Bryce Young Praised by CFB Twitter as Bill O'Brien Faces Doubters in Alabama Win
Nov 13, 2022
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Bryce Young did everything in his power to carry Alabama to a 30-24 victory over Mississippi at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday.
Looking to get back on track after last week's overtime loss at LSU and trying to avoid losing three games in a season for the first time since 2010, Young threw for 209 yards and three touchdowns.
It wasn't the best statistical day for the junior quarterback, but it was apparent throughout the game he was elevating the offense. His best play of the day was a touchdown pass to Ja'Corey Brooks on 3rd-and-goal that tied the score at 24 late in the third quarter.
Young's most important play was a 10-yard scramble on 3rd-and-6 from the Alabama 45-yard line to extend a drive with 6:27 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The first down allowed the Crimson Tide to take four more minutes off the clock and kick a field goal to turn a three-point game into a 30-24 advantage.
The response to Young's performance was positive and in stark contrast to what fans had to say about the play-calling from Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.
This has certainly been an unusual season for Alabama. Head coach Nick Saban isn't accustomed to seeing his team struggle in the various ways this year's group has. The defense was a mess in losses to Tennessee and LSU.
The offense has been inconsistent, even in wins over Texas and Texas A&M. The win over the Aggies did come with Young unavailable because of a sprained right shoulder.
In four games since returning from that injury, Young has thrown for 1,241 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He's completed 59.6 percent of his attempts during that span.
Saturday's win may have been somewhat bittersweet for the Crimson Tide. LSU clinched a berth in the SEC Championship Game thanks to the loss by Ole Miss.
Next up for Alabama will be a glorified tune-up against Austin Peay on Nov. 19 before the Iron Bowl against Auburn at Bryant–Denny Stadium in two weeks.
Lane Kiffin Disputes Notion Nick Saban's Alabama Dynasty Is Ending After LSU Loss
Nov 11, 2022
COLLEGE STATION, TX - OCTOBER 29: Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on from the sideline during the football game between the Ole Miss Rebels and Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 29, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Ole Miss football head coach Lane Kiffin doesn't believe Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty is over despite the Crimson Tide's tough 2022 campaign.
Kiffin, who worked under Saban as Alabama's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2014 to 2016, said on The Paul Finebaum Show on Friday (h/t ESPN's Brandon Zimmerman) that the Tide aren't showing signs of decline yet.
"When you see programs coming down from the top, you don't see them losing two, one-play games. When you see teams losing by 14, 17 points, then you start to say, 'OK, are they not the same anymore.'"
Alabama entered this year as a national championship contender, but a pair of one-score losses, both on the final play of the game, have dropped the team to 7-2.
A last-second field goal sealed Tennessee's 52-49 home win over Alabama three weeks ago. Last Saturday, a two-point conversion in overtime put LSU over the top, 32-31.
Penalties, turnovers and a lack of takeaways have hurt Alabama, but the Crimson Tide still have superstars at quarterback in Bryce Young and edge-rusher in Will Anderson Jr. Alabama is also sixth in scoring and 14th in points allowed in Division I FBS.
This squad may not be on par with the six championship teams Saban has coached at Alabama since arriving in 2007, but it's a talented unit that could finish the season strong and earn yet another season of double-digit wins.
Also, their College Football Playoff hopes aren't dead yet, although it will be an uphill climb for the Crimson Tide to get there after the LSU loss.
Alabama will look to get back on track with another tough SEC road game against Kiffin's Rebels, who are No. 11 in the CFP rankings.
The Rebels' powerful offense is led by freshman running back Quinshon Judkins, who has 1,107 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
While it has been fantastic to have men's college basketball back in our lives for the past few days, the matchups thus far have been...yawn-inducing. There...
B/R College Football 2022 Betting Locks with Adam Kramer: Week 11
Nov 10, 2022
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 05: K.J. Jefferson #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks warms up before a game against the Liberty Flames at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Oh, what a glorious sport this is.
On the field, college football is creating magic each and every week. Week 10 was particularly beautiful when you add up the intrigue and significance.
