sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to National Flitch Day!
A flitch is a measurement for bacon. It is half or one side of a pig and is now known as a slab in the United States. Flitch Day is based on and dedicated to an old English custom which goes back to at least the thirteenth or fourteenth century, and by some accounts to 1104. The custom was also mentioned in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, which was published in the late fourteenth century.
The custom mainly took place in two locations: Whichnoure (now Wychnor Hall), Staffordshire, and Little Dunmow in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England. In Little Dunmow, married couples would prove that neither one of them had had any thoughts over the previous year and a day in which they wished that they hadn't been married. The couple would kneel in the churchyard on two hard, pointed stones while taking an oath in front of monks and the rest of the town. If it was believed that they hadn't had any thoughts of regret, they were given a flitch of bacon and were paraded around town. It was quite rare for a couple to actually be given a slab of bacon. The custom lasted until the mid-eighteenth century. It was also brought to America by English colonists but was not long practiced there.
SU News
'They wanted to hurt us': Penn State ends rivalry with Syracuse in 1988 (PS; Croyle)
Throwback Thursday
On July 15, 1988, at a Rotary Club speech at the Drumlins Country Club, Syracuse University athletic director Jake Crouthamel let it slip that SU's football rivalry with Penn State was possibly coming to an end.
Ever since 1922, for 66 years, except for 1943, the two Eastern football independents had played each other, alternating homefield between the two schools.
Now the rivalry between them was in jeopardy.
The schools had an agreement to play through 1990, but after that, Penn State had asked for more home games than Syracuse going forward.
Penn State said for "financial reasons" they had asked opposing schools to forego the traditional home-and-home schedule. Temple, Rutgers and Boston College had given them an additional home game to continue their series with the Nittany Lions.
A game at Beaver Stadium generated $1 million for the school, allowing the football program to support all the other athletic programs.
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Five Burning Syracuse Questions ahead of ACC Kickoff – Orange Fizz – Free Syracuse Recruiting News (orangefizz.net; Hoppe)
When Syracuse hits the podium at the ACC Kickoff on Thursday, there will be plenty of questions on the minds of Orange fans across the country. Here are the most pressing ones you can expect to be asked tomorrow.
1. What’s the reasoning behind the switch to the nickel defense?
One of the most surprising developments from the release of the 2018 Syracuse Football media guide was the preseason depth chart. Instead of Babers’ traditional 4-3, Tampa 2 defensive scheme, the team has shifted to a 4-2-5 defense. The most obvious reason is the lack of experience at linebacker, which we’ll get to in a minute. The change also allows Antwan Cordy to thrive a the nickel position, a spot that seems well suited for the athletic redshirt-senior. Overall, it should take some pressure off Syracuse’s group of inexperienced linebackers in the passing game.
2. Can an improved offensive line lead to a breakout season for Dontae Strickland or Moe Neal?
There’s no secret, the production from Syracuse running backs under Babers has been awful. In fact, Syracuse hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Marrone was at the helm of the program. However, the offensive line situation hasn’t exactly been ideal either, making it difficult for Strickland or Neal to get in any sort of rhythm. This year, that shouldn’t be a problem. With a combined 78 games started between Syracuse offensive lineman, the group should be much improved. Barring any major injuries, this will be the most talented, experienced front five that Syracuse has had under Babers. Does that lead to a breakout season for a Syracuse running back?
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On The Block On Demand | WTLA-AM (espnsyracuse.com; radio; Axe)
Brent opens the show talking about Syracuse football and the updated depth chart released. He then goes around the world of sports with H0T Takes focusing on head coach of North Carolina Larry Fedora’s comments at the ACC Media Days.
Biggest blowouts: The most lopsided Wisconsin Badgers football season openers since 1990 (UPDATED) (madison.com; Heynen)
The Wisconsin Badgers have played in a lot of lopsided games in the nearly 130 years the school has had a football program.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it wasn't uncommon to see score differences of 50 or more points. In 1890, the Badgers trounced UW-Whitewater 106-0 at home in what is still the Badgers' greatest margin of victory in our records.
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No. 6 (tie): 1997 — Wisconsin vs. Syracuse, 0-34
Date: August 24, 1997
City: East Rutherford, NJ (neutral)
Coach: Barry Alvarez
UW rank: 24
Opponent: Syracuse (17)
Loss: Wisconsin 0, Syracuse 34
Point difference: 34
Pictured: Ron Dayne (who would go on to win the Heisman Trophy in 1999) cools off on the bench. He rushed for only 46 yards that day.
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Top 100 ACC football players of 2018: 50-1 - ACCSports.com (accsports.com; Powell)
Some highly-productive players made the cut for the top 50, including numerous All-ACC candidates such as Boston College’s Tommy Sweeney, the league’s top returning tight end and the Eagles’ leading receiver in 2017. Coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season, Georgia Tech’s KirVonte Benson is looking to challenge the league’s rushing leaders in 2018. UNC’s return specialist and top offensive playmaker, Anthony Ratliff-Williams, makes the cut, as does Clemson veteran wideout Hunter Renfrow. A pair of veteran ACC offensive linemen – Florida State’sAlec Eberle and Wake Forest’s Phil Haynes, are candidates for postseason honors – while Virginia’s Chris Peace ranks third among ACC returners in sacks, behind only Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant.
