sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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James Blunt - You're Beautiful (Lyrics)
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Welcome to Beautiful Day!
Beauty surrounds us. It is in music, pictures, flowers, people, and pretty much everything else. It is in the smallest and most mundane things we walk past on the street, and in Earth's most magnificent landforms. Today all things of beauty are celebrated. It is unclear who created the day or when they did so, but by doing it they truly did something beautiful.
SU News
Exploring key statistics behind Trebor Peña’s breakout year (DO; Andrews)
It’s taken a while for Trebor Peña to carve out a role with Syracuse. But this year, the redshirt junior is having one of the program’s best seasons for a wide receiver since it joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2013.
Peña barely saw the field across his first four seasons at SU. A 98-yard kickoff return touchdown during his true freshman season elicited excitement, but little production followed. He had just one catch that year, and two in 2021. He earned solid playing time as a wideout in 2022, then didn’t register an offensive statistic the next year due to a season-ending injury.
Everything has changed this year, though. The slot receiver has become quarterback Kyle McCord’s No. 1 option. Offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon has schemed routes for Peña to travel all over the field, mostly excelling in shallow and deep depths of target. As a result, he’s set career-highs in every receiving category, including a team-best 736 yards.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Peña said after SU’s season-opening win over Ohio, in which he scored three touchdowns. “But I put a lot of work in since January until now.”
Judging by the numbers, it’s clear that his work has paid off. Here are the key statistics defining Peña’s breakout 2024 campaign:
71 receptions
Through 10 games, Peña leads Syracuse with 71 receptions. It’s the most catches in a single season by a SU player since Trishton Jackson hauled in 66 receptions in 2019.Peña also leads the ACC in receptions and is ninth in the Football Bowl Subdivision. If the season ended today, he would have beat his career-high by 49.
The sheer volume of Peña’s 2024 campaign is a surprise. He looked to be lower on the preseason totem pole than tight end Oronde Gadsden II, and receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes. But Haynes has been out since Week 2 due to a personal matter, and Peña’s usage in Syracuse’s offense currently outweighs Gadsden and Meeks’.
As a slot receiver, Peña’s production has come from an expanded route tree and McCord’s increased anticipation with him. The Orange have used him as a deep target, like against Virginia Tech, where he pulled in a 41-yard reception. More often, though, he’s used in the short field. Last week at Cal, Peña tallied a season-best 11 catches for 97 yards in Syracuse’s victory, dominating in the quick-passing game off drag routes and swing passes.
97.7 deep center receiving-depth grade
Peña is one of the most lethal players in the country from the deep center area of the field, which is any throw 20 yards or further and between the hash marks. Pro Football Focus’ evaluation system gives Peña a near-perfect 97.7 grade on receptions in that area.McCord has targeted Peña just six times in this area, an uncommon place for slot receivers to roam in. They’re typically used along the sidelines or on drags and short dig routes. But Peña is more efficient in the deep center area than any other spot on the field, per PFF.
There, he’s racked up five receptions for 143 yards. He’s only generated 16 yards after the catch on throws in that area, meaning Peña is often winning contested, one-on-one battles while running go routes or crossing patterns.
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Former Syracuse lineman returns as UConn’s center and with a chip on his shoulder: ‘They asked me to leave’ (PS; Courant)
It was a harsh reality for Wes Hoeh when Syracuse fired football coach Dino Babers last year and brought in Fran Brown, a former Georgia assistant known for being an excellent recruiter, nine days later. Brown brought players with him and about two weeks after he was hired, Hoeh was asked to enter the transfer portal.
“It’s the way the game is now,” said Hoeh, a junior, on Tuesday as he looks forward to returning to the dome as UConn’s center this weekend. “You gotta produce or get out. They asked me to leave and I left. It is what it is.”
Hoeh was only in the portal for about a week before he decided on coming to Storrs, where UConn had an opening at his position after Yakiri Walker transferred to Colorado. He started UConn’s first eight games before his ankle was rolled up on, putting redshirt freshman Carsten Casady in the starting lineup for the last two.
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Syracuse football: what’s college football saying about the Orange after week 12? (TNIAAM; Wall)
Each week, we’ll take a look at what other college football media sites are saying about the Syracuse Orange. Let’s see what they are saying after the Orange’s win at Cal.
Syracuse.Com
Brent Axe puts Syracuse 5th this week between Georgia Tech and Duke.
ESPN
In this week’s SP+ rankings Syracuse is up four to the 56th spot with the offense 35th while the defense ranks 83rd and special teams 98th. The Orange are ranked between Georgia Tech and Cincinnati. UConn is ranked 78th with their offense 97th, defense 55th and special teams 88th.