At the betting window, it was magical as well. A strong season stayed strong on Saturday, as our CFB picks against the spread went 7-2. For the year, we are now a lovely 58-36-3.
As always, we do not take greatness for granted. We appreciate the quality weeks, and then we move on. Week 11 is ripe with opportunity.
Before we get to the picks, here is what went right (and wrong) last weekend.
The Good: Notre Dame (+3.5) vs. Clemson
There were a bunch of games that felt right, although this one didn’t have much drama about it. The Irish absolutely dominated at home, and this bet never really felt threatened after Notre Dame scored its first touchdown.
The Bad: Tulsa (+7.5) vs. Tulane
We got cute, and Tulane made us pay. One of the best teams against the spread covered once again. Tulsa stayed in the game throughout, although we were constantly chasing points. It didn’t work out, although it wasn’t too far off.
With that out of the way, time for more winners.
All odds courtesy of DraftKings and accurate as of Wednesday.
Texas (-7) vs. TCU
MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 05: Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) is all smiles late in the fourth quarter of a Big 12 college football game between the Texas Longhorns and Kansas State Wildcats on November 5, 2022 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Let’s begin with the obvious. Texas has gotten in the habit of blowing big leads, and TCU has mastered the art of falling behind and then coming back to win. Something has got to give this week, and I believe it will.
The oddsmakers are showing a great deal of faith in Texas, which is likely to generate some strong opinions.
On one hand, TCU is unbeaten and has lost just one game against the spread all season. On the other, it has flirted with disaster the past month, falling behind (but rallying) in four consecutive games.
Texas, meanwhile, has walked its own highwire act. Most recently, the Longhorns beat Kansas State on the road, although the win (and cover) did not come without drama.
Here’s the primary reason why I like Texas: TCU has the nation’s No. 70-ranked rushing defense, allowing nearly four yards per rush. Against running back Bijan Robinson, the best running back in football, that’s a problem.
Texas derails TCU’s unbeaten season, and it does so in a double-digit win.
Arkansas (+3) vs. LSU
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Sam Pittman of the Arkansas Razorbacks during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Oh, we’re not done with top-10 teams that could be in for a rough weekend.
LSU, fresh off its dramatic, emphatic win over Alabama, is a small favorite over a team that just lost outright to Liberty at home. (Liberty fans, I mean no disrespect. But even you must admit this point spread is pretty wild.)
For starters, the hangover potential for this team is enormous. The Tigers just beat Alabama, something they rarely do, and the celebration could linger well into this week.
Here’s another element to consider. It’s Week 11, and LSU has played two true road games this season. That’s it. The first road game was a near loss at Auburn; the second was a 10-point win over Florida.
The road experience, at least thus far, has been a mixed bag at best.
Arkansas, of course, is not without issues. Losing to Liberty as a double-digit favorite isn’t ideal, although Hugh Freeze’s team has been superb this year.
This week, the Hogs bounce back. This is the Sam Pittman special, and Arkansas, despite a fair number of ups and downs, throws chaos into the conference once more.
Wake Forest (-3.5) vs. North Carolina
RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Sam Hartman #10 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons drops back to pass during the second half of their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 30-21. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
Do you sense a trend this week? I promise, it’s not intentional. While chaos is something we appreciate and celebrate in these parts, it’s not something we force.
This is a game and line I like a great deal. In fact, I’m kicking myself for not backing Virginia against UNC last week. The Cavaliers were a seven-point underdog, and they nearly upset the Tar Heels.
A week later, and the Demon Deacons are live coming off back-to-back losses on the road. This week, Wake Forest will play in front of the home crowd. When you consider that Wake is 4-1 against the spread at home, it puts the matchup in perspective.
Although I love watching Drake Maye throw footballs for UNC, this will be a fascinating temperature check. To date, North Carolina’s best win is either Duke or Pittsburgh. (That is a polite way of saying I have concerns.)
Wake Forest wins a football game with a basketball score.
