty.
...
Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated on the birthday of A.A. Milne, the English author who created the popular children's character, Winnie the Pooh. The name "Winnie-the-Pooh" first appeared in a story called "The Wrong Sort of Bees," on Christmas Eve in 1925, in The Evening News. The following year, Milne published a volume of stories about Pooh, simply titled Winnie-the-Pooh. He followed this in 1928 with The House at Pooh Corner.
A black bear named Winnie—short for Winnipeg, as she had come from Canada—was an inspiration for the character. Winnie had resided at the London Zoo, and Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, liked to visit her; he even had the opportunity to feed her honey. Christopher named his own teddy bear Winnie the Pooh, after the real-life Winnie, as well as after a swan named Pooh, that the Milne's had seen while on vacation. Christopher's bear actually had originally been named Edward, and had been purchased at Harrods in London.
SU News
Monmouth DE Lorenzo Hernandez had 2 sacks in the Hawks' 35-17 victory over Charleston Southern at Kessler Stadium in West Long Branch on 3/27/2021. Karlee Sell
Transfer DL Lorenzo Hernandez Nearing Decision (SI; McAllister)
Syracuse extended a scholarship offer to Monmouth transfer defensive lineman Lorenzo Hernandez on Monday. The 6-1, 270 pounder is a grad transfer with one. year of eligibility remaining and wants to enroll at his next destination in time for spring football. That means a decision is coming soon as he says he wants to have a final decision within the next two weeks.
Hernandez has had an eventful football career. As a high school prospect, he signed with Villanova. After redshirting the 2017 season and spending the 2018 campaign with the Wildcats, Hernandez went to the junior college ranks and played for ASA. At ASA, he played for former Syracuse defensive lineman Antonio Anderson who is the defensive line coach at the junior college. Hernandez then went to Monmouth where he played the spring 2021 season (which was to makeup for the postponed 2020 campaign) and the fall 2021 season.
This past fall, he racked up five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss while earning All Big South Second Team honors. When the Syracuse coaches came calling, the message was simple.
"They basically told me they had a need for a defensive tackle, an older guy," Hernandez said. "And coach called (Monday) afternoon and made it happen."
...
Syracuse Football: 4-star lineman is Orange, and I’m saluting SU recruiting (itlh; Fiello)
Francois Nolton is a highly touted defensive end recruit from Miami, Florida, and he has committed to Syracuse football, according to his own personal Twitter account.
Sadly, Syracuse football didn’t get Jared Verse, who was the top transfer portal player I wished for but Nolton is the top high school recruit I hoped for and he’s Orange. Our own Neil Adler provided details on him and why this is a big-time get for the program.
In my opinion, Nolton has the potential to be like Dwight Freeney or Chandler Jones, who will make exciting plays in Orange, have Syracuse footballs fans on their feet cheering loudly and has NFL potential as he develops and gains experience and strength.
Neil also gave a great recap of quarterback Dan Villari, who recently transferred via the portal from Michigan to Syracuse. Both Nolton and Villari intend to enroll early so they can participate in spring practice and start working with staff right away to have a shot at competing right away.
To solidify the quarterback position, Syracuse also offered former Virginia commit LaNorris Sellers. Sellers’ Twitter feed doesn’t say he’s opened up his commitment but he has said in the past that if the QB Coach and OC left Virginia, “things might change” as far as his recruitment is concerned. Those coaches are QB coach Jason Beck and OC Robert Anae, who are now on the Syracuse football staff so that might be something to watch.
...
Rutgers DB Alijah Clark enters NCAA transfer portal (nj.com; Kratch)
Rutgers has suffered a surprising NCAA transfer portal departure.
First-year freshman defensive back Alijah Clark entered the portal on Monday after one season with the Scarlet Knights. His entrance was first reported by 247 Sports. Clark has three years of eligibility left, plus a redshirt season.
Recruitment. Clark was a four-star prospect out of Camden High and Rutgers’ top-ranked recruit during the 2021 signing cycle (quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has since surpassed him after reclassifying). Clark chose Rutgers over a slew of Power Five offers.
2021. Clark appeared in seven games on special teams and as a reserve player in the secondary. He had six tackles and an interception. Clark was seeing more playing time in the secondary as the season progressed, but he missed the final six games of the year with a leg injury.