50. T.J. Rahming, Wide Receiver, Duke
49. Matt Colburn, Running Back, Wake Forest
48. Phil Haynes – Offensive Guard, Wake Forest
47. Reggie Floyd – Cornerback, Virginia Tech
46. Hunter Renfrow – Wide Receiver, Clemson
45. Alec Eberle – Center, Florida State
44. Chris Peace – Linebacker, Virginia
43. Tommy Sweeney – Tight End, Boston College
42. Anthony Ratliff-Williams – Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, North Carolina
41. KirVonte Benson – Running Back, Georgia Tech
Two top-tier ACC veteran quarterbacks – Virginia Tech’s Josh Jackson and Clemson’s Kelly Bryant – crack our top 40, as do two of the league’s up-and-coming young stars – Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins, and Miamioffensive tackle Navaughn Donaldson. Four of the league’s top veteran offensive linemen – Pitt’s Alex Bookser, NC State’s Tyler Jones, Clemson’s Sean Pollard, and Donaldson – made this particular group, as did two of the Atlantic Division’s top defensive backs – cornerback Levonta Taylor of Florida State, and safety Cameron Glenn of Wake Forest.
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ACC commissioner: A national injury report coming soon for college football? (thestate.com; Connolly)
The Supreme Court made the decision to legalize gambling on sports in May, a move that ACC commissioner John Swofford expects to lead to some changes in college football.
Swofford met with the media at the ACC Kickoff event in Charlotte Wednesday afternoon and bragged about the ACC’s recent accomplishments. He was then asked about gambling and detailed the changes he expects to take place.
“My guess is we will have a national - I won’t even call it an injury report because I think that we need to include other situations that would be in sync, be consistent across the country,” Swofford said. “I think that’s critically important, and would include not only injuries but if there’s disciplinary action where a player is suspended for a game or for whatever reason that would need to be a part of it as well.”
Swofford went on to explain why he believes this move needs to be made.
“I think that reduces to some degree people you don’t really want coming around players and managers and doctors and anybody associated with the program, coaches, trying to get information in another kind of way, in an underhanded kind of way.”
The ACC has traditionally been the only conference to provide injury reports, not as a rule but as a “gentlemen’s agreement,” according to Swofford.
The league will not have injury reports this year, but Swofford expects a national rule to be implemented in the near future, likely as soon as 2019.
“My general feeling, and I sense that our coaches’ general feeling is the same, that that’s probably something that needs to happen on a national basis,” Swofford said. “I don’t think it’ll happen for this season. I suspect it’ll be for next season, but I’ll be surprised if that’s not in place.”
ACC Football: League won't require injury reports in 2018 - ACCSports.com (accsports.com; Geisinger)
One of the big bulletins from John Swofford’s annual address at ACC media days: the league won’t require football teams to release pregame injury reports. This was agreed upon by the coaches.
Previously, the ACC had been a bit of a leader when it came to releasing this information — prior to conference games.
This move aligns with that of other Power Five commissioners: Greg Sankey of the SEC and the Big 12’s Bob Bowlsby.
Earlier this week, Bowlsby cited concerns with FERPA and HIPAA.
Sankey mirrored those thoughts, and expressed how the legalization of sports betting will require an alteration in the future: “I expect, however, the change in sports gambling could be and will be likely the impetus for the creation of such reports in our future.”
Swofford also mentioned that he anticipates a national rule on injury reports to come down the line — likely the 2019 season. When that happens, the ACC will follow.
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Syracuse Football: Nykeim Johnson will finally get a chance to explode (itlh.com; Esden Jr)
Syracuse football wideout Nykeim Johnson will get an opportunity to start this season. Here’s why opportunities will lead to great success for NJ.
With the Syracuse football season right around the corner, it’s starting to feel real. Now that the preseason depth chart has been revealed, all bets are off.
One of the biggest surprises (in a good way) from the depth chart was Nykeim Johnson earning a starting nod at receiver, along with Devin Butler.
After playing in the slot last season, he’ll be making the transition to the outside. While initially that may seem strange for a player who is 5-foot-8 and 167 pounds soaking wet, there have been plenty of other examples of small players dominating on the outside.
Look no further then my favorite comparison for Johnson, DeSean Jackson. When he came out of California he measured in at 6-foot and weighing just north of 178 pounds. Not that much of a difference size wise to NJ.
Johnson has explosiveness, quick feet, and a relentless work ethic. Although the thing that makes DeSean Jackson special is his ability to be a home run threat no matter how he got the ball in his hands, that’s the ceiling for Nykeim Johnson.