Oregon State (-14) vs. Cal
SEATTLE, WA - November 4: Oregon States #6 (RB) Damien Martinez during a college football game between the University of Washington and the Oregon State Beavers on November 4, 2022 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Give Cal credit. The Bears have hung tough against some quality teams.
After nearly upsetting Notre Dame earlier in the year, Cal put a scare into USC on the road last weekend. This outcome came just a few weeks after the Bears were competitive against Washington.
With that out of the way, this will likely be an ugly football game. Oregon State has not lost against the spread at home, and the Beavers seem to thrive when playing in Corvallis.
This week, Oregon State will attempt to bounce back from a close loss to Washington that was played in difficult conditions. This will be a much different challenge against a much different team.
While Cal has played admirably, the weight of five consecutive losses—coupled with back-to-back weeks on the road—finally catches up. The Beavers take down the Bears with ease. Nature in reverse.
Baylor (-3) vs. Kansas State
MORGANTOWN, WV - OCTOBER 13: Baylor Bears Heac Coach Dave Aranda on the sidelines during the first half of the college football game between the Baylor Bears and the West Virginia Mountaineers on October 13, 2022, at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Somewhat quietly, Baylor has revived a season that was heading in the wrong direction. After three consecutive wins, including a thrilling three-point win at Oklahoma a week ago, the Bears are rolling.
On the other side, Kansas State has now lost two of the last three games. In fairness to the Wildcats, they have been competitive in every game this year.
It feels like, however, that these two teams are heading in different directions. And although K-State is still ranked in the top 15 of the AP Poll, it’s Baylor that is favored to win.
For the Bears, the formula is simple: recreate last week’s game plan.
Baylor ran for 281 yards against Oklahoma, and running back Craig Williams did the heavy lifting. After watching Texas run for 269 yards last week, the strategy to recreate this production should be pretty direct.
Either way, Baylor stays hot with a victory.
Other Games on the Card
Cincinnati (-5.5) vs. East Carolina
I love what the Pirates have done, but this feels like the perfect spot for a Cincinnati team trying to make a statement. The Bearcats beat a very good team by more than a touchdown.
UCLA vs. Arizona (Over 78)
It's a lot points, although I am here for it. We were on the UCLA over last week, and the Bruins cashed in against Arizona State. This week, we're doing the same at a higher number. Final score: UCLA 55, Arizona 31.
UConn (+14.5) vs. Liberty
Is this a tad scary? Absolutely. But UConn is riding a wave right now thanks to Jim Mora Jr., and we're hopping on. Liberty will have a football hangover after last week, and it shows.
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The transfer portal has given players new opportunities to find success across the country and work in a system that fits their style of play. The fight for a...
5-Star SF Cody Williams Commits to Colorado over LSU; Was Recruited by Arizona, More
Nov 9, 2022
Tad Boyle has landed Colorado its first 5-star recruit in at least a decade.
Forward Cody Williams announced his commitment to the Buffaloes on Monday, choosing Boyle's program over a hard push from LSU.
"The program and the players are very connected, and they have built a great culture," Williams told ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi. "I see myself as part of it. I love the staff and Coach Boyle. When Coach Boyle tells you something, you know it is the truth whether it's on or off the court. It is to help you. He is a very genuine person."
Williams is the No. 23 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and the fifth-ranked small forward, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He's the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder first-round pick Jalen Williams and arguably comes with a higher ceiling.
Gifted with elite length at 6'8" and athletic fluidity, Williams has the potential to be the best defensive player in his class. He's still very much a work in progress on the offensive end—particularly as a shooter—but his ability to create for himself off the dribble and finish at the rim will give him some leeway as his shot develops.
"I love defense," Williams said. "I am focusing on my defense because most do not give it enough attention. My brother is now getting playing time because he has committed himself to guarding, switching and rebounding."
Landing Williams is nothing short of a massive win for Boyle, who is in his 13th season at Colorado. The program has never come close to landing a prospect of Williams' caliber before, with 2012 forward Josh Scott being the previous top recruit signed under Boyle.
