sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Whole Elephant Day!
World Elephant Day asks everyone to "help conserve and protect elephants from the numerous threats they face" and "to experience elephants in non-exploitive and sustainable environments where elephants can thrive under care and protection." It is a day to express concern, share knowledge, and support solutions for the better care of captive and wild elephants; it is a day to honor elephants, spread awareness about the critical threats they face, and to support solutions to help ensure their survival. It brings "attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants" and is "a vehicle by which organizations can rally together to give voice to the issues threatening elephants."
The day was thought up in 2011 by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, and by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, specifically by Sivaporn Dardarananda, the Foundation's Secretary-General. It was founded on August 12, 2012, by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, and first observed on that day. The Foundation is a non-profit that was started in 2002 as a Royal Initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, and has the mission of acquiring captive elephants and reintroducing them to live as wild elephants in protected forest habitats. The day was created in part to celebrate the work of the Foundation. On the first World Elephant Day, Patricia Sims and Michael Clark released Return to the Forest, a documentary which focuses on the work of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.
SU News
McCord can thrive with less pressure-filled situation (orangefizz.net; Burstein)
The preseason recognition keeps on rolling for new Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord. The list of watch lists for the Ohio State transfer grew this week as McCord was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List, an annual award given to the top NCAA quarterback. McCord was a semifinalist with the Buckeyes last year.
These nominations are just the cherry on top of a whirlwind of an offseason for McCord. After a Cotton Bowl loss with Ohio State, McCord has adapted to a new school, new coach, new conference and more as he enters his final season of college football.
A lot of pressure, right? Well maybe not. There’s a level of pressure that comes with being a power conference starting quarterback, no matter what school you are at. But each quarterback has a slightly different situation. And for McCord, a clean slate of expectations may be the perfect backdrop for a career year.
At Ohio State, McCord was the replacement for CJ Stroud, who just won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Before Stroud? Another first-round NFL talent in Justin Fields. With Syracuse it’s a slightly different position. With no disrespect to Garrett Shrader, there’s a much lower bar for McCord in who he’s replacing this time. McCord’s 3,170 passing yards in 2023 was nearly 1500 higher than Shrader.
To replicate even slightly similar numbers, McCord would already be pleasing Syracuse fans greatly.
Not to mention, all rankings aren’t so high on McCord. Multiple outlets have him not even in the top half of ACC quarterbacks. So there surely isn’t much pressure from some people.
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Audio Vault (ESPN; radio; Orange Nation)
Steve Infanti and Paulie Scibilia discuss the ceiling for the Syracuse Football team in the upcoming years, rank ACC road trips, and react to the debut of Olympic breaking
Kyle McCord embraces Syracuse's new offense with season around the corner (247sports.com; Chamberlain)
As the regular season approaches, quarterback Kyle McCord is settling into Syracuse's new pro-style offense as the game has slowed down for him.
"At this point, it's starting to feel like second nature," he said.
Transferring from Ohio State, McCord has experienced executing a pro-style scheme for three years, with the majority of his in-game snaps coming in 2023 where he threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns. McCord's experience will be paired with offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon's pro-style offense. Nixon has 14 seasons of NFL coaching experience, including serving as the Carolina Panthers assistant head coach in 2022.
The notable difference for McCord is learning the language of Nixon's offense.
"In some areas, it's similar, but obviously there's new terminology," McCord said.
The pro-style offense in college football is similar to the offense's run in the NFL as it's a traditional scheme, featuring a balance of run and pass plays. Notably, more commonly fullbacks and tight ends are in formations compared to traditional college schemes. The complexity of the offense will come with the various formations throughout a game plan and the decisions a quarterback needs to make in the system.
"It's a lot of NFL teams that are running the plays," McCord said. "I think that's what makes it fun, there's not going to be really one area that we're going to be dominant."
When the offense was first installed in the spring, growing pains were experienced by the quarterback room.
"The first day you come out and you're thinking about where all the routes will end up and what exactly the read is and the progression," McCord said.
These initial struggles are common in any offensive scheme during installation. For McCord, his decision-making process is slowing down as he continues to build quality reps in the Orange's new pro-style offense.
"The main message in camp at this point right now is to just not let things get mundane or feel like we're doing the same thing over and over again," he said.
Throughout preseason camp, McCord has experienced confidence in tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
"There's not a matchup one-on-one where I don't like OG," McCord said.
Gadsden II is coming into the season as one of the top returning tight ends in college football and is expected to be McCord's number one receiving option. The 6-foot-5-inch tight end earned Preseason All-ACC honors.
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Aquinas Institute's Quante Gillians is a 6-foot-3.5, 268-pound defensive lineman from Rochester who intends to sign with Syracuse and enroll next year. Sean Mayo
Private chefs and 6 a.m. phone calls: Fran Brown is a breath of fresh air for nearby recruits (PS; $; Pignatello)
Quante Gillians feasted on a breakfast of eggs, bacon and sausage courtesy of Fran Brown and his personal chefs, who spent a Sunday morning in June making omelets and more for a batch of 15-20 Syracuse recruits.
“It was so crowded I had to grab my plate and get out,” Gillians said of the breakfast at Brown’s house.
The breakfast was just one of the ways Brown differentiated himself, Gillians said, as Syracuse’s first-year coach made an intentional effort to recruit him in a way the previous coaching staff never did.