What it means for 2022 (and beyond). Clark was expected to be a steady contributor next fall and push for a starting job. But the Scarlet Knights had, and still have, significant depth and experience returning in the secondary. His departure seems unlikely to spur Rutgers to pursue a defensive back in the transfer portal, and the impact here may be more of a long-term challenge. Obviously Rutgers doesn’t want to lose the top player in a signing class after one season, especially when he is a Jersey guy with high upside. But the loss may not be fully felt until 2023 and later.
...
ACC Syracuse Football | Garrett Shrader 2021 Regular Season Highlights | Syracuse QB (fansided.com; video)
Sophomore Garrett Shrader took over as the Syracuse starting …
Early ACC Football Predictions for 2022 (athlonsports.com; Lassan)
The battle to win the ACC looks to be a wide-open race atop both the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions in the way-too-early predictions for 2022. Clemson, NC State and Wake Forest each have a strong case to take the top spot in the Atlantic, while Miami and Pittsburgh get the early nod as the favorite in the Coastal. The ACC also features plenty of intriguing teams outside of the top contenders. Florida State is improving under coach Mike Norvell, North Carolina should still be a factor in the Coastal if it can replace quarterback Sam Howell, and both Virginia and Virginia Tech will have new coaches in '22.
It’s never too early to think about predictions or rankings for the 2022 college football season. With that in mind, Athlon provides its very early power rankings for the ACC for 2022:
Early ACC Football Predictions for 2022
Atlantic Division
1. ClemsonEven with coordinator Brent Venables off to be the head coach at Oklahoma, the strength of Clemson’s ’22 squad will be its defense. This unit led the ACC by limiting teams to just 14.8 points a game in ’21 and returns standouts up front in Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy, along with linebacker Trenton Simpson and safety Andrew Mukuba. However, big concerns still surround the offense. The Tigers need better play up front and at receiver. Also, is quarterback DJ Uiagalelei poised to improve in his second year as the starter? Or will freshman Cade Klubnik win the job this offseason?
Related: Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 for 2022
2. Wake Forest
Dave Clawson’s team is primed for another run at the Atlantic Division title. Quarterback Sam Hartman returns to pilot an offense that averaged 41 points a game last season. Leading rusher Christian Beal-Smith transferred to South Carolina and receiver Jaquarii Roberson is off to the NFL, but the Demon Deacons should be fine at the skill spots, especially with A.T. Perry (71 catches) back in ’22. Coordinator Brad Lambert was hired away from Purdue to improve a defense that allowed 31.2 points a game in ACC matchups last year. Wake Forest hosts Clemson but has to play at NC State next fall.
3. NC State
The Wolfpack rank No. 3 here (for now), but coach Dave Doeren’s team should be among the top 15 teams in early ’22 rankings. Quarterback Devin Leary returns to lead the offense, with replacing left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and running backs Ricky Person and Bam Knight topping the list of concerns. NC State’s defense finished second in the ACC in fewest points allowed (19.7 a game) in ’21. Look for this unit to be near the top of the conference again, especially with linebackers Payton Wilson and Isaiah Moore opting to return.
4. Florida State
The Seminoles showed progress in coach Mike Norvell’s second year, just missing out on a bowl with a 5-7 final record. More improvement is likely in 2022, especially with the offense in capable hands with quarterback Jordan Travis and talented options arriving from the transfer portal to restock the receiving corps. Also, Florida State’s offensive line has made significant progress over the last two seasons. After giving up 36 points a game in ’20, the ‘Noles cut that total to 26.5. End Jermaine Johnson will be missed, but this unit isn’t losing many significant contributors.
5. Boston College
The Eagles received good news when quarterback Phil Jurkovec passed on the NFL for another year in Chestnut Hill. Although there are personnel holes to fill up front along the offensive line, Jurkovec returns two standout skill players in running back Pat Garwo II (1,045 yards) and big-play receiver Zay Flowers (16.9 yards per catch) next fall. The offense should be more dynamic with Jurkovec in place next year, but coach Jeff Hafley’s defense needs to get better overall (5.7 yards per play allowed) and especially versus the run after giving up 170.3 yards a game.
6. Louisville
The 2022 season is a critical one for coach Scott Satterfield after a 6-7 mark in 2021, but quarterback Malik Cunningham’s (305.8 total yards a game) returns gives this team a chance to finish higher in the ACC. Tight end Marshon Ford and running backs Tiyon Evans (Tennessee transfer) and Jalen Mitchell are set to anchor the key weapons around Cunningham. Louisville’s defense surrendered 5.8 yards per play and allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 65.2 percent of their throws last season. Restocking the secondary will be a priority after a couple of transfers, while leading tackler C.J. Avery also finished his eligibility.
