sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Martin Luther King Jr Day!
Martin Luther Luther King, Jr. Day honors the legacy and celebrates the birthday of the iconic civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. A campaign to create the day started shortly after King's death in 1968. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) and Senator Edward Brooke (R-MA) introduced a bill to make King's birthday a national holiday, and it first came up for a vote in 1979 but fell short. The two main arguments against its creation were that having another paid federal holiday would be too expensive and that honoring a private citizen would go against tradition. Up until that time the only two other figures were honored with a national holiday, George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
The King Center turned to support from the public and corporate community to continue pushing for the day. Stevie Wonder released "Happy Birthday" in 1980 and hosted the Rally For Peace Press Conference in 1981 to encourage the creation of the day. Six million signatures were part of a petition to Congress urging for the day. Ronald Reagan originally opposed the day because of cost concerns, but signed the bill on Nov 2, 1983; it was first observed three years later, on January 20, 1986. All states began observing it in some form by 1991, when New Hampshire abolished Fast Day and started observing Civil Rights Day. If was officially observed by name in all states beginning in 2000, after Utah changed the name of the day from Human Rights Day to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As of 2017, some states combine Martin Luther King Jr. Day with other holidays. Most notably, both Alabama and Mississippi celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert E. Lee's birthdays on the same day. About a third of workers have the day off. Workers from nonprofit organizations are most likely to have non-work days, while those that work in factories and in manufacturing are least likely to have the day off.
SU News
Syracuse Football: Top things to know about new DC Zach Arnett (itlh; Peckham)
Syracuse football has a new defensive coordinator for the 2020 season, but who is Zach Arnett? We have all the details with a deep dive background check.
The Syracuse football team let go of their defensive coordinator Brian Ward at the tail-end of 2019. Syracuse entered the season with high expectations on the defensive side of the ball but failed to live up to the hype.
Now the Orange will enter a new era under defensive coordinator Zach Arnett. With so much unknown, it’s time for answers. Here are the top things to know about the former San Diego State product.
Where did Zach Arnett come from?
Zach Arnett played his college ball at New Mexico for four years under head coach Rocky Long who was also the head coach at San Diego State where Zach served as the defensive coordinator.
Arnett was a standout linebacker at New Mexico where he was named captain for his senior season. Zach was also a first-team Academic All-American in 2008 and a four-time academic all-conference honoree and scholar-athlete. He graduated from New Mexico in 2009 with his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in political science.
After being promoted to linebackers coach in 2014 after spending three years as a defensive graduate assistant. Zach took over as the defensive coordinator 2017 and made a major difference for the San Diego State defense.
What did Zach Arnett accomplish at San Diego State?
Over the last five seasons the San Diego State defense ranked in the top 11 in the nation in many different defensive categories. Those categories include first in interceptions, sixth in rushing defense, sixth in total defense, ninth in scoring defense, 10th in turnovers forced, 10th in interceptions returned for touchdowns, and 11th in passing defense.
FUN FACT: Zach has a trend of getting the most out of his linebackers, which shouldn’t be a major surprise considering he’s a former linebacker. That’ll sure come in handy next season for the Orange who are expected to roll out another new set of linebackers for the future.
What will Zach Arnett bring to Syracuse?
Zach is going to bring a much needed energy boost to the Syracuse defense. Zach runs a 3-3-5 base defense that has the capabilities of morphing into other fronts depending on the opposing personnel.
In its’ simplest form the 3-3-5 defense means they will be playing three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs on most defensive plays.
The defense that Zach is bringing will be perfect for Syracuse in the ACC which will bring more speed and sideline to sideline quickness on the field.
Who will benefit from the new scheme?
One of the players who will benefit will be defensive lineman Josh Black. We did a full breakdown here of how he can embrace his new role.
Josh will have the opportunity to line up as a defensive end and a defensive tackle in which he will be able to showcase his talents at both positions. Josh will most likely be defensive end when McKinley Williams is in the game at defensive tackle.
Another player who will benefit from the new scheme will be linebacker Mikel Jones who earned some playing time as a freshman in 2019. Mikel has the speed and quickness to play sideline to sideline which is a key in Zach’s new scheme.
Syracuse will be losing their starting linebacker duo in Andrew Armstrong and Lakiem Williams via to graduation.
Two more players who will have a major effect in the secondary will be Andre Cisco and Trill Williams.
...
Florida Gators football transfer Chris Bleich moves to Syracuse (colletgefootballtalk.com; Taylor)
This development involving a now-former Florida Gators football player flew under our radar last week, so we’ll rectify that with an early-morning post to start this work week.