Gillians is a defensive end committed to Syracuse who plays at the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, but before Brown and his staff reached out, Gillians had wondered why the Power-Four school just 90 miles down the road had never contacted him.
“He had mentioned to me, what’s up with Syracuse? What’s up with your school?” said Moe Jackson, the head coach at Aquinas who played four years at wide receiver for the Orange from 1997-2001, the height of the Donovan McNabb and Dwight Freeney era.
Though Jackson is only entering his second season as coach, he’s a Rochester native and has worked with the “who’s who” in the area for years at the Moe Jackson Speed and Skills School.
He said he never had contact with former Syracuse coach Dino Babers regarding any Rochester players, though Gillians’ Syracuse recruitment got underway with Babers’ staff.
The day after Brown got the job, he called Jackson at 5:50 a.m.
“He called me and just wanted to introduce himself and talk to me a little bit about how I’ve been feeling about the program and what’s been going on,” Jackson said. “It was an eye-opener and a breath of fresh air.
“He wanted to start to create that pipeline. He wanted guys in Rochester to know that Syracuse is going to be recruiting this area now, because in the past they hadn’t been.”
Gillians is one of five recruits in Syracuse’s 2025 class who reside within a two-hour drive of SU. The other four are homegrown from area high schools Christian Brothers Academy and Cicero-North Syracuse.
Gillians took his first unofficial visit to Syracuse during the weekend of Nov. 24-25, the first game after Babers’ firing, a 35-31 win over Wake Forest under interim coach Nunzio Campanile. Recruiting staff assured Gillians and his family that his recruiting binder would be put on the new coach’s desk.
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(youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse Football's 2024 schedule is easier than previous years. Cuse first year head coach Fran Brown doesn't have to face Dabo Swinney and Clemson nor do they have to play Mike Norvell and Florida State. Both the Tigers and Seminoles are College Football Playoff contenders.Jackson Holzer and Neil Adler talk about the Cuse's easier schedule.
081024 Syracuse Orange Football Preseason Training Camp in Full Swing, Kyle McCord (bng.com; video)
081024 Syracuse Orange Football Preseason Training Camp in Full Swing, Kyle McCord
Fall Camp Notebook: Week 1 - Syracuse University Athletics (cuse.com)
The first-full week of Syracuse football preseason training camp is in the books.
'Cuse is less than three weeks away from the season opener. Tickets are on sale at Cuse.com/Tickets to be part of the start of the Fran Brown era at Syracuse.
The Orange began preseason camp on Aug. 1 and are now nine practices into the season. Some of the preseason work will be on display Monday night, with 90-minutes straight of programming on ACC Network.
At 6 p.m., ACC Road Show will be in Syracuse. The network will be on-site for the team's afternoon practice, taping an hour-long show during it. At 7 p.m., ACCN will show the premiere of All-Access with Syracuse Football – a three-part mini-series airing Mondays (Aug. 12, 19 and 26).
Sunday, Aug. 4
Dwight Freeney became the ninth former Orange to be officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing Syracuse as one of the top-producers of NFL talent. Only six schools have more players that have gone on to hall of fame careers than Syracuse.
Monday, Aug. 5
Head Coach Fran Brown and offensive players were available to the media after practice, check out some of their interviews and updates:
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Kyle McCord praises improvement in offense line (247sports.com; Racine)
As Syracuse football wraps up its first full week of training camp, there has been a lot of talk about the offense. In particular quarterback Kyle McCord and running back LeQuint Allen. However, what about the guys around McCord who protect him and make him look good? McCord wants to give them the recognition they deserve.
"I feel like from day one of spring till now, in my opinion, they are one of the most improved groups on the team," said McCord.
Even after taking in some guys from the portal, such as OL Codie Hornsby out of Grambling and Savion Washington from Colorado, McCord says they fit right in and work as a unit. This offensive line is led by "The General," aka J'Onre Reed. Reed was the starting center for the team last season after transferring from the junior college ranks. He led the united in the run-focused attacks that powered the Syracuse offense last year. This year, though, is going to look completely different according to McCord.
"It is an NFL offense," said McCord.
This team's offense has developed new ways to keep the ball on the ground with LeQuint. Know when to swing it outside, or go deep with the talent group of wide receivers like freshman Jaylan Hornsby or transfer senior Jackson Meeks. This new look will come as a surprise to many in JMA Dome come August 31st. However, it is what Head Coach Fran Brown brought offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon to Syracuse to do. Nixon, along with Michael Johnson, makes up the offensive coordinating team. They also coach other position groups.
Coach Johnson is the tight ends coach. He has seen how talented these guys are and wants their hard work to pay off.
"We have got a group that is well-rounded, and I can fill any hole that I need to fill for any job," said Coach Johnson.
Tight end "O.G." Oronde Gadsden is going to be an impact player for this offense. He will switch out reps with Maximilian Mang, who also can catch passes and is a force when he
gets on the line. These veterans are great leaders and are going to pave the way for the future of this offense for players like freshmen Elijah Washington-Baker and Jamie
Tremble.
"(Tremble) He is going to be a good player down the road because from the time he has been here, his growth has been tremendous," said Coach Johnson.
With the 2024 season right around the corner, the foundation that is being built at training camp in the tight end space right now is one that is well-rounded with size, speed, and players with great hands.