7. Syracuse
After three consecutive losing seasons, Dino Babers will enter ’22 on the hot seat. Babers hopes the hire of veteran play-caller Robert Anae helps to spark an offense that managed only 22.1 points a game in ACC matchups last year. Running back Sean Tucker (1,496 rushing yards in 2021) is arguably one of the nation’s most underrated players. Quarterback Garrett Shrader (781 yards) is a threat on the ground but only connected on 52.6 percent of his throws in ’21. Linebacker Mikel Jones and cornerback Garrett Williams are back to lead a defense that held opponents to 26.3 points a game (down from 32.7) last year.
...
First and 10: Be careful, ACC. Greg Sankey will get an expanded Playoff — with or without you (saturdaydownsouth.com; Hayes)
1. I don’t want to get on a soapbox, but …
He stood in front of the raucous celebration at Georgia last weekend, one of many dignitaries to honor a championship 41 years in the making.Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner and the most powerful man in college football, took to the stage and congratulated Georgia on its national title.
Then added this dig to the rest of college football: “As commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, I think the 4-team Playoff worked out fine this year, didn’t you?”
But how much longer?
No matter what Sankey says publicly – and he’s right, the 4-team setup does benefit the best conference in college football – at some point soon 4 teams will not be enough for the SEC.
That point more than likely arrives when Oklahoma and Texas begin playing in the SEC, which could be any time from this summer to the 2025 season.
But make no mistake, the move of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC wasn’t made in a vacuum. It was made with an eye to the future of college sports and specifically college football.
The sport is changing, and the postseason must change with it. That’s what makes the ACC’s odd stance against Playoff expansion – its decision alone likely tabling the process for 4 years – so counterproductive.
The question is, why?
Why would the ACC make a stand when it knows an expanded Playoff is the answer for monetary concerns (remember universities cutting programs during the 2020 season?), and for other issues that are quickly and clearly coming into focus (hello, pay for play).
Multiple industry sources believe there were two overriding reasons: A check on SEC power, and an attempted power play to force Notre Dame into the ACC – to supplement the conference’s undervalued media rights deal.
Neither will work, and both could eventually further strengthen the SEC (more on that later).
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips denied during a conference call last week that the move was a power play for Notre Dame and said the ACC is concerned about the health and welfare of players in an expanded postseason.
While those concerns are real, they were addressed “at length,” two Power 5 officials told me, over the past year with specific proposals to protect players by limiting contact over the course of the entire year – not just the season.
In an odd admission on that conference call, Phillips also said he could see FBS football contracting over the next year with the ongoing NCAA reorganization.
...
2021-22 ACC Bowls TV Ratings (RX; HM)
2021-22 ACC Bowls TV Ratings
From SportsMediaWatch: College football’s lesser bowls post viewer gain (compared to 2020!)Here are the number for the ACC bowls (click the link above to read about the rest)...
| Summary of ACC-related bowl game tv ratings: | ||||||||
| Day | Date | Time | Bowl | Match-up | Rtg | Vwr(M) | vs20 | vs19 |
| Sat | 1-Jan | 1:00p | Fiesta | OK St/ND | 4.2 | 7.957 | +10% | -62% |
| Thu | 30-Dec | 7:00p | Peach | MichSt/Pitt | 4 | 7.646 | -12% | -56% |
| Wed | 29-Dec | 5:45p | Cheez | Clem/IowaSt | 2.8 | 4.902 | +53% | +18% |
| Sat | 31-Dec | 11:00a | Gator | Wake/Rutg | 2.1 | 3.478 | +29% | -19% |
| Tue | 28-Dec | 3:15p | 1stRes | AirForce/UL | 1.7 | 2.731 | +32% | +112% |
| Thu | 30-Dec | 11:30a | Duke's | S Car/N Car | 1.6 | 2.597 | +31% | -1% |
| Wed | 29-Dec | 2:15p | Pinstr | Marlyand/VT | 1.4 | 2.443 | n/a | -36% |
Why is ACC holding up CFP expansion? (RX; HM)
Why is ACC holding up CFP expansion?
Here are some points mined from the twitter account of David Hale (@ADavidHaleJoint):These are all big, but that last one will absolutely destroy college football if something isn't done. In the NFL, tampering is forbidden - and the league has authority to enforce it. College football - whether the NCAA or some other entity - needs to be able to do the same.