Chris Bleich started eight of the first nine games at right guard for Florida this past season, with the lone start he missed being due to blisters on his foot. However, the redshirt freshman had begun to lose playing time due to performance even as he maintained the starting job in name.
With his grip on the position loosening, though, Bleich decided to take his leave of the Gators in early November. Florida Gators football head coach Dan Mullen subsequently confirmed the departure. Mullen also confirmed that unspecified family issues at home triggered the decision.
In the latest Bleich development, Syracuse announced late this past week that the lineman has been added to the Orange’s roster. In its release, the football program stated that “Bleich must sit out the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer regulations unless granted immediate eligibility.”
It’s expected that Bleich will seek a waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play this coming season.
Bleich was a three-star member of Florida’s 2018 recruiting class, rated as the No. 13 player at any position in the state of Pennsylvania. The 6-6, 330-pound lineman played in just four games as a true freshman, and was able to preserve a year of eligibility by taking a redshirt that season.
If Bleich is granted a waiver, he’ll have three seasons to play three years. If not, he’ll sit out 2020 and then have two years of eligibility starting in 2021.
...
Syracuse Football: Kendall Coleman earns high praise at Shrine Bowl (itlh; Esden Jr)
Former Syracuse football stud Kendall Coleman is soaring up draft boards after his performance in the Shrine Bowl. Here are all the details.
NFL teams are always searching for elite pass-rushing talent every offseason. Former Syracuse football stud Kendall Coleman is one name that hasn’t been on the top of many offseason lists, but after his performance in the Shrine Bowl, that should change.
Coleman was the only Syracuse football player that earned an invitation to the nation’s longest-running college football all-star game.
During an impressive week at practice, Coleman was a name that consistently was drawing buzz among scouts, NFL teams, and draft experts.
One of the most prominent NFL draft analysts on the planet, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network awarded Coleman his “defensive MVP” honors from his observations during practice leading into the East-West Shrine Bowl:
“Kendall Coleman, DE, Syracuse: There were some guys who were more dominant over the course of a couple of days, but the guy who I thought was most consistent over the entire week was Coleman. He’s got an outstanding dip move that nobody in the one-on-one’s had an answer for the entire week. He dips and bends around the edge to get to the top of his rush and flatten to the quarterback. I can’t wait to see it in the game.”
Daniel also noted at the beginning of his piece that, “while the game is important for players to showcase their skills, it’s the practices that are more important for NFL scouts, who get to see the prospects up close — on the hoof, in scouting parlance — and talk with them throughout the week.”
Despite what Jeremiah said, Coleman performed in practice and when the game started.
Early in the first quarter Kendall burst off the line of scrimmage and showed incredible bend/balance coming around the edge to get a sack in the Shrine Bowl. You can watch that play here.
NFL Draft analyst Rob Paul listed KC as one of his big winners from the game on social media.
Many experts believe he has the versatility to contribute as a 3-4 outside linebacker or as a 4-3 end at the next level.
For instance, during the Shrine Bowl, Dan Shonka NFL scout for Ourlads said Coleman “consistently beats tackles with his jab step/dip move and was unblockable at times during the 1-on-1 periods during Shrine Bowl practice. A versatile relentless athlete that was one of the ACC’s most consistent pass rushers.”
This is exactly what these opportunities were created for. A player that showed promise in college, but not enough to warrant any draft day guarantees. Coleman earns a chance to show what he’s got and he takes full advantage of it when it matters the most.
...
Hokies have progressed under coach Justin Fuente, but is he committed to program? (pilotonline.com; Teel)
Since Justin Fuente took over as head coach, Virginia Tech football ranks behind only the Clemson dynasty among ACC programs. Overall and league wins, top-25 seasons, bowl appearances: No one else surpasses the Hokies.
Moreover, with as many as 18 starters returning, Tech is certainly capable of reaching the conference championship game for the second time under Fuente.
In short, there’s a lot to like. Yet an unease — pall would be too strong — hovers over the program, and not because tight end Dalton Keene and running back Deshawn McClease declared for the NFL draft and receiver Damon Hazelton entered the transfer portal.
Such attrition is common in major college football, as are staff makeovers. Venerable defensive coordinator Bud Foster retired, and Fuente doubled down on change by dismissing three other assistant coaches.
Design is a unique form of human expression. When successful, quality design permeates everyday life and has the power to influence how we think and feel. Yet,...
But mere hours after Tech announced Fuente’s fourth new hire last Tuesday — cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith joins the Hokies from James Madison — word leaked that Fuente would interview for Baylor’s head-coaching vacancy.