"Our job is to go out and make Coach Nixon look good on Saturdays," said Coach Johnson.
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TNIAAM Reacts: who do Syracuse fans think will find the end zone and the opposing QB the most in 2024? (TNIAAM; Wall)
We are three weeks away from the Syracuse Orange season opener against Ohio. This week we asked fans who they felt would be the team leader in touchdowns scored and sacks.
Let’s get to the results.
It’s not a surprise that fans think that LeQuint Allen will find the end zone the most this season, but it is shocking that he was such a big favorite over Oronde Gadsden. We’ll see if Allen remains the primary goal-line back again this season.
On the other side of the ball, transfer defensive end Fadil Diggs was the pick to lead the Orange in sacks. Marlowe Wax was a distant second in this voting. With Syracuse using a new defense we’ll have to see if the linebackers/secondary are blitzing as frequently as we saw in the past.
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2024 Syracuse football predictions: Ranked No. 81 by RJ Young | FOX Sports (foxsports.com; Young)
Syracuse Orange Ranking: 81/134
[Check out RJ Young's ultimate 134 college football rankings here]
Conference ranking: 12th in ACC (+4500 to win conference)
Teams ahead of them: Toledo (80), Oregon State (79), Mississippi State (78), Miami of Ohio (77), Houston (76)
Teams behind them: Michigan State (82), Washington (83), Wyoming (84), Boston College (85), Wake Forest (86)
RJ's take: Fran Brown came through at his introductory press conference like a man raised on Donovan McNabb, Ernie Davis, Jim Brown and the glory of Orangemen, because he was.
A year removed from coaching the DB room at UGA that won a national title, he sat at the lectern and laid out who he is and what he is about.
Since then, he went hunting in the portal and pulled out prized former five-star and Ohio State starter Kyle McCord.
Syracuse's Win Total Odds: Over 7 (-120) Under 7 (+100)
The Juice Online - Syracuse Recruiting Roundup: August 12, 2024 (r1vals.com; Sen)
"It has always been a dream to take my talents to the next level at a school close to home and Syracuse is the perfect fit regarding that."
READ THE JUICE ONLINE'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH JAYDEN RAUL CONCEPCION
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NATL
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POS
Tavian
Branch
6'4" | 300 lbs | DT | 2026
Riverside
Taylor, PA
5.5
"Me getting an offer from Syracuse was great feeling. Always wanted an offer from Syracuse."
READ THE JUICE ONLINE'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH TAVIAN BRANCH
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NATL
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POS
Clifton
Hester
6'1" | 175 lbs | CB | 2026
Cocoa
Cocoa, FL
5.7
"I’m very blessed to have an offer. I think it’s a great opportunity."
READ THE JUICE ONLINE'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH CJ HESTER
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NATL
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Mekhi
McNair
6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH | 2028
Winslow Township
Atco, NJ
N/A
"Coach Fran Brown is a great coach with experience. The program is in good hands."
READ THE JUICE ONLINE'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH MEKHI MCNAIR
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NATL
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TJ
Maddox
6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH | 2028
Winslow Township
Atco, NJ
N/A
"It’s a great feeling to get offered to play football at a Division 1 school."
Syracuse offers discounted tickets to football opener in effort to pack Dome for Fran Brown’s debut (PS; $; Carlson)
Syracuse University announced that it is offering discounted tickets to the Orange’s season-opener against Ohio on Aug. 31, part of an effort to fill the JMA Wireless Dome for Fran Brown’s first game as the team’s head coach.
Syracuse announced on Thursday that it will offer discounted tickets in every section of the building for the opener, although a search of the available tickets indicates discounted tickets in some sections have already sold out.
The school dubbed the effort: Operation Pack the Dome.
It announced the discount as well as various “theme days” for the upcoming season the opening of group sales for the football season. Groups of more than 15 people can purchase tickets starting at $15 each.
Tickets for the opener can be purchased for as little as $29.12. There are also discounted tickets in the lower level selling for as much as $495.88.
There are currently discounted tickets available for the opener in most sections of the upper levels, along with fewer than half of the sections in the lower-bowl.
Syracuse also announced that it will sell discounted tickets to the season’s marquee game against Miami on Nov. 30. Discounted tickets for the final home game of the year range from $52.17 to $576.55.
The school is selling discounted tickets to select groups for four other home games.
The school has special offers for miliary members and first responders on Sept. 7 against Georgia Tech, healthcare professionals and support staff on Sept. 20 against Stanford, youth sports teams and coaches on Sept. 28 against Holy Cross and local scouts and high school band participants on Nov. 23 against UConn.
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Syracuse vs Cincinnati | NCAA Football 06 Syracuse Orange Dynasty | S3:E9 (youtube; simulation; Playbook Gamer)
Syracuse vs Cincinnati | NCAA Football 06 Syracuse Orange Dynasty | S3:E9
Extremely realistic simulation
Syracuse Football on Instagram: "scrimmage 1 ✔️ "
cusefootball on August 10, 2024: "scrimmage 1 ✔️ ".
www.instagram.com
ACC News
Sources: Florida State, ACC to begin mediation over potential exit (yahoo.com; Dellenger)
Florida State and the ACC are scheduled to enter mediation next week over their legal dispute, multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports.
