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Message: [QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 5101475, member: 27"] [IMG]https://i3.wp.com/static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/010/574/549/original/cartoon-illustration-of-summer-vacation-beach-background-free-vector.jpg?resize=758%2C758&ssl=1[/IMG] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(84, 172, 210)][SIZE=7]Welcome to Summer![/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=verdana][SIZE=3][I]The First Day of Summer, also known as the Summer Solstice, takes place when either of the Earth's poles reaches their maximum tilt towards the Sun. This happens twice a year, once in each hemisphere. The First Day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is on the June solstice, with the season running until the September equinox, while the First Day of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is on the December solstice, with the season running until the March equinox.[/I][/SIZE][/FONT] [I][FONT=verdana][SIZE=3]The First Day of Summer is the day with the longest period of daylight in its hemisphere (and the shortest night), and the moment the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The First Day of Summer has held significance since prehistoric times, being marked with festivals and rituals. It ushers in a season associated with hot and warm weather. In Mediterranean climates, the season is also associated with dry weather, while in other places, especially in Eastern Asia, where there are monsoons, it's associated with rainy weather.[/SIZE][/FONT][/I] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]SU News[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [URL='https://orangefizz.net/2024/06/whats-the-plan-for-syracuse-at-qb-after-kyle-mccord/#google_vignette']What’s The Plan For Syracuse At QB After Kyle McCord?[/URL] (orangefizz.net; Papillo)[/B] [I]2024 is a [URL='https://orangefizz.net/2024/06/syracuse-football-needs-to-start-strong-at-home/']big season for Syracuse football[/URL], especially at the quarterback position. The landing of Kyle McCord from Ohio State has SU fans buzzing with hope for a high-powered offense. After all, he is the first 3,000 yard passer the Orange have had in over a decade. But one thing stands out when looking at this roster, [URL='https://orangefizz.net/2023/11/what-is-syracuses-future-at-quarterback/']what’s the plan at signal caller[/URL] for the coming years? As of right now, the depth chart currently sits with McCord at QB1, and some familiar faces backing him up. Redshirt junior Carlos Del Rio-Wilson is slotted as QB2, but that doesn’t resound confidence in Syracuse fans. Rio-Wilson’s [URL='https://orangefizz.net/2023/11/fizz-report-card-syracuse-falls-flat-against-boston-college-17-10/']anemic performance last season against Boston College[/URL] doesn’t have many hopeful that he could be a viable option for the future. Sophomore Braden Davis sits behind him, who was a three-star recruit out of high school and got an opportunity to showcase his skill in the Boca Raton Bowl blowout to end 2023. SU did land [URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/2024/5/10/24153297/syracuse-football-orange-add-transfer-weapon-michael-johnson-jr-fau']FAU transfer Michael Johnson Jr[/URL], so there is still competition for that official spot. This shows some cause for concern. Why? It’s very likely this season that McCord may take some shots sitting back in the pocket, as escaping pressure using his legs isn’t one of his strong suits. If there were to be an injury at some point this season, would either backup give enough confidence to Fran Brown to make throws and win a football game? Only time will tell on that front. But what about on the recruiting front? [URL='https://orangefizz.net/2024/05/national-media-praises-incoming-syracuse-football-class/']Fran Brown and company have shown a strong ability to land top recruits thus far.[/URL] As of now, Syracuse is ranked with a top 40 class for both 2024 and 2025. However, the ‘Cuse have only inked two quarterbacks in those classes, both of which rank at a three-star or below according to 247 Sports (Jakhari Williams, GA, Luke Carney, TX). There have been some efforts by SU to improve on that front, as it recently hosted 2025 four-star Malik Washington for a visit. That ship may have sailed however, as 247 has declared its “crystal ball” that Washington will be heading to Maryland. There’s a lot of time before this is an issue, and all eyes are locked in on McCord and company heading into the 2024 campaign. As the season progresses, it may be something to monitor on whether the future at QB at Syracuse is a strong one.