I'll admit, I have no idea what he's talking about here. Maybe ESPN wants the ACC, AAC, and/or SEC to make a play on more Fox properties? Phillips might have insider information..
...
2022 FBS OOC Games (RX; HM)
2022 FBS OOC Games
Let's take a look at the ACC's marquee FBS non-conference games for 2022 while we're waiting on the schedule to be released. There are games against every P5 Conference except the Pac-12, plus four against Notre Dame, six versus other FBS independents, and I've highlighted 13 other contests involving G5 teams of local interest.Let's start with the SEC games...
| ACC vs SEC | |
| Date | Game |
| 9/4 Sun | Florida State vs LSU (New Orleans) |
| 9/10 | Tennessee at Pitt |
| 9/10 | Wake Forest at Vanderbilt |
| 9/17 | Miami at Texas A&M |
| 9/17 | Ole Miss at Georgia Tech |
| 11/26 | Florida at Florida State |
| 11/26 | Georgia Tech at Georgia |
| 11/26 | Louisville at Kentucky |
| 11/26 | S Carolina at Clemson |
Links, News and Rumors 2022-01-17 (RX; HM)
Links, News and Rumors 2022-01-17
All Sports Discussion says "Louisville may have missed with their two “on paper” great coaching hires."...
College football rankings: Way-too-early Preseason Top 25 for the 2022 season (ncaa.com; Staats)
A memorable football season ended with Georgia dethroning Alabama to win a national championship for the first time since 1980. The Bulldogs and their fans earned a long celebration period, but everyone else might already be thinking about the 2022 season.
Knowing next season is still many months away, why not have some fun? Things can — and will — change, but here's an early, E-A-R-L-Y look at preseason college football rankings for the 2022 season. These rankings are mine and mine alone.
1. Alabama (13-2 in 2021, lost to Georgia in the CFP title game)
Look, when you bring back perhaps the two best players in the nation (Heisman QB Bryce Young, should-be-Heisman candidate LB Will Anderson) led by the coach with the most titles, you're going to start No. 1. If anything, losing to Georgia in the national championship makes it easier to pick the Tide to begin here. Any time Alabama doesn't win it all, it kind of makes it due.2. Ohio State (11-2, beat Utah in the Rose Bowl)
The Buckeyes finally lost a conference game under Ryan Day, falling to 23-1. Don't expect Ohio State to lose two in a row to rival Michigan. OSU outscored Utah in the Rose Bowl and has an obvious Heisman challenger in QB C.J. Stroud. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be one of the hottest names going into the season after his 347 receiving yards in the Rose Bowl. Still, the defense must get better after allowing 87 total points the last two games.3. Georgia (14-1, CFP national champions)
The Bulldogs finally beat 'Bama (and Nick Saban), winning their first title since 1980. The NFL will take a big bite out of the Bulldogs, but Kirby Smart and his staff have been recruiting like crazy. DC Dan Lanning is now the head coach at Oregon, too. Can the offense led by QB Stetson Bennett IV — if he stays and keeps his job — take on more of a load should a young defense need time?4. Texas A&M (8-4, withdrew from Gator Bowl due to COVID-19 positive cases, injuries)
Injuries slowed down the Aggies in 2021, but A&M still upset then-No. 1 Alabama in a thriller. This season, D.J. Durkin takes over as DC and will have to keep a strong defense from falling off much. But LSU transfer QB Max Johnson is now in College Station, plus Jimbo Fisher's elite recruiting will move A&M into an expected challenger in the SEC West.5. Notre Dame (11-2, lost to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl)
The hype would have been even more if the Irish held on against Oklahoma State and ended their BCS/New Year's Six woes. But Marcus Freeman brings a ton of excitement regardless as he goes into his first full season as Notre Dame's coach. Northwestern DB Brandon Joseph (nine interceptions the last two years) will work with DE Isaiah Foskey and LB Jayson Ademilola and others to form a strong defense. The biggest hurdle will be the schedule: Ohio State, BYU, Clemson and USC are all on it.6. Utah (10-4, lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl)
It stung to lose the Rose Bowl like that, but the Utes likely erased any doubts about their ability to compete on a big stage. QB Cameron Rising should lead a dangerous attack, working with RB Tavion Thomas and his 21 rushing touchdowns. Some key contributors are gone, but the Utes will start 2022 as the clear Pac-12 favorite. Remember, Utah was likely one win away (Pac-12 title game) from making the Playoff in 2019.7. Clemson (10-3, beat Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl)
It says a lot about a program that winning 10 games and a bowl game is considered a disappointment. But it's clear that times are changing at Clemson, at least on the sideline. DC Brent Venables is now leading Oklahoma and OC Tony Elliott is Virginia's new coach. The Tigers could be the ACC favorites — they beat eventual conference runner-up Wake Forest by 21 in a "down year" — but can D.J. Uiagalelei hold off Cade Klubnik for the starting quarterback job?8. Oklahoma State (12-2, beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl)