While it is a significant step in the proceedings, the mediation phase — an in-person discussion between the two sides in front of a neutral mediator — is an expected one and is not guaranteed to produce a settlement decision. The neutral mediator has been chosen, and the two sides, barring something unforeseen, will convene for the talks next week, those with knowledge of the discussions tell Yahoo Sports.
Officials at the ACC and Florida State both declined comment when reached.
The ACC and one of its most premier brands are locked in a legal fight. The Seminoles are attempting to exit the conference without paying both the exit fee and the cost of buying out its media rights, which it agreed years ago to grant to the conference. The price tag of such an exit is estimated to be at more than $500 million, according to court records.
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The case is playing out in two separate lawsuits over two states, FSU’s home in Florida and the ACC’s home in North Carolina, as each side works to hold the proceedings in their own footprint. During a hearing in April in Florida, Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper ordered the school and the conference to attempt “good faith” mediation to resolve the dispute.
Mediation is a conflict-resolution process designed to lead to a mutually beneficial compromise. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator will not decide the case’s outcome, but will only help the parties by encouraging each side toward a resolution. Mediation can take days, weeks or even months, but normally features a deadline.
ACC officials have shown no willingness to resolve the dispute with a settlement, which, in all likelihood, would involve a compromise in the multimillion-dollar exit fee. In fact, just two weeks ago at the ACC’s annual football media days, commissioner Jim Phillips blistered Florida State, as well as Clemson, for what he described as “disruptive and harmful” attempts to exit by suing their own conference and maintained that the league is committed to fighting the schools in court for “as long as it takes.”
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Florida State & The ACC Enter Mediation | Seminoles Leaving Soon? | Does Georgia Tech Have A Shot? (youtube; podcast; Locked on ACC)
Florida State and the ACC are entering mediation this week, according to a report from Ross Dellenger from Yahoo Sports. Mediation was ordered by Judge John C. Cooper in Leon County, FL. The mediator will try to steer Florida State and the ACC towards a settlement to their dispute in order to avoid a lengthy case that could take several months if not years. It’s important to note that the mediator cannot force a resolution. Are the two sides just too far apart to reach a peaceful end? Florida State is suing the ACC in an attempt to break the Grant of Rights agreement and exit the conference.
Hosts Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs express doubt that anything substantive will come out of mediation. The guys agree that FSU has more incentive to negotiate than the ACC does right now. The conference is trying to draw this out as long as possible. The guys preview the upcoming season opener between Florida State and Georgia Tech in Ireland. What would it take for the Yellow Jackets to pull off an upset on August 24th? The guys discuss the latest rumors about the Big 12 trying to poach a half dozen teams from the ACC.
Best Football Stadiums In The ACC: Top Venues For Gameday Fun (huffsports.com; Ryan)
The ACC is home to some of the most exciting college football stadiums in the country. As a fan, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many of these venues and experiencing the electric atmosphere firsthand. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, ACC stadiums offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
The best football stadiums in the ACC combine passionate fan bases, iconic features, and unforgettable game day experiences. Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, known as “Death Valley,” stands out with its famous hill and rock. Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium impresses with its brick facade and intimidating atmosphere. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is renowned for its deafening noise levels when “Enter Sandman” plays.
While the biggest isn’t always the best, capacity does play a role in creating an imposing environment for visiting teams. Clemson leads the pack with over 80,000 seats, but even smaller venues like Wake Forest’s can pack a punch when filled to capacity. The ACC offers a range of stadium sizes to suit different college football experiences.
Key Takeaways
- ACC stadiums blend history, fan passion, and unique features to create memorable atmospheres
- Stadium size varies widely in the ACC, with Clemson’s “Death Valley” being the largest at over 80,000 seats
- Game day traditions and iconic elements contribute significantly to a stadium’s reputation and ranking
The Role of Stadiums in College Football
College football stadiums are more than just buildings. They’re the heart of campus life and team spirit. I’ve seen how these massive structures shape the whole game experience.Home-Field Advantage and Atmosphere
I’ve noticed that a stadium’s design can really pump up the home team. Steep stands bring fans closer to the action, making it louder. This noise can throw off visiting teams.Some ACC stadiums are famous for their electric atmosphere. Clemson’s Death Valley is a perfect example. The crowd’s roar there is deafening!
Unique traditions add to the vibe too. I love seeing Hokies fans jump to “Enter Sandman” at Virginia Tech. It’s moments like these that make college football special.
Stadium Capacity and Seating
When it comes to size, ACC stadiums vary a lot. I’ve found that bigger isn’t always better, though. Some smaller venues can feel just as intense.Clemson’s Memorial Stadium is the largest in the ACC, holding over 80,000 fans. But even smaller stadiums like Wake Forest’s can create a great atmosphere when full.
Seating layout matters too. I’ve seen how some stadiums put students right behind the opposing team’s bench. This can really rattle visitors! Modern renovations often focus on adding luxury boxes and better amenities. These upgrades help schools compete for fans and recruits alike.
Iconic ACC Stadiums and Their Features
The ACC boasts some of the most impressive college football stadiums in the country. I’m excited to tell you about three iconic venues that stand out for their unique features, passionate fans, and long-standing traditions.Clemson’s Memorial Stadium
Clemson Memorial Stadium, also known as “Death Valley,” is a true powerhouse in college football. I love how it can hold over 81,500 fans, making it the largest stadium in the ACC.The stadium’s nickname comes from its intimidating atmosphere. When I visited, I was blown away by the sea of orange-clad fans creating an electric energy.