The Football Power Index has Syracuse in 62nd place between UCLA and Oklahoma State. FPI predicts the Orange for 7.9 wins. UConn is ranked 81st by FPI this week.
ACC/ESPN Media
Andrea Adelson has Syracuse 4th.
CBS Sports
In the CBS Sports power rankings Syracuse is up five spots to 30th between Duke and Louisville. UConn is 60th in these rankings.
The Athletic
The Orange rise ten spots to 30th in The Athletic’s Top 134 Power Rankings placing them in between Pitt and Vanderbilt. UConn is 71st this week.
AP and Coaches Poll
Syracuse received 21 votes in the AP Poll and 18 votes in the Coaches Poll (both 4th highest total outside the top 25)
Awards
Savion Washington was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
Kyle McCord, Oronde Gadsden, Savion Washington and Fadil Diggs made PFF’s ACC Team of the Week.
Jeff Nixon was named ACC Coordinator of the Week by CBS
ACC Week Twelve Scores
Clemson 24 Pitt 20
Syracuse 33 California 25
Louisville 35 Stanford 38
BC 28 SMU 38
Virginia 14 Notre Dame 35
Wake Forest 24 North Carolina 31
ACC Week Thirteen Schedule
NC State at Georgia Tech
North Carolina at Boston College
UConn at Syracuse
SMU at Virginia
Wake Forest at Miami
Charleston Southern at Florida State
The Citadel at Clemson
Pitt at Louisville
Virginia Tech at Duke
Syracuse football: Pop-Tarts Bowl O’Meter update (TNIAAM; Tomaiuolo)
With their backs up against the Pop-Tart wall, the Syracuse Orange football team delivered once again.
Despite being over 10-point underdogs, SU completely overmatched Cal on its home turf, cruising to 33-25 win. Two rushing touchdowns by LeQuint Allen and an end-zone catch by Jackson Meeks put the Orange up by 20 at halftime, and interceptions by Marlowe Wax and Davien Kerr kept the game out of reach.
Let’s check out how a dub over the Bears reflects on our weekly Pop-Tart Bowl O’Meter:
Sitting pretty at 7-3, Fran Brown’s team is firmly back in the Pop-Tart conversation. Wins by No. 17 Clemson, No. 13 SMU and No. 6 Notre Dame also helped Syracuse’s toaster pastry chances, as these teams can skip the traditional “Bowl Season” games and make the College Football Playoff.
Home games against UConn and No. 11 Miami are all that’s left on the regular season schedule. Assuming the Orange take care of the Huskies and give the Hurricanes a good fight, 8-9 wins should put them above the Fenway and Pinstripe Bowl threshold.
But you never know; here’s where the “experts” project Syracuse to compete in the postseason. And something tells me we should be excited...
ESPN - Mark Schlabach and Kyle Bonagura
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl vs No. 10 Tennessee Volunteers - Schlabach
If I told you Syracuse would face the ‘Vols in a bowl game before the season started, you’d probably think the Orange did the impossible and made the CFP. The Gator Bowl on Jan. 2 is honestly pretty close and a great test against the SEC.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl vs Vanderbilt Commodores - Bonagura
Same bowl as his counterpart but mixing in Vandy, who has been a pleasant surprise to this point. Still, the ‘Dores will probably have to play Tennessee tight in their regular season finale to have any shot at this predicted matchup.
Brett McMurphy - The Action Network
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl vs Missouri Tigers
Another matchup against a preseason CFP hopeful. A loss last week to No. 19 South Carolina was the knockout blow to the playoffs for Mizzou, so they could definitely end up in this one.
College Football News
POP-TARTS BOWL vs No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones
I almost passed out when I saw this. FINALLY, someone believes Syracuse will play in the greatest game of them all. What could be better than a shootout with the Cyclones in a battle for a life-sized toaster pastry? It took 12 weekly updates, but we now have someone on board.
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With Syracuse among a glut of ACC teams with 3 losses, bowl projections are all over the map (PS; $; Carlson)
The Syracuse football team is one of three teams tied for fourth place in the ACC with two games remaining. It is also one of eight teams with three conference losses. Its remaining league game, against Miami, is a tough one.
But with a likely 8-4 finish, the Orange are projected by the majority of national experts to be headed toward one of the bowl games traditionally considered in the conference’s top tier.
The most popular choice for Syracuse this week has the Orange headed to the Gator Bowl, the choice of both. Still, there’s a wide range of possibilities with one national expert failing to give the Orange a Power-Four opponent.
With so many teams packed tightly, either is possible.
ESPN’s Football Power Index thinks the most likely record for the Orange is 8-4. I’m operating off that assumption too.