[/I] [B][URL='https://www.espnsyracuse.com/2024/06/18/keeping-up-with-the-315-6-18-24/']Keeping Up With The 315 6-18-24[/URL] (ESPN; radio; The 315)[/B] [I]Brian discusses Syracuse football’s newest commit, previews tonight’s Orange matchup in the Salt City Pro-Am, and looks back on other Syracuse players to play in the NBA Finals.[/I] [B][MEDIA=youtube]vSmWVKe5p4U[/MEDIA] (youtube; podcast; Axe)[/B] [I]On the latest episode of Syracuse Sports, Brent Axe and Emily Leiker re-grade the Syracuse Football recruiting class of 2021, which includes names like Duce Chestnut, Oronde Gadsden II and Garrett Shrader. [/I] [B][URL='https://cuse.com/news/2024/6/19/football-5-make-phil-steeles-preseason-all-acc-squad']5 Make Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC Squad - Syracuse University Athletics[/URL] (cuse.com)[/B] [I]Five Syracuse players earned Preseason All-ACC accolades from Phil Steele's annual preseason magazine. The Orange were represented on the first team by linebacker [URL='https://cuse.com/sports/football/roster/marlowe-wax/22263']Marlowe Wax[/URL], second team honorees [URL='https://cuse.com/sports/football/roster/justin-barron/22192']Justin Barron[/URL] and [URL='https://cuse.com/sports/football/roster/oronde-gadsden-ii/22211']Oronde Gadsden II[/URL] and [URL='https://cuse.com/sports/football/roster/fadil-diggs/23466']Fadil Diggs[/URL] and [URL='https://cuse.com/sports/football/roster/lequint-allen/22189']LeQuint Allen[/URL] making the third and fourth teams, respectively. Wax, who has already been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List this preseason, has played in all-49 games since arriving on campus in 2020, including a team-best active streak of 38 consecutive starts, enters the 2024 season closing in on 300 career tackles. A Second Team All-ACC selection last season, Wax enters his final season in the top-20 of numerous Orange career record lists. He's 19th in total tackles (294), second in forced fumbles (8), trailing only College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney (14), seventh in tackles for loss (36.5). He also has 16.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups and a blocked kick in his 'Cuse career. Barron is also one of the nation's top returning tacklers. He enters the season ranked inside the top-10 nationally in active tackles, according to Pro Football Focus' tally. He is 15th in school history in tackles by a defensive back (201) and has 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his career. [URL='https://cuse.com/news/2024/6/19/football-5-make-phil-steeles-preseason-all-acc-squad#']Skip Ad[/URL] Gadsden returns from an injury-shortened season last year hoping to replicate his 2022 season where he set program records for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end. Despite missing the last 11 games of the 2023 season, he enters the year with 70 career receptions, 1,060 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a First Team All-ACC honoree in 2022. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2024/06/marcus-upton-ranked-among-the-25-best-prospects-in-new-jersey-decommits-from-syracuse-football.html']Marcus Upton, ranked among the 25 best prospects in New Jersey, decommits from Syracuse football[/URL] (PS; Leiker)[/B] [I]Marcus Upton, a three-star recruit and the No. 25-ranked prospect in New Jersey, announced that he decommitted from Syracuse football on Wednesday. Upton announced his decision on social media. In his social media anouncement he thanked Syracuse football coach Fran Brown and the Orange staff. Listed by 247 Sports as the No. 68 safety prospect in the country, Upton plays for Winslow Township High School (Atco, New Jersey). He played last season for Timber Creek Regional (Sicklerville, New Jesey). Upton [URL='https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2024/03/syracuse-football-picks-up-two-new-commits-including-ol-prospect-who-once-went-viral-for-his-size.html']initially committed to Syracuse in March.[/URL] Verbal commitments are not binding until after a player has signed a National Letter of Intent. Upton is ranked as the No. 25 player from New Jersey in the[URL='https://247sports.com/season/2025-football/compositerecruitrankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=NJ'] 247 Sports Composite Rankings, [/URL]third among the three SU commits from the state. He is ranked as the No. 755 recruit nationally. Upton was ranked as high as No. 14 in New Jersey in 247 Sports’ individual assessment and as low as 37 in the state rankings compiled by Rivals. He was listed by 247 Sports as a 6-foot, 185-pound safety. [URL='https://highschoolsports.nj.com/player/marcus-upton/football']According to NJ.com,[/URL] Upton made 50 tackles and four interceptions on defense last year, along with making 33 catches for 594 yards and seven touchdowns on offense. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/2024/6/19/24181045/syracuse-orange-reacts-road-trips-and-mbb-transfers']TNIAAM Reacts: Syracuse football road trips and MBB transfers[/URL] (TNIAAM; Thele & Wall)[/B] [I]Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in [/I][URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/'][I]Syracuse Orange[/I][/URL][I] fans and fans across the country. [/I][URL='https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/6Q70N2/'][I]Sign up here[/I][/URL][I] to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. A two question survey this week Orange fans. First, Which Syracuse Football 2024 road game would you most want to attend? You’ve got to pick from the following and let’s assume money/schedule is not an issue. What game would you pick?[/I] [LIST=1] [*][I][I]UNLV[/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://www.backingthepack.com/']NC State[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I]California[/I][/I] [*][I][I]Pittsburgh[/I][/I] [*][I][I]Boston College[/I][/I] [/LIST] [I]Adrian Autry has brought in four experienced college players to bolster his roster for the 24-25 season. Which Syracuse MBB transfer are you most excited about seeing in action this year?[/I] [LIST=1] [*][I][I]Jaquan Carlos[/I][/I] [*][I][I]Jyare Davis[/I][/I] [*][I][I]Eddie Lampkin[/I][/I] [*][I][I]Lucas Taylor[/I][/I] [/LIST] [B][I]...[/I] [URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/2024/6/19/24181036/get-to-know-your-syracuse-football-orange-man-55-offensive-lineman-josh-ilaoa']Get to Know Your Orange Man: #55, OL Josh Ilaoa[/URL] (TNIAAM; Ostrowski)[/B] [I]It’s time to start preparing for the 2024 [URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/']Syracuse Orange[/URL] football season. We’re going through the roster to take a look at each Syracuse player as we get to know a lot of new faces to kick off the Fran Brown Era. Up next is… [B]Name:[/B] Josh Ilaoa [B]Position:[/B] Offensive Line [B]Year: [/B]Senior [B]Height:[/B] 6’3” [B]Weight: [/B]334 lbs. [B]Hometown: [/B]Charlotte, NC [B]High School:[/B] Mallard Creek [B]2023 stats: [/B]Ilaoa split time between center and left guard, appearing in every game as a reserve/special teams lineman. He allowed two sacks in 122 offensive snaps. [B]2024 projections: [/B]Judging by spring camp, Ilaoa is still in with the twos. Expect him to still get a decent amount of game action throughout the season, as new OL Coach Dale Williams has made it clear he is willing to mix things up as needed. [B]How’d he get here?: [/B]SU beat out offers from 10 other programs, namely Illinois and Hawai’i. [B]What’d recruiting sites say?: [/B]Given three stars on 247Sports and ESPN, two on Rivals. [B]Social Media Info:[/B][/I] [LIST] [*][I][I]Twitter: [URL='https://twitter.com/honchojosh?lang=en'][B]@honchojosh[/B][/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I]Instagram: [URL='https://www.instagram.com/joshilaoa/'][B]@joshilaoa[/B][/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I]Tiktok: [URL='https://www.tiktok.com/@honchojosh55'][B]@honchojosh55[/B][/URL][/I][/I] [/LIST] [I][B]Interesting nugget o’interest: [/B]Josh is related to Nate Ilaoa, a wide receiver who was converted to running back while playing for Hawai’i. He was later drafted by the [URL='https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/']Philadelphia Eagles[/URL] and also competed in the original Arena Football League - so playing indoors must be a family trait. [B]Let’s get a look at ya: [/B]Some mic’d up moments from 2023 fall camp ...[/I] [URL='https://www.instagram.com/cusefootball/p/C8aG_AOOjhS/?img_index=1']Login • Instagram[/URL] [URL unfurl="true"]https://www.instagram.com/cusefootball/reel/C8ZnAilsUNc/[/URL] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]ACC News[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [URL='https://www.12newsnow.com/video/sports/locked-on/lo-national/acc-show/accs-motion-to-dismiss-denied-in-leon-county-court-fsu-legal-w-predicting-acc-football-records/535-c71b0fa5-411a-4605-adb0-0b50b5a0af04']ACC's Motion To Dismiss DENIED In Leon County Court | FSU Legal W | Predicting ACC Football Records[/URL] (12newsnow.com; podcast; Locked on ACC)[/B] [I]ACC's Motion To Dismiss DENIED In Leon County Court | FSU Legal W | Predicting ACC Football Records[/I] [B][URL]https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions[/URL] (CFN; Fiutak)[/B] [I]In the long history of North Carolina State football, there’s been just one season with more than nine wins—2002 under Chuck Amato. There still aren’t any ten-win seasons—last year’s team would’ve done it had it won the Pop-Tarts Bowl over [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/kansas-state']Kansas State[/URL]—and there are 13 nine-win campaigns. Head coach Dave Doeren is responsible for four of those nine-win seasons and three more eight-win seasons in his 11 years in Raleigh. Along with the ten-win thing, it’s one of college football’s weirder glitch-facts. NC State has a slew of [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/acc']ACC[/URL] football championships, but it hasn’t played in the ACC Championship Game since its inception in 2005.