The Cowboys were overlooked for much of the season before coming to the cusp of a CFP bid prior to falling to Baylor in the Big 12 championship. That underdog approach is when Mike Gundy's program is most dangerous. QB Spencer Sanders is back to lead the offense, which should be better. But the Cowboys lost DC Jim Knowles to Ohio State.9. Michigan (12-2, lost to Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals)
The Wolverines finally got over the Ohio State hurdle, but losses to Michigan State and a blowout loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinals show Michigan still has plenty of work to do. DC Mike Macdonald will miss Heisman runner-up DE Aidan Hutchinson and LB David Ojabo — who wouldn't? On offense, we'll be watching the expected quarterback battle between Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy.10. Wake Forest (11-3, beat Rutgers in the Gator Bowl)
Dave Clawson and the Deacons continue to thrive, going from unranked to 8-0 and playing in the ACC Championship Game. With QB Sam Hartman back after passing for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns, Wake Forest should again score a ton of points. The defense needs to get better — and it should be. The biggest concern may be how the Deacons handle expectations. There is no surprising everyone again.11. Oregon (10-4, lost to Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl)
New DC Dan Lanning takes over after helping to build a dominant Georgia defense. Auburn's Bo Nix comes to Eugene to possibly take over at quarterback, which should help fight growing pains there. On defense, LB Noah Sewell (114 total tackles) will lead. The Ducks open the season against defending champion Georgia.12. Baylor (12-2, beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl)
Dave Aranda worked wonders in 2021, as the Bears upset Oklahoma State to win the Big 12 championship and then topped Ole Miss to win the Sugar Bowl. A veteran offensive line will be strong, as will returning QBs Gerry Bohanon (27 total touchdowns) and Blake Shapen (three touchdowns in the Big 12 title game).13. Pitt (11-3, lost to Michigan State in the Peach Bowl)
QB Kenny Pickett finished third in the Heisman voting, but the Panthers will replace him with USC transfer Kedon Slovis (7,576 career passing yards). He'll certainly love throwing to Jordan Addison, the Biletnikoff Award winner with his 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.14. Michigan State (11-2, beat Pitt in the Peach Bowl)
A run to the top 3 suddenly ran into humbling losses to Purdue and Ohio State, but Mel Tucker and the Spartans regrouped to win their last two games. The biggest loss is RB Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for 1,636 yards and won the Doak Walker Award. QB Payton Thorne will likely be asked to do more. Defensively, the Spartans will get better against the pass.15. NC State (9-3, Holiday Bowl vs. UCLA canceled)
COVID issues with UCLA kept NC State from adding to its official win total, but the Wolfpack appear primed for a huge 2022. QB Devin Leary (35 passing touchdowns) will be protected by a strong offensive line. On defense, NC State will bring back almost everyone of note, including LB Payton Wilson, who missed most of the season due to injury.16. Houston (12-2, beat Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl)
After Cincinnati controlled the AAC the last two seasons, Houston might think 2022 is its time to win the American. WR Nathaniel Dell (1,329 receiving yards) will be QB Clayton Tune's favorite target again, while RB Alton McCaskill rushed for 16 scores last season. DC Doug Belk will have to work with some new faces in important spots.17. Arkansas (9-4, beat Penn State in the Outback Bowl)
In only his second season, Sam Pittman had the Razorbacks back in the polls and winning bowl games. QB KJ Jefferson is back after passing for 2,676 yards and rushing for 664 more. Oklahoma transfer WR Jadon Haselwood is a nice addition. LB Bumper Pool will be back on defense. But Arkansas faces Cincinnati, Texas A&M and Alabama in three of their first five games.18. Kentucky (10-3, beat Iowa in the Citrus Bowl)
Mark Stoops and the Wildcats won double-digit games for the second time in four years, crushing rival Louisville and winning a bowl game along the way. QB Will Levis returns and will throw to transfer WR Tayvion Robinson while getting help on the ground from RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (1,379 yards). A very strong recruiting class also helps.19. Iowa (10-4, lost to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl)