Here’s how that might work out.
College Football Playoff: Miami, Notre Dame
It looks like the ACC champion is going to get into the College Football Playoff, but the loser of the title game is going to get squeezed out. I’ve got the Hurricanes winning here. If you like SMU or Clemson to win the league, you can slot them in. Notre Dame will be in the College Football Playoff unless is stumbles against Army or Southern California.
Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Big 12: Clemson
Clemson played in the Gator Bowl last year and it seems foolish not to take advantage of the team’s rabid fan base in the South. The Tigers did play here in 2021, but it’s probably been long enough. If not, the Tigers are headed to the Holiday Bowl.
Holiday Bowl vs. Pac-12: SMU
I have the Mustangs losing in the ACC title game, but that certainly gets them a spot in the league’s traditional top three. It’s usually not a compliment for an ACC team to be shipped out to the West Coast, but with the league’s new western wing it’s not as much of a problem.
Gator Bowl vs. SEC: Louisville
The ACC has eight teams with three league losses, including Syracuse, and they are all competing for this spot. The Orange would very much deserve to be here if it can close its season with two wins. This prediction assumes the Orange split.
Mayo Bowl vs. SEC: Duke
North Carolina has been two of the past three years, so it’s not going to be North Carolina. This game has hosted a team from North Carolina or Virginia in nine consecutive years. That team has never been Duke.
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Syracuse Football: Latest bowl projections, power rankings ahead of battle with UConn (itlh; Adler)
Last Saturday, Syracuse football played one of its best games of the 2024 season, coming away with an eight-point triumph over California on the road.
The Orange (7-3, 4-3 in the ACC) has two regular-season affairs left. The 'Cuse will host non-conference foe UConn this Saturday followed by another game on the Hill, against Atlantic Coast Conference heavyweight and top-15 Miami, on November 30.
Currently, Syracuse football is tied with Louisville and Georgia Tech for the No. 4 spot in the ACC standings. By and large, first-year head coach Fran Brown and his top-flight staff have done a terrific job in the 2024 campaign, and the Orange is in the hunt for eight, nine or 10 wins this term.
While the 'Cuse won't want to take UConn (7-3 overall) lightly, I believe that Syracuse football will prevail this Saturday to get to 8-3, and then we'll have to see how the Orange fares versus the Hurricanes and in its bowl game.
The latest bowl projections and power rankings for Syracuse football ahead of week 13.
Erick Smith of USA Today projects the 'Cuse to face Pac-12 Conference member and No. 25 Washington State (8-2) at the Holiday Bowl on December 27 in San Diego.
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has the Orange playing American Athletic Conference school East Carolina (6-4) at the Fenway Bowl on December 28 in Boston.
Brad Crawford, an analyst with 247Sports, predicts that the Orange will square off against Big Ten Conference squad Southern California (5-5) at the Sun Bowl on December 31 in El Paso, Texas.
Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports also has Syracuse football going toe to toe with Southern Cal at the Sun Bowl.
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Syracuse football looks for EIGHT WINS for first time since 2018 (youtube.com; podcast; Orange Zone)
Samantha Croston, Ashley Wenskoski, James Mungro and Rachel Culver take the pulse of Syracuse football with two regular season games to go. Recapping the Cal win, looking ahead to UConn and Miami, and discussing what hitting the eight-win mark means to this program in Fran Brown's first season.
00:00-6:08: Winners get washed and Syracuse won at Cal
6:09-8:15: Does Kyle McCord have a future in the NFL?
8:16-9:59: SU hosts Senior Day vs. UConn
10:00-16:30: What to watch for against the Huskies, keys to the game for SU
16:31-19:41: OC Jeff Nixon is linked to Temple head coaching job
19:42-21:59: The meaning behind eight wins
Syracuse vs. Cal Full Game Replay | 2024 ACC Football (youtube; video; ACC DN)
The Orange took a business trip to the West Coast and emerged with a 33-25 victory over the Golden Bears. Kyle McCord led the charge passing for 323 yards and a score. Trebor Pena racked up 97 yards on 11 catches and Oronde Gadsden II amassed 109 yards on 8 catches. Running back LeQuint Allen rushed for 2 scores and tallied 109 yards on 23 carries for Syracuse. Cal QB Fernando Mendoza threw for 225 yards and a touchdown, and running backs Jaydn Ott and Jaivian Thomas combined to rush for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns.
UConn vs Syracuse | College Football Week 13 Predictions, Picks and Best Bets (youtube.com; podcast; College Football Picks)
UConn vs Syracuse College Football game predictions, picks and best bets for November 23rd, 2024.