Sure enough, Baylor officials traveled to southwestern Virginia and met with Fuente on Wednesday. Fuente and Tech athletic director Whit Babcock huddled at Fuente’s home later that evening, and Thursday morning Fuente informed Babcock that he was remaining with the Hokies.
Whether Fuente wasn’t sold on Baylor or vice-versa — the Bears hired LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda — is unclear. Compounding the intrigue: Who told Pete Thamel of Yahoo! Sports about Fuente and Baylor?
Someone at Baylor to gauge fan response? Someone at Tech to embarrass Fuente? Someone in Fuente’s camp to remind Hokies faithful that their coach is well-regarded?
...
Coaches Poll College Football Rankings: ACC All-Time Greatest Programs (CFN; Staff)
What are the top college football programs of all-time going by the USA Today Coaches Poll and UPI rankings? Here are the top ACC programs according to a CFN formula using all the USA Today Coaches and UPI final polls.
Coaches Poll College Football Rankings
All-Time Coaches Poll Rankings | AP All-Time Rankings
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | M-West | Pac-12 | SEC
1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s
Which current ACC college football programs are the greatest of all-time according to the UPI and USA Today Coaches final polls?
Using a ranking system taking all the AP final college football polls and assigning 25 points to the national champion, 24 for the final No. 2 team, 23 for the No. 3 team on down, it’s Florida State without much of a problem with Miami coasting easily into second.
One note on this – this is made up of current ACC programs and factoring in their histories. Obviously many of these programs weren’t in the ACC starting in 1950.
Coaches Poll: All-Time ACC Final Rankings
1 Florida State 617
2 Miami 527
3 Clemson 361
4 Georgia Tech 269
5 Syracuse 251
6 Pitt 238
7 Virginia Tech 236
8 North Carolina 164
9 Louisville 113
10 Duke 99
11 Boston College 97
12 NC State 95
13 Virginia 66
14 Wake Forest 9
...
Two-time ACC player of the year Etienne returning to Clemson (lancasteronline.com; Philip)
for gbo
Two-time Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Travis Etienne is returning to Clemson for his senior season.
Etienne, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior running back from Jennings, Louisiana, announced his decision on social media Friday.
Etienne's teammate, cornerback A.J. Terrell, said he was giving up his final year in college to enter the NFL draft.
Etienne became Clemson's all-time rushing leader Monday night when he surpassed the old mark after gaining 78 yards in his team's 42-25 loss to LSU for the national championship.
Etienne said his coaches, teammates and fans have helped him become a stronger man and football player these past three years. While he's dreamed of playing in the NFL, “I'm not done dreaming here at Clemson either" before saying he would be back.
Etienne was projected as a second-round selection if he chosen to turn pro.
He gained 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He holds the ACC career mark with 56 rushing TDs this year.
Etienne followed the path of his former teammates in defensive line All-Americans Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins who came back for their senior years after losing in the College Football Playoff semifinals following the 2017 season.
...
PATEL: Way-too-early predictions for Virginia football next season (cavalierdaily.com; Patel)
The Virginia football team just finished one of its most successful seasons in program history, capped off with its first victory over Virginia Tech in 15 years and its first appearance in the Orange Bowl in program history.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall has led a monumental program turnaround, taking Virginia from a 2-10 season in 2016 to a 9-5 finish in 2019. With the football team’s unbroken growth mindset and clear improvement every season since Mendenhall has been at Virginia, there is plenty of optimism that Mendenhall will lead Virginia to take an even bigger leap in 2020.
With Virginia coming off an encouraging performance in the Orange Bowl, it is a great time to take an early look ahead to the 2020 season.
Virginia’s defense will lead the ACC Coastal in total defense
In 2019, Virginia’s defense finished No. 48 in the nation in total defense, giving up 371.9 yards per game. That places the Cavaliers fourth in the ACC Coastal, behind Miami, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. Considering the significant injuries the defense had to overcome in 2019, these statistics have to have Cavalier fans excited for 2020.
Before the season even began, projected starting sophomore cornerback Darius Bratton went down with a torn ACL leaving junior cornerback Nick Grant to fill his position. However, things got worse still when Virginia played Miami midway through the season, and All-American senior cornerback Bryce Hall injured his left ankle covering a punt, ending his season. All of a sudden, Grant was thrust into the number one cornerback role, and junior safety De’Vante Cross was converted to cornerback to fill the hole left by Grant. To make matters worse, junior safety Brenton Nelson — who was moved to starting safety to fill the void left by Cross — went down for the season just weeks after Hall, leaving junior safety Chris Moore to take over.
...