But if you’re small you have to be a Swiss army knife. That’s what made Jackson a difference maker, he could win with so many different moves at the line of scrimmage. His arsenal of moves made him nearly unstoppable.
While NJ has a limited sample size thus far, obviously Dino Babers and the staff feel good about this guy’s potential based on his depth chart standing.
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Swofford reveals potential ACC Network programming (dailypress.com; Teel)
The ACC rarely kicks off a football season with multiple conference games. The ACC has never tipped off a men’s basketball season with a full complement of league contests.
Next year’s launch of the ACC Network figures to change those scheduling norms.
Presiding over his 22nd preseason ACC football gathering, commissioner John Swofford revealed those programming details, and more, during a one-on-one interview Wednesday afternoon.
Swofford also addressed ACC Network distribution, financial projections and the revenue gap his member schools are fighting against their Power Five peers.
The ACC Network is scheduled to launch in August 2019. As with any start-up, the league and its television partner, ESPN, crave a splashy debut. So why not schedule accordingly?
Swofford cemented Wednesday that the ACC will stage multiple league games to start next football season. He didn’t reveal matchups, but based on non-conference contracts already in place, the most likely candidates are Virginia Tech at Boston College, Georgia Tech at Clemson and Pittsburgh versus Syracuse or Virginia.
Power Five leagues generally avoid Week One conference games. There are only two this season — Northwestern at Purdue in the Big Ten, and Virginia Tech at Florida State in the ACC — and there was only one in 2017: Ohio State-Indiana in the Big Ten.
Most notably, Swofford said the ACC is seriously considering playing seven conference men’s basketball games, spread over multiple days, to start the 2019-20 season. One of the league’s 15 teams would have a bye, perhaps Duke — which, along with Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan State, competes in November’s annual Champions Classic.
“It would be exciting in terms of a new network,” Swofford said, “and would bring people to the network right at the beginning of the season. … I think fans would be into it both from a network standpoint as well as from a competition standpoint.
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Florida State ahead of schedule in lead up to ACC Network launch (tallahassee.com; Staff)
Just over 12 months from the launch of the linear ACC Network, everything is going according to plan.
ACC Commissioner John Swofford said as much in his address to the media at the ACC Kickoff event Wednesday morning.
"Today we are approaching the one-year countdown to the linear launch of that network. A lot of work has been done in preparation for next August by our partners at ESPN, by those in our offices in Greensboro, and at our schools," Swofford said.
"It was immediately clear during our first conversation that the ACC Network remains a top business priority for ESPN, and I can tell you and assure you that the relationship between our two entities is stronger than ever."
This year's ACC Kickoff event marks two years since Swofford announced the ACC Network deal with ESPN.
This year's event also saw Swofford unveil the official logo for the ACC Network.
Swofford said that a programming schedule for live events will be created this fall, with decisions made on who will be brought on as in-studio and play-by-play talent in the spring.
While many of these decisions are still being configured, training on each ACC campus has been underway for some time.
FSU is adding a second control room inside its Seminole Productions setup to be able to simultaneously run two sporting events at full strength.
Swofford said in his address that school and ESPN production directors recently held a two-day summit to begin the planning process for 2019.
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Syracuse Strong Football: Playing for love of the game (PS; Axe)
Who says you have to wait until fall to get your football fix in Central New York?
The Syracuse Strong, a semi-pro football team that plays in the Northeastern Football Alliance, is playing all summer long in Central New York.
The Strong, who went undefeated in the 2016 regular season before losing in the national title game and went 12-4 in 2017, truly play for the love of the game.
The players and coaches don't get paid and somehow wedge football into managing jobs and busy lives.
On a recent visit to a Strong practice, one player ran on the field with a visitor's sticker on his shirt after spending the day in the hospital with his wife and newborn baby born that day.
Check out our video above on the Strong.
The Syracuse Strong play their home games at Meachem Field on Amidon Drive in Syracuse. For more information and to get a schedule of games when the Strong play, check out their website.
Other
Steve's Cantina on Tipp Hill: A secret worth sharing (Dining Out Review) (PS; Woodman)
In the back of a little neighborhood bar on Tipp Hill is an almost-hidden Mexican restaurant with a little menu. The place, called Steve's, doesn't sound Mexican, and the location in what looks like the back of someone's house is a surprise.
It's almost a secret, open only on Thursday and Friday evenings. But it's a secret worth sharing.
Dave Walker, the source of an excellent Mexican-style dinner there on a recent warm Thursday evening, told us, "I just cook it the way I like it and keep my fingers crossed."
We think he can uncross his fingers, given the excellence of that dinner.
We arrived early because we knew the place would be small. It was, but there was comfortable seating for 24 to 26 people.
The Cantina menu offers quesadillas ($4.50) and grilled tacos ($3.50) as appetizers, three mains--a smothered burrito, an enchilada, and a "rico" composed of shredded pork or chicken ($10 with two sides/$7.50 without)--and a small collection of extras like chips and salsa (.50 to $1.75 each).
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