The Hawkeyes rode turnovers and a strong defense to as high as No. 2 in the polls before going 4-4 to finish the season. If Iowa is to return to the Big Ten title game and compete for more, it'll need a better offense, though DB Riley Moss and the rest of the defense will again be strong. Iowa averaged a little more than 300 yards per game — opponents outgained the Hawkeyes by 25 yards per game.20. Oklahoma (11-2, beat Oregon in the Alamo Bowl)
The Sooners played in close games seemingly every week but impressed in the bowl game. New coach Brent Venables will have to deal with major changes to the roster, though UCF transfer QB Dillon Gabriel is now a Sooner. But Oklahoma is Oklahoma — the Sooners expect to compete for titles every year.21. USC (4-8)
The Trojans will be one of the more interesting teams to watch thanks to new coach Lincoln Riley. He had Oklahoma in the Playoff hunt every year, making it three times. It's highly unlikely USC can do that well in Year 1, but the Trojans could reverse that record and go 8-4. This ranking could change depending on the quarterback situation. Bringing in Alex Grinch as DC will help.22. BYU (10-3, lost to UAB in the Independence Bowl)
The Cougars went 5-0 against Pac-12 teams on their way to posting consecutive double-digit win seasons. BYU has one more season as an independent before joining the Big 12. It could be a big one, if the Cougars can shine against a schedule that has Baylor, Oregon, Notre Dame, Arkansas and Stanford. The defense brings back a ton after a disappointing end to the season, while the offense should be formidable.23. Wisconsin (9-4, beat Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl)
The Badgers rallied from a 1-3 start to almost make the Big Ten title game, with a loss to rival Minnesota in the regular-season finale keeping them out. Wisconsin likely won't lead the nation in defense again (239.1 yards per game), not with LBs Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn among those gone. QB Graham Mertz will have to take the next step.24. Tennessee (7-6, lost to Purdue in the Music City Bowl)
Josh Heupel had the Vols go from 3-7 to 7-6 and should have the program in great shape for another step forward in 2022. QB Hendon Hooker (2,945 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) will be throwing to a great receiving group headlined by Cedric Tillman (1,081 receiving yards). If the defense gets better, Tennessee will really be in business.25. Cincinnati (13-1, lost to Alabama in the CFP semifinals)
As long as Luke Fickell is on the sidelines here, it makes no sense to write off the Bearcats. But how can Cincinnati possibly top 2021? The most significant loss is QB Desmond Ridder, and the stout defense is going to need some new leaders. Thankfully, the Bearcats should be tough on the offensive line. As long as Fickell is here, it makes sense to give Cincinnati the benefit of the doubt and expect them to challenge in the AAC....
Other
This is the footprint of a bold plan to remake the East Adams Street neighborhood, including three public housing complexes, into a new, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood.provided by Syracuse Housing Authority
Syracuse embarks on $800 million plan to end public housing as we know it (PS; Breidenbach & Craig)
The city of Syracuse is about to embark on an ambitious $800 million plan that would replace the public housing projects in the shadow of Interstate 81 with a new neighborhood where low-income residents live side-by-side with people paying market-rate downtown rent.
It will be the end of the state’s oldest public housing – hundreds of institutional brick apartments built in 1938 just south of downtown Syracuse and the hundreds of other gated-off buildings that grew up around it.
City planners are expected to ask the federal government for the first $50 million in a grant application to be revealed today. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard looked at the plans.
In the poorest ZIP code in Syracuse, depressing blocks of apartment buildings would be replaced by modern, colorful townhomes and multi-story buildings with high-end appliances along tree-lined, walkable streets. There would be no more enclosed courtyard parking lots that attract nuisance behavior.
Planners envision parks on every block, a grocery store, community gardens, improved schools and more job opportunities. They hope people who take the bus to minimum-wage jobs in nursing homes and retail stores will live in the same homes as doctors who can walk up the hill to work.
The Black neighborhood everyone still calls the “15th Ward” was torn apart in the 1950s and ‘60s when the government built a highway overpass through it. Now, as that highway has aged out of its useful life, government leaders have promised to remake it in a way that gives justice to past mistakes.
A nonprofit called Blueprint 15 has been tasked with reimagining the neighborhood. The nonprofit was formed by the city, the Syracuse Housing Authority and the Allyn Foundation, which is using money from the sale of Welch Allyn to fight poverty.
...