One of my favorite traditions is the team’s entrance. Players touch Howard’s Rock for good luck before running down “The Hill” into the stadium. It’s a spine-tingling moment that gets everyone fired up.
Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium
Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee is another gem in the ACC. I’m always impressed by its brick façade, which gives it a classic college feel.The stadium can hold over 79,000 fans, and the atmosphere is electric on game days. I love watching the crowd do the “Tomahawk Chop” in unison – it’s a sight to behold!
One of the coolest features is the Sod Cemetery. It’s where the team buries pieces of turf from road victories. It’s a unique tradition that really showcases the program’s history.
Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium
Lane Stadium in Blacksburg is home to one of the most spine-tingling entrances in college football. I get goosebumps every time I hear “Enter Sandman” blasting as the Hokies take the field.The stadium may be smaller than some, holding about 66,000 fans, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in noise. The crowd here is known for being incredibly loud and passionate.
I’m always impressed by the “Hokie Stone” used in the stadium’s construction. It’s a type of limestone found near campus that gives the venue a distinctive look.
Stadiums with Renowned Game Day Experiences
The ACC boasts some incredible stadiums that offer unforgettable game day experiences. I’ve had the chance to visit a few, and they really know how to create an electric atmosphere. Let me share what I’ve seen at three standout venues.Hard Rock Stadium – Miami
When I think of exciting game days, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami always comes to mind. It’s a pro stadium, but the Hurricanes make it their own on Saturdays.The tailgating scene is unreal. I love seeing fans grilling up Cuban sandwiches and playing music hours before kickoff. Inside, the stadium buzzes with energy.
The huge video boards and colorful seats add to the lively vibe. During big plays, it gets so loud you can barely hear yourself think. For me, the best part is when Sebastian the Ibis leads the team onto the field. It always gives me chills!
Kenan Memorial Stadium – North Carolina
Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill is a true gem. I’m always struck by how beautiful it looks nestled among the pine trees.The stadium has this classic college football feel that I adore. Before games, I enjoy strolling down the brick pathways and soaking in the atmosphere. Tar Heel fans really know how to create a welcoming yet spirited environment.
Inside, the views are fantastic from almost every seat. I get goosebumps when I hear the crowd belting out “Hark the Sound” after touchdowns. The mix of tradition and passion here is hard to beat.
JMA Wireless Dome – Syracuse
The JMA Wireless Dome (formerly Carrier Dome) offers a unique game day experience. It’s the only domed stadium in the ACC, which creates an incredibly loud environment.I’m always amazed by how many fans pack into “The Loud House” on game days. The noise level can be deafening when Syracuse makes a big play. It’s a stark contrast to the often chilly weather outside.
The stadium’s recent upgrades have really improved the fan experience. I love the new center-hung videoboard and improved lighting. It gives the place a more modern feel while keeping its iconic status.
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Wilner Mailbag: How the ACC will shape realignment, TV options for WSU and OSU, Big Ten half shares, Cal’s future and more (sports360az.com; Wilner)
Florida State and Clemson don’t seem to have a landing spot if they leave the ACC. Is it possible their presidents are conspiring with peers at North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia — and maybe some of the top schools in the Big 12 — to form a new conference that’s equal to, or better than, the Big Ten and SEC? — Richard F
We don’t see this as a realistic scenario for a bevy of reasons. And if it somehow materialized, the combined league would not come close to matching the SEC or Big Ten for football brand power.
But the question provides the Hotline with a gateway to address several related realignment issues.
So here we go …
— Media value drives changes in conference affiliation — that has been proven time and again, decade after decade. The networks have the cash, and the schools are addicted to the cash because of a faulty financial model that requires two profitable sports to support 12 or 16 money-losing sports.
And the networks (primarily Fox and ESPN) made their preferences clear during the last round of realignment. With a few exceptions, the most valuable media brands in college football are concentrated in two conferences, the Big Ten and SEC.
That consolidation allows Fox and ESPN to operate more efficiently. Why would either network pay more for the best of the ACC and Big 12 when most of the schools in that hypothetical conference aren’t worth a dollar more than they are currently receiving?
— In their comments and inactions, the Big Ten and SEC have shown no interest in adding the top schools in the ACC.
We don’t believe that for a second, and here’s why: The schools aren’t available.
It’s easy to deny, reject and refute interest in something you can’t have. And in this case, it’s also smart business: The presidents and commissioners of the Big Ten and SEC want to avoid charges of tortious interference.
But if the ACC fractures and the top media brands become available, the calculation would change instantly for the Big Ten and SEC — and for their media partners, Fox and ESPN, respectively.
We suspect a bidding war would erupt over North Carolina, with Clemson and Florida State as the secondary selections. And don’t forget about Georgia Tech, which has always struck the Hotline as a possible Big Ten target. (Great school, Atlanta media market, fertile recruiting ground.)
View everything as a Fox executive would assess the situation: The network has no broadcast affiliation with schools in Georgia and North Carolina, nor is it connected to the top options in the Sunshine State (Florida State, Florida and Miami).
That’s 54 million people, or 18 million TV homes (roughly) that could pay in-market subscription rates for the Big Ten Network.