The UConn Huskies will face the Syracuse Orange in a fun ACC matchup of different styles. Both teams are 7-3 this season. Syracuse is a heavy favorite by the NCAA odds. Who should you back to make the winning College Football pick?
BetUS host Gary Segars, and expert handicappers Kyle Hunter and Parker Fleming preview the College Football game UConn vs Syracuse. They'll go over the best value College Football odds available and betting trends and share their College Football expert predictions.
UConn Football Radio Host Bob Joyce Previews Syracuse vs. UConn (youtube.com; podcast; Cuse Sports Talk)
Bob Joyce, UConn Football Radio Host, joins Brian Higgins to preview Saturday's football matchup between Syracuse and UConn.
College Football 25 | Syracuse Orange vs UCONN Huskies | NCAA Gameplay PS5 (youtube; simulation)
When you can't even get the location of the game right, it probably isn't worth even opening...
College Football 25 | Syracuse Orange vs UCONN Huskies | NCAA Gameplay PS5
Syracuse Football on Instagram: "orange territory ‼️"
cusefootball on November 19, 2024: "orange territory ‼️".
www.instagram.com
Cuse Sports Talk on Instagram: "Fran Brown talks a lot about playing complimentary football... After Syracuse's win over Cal, Kyle McCord explains exactly how that helped the Orange secure a road victory. Watch today's full show ⬇️ https://youtu.be/
11 likes, 0 comments - cusesportstalk on November 19, 2024: "Fran Brown talks a lot about playing complimentary football... After Syracuse's win over Cal, Kyle McCord explains exactly how that helped the Orange secure a road victory. Watch today's full show ⬇️ https://youtu.be/JXI5glOq44I".
www.instagram.com
Syracuse Football on Instagram: "@savionwash league him‼️"
cusefootball on November 19, 2024: "@savionwash league him‼️".
www.instagram.com
ACC News
MAILBAG! Answering your ACC football questions (youtube; podcast; Gramlich & Mac Lain)
It's Mail Bag time!! KG & Mac dive into your ACC football questions! #cfb #cfbanalysis #clemson #miamihurricanes #smufootball #syracuse #pittpanthers #virginiatech
College Football Playoff Scenario: The ACC might get left out completely??? (youtube; podcast; Locked on ACC)
Could the ACC really miss out on the College Football Playoff despite its expansion to 12 teams? With the Miami Hurricanes and other ACC powerhouses showing strength this season, the odds seem slim. Dive into the complexities of conference champion automatic bids, where no team is guaranteed a spot, and explore the perceived favoritism towards SEC and Big Ten teams in rankings.Key matchups like Miami vs. Syracuse could shape the ACC championship race, while the Florida State vs. Florida rivalry loses its usual luster due to Florida State's struggles. The episode also touches on ambitious super league proposals, such as Project Rudy and CSFL, and their potential impact on college football's future.
ACC adds Geico as presenting sponsor for football championship game (SBJ; Portnoy)
The ACC, in collaboration with its official partners Disney and ESPN, is set to announce Geico as the presenting sponsor for the conference’s 2024 football championship game in Charlotte, sources tell SBJ.
An official announcement is expected Wednesday. Financial details of the deal were not immediately available, but it's expected to be an investment in line with similar collegiate events for presenting sponsors via media and sponsorship. Geico tapped IPG Mediabrands to facilitate the deal. Subway and Dr Pepper have been presenting sponsors of the game in past years.
This year marks the 20th ACC football title game. The Dec. 7 contest is on ABC and will mark the 15th time in the last 16 years it has kicked off in prime time.
Bank of America Stadium has hosted 13 of the last 14 ACC football title games, while an agreement was reached in 2018 to keep the game in Charlotte through 2030.
Virginia Football: ACC Football Week 13 Power Rankings (SI; Newton)
12 weeks of the college football season are in the books and the conference championship title races are heating up. Let's check in on the Atlantic Coast Conference to see who's trending up, who's trending down, and who has a chance to make the ACC Championship Game.