UPDATE: Make that 37M who Watched Clemson/LSU (RX; HM)
UPDATE: Make that 37M who Watched Clemson/LSU
More than 37 Million Fans Tuned into ESPN’s Studio Programming from New Orleans; College Football Playoff National Championship Audience Increases Continue with New Nielsen Data Available [LINK]
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ACC Players of the Decade, by Team (RX; HM)
ACC Players of the Decade, by Team
From the official ACC website: Each ACC Football Team's Player of the Decade by Jeff Fischel (originally posted on December 31, 2019):
Here's the All-Decade list
(for reasons picked and video highlights, click the link above):
Boston College: Luke Kuechly, LB
Contenders: Zach Allen, AJ Dillon, Harold Landry, Chris Lindstrom, Andre Williams
Clemson: Deshaun Watson, QB
Contenders: Vic Beasly, Da'Quan Bowers, Tajh Boyd, Travis Etienne, DeAndre Hopkins, Trevor Lawrence, Sammy Watkins, Christian Wilkins
Duke: Jamison Crowder, WR
Contenders: Jeremy Cash, Daniel Jones, Sean Renfree, Laken Tomlinson, Conner Vernon
Florida State: Jameis Winston, QB
Contenders: Dalvin Cook, Rashad Greene, LaMarcus Joyner, Jalen Ramsey, DeMarcus Walker
Georgia Tech: Justin Thomas, QB
Contenders: Jeremiah Attaochu, Harrison Butker, Shaq Mason, Omoregie Uzzi
Louisville: Lamar Jackson, QB
Contenders: Jaire Alexander, Keith Kelsey, Lorenzo Mauldin, Sheldon Rankins
Miami: Duke Johnson, RB
Contenders: Ereck Flowers, Brad Kaaya, Denzel Perryman
North Carolina: Giovani Bernard, RB
Contenders: Jonathan Cooper, Quniton Coples, Quinshad Davis, Ryan Switzer, Mitch Trubisky, Marquise Williams
NC State: Bradley Chubb, DE
Contenders: Garrett Bradbury, Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Finley, Jaylen Samuels, Earl Wolff
Pitt: James Conner, RB
Contenders: Tyler Boyd, Aaron Donald, Ejuan Price, Jordan Whitehead
Syracuse: Eric Dungey, QB
Contenders: Zaire Franklin, Steve Ishmael, Erv Philips
...
2020 Non-Saturday Games (so far) - 1/17/20 (RX: HM)
2020 Non-Saturday Games (so far) - 1/17/20
Known 2020 Football Schedule: Non-Saturday Games (so far)
Thursday, September 3
North Carolina at UCF
N. Arizona at Arizona State
BYU at Utah
Oregon State at Oklahoma State
Florida Atlantic at Minnesota
Oregon State at Oklahoma State
Friday, September 4
Illinois State at Illinois
Indiana at Wisconsin
Monday, September 7
Virginia vs. Georgia (Atlanta)
Friday, September 11
Appalachian State at Wake Forest
Thursday, September 17
Charlotte at Duke
Friday, September 18
Iowa at Minnesota
Friday, Oct. 2
USC at Utah
...
Other
Mr. Bigg’s: Hot food from a warm climate for a cold day (Dining Out Review) (PS; Woodman)
What better way to resist January’s cold than with hot Caribbean food? Syracuse is fortunate to have more than one choice these days and, though we love Bongo’s Jerk Hut, we decided to try the newer Mr. Bigg’s, a take-out spot on North Salina Street.
What we found warmed and fed us well.
Mr. Bigg’s is a pretty little space, with flags and colorful walls and reggae music playing softly. The friendly owner-chef greeted us quickly and helped us make our large order: two three-meat combinations, each with rice and two more sides, at $18 each.
Mr. Bigg’s makes its own chicken and beef-stuffed patties, which we added to our dinners. In fact, everything at the take-out shop is made fresh by the owner every day with the single exception of the cornbread, which comes from New York City.
The resulting containers of food would have fed three or four people well.
Related: Meet ‘Mr Bigg’s’: Syracuse’s newest Caribbean restaurant owner
We nibbled at the beef and chicken patties as soon as we got home. They shared a flaky, layered pastry crust, with the beef more flavorful than the chicken. Both were good dipped in hot sauce.
Our combination meals allowed us to try almost everything on the menu. For meats, we tried the jerk chicken (of course), the BBQ jerk chicken, jerk ribs, BBQ jerk ribs, curry chicken, and oxtails.
...