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]CONTENTS[/I][/HEADING] [LIST=1] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-college-football-preview-2024']NC State College Football Preview 2024[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-football-preview-2024-offense']NC State Football Preview 2024: Offense[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-football-preview-2024-defense']NC State Football Preview 2024: Defense[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#key-to-the-nc-state-football-season']Key To The NC State Football Season[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-key-player']NC State Key Player[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-football-top-transfer-biggest-transfer-loss']NC State Football Top Transfer, Biggest Transfer Loss[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-key-game']NC State Key Game[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#10-best-nc-state-football-players']10 Best NC State Football Players[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-2023-fun-stats']NC State 2023 Fun Stats[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#nc-state-football-2024-win-total-prediction-what-to-expect-this-season']NC State Football 2024 Win Total Prediction: What to Expect This Season[/URL][/I][/I] [*][I][I][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/news/nc-state-college-football-preview-2024-key-players-game-schedule-season-predictions#2024-nc-state-football-schedule']2024 NC State Football Schedule[/URL][/I][/I] [/LIST] [I]Clemson and [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/florida-state']Florida State[/URL] have been regulars, and Virginia Tech owned it for a few years. [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/boston-college']Boston College[/URL] played in a few of them, [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/georgia-tech']Georgia Tech[/URL] has a win and a few appearances, Wake Forest won in 2006, and [URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/tag/duke']Duke[/URL], North Carolina, Miami, Pitt, Virginia, and Louisville made it over the years. Even Notre Dame had a turn, and it’s just dabbling in the ACC. Syracuse. That’s the only other ACC program—forgetting the new schools in the mix—other than NC State to not play in the ACC Championship Game in its 19 seasons of existence. It almost happened last year. The divisions were gone, but the 13-10 loss to Louisville in late September turned out to be the difference between playing in the ACC Championship and finishing third. But that’s NC State under Doeren. It has been really, really close to having nice things. This year’s team could make another good run. The offense will be better, the defense will reload, the schedule isn’t awful—no Florida State—and with a little luck and the right break, it’s possible the 2024 team busts through all of the ceilings. A ten-win season, an ACC Championship appearance, and a trip to the expanded College Football Playoff are all reachable goals. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2024/06/19/new-acc-school-raises-more-than-150-million-to-prepare-for-conference/']New ACC School Raises More than $150 Million to Prepare for Conference[/URL] (pittsburghsportsnow.com; Michalowski)[/B] [I]New ACC School Raises More than $150 Million to Prepare for Conference In the 2024-25 season, Southern Methodist University (SMU) will compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time, moving up from the American Athletic Conference. The Mustangs will officially join the ACC on July 1, and have done their part to prepare for the move up the ranks. On Tuesday, the athletic department announced that it has raised $159 million during this past fiscal year in 2023-24. Back in September, SMU announced that it would be joining the ACC in 2024. In the following week, the athletic department raised an impressive $100 million right off the bat. There were four eight-figure donations, 35 seven-figure donations, 82 six-figure donations, and more than 4,800 “Mustang Club” members. Last year, SMU football had its best season in years, going 11-3 and 9-0 in conference play in the American. The Mustangs have won 7+ games every year since the 2019 season, and are coached by Rhett Lashlee. SMU’s basketball program, coached by Rob Lanier, won 20 games last season in a dramatic turnaround from the year prior. The Mustangs have won 20+ games six times in the past ten seasons, appearing in two NCAA Tournaments (2014-15 and 2016-17). Pitt football will travel to Dallas, Texas to take on the Mustangs this season on November 2. The Panthers basketball program will also fly out to Dallas for a matchup with Lanier’s Mustangs during the 2024-25 ACC slate. SMU is led by quarterback Preston Stone, who broke his leg late last season. Stone returned to football activities this spring, and as of April, he was [URL='https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/smu-mustangs/2024/04/02/smu-qb-preston-stone-returns-from-injury-for-spring-drills-wr-jordan-hudson-stands-out/']“right on schedule.”