Here are our week 13 ACC Football Power Rankings:
1. SMU (9-1, 6-0 ACC)
The Mustangs were tested by the visiting Boston College Eagles, but ultimately held them off for their seventh-consecutive victory, 38-28, on Saturday in Dallas. SMU is now two wins away from completing its first season in the ACC undefeated, a remarkable feat. The Mustangs can also clinch their spot in the ACC Championship game with a win next week at Virginia. A spot in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff is certainly on the table for Rhett Lashlee's Mustangs.Up next: at Virginia
2. Miami (9-1, 5-1 ACC)
The Hurricanes were idle this week, giving them plenty of time to think about, and hopefully get over, their disastrous loss at Georgia Tech in week 11 that ended their bid for a perfect season. The good news for Miami is that the tiebreaker with Clemson is in its favor. Assuming SMU takes one spot in the ACC title game, the Hurricanes would be there as well if both they and the Tigers finish 7-1 in the ACC, due to their record against common opponents. The decisive tiebreaker is Louisville, as Miami beat Louisville while Clemson lost to Louisville. The Canes need only win their last two games at home against Wake Forest and on the road at Syracuse in order to book their ticket to Charlotte and keep their CFP hopes alive.Up next: vs. Wake Forest
3. Clemson (8-2, 7-1 ACC)
Clemson has bounced back nicely since that ugly loss to Louisville in week 10, picking up a couple of impressive road victories at Virginia Tech and then at Pittsburgh this past weekend. Unfortunately for Dabo Swinney's Tigers, they do not control their own destiny. In fact, they are already done playing ACC games as their last two games are against the Citadel and No. 19 South Carolina. Even if Clemson wins both of those games to finish the year 10-2, it's unlikely that will be enough to earn a CFP bid given the strength of the SEC and Big Ten. The ACC will not be a multi-bid league and so Clemson needs Miami to lose one of its final two games (or for SMU to lose both of its final two games) in order to make the ACC Championship Game and have a chance at making the playoff.4. Louisville (6-4, 4-3 ACC)
Louisville's roller coaster season continues. The Cardinals had only a slim chance of making the ACC Championship Game after knocking off Clemson on the road and would have needed a lot to go their way, but now those chances are completely gone after completely blowing the game at Stanford, who had lost its previous six games and had only one ACC win on the season coming in. With the game tied with just a few seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Louisville went for it on fourth down from the Stanford 45-yard line and didn't convert. The Cardinals then committed two penalties on defense in the last five seconds of the game to give Stanford a chance at a game-winning field goal and Emmet Kenney made the 52-yarder as time expired. That's how a team that beat Clemson on the road and lost to three top 15 teams by one possession each fell to one of the basement dwellers of the ACC. Brutal.Up next: vs. Pittsburgh
5. Pittsburgh (7-3, 3-3 ACC)
After starting the season 7-0, Pat Narduzzi's Panthers have had their season go off the rails in the last three weeks. First, Pitt got ran off the field at SMU. Then, Virginia came in to Acrisure Stadium and handed the Panthers a 24-19 loss and knocked out their starting quarterback Eli Holstein. With Nate Yarnell in at quarterback, Pitt gave an impressive effort and even held the lead on Clemson with less than two minutes to go. But Cade Klubnik got loose for a 50-yard touchdown run and the Panthers couldn't answer. It's the most respectable of the three losses, but it's a three-game losing streak nonetheless. Now, the Panthers will have to take down No. 19 Louisville on the road in order to avoid a fourth loss in a row.Up next: at Louisville
6. Duke (7-3, 3-3 ACC)
Duke was idle this week after taking down rival NC State 29-19 in week 11. The Blue Devils have a chance to go 9-3 in their first season under Manny Diaz, which would be a remarkable opening salvo. A good bowl game and a top five finish in the ACC is also on the table. Rested and ready, Duke welcomes Virginia Tech to Durham on Saturday.Up next: vs. Virginia Tech
7. Georgia Tech (6-4, 4-3 ACC)
The Yellow Jackets had a bye this week, giving them some extra time to celebrate their epic victory over then-No. 4 Miami in week 11. In one of the toughest closing schedules in the country, Georgia Tech took down a top five team in order to pick up that crucial sixth win to reach bowl eligibility. Now, the question is what else can the Yellow Jackets accomplish in the remainder of the season. Georgia Tech hosts NC State on Thursday night before making the short trip to Athens to take on Georgia in the regular season finale.Up next: vs. NC State
8. Syracuse (7-3, 4-3 ACC)
The Orange have alternated wins and losses over their last five games. Most recently, Syracuse bounced back from a tough loss at Boston College by holding off California in the final road game of the season. A late non-conference game at UConn next week should give the Orange their eighth win of the season and then they welcome Miami to the Dome for the regular season finale. This is still shaping up to be a great first season for Fran Brown as head coach at Syracuse.9. North Carolina (6-4, 3-3 ACC)
Since suffering four-straight losses in the middle of the season, Mack Brown has gotten the Tar Heels back on track, winning their last three games, including a nice 31-24 win over Wake Forest last week. A five-game winning streak to end the regular season, a 5-3 finish in the ACC, and an eight-win season are all on the board for UNC if it can take care of business on the road at Boston College and then back at home against NC State in the regular season finale....