Martin Luther Luther King, Jr. Day honors the legacy and celebrates the birthday of the iconic civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. A campaign to create the day started shortly after King's death in 1968. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) and Senator Edward Brooke (R-MA) introduced a bill to make King's birthday a national holiday, and it first came up for a vote in 1979 but fell short. The two main arguments against its creation were that having another paid federal holiday would be too expensive and that honoring a private citizen would go against tradition. Up until that time the only two other figures were honored with a national holiday, George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
The King Center turned to support from the public and corporate community to continue pushing for the day. Stevie Wonder released "Happy Birthday" in 1980 and hosted the Rally For Peace Press Conference in 1981 to encourage the creation of the day. Six million signatures were part of a petition to Congress urging for the day. Ronald Reagan originally opposed the day because of cost concerns, but signed the bill on Nov 2, 1983; it was first observed three years later, on January 20, 1986. All states began observing it in some form by 1991, when New Hampshire abolished Fast Day and started observing Civil Rights Day. If was officially observed by name in all states beginning in 2000, after Utah changed the name of the day from Human Rights Day to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As of 2017, some states combine Martin Luther King Jr. Day with other holidays. Most notably, both Alabama and Mississippi celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert E. Lee's birthdays on the same day. About a third of workers have the day off. Workers from nonprofit organizations are most likely to have non-work days, while those that work in factories and in manufacturing are least likely to have the day off.
SU News
Syracuse Football: Top things to know about new DC Zach Arnett (itlh; Peckham)
Syracuse football has a new defensive coordinator for the 2020 season, but who is Zach Arnett? We have all the details with a deep dive background check.
The Syracuse football team let go of their defensive coordinator Brian Ward at the tail-end of 2019. Syracuse entered the season with high expectations on the defensive side of the ball but failed to live up to the hype.
Now the Orange will enter a new era under defensive coordinator Zach Arnett. With so much unknown, it’s time for answers. Here are the top things to know about the former San Diego State product.
Where did Zach Arnett come from?
Zach Arnett played his college ball at New Mexico for four years under head coach Rocky Long who was also the head coach at San Diego State where Zach served as the defensive coordinator.
Arnett was a standout linebacker at New Mexico where he was named captain for his senior season. Zach was also a first-team Academic All-American in 2008 and a four-time academic all-conference honoree and scholar-athlete. He graduated from New Mexico in 2009 with his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in political science.
After being promoted to linebackers coach in 2014 after spending three years as a defensive graduate assistant. Zach took over as the defensive coordinator 2017 and made a major difference for the San Diego State defense.
What did Zach Arnett accomplish at San Diego State?
Over the last five seasons the San Diego State defense ranked in the top 11 in the nation in many different defensive categories. Those categories include first in interceptions, sixth in rushing defense, sixth in total defense, ninth in scoring defense, 10th in turnovers forced, 10th in interceptions returned for touchdowns, and 11th in passing defense.
FUN FACT: Zach has a trend of getting the most out of his linebackers, which shouldn’t be a major surprise considering he’s a former linebacker. That’ll sure come in handy next season for the Orange who are expected to roll out another new set of linebackers for the future.
What will Zach Arnett bring to Syracuse?
Zach is going to bring a much needed energy boost to the Syracuse defense. Zach runs a 3-3-5 base defense that has the capabilities of morphing into other fronts depending on the opposing personnel.
In its’ simplest form the 3-3-5 defense means they will be playing three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs on most defensive plays.
The defense that Zach is bringing will be perfect for Syracuse in the ACC which will bring more speed and sideline to sideline quickness on the field.
Who will benefit from the new scheme?
One of the players who will benefit will be defensive lineman Josh Black. We did a full breakdown here of how he can embrace his new role.
Josh will have the opportunity to line up as a defensive end and a defensive tackle in which he will be able to showcase his talents at both positions. Josh will most likely be defensive end when McKinley Williams is in the game at defensive tackle.
Another player who will benefit from the new scheme will be linebacker Mikel Jones who earned some playing time as a freshman in 2019. Mikel has the speed and quickness to play sideline to sideline which is a key in Zach’s new scheme.
Syracuse will be losing their starting linebacker duo in Andrew Armstrong and Lakiem Williams via to graduation.
Two more players who will have a major effect in the secondary will be Andre Cisco and Trill Williams.
...
Florida Gators football transfer Chris Bleich moves to Syracuse (colletgefootballtalk.com; Taylor)
This development involving a now-former Florida Gators football player flew under our radar last week, so we’ll rectify that with an early-morning post to start this work week.
Chris Bleich started eight of the first nine games at right guard for Florida this past season, with the lone start he missed being due to blisters on his foot. However, the redshirt freshman had begun to lose playing time due to performance even as he maintained the starting job in name.
With his grip on the position loosening, though, Bleich decided to take his leave of the Gators in early November. Florida Gators football head coach Dan Mullen subsequently confirmed the departure. Mullen also confirmed that unspecified family issues at home triggered the decision.