[/URL] [B][URL='https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2024/06/bcsny6-bowl-winners.html#google_vignette']BCS+NY6 Bowl Winners[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] BCS+NY6 Bowl Winners This is what's wrong with ACC football in a nutshell: How does a 18-team* conference only have 7 teams that have won a BCS or NY6 bowl game in 26 years? Most of those are not even playoff games, mind you, but things like Orange, Peach, and Fiesta bowls![/I] [HEADING=3][I]ACC teams with a BCS or NY6 Bowl win:[/I][/HEADING] [LIST] [*][I][I][B]Clemson[/B] (2014 Orange, Dec 2015 Orange, Dec 2016 Fiesta, 2017 CFP CG, Dec 2018 Cotton, 2019 CFP CG, Dec 2019 Fiesta)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Florida St[/B] (2000 Sugar, 2013 Orange, 2014 BCS CG, Dec 2016 Orange)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Ga Tech[/B] (Dec 2014 Orange)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Louisville[/B] (2007 Orange, 2013 Sugar)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Miami[/B] (2001 Sugar, 2002 Rose, 2004 Orange)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Stanford[/B] (2011 Orange, 2013 Rose, 2016 Rose)[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Va Tech[/B] (2009 Orange)[/I][/I] [/LIST] [I]Therefore, by process of elimination,[/I] [HEADING=3][I]ACC teams without a BCS or NY6 Bowl win:[/I][/HEADING] [LIST] [*][I][I][B]Boston College[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Cal[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Duke[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]NC State[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]N. Carolina[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Notre Dame[/B]*[/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Pitt[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]SMU[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Syracuse[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Virginia[/B][/I][/I] [*][I][I][B]Wake Forest[/B][/I][/I] [/LIST] [I]...[/I] [B][URL='https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2024/06/links-news-and-rumors-2024-june-19.html']Links, News and Rumors 2024 June 19[/URL] (RX; HM) [I]Links, News and Rumors 2024 June 19[/I][/B] [I]From WTXL: [URL='https://www.wtxl.com/college-town/judge-expected-to-make-dismissal-or-stay-ruling-in-fsu-acc-court-hearing-tuesday']Leon County judge denies the ACC's motion to dismiss FSU's lawsuit against the conference[/URL][/I] [I]. . . [/I] [I]_____ From SaturdayBlitz: [URL='https://saturdayblitz.com/posts/the-perfect-naming-rights-sponsor-for-every-college-football-conference-01j09vwn5a51']The perfect naming rights sponsor for every college football conference[/URL][/I] [I]NOTE: They picked Gatorade for the B1G, Coca-Cola for the SEC, _____ From CBS: [URL='https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/boston-college-coach-bill-obrien-eager-to-embrace-challenges-in-year-1-leading-eagles/']Boston College coach Bill O'Brien eager to embrace challenges in Year 1 leading Eagles[/URL][/I] [I]_____ Also from CBS Sports "[URL='https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-states-carnell-tate-georgias-joenel-aguero-lead-college-footballs-second-year-breakout-stars-in-2024/']college football's second-year breakout stars in 2024[/URL]", one from the ACC:[/I] [I]_____ BAS: The CWS is down to 4 teams, 3 from the SEC and just 1 from the ACC... Florida State takes on Tennessee at 3:00 PM EDT today (Live on ESPN). The Noles must beat the Vols twice without losing in order to advance; the Vols just need one win. _____ MBB, from NCAA: [URL='https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-06-17/top-12-college-basketball-transfers-ahead-2024-25-season']Top 12 college basketball transfers, ahead of the 2024-25 season[/URL][/I] [I]That was the only ACC player, IN or OUT. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/SEC/2024/06/20/sec-expansion-conference-realignment-duke-virginia-tech-nc-state/74142801007/']Would Duke be a target for SEC expansion? How about Virginia Tech or NC State?