ACC Power Rankings: Week 13 (stateoftheu.com; Schiffman)
The ACC is beating up on itself this season. All but three teams have at least three conference losses. There is only one undefeated team in conference play. If the SMU Mustangs and Miami Hurricanes each win their last two games, they will play each other in Charlotte for the 2024 ACC Championship and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Without further ado, let’s get to the rankings.
1. SMU - 9-1 overall, 6-0 conference
The Mustangs won a competitive game against a pesky Boston College team last Saturday. SMU’s offense came alive when it had to, and their defense flew around and made some plays. I don’t understand how they have been ranked so low in the CFP rankings. SMU is a legit team with a solid resume. Give Rhett Lashlee and all those former Miami guys some respect!2. Miami - 9-1, 5-1
The Canes were off last week after suffering their first loss of the season to Georgia Tech in Atlanta the previous Saturday. I sure hope Coach Cristobal and his staff used the extra time to get his team focused and ready to play winning football these last two weeks of the regular season. Miami needs to come out and dominate Wake Forest at home this Saturday.3. Clemson - 8-2, 7-1
Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik saved his team with his game-winning 50-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes left in the game. Pitt seemed poised to pull off the upset with their backup QB. It would’ve been nice to see Clemson go down again I guess. Either way, I don’t see a path for them to get into this season’s CFP.4. Syracuse - 7-3, 4-3
It’s been a while since The Orange have been ranked this high. With Louisville and Pitt going down, I think it’s justified. Kyle McCord has started to light it up again through the air. They host UConn this weekend. Assuming they get past the Huskies, it should be a decent showdown with Miami to end the season.5. Georgia Tech - 6-4, 4-3
The Yellow Jackets were off last weekend. More time for them to enjoy their win over Miami. Yuck. GT should get another win Thursday night at home against NC State. After that, they have to play Georgia. I imagine Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are going to want to beat GT as bad as possible to put an exclamation point on their season....
ACC Football Power Rankings - Week 12 (backingthepack.com; PWolf)
1. SMU (last week: 38-28 W vs Boston College)
For a while, it looked like SMU was going to trip over themselves and get knocked off at home by a BC squad that just made a QB change. Instead, the Mustangs outscored the Eagles 18-7 down the stretch to pick up the win. Giving up 417 yards to BC isn’t a good look, but the last time SMU was challenged to this extent this season they responded with their best effort of the year. Watch out, Virginia. By the way, SMU needs just one more win to secure a spot in the ACC title game.2. Georgia Tech (last week: Bye)
Who knows which GT team you’re going to get in a given week, but with a healthy Haynes King, this Jackets squad is dangerous. Coming off a bye, there’s no reason to drop them below Miami... and no reason to put anyone other than SMU higher. The Yellow Jackets host NC State on Thursday night.3. Miami (last week: Bye)
Mario Cristobal’s group can’t afford another slip up with Clemson having finished their conference record at 7-1. The good news for the Canes is that Wake and Syracuse are all that remain between them and a spot opposite SMU in the ACC title game (or opposite Clemson should SMU drop off a cliff).4. Clemson (last week: 24-20 W @ Pittsburgh)
A 50-yard TD run by Cade Klubnik with 1:16 left in the game saved the Tigers from a loss after Clemson surrendered 13 points in the 4th quarter to the Panthers. Despite being outgained 438-to-346, Clemson was able to pull out the victory, and it keeps their hopes of an ACC title game appearance alive. This is a flawed Clemson team, but heck I’d be pretty happy to be 8-2 (7-1) right now. The Citadel is up next before a home game against and surging South Carolina team.5. Duke (last week: Bye)
At 7-3, the Blue Devils have a pretty clear path to a 9-3 regular season. They’ll host VT this weekend and head to Wake the following.6. Pittsburgh (last week: 20-24 L vs Clemson)
Oh, man... the Panthers did just about everything right until a late breakdown allowed Clemson to snatch away that victory. Nate Yarnell threw for 350 yards and a TD while Desmond Reid accounted for 176 yards from scrimmage. After getting blown out by SMU, it’s been back-to-back tough losses for Pitt, and this has ended up being a season of “could have been”. Still a remarkable bounce back from last year’s train wreck. Road trips to Louisville and Boston College remain.7. Boston College (last week: 28-38 L @ SMU)
It was there for the taking following a solid effort, but the Eagles couldn’t finish the job against the Mustangs. The loss drops BC to 2-4 in ACC play, but they’re still just a single win shy of bowl eligibility. A home tilt against North Carolina is up next to make that happen. QB Grayson James did fine in his debut as the lead of the Eagles offense, but he’ll need to up that production if BC is to top the Tar Heels.8. Louisville (last week: 35-38 L @ Stanford)
If you didn’t watch how the Cardinals lost to Stanford, you should go back and watch it. Louisville had the ball at the Stanford 45 yard line with 19 seconds to go in a tie game, and without throwing an interception or fumbling the ball, somehow managed to lose. Pretty hilarious, but an epic meltdown at the end. I’ve said all year that Louisville was good enough to beat anybody but also bad enough to lose to anybody in this conference. Apparently they felt really strongly about that.9. Syracuse (last week: 33-25 W @ California)
Syracuse jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead and then held on for dear life as they were outscored 18-6 the rest of the way. The Orange racked up 471 yards with Kyle McCord throwing for 323 and LeQuint Allen rushing for 109 and 2 TDs. The defense was really the issue here and those that side of the ball has to improve. This has been a remarkable first season for Fran Brown and he’ll have an opportunity to hit 8 wins for the first time in 6 years (and just the second time in 12 years) as the team hosts UConn this weekend....