— The next round of realignment depends on the ACC.
If the conference holds together through the lawsuits (filed by Clemson and Florida State), the current Power Four structure should hold until the end of the decade, when the Big Ten returns to the negotiating table for a media rights contract.
If the ACC breaks apart, myriad outcomes are possible — from the formation of a 40-team super league to an expanded, 24-team Big 12 to a consolidation of the ACC to a rebirth of the Pac-12 (with Stanford and Cal).
Essentially, the ACC has replaced the Pac-12 as the most likely epicenter of the next rupture.
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https://bigredlouie.com/posts/why-t...efensive-player-01j50stxj9em(bigredlouie.com; Stano)
While the offense lost some key guys from a season ago, the defense brings back its best player. That player might end up being the best player in the entire ACC. Ashton Gillotte is a senior defensive end who might be the best pass rusher in the league.
The Louisville football team might have the best defensive player in the ACC
Gillotte is someone that every program would love to have on their team. Gillotte had 11 sacks as a junior last season after a season that saw him get seven sacks. He had 45 total tackles and also forced three fumbles. That's the kind of production that every program in the conference would love to get out of someone.
Louisville will have a chance in every game because of Gillotte. Teams will have to gameplan around what he does. He can be a game-wrecker that forces double-teams every game. If they double-team him, that means someone else is getting single-covered. That makes it easier to get to the quarterback.
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2024 ACC College Football Predictions (youtube; ;odcast; TotallyTMan)
In this video, I predict the 2024 ACC standings from top to bottom and give my conference championship game prediction. The ACC is a very intriguing conference heading into 2024. West coast teams Cal and Stanford join the conference and also former GO5 team SMU joins the conference, there's a lot of uncertainty in the acc and many sleepers like NC State and Virginia Tech, but also teams on the rise like Miami and Florida State who should be amongst the best ACC teams, Clemson has a lot to prove, and they are in the conversation aswell, I'm excited to talk about all these teams, if you guys want more College Football content consider liking the video and dropping a sub and leave your predictions down in the comments below!
A Sunday Conversation: Fall Camp Headlines, QB Competition, Players To Watch, ACC News, and More! (youtube; podcast; JJ Kitchen)
On this episode of Talking College Football with JJ Kitchen, JJ talks about Fall Camp and the recent scrimmage for Pitt, QB competition, Players To Watch, and more!
2024 ACC Power Rankings: Preseason (SI; Caudell)
The 2024 College Football season is less than two weeks from beginning and an ACC conference game is going to highlight week zero. Georgia Tech and Florida State are going to face off in Dublin, Ireland on Aug. 24 and the winner of that game is going to have some early momentum in the ACC race.
Heading into the season, there does not seem to be a clear-cut favorite in the conference. Florida State is the defending champ, but they are replacing a lot of talent on offense. Clemson has an elite defense, but questions about the quarterback position could keep the Tigers from getting to the title game. Miami has arguably the best roster in the ACC, but they have coaching concerns and the Hurricanes have not been able to meet lofty expectations in the past. Could a team like NC State, Virginia Tech, Louisville, or Georgia Tech emerge as a dark horse this year? It is also the first year with newcomers SMU, Cal, and Stanford.
Here is how I see the conference heading into the season.
17. Wake Forest (2023 record 4-8)
Wake Forest has been one of the most consistent teams in the ACC under Dave Clawson, but they stumbled to a 4-8 record last season. Going into the year, I don't have a ton of confidence about this team and the direction they are headed. Is Hank Bachmeier an upgrade over Mitch Griffis at quarterback? That is going to be the biggest question for the Demon Deacons. They have a chance for some wins with games against NC A&T, Virginia, Duke, Louisiana, UConn, and Stanford, so there are opportunities for wins, but this team has its work cut out for them.
16. Duke (2023 record 8-5)
The Blue Devils had a good run of success under Mike Elko, but he is now the head coach at Texas A&M. Not only that, but defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci is now at Georgia Tech and Duke lost several impact players to the transfer portal. Former Miami head coach and Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is now the head coach at Duke and he is going to have his work cut out for him this year. Texas transfer Maalik Murphy has a chance to be something special at the quarterback position, but there are a lot of questions about Duke going into the year and their ACC schedule is tough. There is a chance to start fast with four winnable non-conference games, but Duke is going to have to pull a couple of upsets if they want to get back to a bowl game.
15. Stanford (2023 Record 3-9)
It was a rough first season for head coach Troy Taylor, but this team has a chance to be better than people think. The Cardinal have a stud at receiver with Elic Ayomanor and there is nowhere to go but up on the defensive side of the ball for Stanford after having one of the worst defenses in the country last year. A bowl game might be too much to ask this year, but if they can find a way to upset TCU in the first game, they might have a chance.
14. Virginia (2023 Record 3-9)
This is going to be a big year for Tony Elliott at UVA. The first two seasons have been disappointing and it feels like he needs to show that progress is being made, which at times, they did last year. The Cavaliers found a way to beat North Carolina and took Miami to overtime last year, but were not consistent. How the quarterback position sorts itself out might be the biggest key to UVA's potential success this year.