[/URL] (tennessean.com; Toppmeyer & Adams)[/B] [I]Who wants in is not the question. [URL='https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/SEC/2024/05/30/sec-realignment-expansion-acc-florida-state-clemson-north-carolina/73843496007/']Who would the SEC want[/URL]? That's the question. The SEC will expand to 16 teams next month, once Oklahoma and Texas officially climb aboard. The conference's history, though, suggests it might not be done growing. In the 1990s, the SEC swelled from 10 to 12. In the 2010s, it grew from 12 to 14. Now, it inflates to 16. With each [URL='https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnists/blake-toppmeyer/2024/06/02/realignment-sec-football-fsu-clemson-unc-notre-dame-acc-teams-toppmeyer/73843519007/']expansion[/URL], the SEC became more powerful. It also managed to grow while adhering to its culture and maintaining a well-crafted brand. Realignment paused after last summer's demise of the Pac-12, but the carousel could regain motion if the ACC fractures. Up 'til now, the ACC's grand of rights has glued its membership together, but that contract is in the crosshairs while Florida State and Clemson sue the conference. On this edition of "SEC Football Unfiltered," a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts [URL='https://x.com/btoppmeyer']Blake Toppmeyer[/URL] and [URL='https://x.com/johnadamskns']John Adams[/URL] identify potential ACC targets for further SEC expansion, if the ACC's grant of rights doesn't hold. The hosts agree on three schools being a fit for the SEC: [URL='https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/SEC/2024/06/14/college-world-series-sec-baseball-unc-fsu-virginia-clemson/74041047007/']Florida State, Clemson and North Carolina[/URL]. Toppmeyer says UNC might interest the SEC more than any other school. It's a big brand in a growing state, and Charlotte is home to the SEC Network. What about a potential fourth ACC school as an additional expansion target? That's where the conversation gets more complex. (For the purposes of this debate, [URL='https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnists/blake-toppmeyer/2024/06/02/realignment-sec-football-fsu-clemson-unc-notre-dame-acc-teams-toppmeyer/73843519007/']Notre Dame[/URL], a football independent, was not considered.) ...[/I] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]Other[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [IMG]https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/v2/3MPHIPPP6ZBULF53QFKIC2QDVA.jpg?auth=8abc8391e2175c16a8865d99d0617d85cedf6a60a3f6d97faceebf7510541f5d&width=800&quality=90[/IMG] [I][SIZE=3]Syracuse baseball fans arrive at the new Home Plate gate. Syracuse Mets open their season against the Scranton Railriders at NBT Bank Stadium May 4, 2021. Dennis Nett | [EMAIL]dnett@syracuse.com[/EMAIL][/SIZE][/I] [B][URL='https://www.syracuse.com/mets/2024/06/popular-fast-food-chicken-chain-coming-to-syracuse-mets-games.html']Popular fast-food chicken chain coming to Syracuse Mets games[/URL] (PS; Mink)[/B] [I]You can eat more chicken at Syracuse Mets games starting Wednesday night at NBT Bank Stadium. Chick-fil-A will operate a standalone cart on the first-base side of the stadium, the Mets said Wednesday. The popular fast-food chain will serve up its original chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich, chips, brownies and lemonade. The Chick-fil-A stand will also sell water and Coca-Cola bottled beverages. The stand will operate at all Syracuse Mets games Monday–Saturday. Chick-fil-A’s long-standing policy of not opening its restaurants on Sundays means the cart will not be open for Sunday games. “We have been working with Jimmer (Szatkowski) and the local Chick-fil-A location for years, and this was just a perfect opportunity to expand the relationship” Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol said in a statement. “Our fans love the addition of local vendors, and bringing in Chick-fil-A is a win for our fans.” The new addition is expected to begin on Wednesday, June 19th coinciding with the last homestand of June against the Rochester Red Wings. “We are honored to be in a partnership with the Syracuse Mets and Oak View Group,” said Szatkowski, the owner-operator for the Chick-fil-A in Cicero. “We look forward to providing remarkable experiences to their Amazin’ Fans.” Tickets for this homestand and all Syracuse Mets home games are on sale at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium during regular hours (M-, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), over the phone (315-474-7833) or at [URL='http://syracusemets.com/']syracusemets.com[/URL]. First pitch for Wednesday’s game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.[/I] [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?