ACC Power Rankings Post-Week 12: Stanford Pulls Upset while SMU Avoids Getting Upset (shakinthesouthland.com; Goldin)
- SMU (Prev 1): SMU got a 10 point win over Boston College, but the score was a padded when Key’Shawn Smith caught a touchdown from Kevin Jennings with 8 seconds left in the game. It appears SMU may he getting propped up by a weak schedule, and there’s not much to think that changes as they face UVA and Cal to close out the regular season.
- Miami (Prev 2): The Canes had the weekend off after their devastating loss to Georgia Tech. The Canes host hapless Wake Forest this weekend in what sets up to be a get right game for the U.
- Louisville (Prev 3): You may be confused why Louisville didn’t drop despite losing to Stanford. If Clemson had bounced back in a more dominant way in the past two games I’d be more willing to write off the loss to the Cards as a bad day and put the Tigers over them despite the head-to-head matchup, but right now Clemson is still trying to figure some things out, so I’m keeping everything the same. For now.
- Clemson (Prev 4): I’m not trying to pump sunshine, but there were a lot of promising things I saw in Clemson’s late game 24-20 win over Pitt. The offensive line was not good, but 4 guys were out of position and they had essentially a third-stringer in Trent Howard playing left guard. The Tigers also played without Wade Woodaz, Demonte Capehart, and half of the game without Sammy Brown. Dee Crayton had a few busts filling in for Sammy, but again, given the situation I was generally encouraged by how he played. This week will hopefully be a good time for Clemson to get healthy, because the next week the Tigers will be facing probably the best South Carolina team since 2013. While you can’t overlook anyone, the mission this week against the Citadel is get in, get some young guys some reps, and get out with a drama free win and no more injuries.
- Georgia Tech (Prev 5): Georgia Tech also had a bye weekend. The Jackets will host NC State Thursday night.
- Syracuse (Prev 9): Syracuse knocked off Cal in Berkeley, which meant their coach Fran Brown got to take a shower before hopping on a plane for a cross country flight. ‘Cuse hosts old Big East rival UConn on Saturday.
7. Pitt (Prev 6): Pitt did a great job stifling Phil Mafah and the Clemson running game for most of the day, and backup QB Nate Yarnell came extremely close to pulling off the upset. Pitt now travels to face a Louisville team reeling from their big loss to Stanford.
...CFP Ranking 2024 Nov 19 (RX; HM)
CFP Ranking 2024 Nov 19
The third iteration of the College Football Playoffs ranking is out. Here's their Top 25:
| College Football Playoff Rankings | |||
| RK | Team | W-L | Chng |
| 1 | Oregon | 11-0 | - |
| 2 | Ohio State | 9-1 | - |
| 3 | Texas | 9-1 | - |
| 4 | Penn State | 9-1 | - |
| 5 | Indiana | 10-0 | - |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 9-1 | ^2 |
| 7 | Alabama | 8-2 | ^3 |
| 8 | Miami | 9-1 | ^1 |
| 9 | Ole Miss | 8-2 | ^2 |
| 10 | Georgia | 8-2 | ^2 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 8-2 | v4 |
| 12 | Boise State | 9-1 | ^1 |
| 13 | SMU | 9-1 | ^1 |
| 14 | BYU | 9-1 | v8 |
| 15 | Texas A&M | 8-2 | - |
| 16 | Colorado | 8-2 | ^1 |
| 17 | Clemson | 8-2 | ^3 |
| 18 | S Carolina | 7-3 | ^3 |
| 19 | Army | 9-0 | ^5 |
| 20 | Tulane | 9-2 | ^5 |
| 21 | Arizona St | 8-2 | NR |
| 22 | Iowa State | 8-2 | NR |
| 23 | Missouri | 7-3 | - |
| 24 | UNLV | 8-2 | NR |
| 25 | Illinois | 7-3 | NR |
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2024 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalists (RX; HM)
Louisville’s Brooks, Miami’s Restrepo Named 2024 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalists
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference had two standout football student-athletes – Louisville’s Ja’Corey Brooks and Miami’s Xavier Restrepo – recognized as two of 11 semifinalists for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, announced on Tuesday.