In the latest Bleich development, Syracuse announced late this past week that the lineman has been added to the Orange’s roster. In its release, the football program stated that “Bleich must sit out the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer regulations unless granted immediate eligibility.”
It’s expected that Bleich will seek a waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play this coming season.
Bleich was a three-star member of Florida’s 2018 recruiting class, rated as the No. 13 player at any position in the state of Pennsylvania. The 6-6, 330-pound lineman played in just four games as a true freshman, and was able to preserve a year of eligibility by taking a redshirt that season.
If Bleich is granted a waiver, he’ll have three seasons to play three years. If not, he’ll sit out 2020 and then have two years of eligibility starting in 2021.
...
Syracuse Football: Kendall Coleman earns high praise at Shrine Bowl (itlh; Esden Jr)
Former Syracuse football stud Kendall Coleman is soaring up draft boards after his performance in the Shrine Bowl. Here are all the details.
NFL teams are always searching for elite pass-rushing talent every offseason. Former Syracuse football stud Kendall Coleman is one name that hasn’t been on the top of many offseason lists, but after his performance in the Shrine Bowl, that should change.
Coleman was the only Syracuse football player that earned an invitation to the nation’s longest-running college football all-star game.
During an impressive week at practice, Coleman was a name that consistently was drawing buzz among scouts, NFL teams, and draft experts.
One of the most prominent NFL draft analysts on the planet, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network awarded Coleman his “defensive MVP” honors from his observations during practice leading into the East-West Shrine Bowl:
“Kendall Coleman, DE, Syracuse: There were some guys who were more dominant over the course of a couple of days, but the guy who I thought was most consistent over the entire week was Coleman. He’s got an outstanding dip move that nobody in the one-on-one’s had an answer for the entire week. He dips and bends around the edge to get to the top of his rush and flatten to the quarterback. I can’t wait to see it in the game.”
Daniel also noted at the beginning of his piece that, “while the game is important for players to showcase their skills, it’s the practices that are more important for NFL scouts, who get to see the prospects up close — on the hoof, in scouting parlance — and talk with them throughout the week.”
Despite what Jeremiah said, Coleman performed in practice and when the game started.
Early in the first quarter Kendall burst off the line of scrimmage and showed incredible bend/balance coming around the edge to get a sack in the Shrine Bowl. You can watch that play here.
NFL Draft analyst Rob Paul listed KC as one of his big winners from the game on social media.
Many experts believe he has the versatility to contribute as a 3-4 outside linebacker or as a 4-3 end at the next level.
For instance, during the Shrine Bowl, Dan Shonka NFL scout for Ourlads said Coleman “consistently beats tackles with his jab step/dip move and was unblockable at times during the 1-on-1 periods during Shrine Bowl practice. A versatile relentless athlete that was one of the ACC’s most consistent pass rushers.”
This is exactly what these opportunities were created for. A player that showed promise in college, but not enough to warrant any draft day guarantees. Coleman earns a chance to show what he’s got and he takes full advantage of it when it matters the most.
...
Hokies have progressed under coach Justin Fuente, but is he committed to program? (pilotonline.com; Teel)
Since Justin Fuente took over as head coach, Virginia Tech football ranks behind only the Clemson dynasty among ACC programs. Overall and league wins, top-25 seasons, bowl appearances: No one else surpasses the Hokies.
Moreover, with as many as 18 starters returning, Tech is certainly capable of reaching the conference championship game for the second time under Fuente.
In short, there’s a lot to like. Yet an unease — pall would be too strong — hovers over the program, and not because tight end Dalton Keene and running back Deshawn McClease declared for the NFL draft and receiver Damon Hazelton entered the transfer portal.
Such attrition is common in major college football, as are staff makeovers. Venerable defensive coordinator Bud Foster retired, and Fuente doubled down on change by dismissing three other assistant coaches.
Design is a unique form of human expression. When successful, quality design permeates everyday life and has the power to influence how we think and feel. Yet,...
But mere hours after Tech announced Fuente’s fourth new hire last Tuesday — cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith joins the Hokies from James Madison — word leaked that Fuente would interview for Baylor’s head-coaching vacancy.
Sure enough, Baylor officials traveled to southwestern Virginia and met with Fuente on Wednesday. Fuente and Tech athletic director Whit Babcock huddled at Fuente’s home later that evening, and Thursday morning Fuente informed Babcock that he was remaining with the Hokies.
Whether Fuente wasn’t sold on Baylor or vice-versa — the Bears hired LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda — is unclear. Compounding the intrigue: Who told Pete Thamel of Yahoo! Sports about Fuente and Baylor?