13. Pitt (2023 Record 3-9)
Just three years ago, Pitt won the ACC and then followed it up with a solid nine win season before cratering last year with a 3-9 record because of a horrible offense. Since having Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison in 2021, the Panthers have gotten worse on that side of the ball and the uncertainity at the QB position has them starting this year low in the power rankings. Pat Narduzzi has proven to be a good coach and I think they could easily outperform this ranking, but they have a lot of questions to answer first, particularly on offense.
12. Boston College (2023 Record 6-6)
Bill O'Brien is set to enter his first season at Boston College and this is an interesting team going into 2024. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos is one of the best runners in the ACC, but will he develop enough as a passer for Boston College to take a step forward? The schedule has challenges, including a Labor Day night matchup with Florida State and a non-conference game vs Missouri, who might be a contender in the SEC. A bowl game would be huge for O'Brien in year one.
11. Syracuse (2023 Record 6-7)
Syracuse is another ACC school with a first-year head coach and they have remade their roster through the transfer portal and have arguably the ACC's easiest schedule. Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord could be a massive upgrade for the offense and they are getting Oronde Gadsden back on offense and he could be an all-conference player. The non-conference schedule has a chance to give Syracuse four wins and this could be a real sleeper in the ACC if things go perfectly.
10. Cal (2023 Record 6-7)
Cal is a team that I think is flying under the radar in 2024 and could be better than people think. Running back Jaydn Ott is arguably the top running back in the conference and the offense showed some progress last season. Head coach Justin Wilcox usually produces a good defense, but the schedule does produce challenges for the Golden Bears. Games against Miami, Auburn, and Florida State will be a huge challenge. Watch out for Cal this season as a potential upset team in a few games and I think they make a bowl game.
9. North Carolina (2023 record 8-5)
The Tar Heels are a hard team to figure out for this season. On one hand, they have one of the easiest schedules in the ACC, but on the other, they have underachieved for the past three seasons despite having NFL-caliber quarterbacks leading the way. The defense is a huge question mark, as it has been among the ACC's worst since Mack Brown arrived in 2019. The running game should be strong with Omarion Hampton and a strong tight end group. If Texas A&M transfer QB Max Johnson plays well and the defense improves a lot, this could be a surprise team, but I don't have a lot of confidence in that happening.
8. SMU (2023 record 11-3)
Of the three newcomers, SMU is being talked about as the team ready to have the most success. They won the AAC last season and have a talented roster returning for this upcoming season. The ACC schedule is also favorable, with the toughest games being against Florida State and Louisville. I think this team is going to go through an adjustment period though with upgrading to a new conference, which is always a challenge.
7. Georgia Tech (2023 Record 7-6)
Brent Key had a very good first season for the Yellow Jackets and now they bring back nine starters from one of the ACC's best offenses. There is a lot to like about this team going into the year, with quarterback Haynes King, running back Jamal Haynes, a deep wide receiver group, and an offensive line that helped Georgia Tech lead the ACC in rushing last season. The concerns are about the other side of the ball and the schedule. Will a new defensive coaching staff and transfer portal additions be enough to fix the defense? If the answer is yes, this team could be very dangerous in 2024.
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2024 Mackey Watch List (RX; HM)
How could OG not be on this list? He should be the favorite to win. Did SU not nominate him?
2024 Mackey Watch List
From the official ACC release of Friday, August 9, 2024...
11 ACC Tight Ends Named to Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Friends of John Mackey have released the 2024 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. Eleven tight ends from the Atlantic Coast Conference were named to the watch list.
The watch list honorees from the ACC include:
- Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt
- Jake Briningstool, Clemson
- John Copenhaver, North Carolina
- Jack Endries, Cal
- Nick Gallo, Virginia Tech
- Justin Joly, NC State
- RJ Maryland, SMU
- Kyle Morlock, Florida State
- Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
- Mark Redman, Louisville
- Sam Roush, Stanford
ESPN analysis about Miami football challenging for 2024 CFP berth (caneswarning.com; Rubenstein)
Andrea Adelson and David Hale of ESPN published their "ACC preview: Power rankings, favorite players, must-see games" this week that included the Miami football team as one of two in the conference in the running for a College Football Playoff berth.
Adelson and Hale listed Clemson and Florida State as teams that should be in the College Football Playoff. Florida State is picked first in the ACC, Clemson second and Miami third. Eight ACC teams received first-place votes from the media. Miami received 17 first-place votes.
Miami faces a pivotal season entering Mario Cristobal's third year as head coach. Cristobal has led Miami to a 12-13 record in two seasons. Miami is expected to contend for ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berths in 2024. The talent is on the roster for Miami to compete in 2024.
Miami does not play Clemson during the 2024 regular season. Florida State plays at Miami on October 24. A relatively favorable schedule has been stated often during the off-season as to why Miami can compete in 2024. Adelson and Hale highlighted Miami's off-season and 2024 expectations.
Ward and Martinez provide Miami with significantly more firepower offensively. Ward will throw to an elite wide receiver corps led by projected starters Sam Brown, Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo. Brown transferred to Miami from Houston. Miami signed the 10th best 2024 transfer class.
Miami added edge rushers Elijah Alston from Marshall and Tyler Baron from Tennessee via Louisville to bolster the defensive line. Center Zach Carpenter is a key addition on the offensive line. Safety Mishael Powell is a critical addition to a Miami group that is inexperienced at the position.
Miami ranked 12th in the 247Sports 2023 Team Talent Composite rankings. Expect Miami to move into the 2024 Team Talent Composite rankings that should be released later this month. Mario Cristobal and his staff have built a roster that should be ready to compete in 2024.