The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver.
Brooks has been one of Louisville’s primary offensive threats this season, as the Alabama transfer wideout leads the ACC and ranks seventh nationally in both receiving yards (945) and receiving yards per game (94.5) on the season. In his first season at Louisville, Brooks also ranks second in the ACC and 15th nationally with eight touchdown catches. The Bradenton, Florida, native has recorded five 100-yard receiving games this season and has caught at least one pass in each of the Cardinals’ 10 games.
The top receiver on the top offensive team in all of college football this season, Restrepo leads the ACC and ranks third nationally with 10 touchdown receptions. The veteran wide receiver also ranks second in the ACC and 10th nationally in both receiving yards (934) and receiving yards per game (93.4). He has caught at least three passes in each of the 10 games this year, while recording five 100-yard receiving games, highlighted by eight catches, 146 yards and three touchdowns in the home win over Duke on November 2. The fifth-year senior became Miami’s all-time leading receiver in receptions and receiving yards this year, surpassing Hurricane greats such as Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne and Michael Irvin.
The semifinalists, finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted.
Recently, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation opened the 2024 FanVote. Every fan may vote once daily on the Biletnikoff Award FanVote page. The aggregate fan tally will be counted as one official vote to determine the semifinalists, finalists (three receivers), and the winner.
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Other
Local group is ready to buy Cazenovia College campus. Here’s its ambitious plan (PS; $; Moriarty)
A group of local investors says it has a deal to buy the Cazenovia College campus and plans to turn it into a complex featuring residential, lodging and office space.
The group is calling itself 9 Fresh after the nine members of the team, who are bringing expertise in real estate, venture capital, law, economic development and business to the venture.
It is led by venture capitalist Kate Brodock, real estate investor and entrepreneur Hardeep Bindra, and a third general partner whose name has not been released.
The other members of the team are local professionals: Travis Barr, Matt Cashatt, Lisa Cole Burnett, Brian Davis, Anne Halsey and Linda Morgan.
All the members are from Cazenovia except Bindra, who is from nearby Fayetteville.
The private liberal arts college closed in 2023 after 199 years in business. College officials cited financial difficulties stemming from a drop in student enrollments. The decision to close was announced after the college defaulted on a $25 million bond.
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A fire bell from 1871 is among the monuments in Syracuse's Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park. (Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com)Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com
How a Texas park inspired a long overdue facelift for Syracuse’s firefighters memorial (PS; $; Boyer)
Shortly after his 2014 retirement from the Syracuse Fire Department, James Ennis was visiting his sister in Texas when he solved a problem at the city park he and his fellow firefighters had been maintaining since 1990s.
Ennis, a past president of the firefighters union who worked in the department for more than 37 years, saw a slanted wall embedded with engraved bricks at the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. He then thought about the brick pavers surrounding the fountain at the Syracuse Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park that frequently became covered in dirt and lichens from the mist and foot traffic. The display at the Texas site would be a great way to showcase the bricks in Syracuse.
“Our red bricks with black engraving were looking like like an asphalt jungle,” he said.
More than 10 years after seeing the inspiration, Ennis is thrilled that a $400,000 project to build a pair of memorial brick walls at the park is about to start. The Syracuse Common Council last week authorized moving forward with a park improvement project that will begin in the spring and be completed by the summer.
1 Upstate NY county among hottest real estate markets in US (PS; $; Tampone)
Monroe County in Upstate New York was among the top 20 hottest real estate markets in the nation in October, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
The county, home to Rochester, ranked No. 17 in the nation for market hotness out of over 1,600 U.S. counties ranked in October.
You can see details on market hotness in counties across Upstate New York and the rest of the state in October in the table below. If you can’t see the table, click here to open it in a new window.
The locations were ranked by “hotness score,” a Realtors Association metric that takes into account both supply and demand scores in each county. The supply score ranks median days on market in each location against other geographies while the demand score ranks page views of listings on realtor.com.
In addition to Monroe County, two other Upstate New York counties were in the top 100 nationwide for market hotness in October: Broome County at No. 73 and Orleans County at No. 88.
Onondaga County ranked 290th in the U.S. in October and 11th in New York.
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