Someone at Baylor to gauge fan response? Someone at Tech to embarrass Fuente? Someone in Fuente’s camp to remind Hokies faithful that their coach is well-regarded?
...
Coaches Poll College Football Rankings: ACC All-Time Greatest Programs (CFN; Staff)
What are the top college football programs of all-time going by the USA Today Coaches Poll and UPI rankings? Here are the top ACC programs according to a CFN formula using all the USA Today Coaches and UPI final polls.
Coaches Poll College Football Rankings
All-Time Coaches Poll Rankings | AP All-Time Rankings
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | M-West | Pac-12 | SEC
1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s
Which current ACC college football programs are the greatest of all-time according to the UPI and USA Today Coaches final polls?
Using a ranking system taking all the AP final college football polls and assigning 25 points to the national champion, 24 for the final No. 2 team, 23 for the No. 3 team on down, it’s Florida State without much of a problem with Miami coasting easily into second.
One note on this – this is made up of current ACC programs and factoring in their histories. Obviously many of these programs weren’t in the ACC starting in 1950.
Coaches Poll: All-Time ACC Final Rankings
1 Florida State 617
2 Miami 527
3 Clemson 361
4 Georgia Tech 269
5 Syracuse 251
6 Pitt 238
7 Virginia Tech 236
8 North Carolina 164
9 Louisville 113
10 Duke 99
11 Boston College 97
12 NC State 95
13 Virginia 66
14 Wake Forest 9
...
Two-time ACC player of the year Etienne returning to Clemson (lancasteronline.com; Philip)
for gbo
Two-time Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Travis Etienne is returning to Clemson for his senior season.
Etienne, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior running back from Jennings, Louisiana, announced his decision on social media Friday.
Etienne's teammate, cornerback A.J. Terrell, said he was giving up his final year in college to enter the NFL draft.
Etienne became Clemson's all-time rushing leader Monday night when he surpassed the old mark after gaining 78 yards in his team's 42-25 loss to LSU for the national championship.
Etienne said his coaches, teammates and fans have helped him become a stronger man and football player these past three years. While he's dreamed of playing in the NFL, “I'm not done dreaming here at Clemson either" before saying he would be back.
Etienne was projected as a second-round selection if he chosen to turn pro.
He gained 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He holds the ACC career mark with 56 rushing TDs this year.
Etienne followed the path of his former teammates in defensive line All-Americans Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins who came back for their senior years after losing in the College Football Playoff semifinals following the 2017 season.
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PATEL: Way-too-early predictions for Virginia football next season (cavalierdaily.com; Patel)
The Virginia football team just finished one of its most successful seasons in program history, capped off with its first victory over Virginia Tech in 15 years and its first appearance in the Orange Bowl in program history.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall has led a monumental program turnaround, taking Virginia from a 2-10 season in 2016 to a 9-5 finish in 2019. With the football team’s unbroken growth mindset and clear improvement every season since Mendenhall has been at Virginia, there is plenty of optimism that Mendenhall will lead Virginia to take an even bigger leap in 2020.
With Virginia coming off an encouraging performance in the Orange Bowl, it is a great time to take an early look ahead to the 2020 season.
Virginia’s defense will lead the ACC Coastal in total defense
In 2019, Virginia’s defense finished No. 48 in the nation in total defense, giving up 371.9 yards per game. That places the Cavaliers fourth in the ACC Coastal, behind Miami, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. Considering the significant injuries the defense had to overcome in 2019, these statistics have to have Cavalier fans excited for 2020.
Before the season even began, projected starting sophomore cornerback Darius Bratton went down with a torn ACL leaving junior cornerback Nick Grant to fill his position. However, things got worse still when Virginia played Miami midway through the season, and All-American senior cornerback Bryce Hall injured his left ankle covering a punt, ending his season. All of a sudden, Grant was thrust into the number one cornerback role, and junior safety De’Vante Cross was converted to cornerback to fill the hole left by Grant. To make matters worse, junior safety Brenton Nelson — who was moved to starting safety to fill the void left by Cross — went down for the season just weeks after Hall, leaving junior safety Chris Moore to take over.