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Will Venu be worth $43/month? (RX; HM)
Will Venu be worth $43/month?
From the article "What Early Details Around The Venu Streaming Service Tell Us" posted on TVRev by John Cassillo, the Syracuse alum dives into Venu Sports:
How much will it cost?
Price comparison (Network, $ per month):
- Venu Sports, $42.99
- YouTube TV basic, $73
- DirecTV Stream, $80
- Sling Blue+Orange+Sports, $70
- multiple services, $70-$100
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2024 NC State Full Moon Games (RX; HM)
2024 NC State Full Moon Games
The Full Moon was kind to the NC State Wolfpack last season.
This year, it won't help them. How do I know? Look at the dates of 2024 full moons:
Aug. 19: Sturgeon Moon - season not yet begun
Sept. 17: Harvest Moon - between Louisiana Tech (Sep. 14) at at Clemson (Sept. 21)
Oct. 17: Hunter's Moon - at Cal (Oct. 19)
Nov. 15: Beaver Moon - OFF
Dec. 15: Cold Moon - between ACC CG and CFP Playoffs
In other words, the only game played under a "full" moon is NC State at Cal on October 19th. They could have played on November 15th, but got a bye on that date instead.
Other
A developer razed a Syracuse city block. Now its plan to build new housing is on hold (PS; $; Moriarty)
A New Jersey company tore down a dozen homes and an apartment building on a single Syracuse block last fall. It planned to replace them with a modern, 286-unit apartment complex.
But eight months later, the block remains empty. Scattered bricks and chunks of concrete, along with driveway entrances that now lead to nowhere, are the only evidence the block was once full of old homes and apartments.
No one is sure when -- or if -- construction on the new apartments will begin.
The Michaels Organization, the Camden, N.J., housing developer that demolished the 13 residential properties, notified Syracuse officials in a letter last month that it has not been able to nail down construction financing for the $83 million project.
The letter arrived just a few weeks after the company’s CEO, John O’Donnell, and five other men were indicted on racketeering charges in New Jersey.
A 13-count indictment brought by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin accuses the six men, led by New Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross, of running a criminal enterprise that obtained property and property rights on the Camden waterfront for itself and others through a series of illegal acts.
The group collected millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, and controlled and influenced government officials to further the interests of the enterprise, Platkin alleged.
O’Donnell took a leave of absence from TMO on June 18, the day after his indictment. The company itself was not named as a defendant in the indictment.
In a statement, the company said O’Donnell was stepping aside to focus on defending himself against the allegations.
In the meantime, the company said its business operations will continue as usual, “including at our communities across the country.”
In a July 10 letter to the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency, the company said it was unable to secure financing for the East Genesee Street project “due to macro-economics beyond our control and volatility in the capital markets.”
It did not say whether O’Donnell’s indictment played a role in the company’s inability to obtain construction financing for the project. The company did not respond to a phone message from syracuse.com | The Post-Standard seeking comment.
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Site of Glenn Donnelly’s failed Central NY raceway project headed to auction block (PS; Moriarty)
The nearly 150-acre site in Oswego County where dirt racing entrepreneur Glenn Donnelly proposed building a multi-use raceway and entertainment facility 13 years ago is on the auction block.
Maltz Auctions will hold an online auction of the property from 1 p.m. next Tuesday, Aug. 13, until 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, to raise money to pay Donnelly’s creditors.
Maltz said it is hoping Micron Technology Inc.’s plans to build a massive semiconductor plan in Clay just five miles south of the site of the failed raceway project will draw interest from bidders.
Donnelly proposed building Central New York Raceway Park on vacant land between Route 11 and Interstate 81 south of Central Square in 2011.
The motorsports complex was to feature a 2.2-mile road course, a half-mile synthetic dirt oval track for harness and dirt car racing, a 56-bay NASCAR-style garage, a 15,000-seat grandstand, and a five-story “command center” with a 300-seat restaurant, VIP suites, a video production studio and offices.
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Popular Upstate NY waterfall trail closed until further notice due to potential flash floods from Debby rain (PS; Hernandez)
Upstate New York’s ever popular Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is closed until further notice due to the remnants of tropical storm Debby moving through the area.
The New York State Park system has announced that the trail is closed for now, due to high rains, thunder, and potential flash floods.
Watkins Glen State Park’s Gorge Trail is two miles of waterfall after waterfall with gigantic cliffs and deep gorges. In the summer, visitors come by the busload to take in its beauty. The trail can be slippery on a good day, but over three inches of rain have fallen already and more is in store.
John Kucko Digital posted to X (formerly Twitter) that he was the last person to leave the trail before it was closed with a photo of the waters raging at Rainbow Falls, one of the most iconic spots in the park. He also posted a video to Facebook showing tree debris rushing through Cavern Cascade, a waterfall visitors walk beneath and often reach out to touch.
Watkins Glen, at the southern end of Seneca Lake is just over a half hour east from Bath, NY. Bath, along with South Canisteo, Woodhull, Addison and more are in an area of Steuben County which has been largely evacuated due to flash flooding.
Shortly after 3 p.m.,Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in New York.
This comes just says after New York officially set the record for most tornadoes in a year after a tornado ripped through Buffalo on August 5.
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