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UPDATE: Make that 37M who Watched Clemson/LSU (RX; HM)
UPDATE: Make that 37M who Watched Clemson/LSU
More than 37 Million Fans Tuned into ESPN’s Studio Programming from New Orleans; College Football Playoff National Championship Audience Increases Continue with New Nielsen Data Available [LINK]
Top 10 Local Markets
| Rk | Rating | Market |
| 1 | 48.9 | New Orleans |
| 2 | 42.7 | Birmingham |
| 3 | 33.9 | Greenville |
| 4 | 26.5 | Knoxville |
| 5 | 26.4 | Columbus, OH |
| 6 | 24.3 | Atlanta |
| 7 | 23.1 | Charlotte |
| 8 | 23.1 | Austin |
| 9 | 23 | Nashville |
| 10 | 21 | Oklahoma City |
ACC Players of the Decade, by Team (RX; HM)
ACC Players of the Decade, by Team
From the official ACC website: Each ACC Football Team's Player of the Decade by Jeff Fischel (originally posted on December 31, 2019):
(I see what you did there, Jeff - a discreet little shout out to the UVA Cavaliers, eh?)
Here's the All-Decade list
(for reasons picked and video highlights, click the link above):
Boston College: Luke Kuechly, LB
Contenders: Zach Allen, AJ Dillon, Harold Landry, Chris Lindstrom, Andre Williams
Clemson: Deshaun Watson, QB
Contenders: Vic Beasly, Da'Quan Bowers, Tajh Boyd, Travis Etienne, DeAndre Hopkins, Trevor Lawrence, Sammy Watkins, Christian Wilkins
Duke: Jamison Crowder, WR
Contenders: Jeremy Cash, Daniel Jones, Sean Renfree, Laken Tomlinson, Conner Vernon
Florida State: Jameis Winston, QB
Contenders: Dalvin Cook, Rashad Greene, LaMarcus Joyner, Jalen Ramsey, DeMarcus Walker
Georgia Tech: Justin Thomas, QB
Contenders: Jeremiah Attaochu, Harrison Butker, Shaq Mason, Omoregie Uzzi
Louisville: Lamar Jackson, QB
Contenders: Jaire Alexander, Keith Kelsey, Lorenzo Mauldin, Sheldon Rankins
Miami: Duke Johnson, RB
Contenders: Ereck Flowers, Brad Kaaya, Denzel Perryman
North Carolina: Giovani Bernard, RB
Contenders: Jonathan Cooper, Quniton Coples, Quinshad Davis, Ryan Switzer, Mitch Trubisky, Marquise Williams
NC State: Bradley Chubb, DE
Contenders: Garrett Bradbury, Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Finley, Jaylen Samuels, Earl Wolff
Pitt: James Conner, RB
Contenders: Tyler Boyd, Aaron Donald, Ejuan Price, Jordan Whitehead
Syracuse: Eric Dungey, QB
Contenders: Zaire Franklin, Steve Ishmael, Erv Philips
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2020 Non-Saturday Games (so far) - 1/17/20 (RX: HM)
2020 Non-Saturday Games (so far) - 1/17/20
Known 2020 Football Schedule: Non-Saturday Games (so far)
Thursday, September 3
North Carolina at UCF
N. Arizona at Arizona State
BYU at Utah
Oregon State at Oklahoma State
Florida Atlantic at Minnesota
Oregon State at Oklahoma State
Friday, September 4
Illinois State at Illinois
Indiana at Wisconsin
Monday, September 7
Virginia vs. Georgia (Atlanta)
Friday, September 11
Appalachian State at Wake Forest
Thursday, September 17
Charlotte at Duke
Friday, September 18
Iowa at Minnesota
Friday, Oct. 2
USC at Utah
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Other
Mr. Bigg’s: Hot food from a warm climate for a cold day (Dining Out Review) (PS; Woodman)
What better way to resist January’s cold than with hot Caribbean food? Syracuse is fortunate to have more than one choice these days and, though we love Bongo’s Jerk Hut, we decided to try the newer Mr. Bigg’s, a take-out spot on North Salina Street.
What we found warmed and fed us well.
Mr. Bigg’s is a pretty little space, with flags and colorful walls and reggae music playing softly. The friendly owner-chef greeted us quickly and helped us make our large order: two three-meat combinations, each with rice and two more sides, at $18 each.
Mr. Bigg’s makes its own chicken and beef-stuffed patties, which we added to our dinners. In fact, everything at the take-out shop is made fresh by the owner every day with the single exception of the cornbread, which comes from New York City.
The resulting containers of food would have fed three or four people well.
Related: Meet ‘Mr Bigg’s’: Syracuse’s newest Caribbean restaurant owner
We nibbled at the beef and chicken patties as soon as we got home. They shared a flaky, layered pastry crust, with the beef more flavorful than the chicken. Both were good dipped in hot sauce.
Our combination meals allowed us to try almost everything on the menu. For meats, we tried the jerk chicken (of course), the BBQ jerk chicken, jerk ribs, BBQ jerk ribs, curry chicken, and oxtails.
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