Williams is joined by 3-star shooting guard Courtney Anderson among players in the Buffaloes' 2023 class.
In each of the previous eight seasons of the College Football Playoff era, the team that debuted at No. 1 in the CFP rankings made it at least one week before...
SALEM, VA - APRIL 24: The playing court before the game between Carthage College and Benedictine University in the Division III Men"u2019s Volleyball Championship held at the Salem Civic Center on April 24, 2021 in Salem, Virginia. (Photo by Keith Lucas/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
The University of the Pacific volleyball team chose to accept a forfeit rather than play at BYU after Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson said she was subjected to racial slurs from a Cougars fan during an August match.
"The volleyball team has decided to not play the November 10 game at BYU," Pacific's senior communications director Mike Klocke said in a statement, per Analis Bailey of USA Today. "The team expressed concerns following reports of racist and hostile comments during an August 26 match. Pacific stands with our student-athletes."
Bailey noted BYU said it found no evidence of the racist comment during its own investigation, which it highlighted in its response.
"The University of the Pacific's decision to forfeit this week's women's volleyball match is unwarranted and deeply disappointing," the statement said. "Following the Aug. 26 allegation, BYU conducted an extensive review and found no evidence to corroborate this allegation."
Yet Richardson, who is Black, said she repeatedly heard a slur from the student section during the match, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. BYU initially banned a fan from attending athletic events but reversed that decision following its investigation.
Duke athletic director Nina King released a statement supporting Richardson and the volleyball team after BYU made its announcement. Richardson's godmother, Lesa Pamplin, was not swayed by BYU's determination either.
"BYU's statement today does not change my position," Pamplin said. "In fact, the statement and the 'findings' are in keeping with what I—and many others—anticipated.
"Daily across America, the burden of proof—in instances like these involving people of color, as well as marginalized people, economically disadvantaged people, and disempowered people—is shifted unfairly and without hesitation."
As Bailey pointed out, the University of the Pacific volleyball team wasn't the only one to respond across the college sports landscape.
Some USC women's soccer players said they were subjected to racial slurs from BYU fans in 2021 when they protested systemic inequality and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.
South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley canceled a scheduled series with the Cougars, saying "the incident at BYU has led me to reevaluate our home-and-home, and I don't feel that this is the right time for us to engage in this series."
Alex Toohey, NBA Global Academy Product, Commits to Gonzaga over Villanova, Michigan
Nov 8, 2022
BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: Alex Toohey of Australia (L) looks to pass during the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifier match between the Australia Boomers and Iran at Red Energy Arena on August 29, 2022 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Alex Toohey, an 18-year-old Australian forward who has been playing at the NBA Global Academy, has committed to Gonzaga over Villanova, Michigan and Davidson.
Toohey explained his decision to ESPN's Jonathan Givony on Tuesday.
"Gonzaga stood out with their history of winning and making international players better," Toohey said. "Being able to learn from a great coach in Mark Few will be special."
Givony called Toohey "one of the most promising international prospects committing to the college route" for the class of 2023.
The 6'8" Toohey made his debut for the Australian senior national team in Feb. 2021 and scored 12 points in 17 minutes during FIBA World Cup qualifiers in August 2022.
Givony provided highlights of the versatile Toohey:
Highlights of Alex Toohey. The 6'8, 18-year-old wing's combination of size, feel for the game, toughness and ability to play all over the floor gives him significant potential as a college player and could ultimately help him emerge as an NBA prospect at Gonzaga. pic.twitter.com/0TH9zxUnMa
The NBA Global Academy is based in Canberra, Australia. It is located in Basketball Australia’s (BA) Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Per NBA.com, the Centre of Excellence has been the home for numerous current and former NBA players, such as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, who became the first-ever NBA Academy Graduate selected in the NBA draft.
The Centre of Excellence has also produced other players such as Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and Patty Mills.
As for Gonzaga, the Bulldogs have already received a commitment from 4-star forward Dusty Stromer, who is ranked 42nd overall on the 247Sports' composite list of prospects.
Now they add a player with high upside in Toohey, who should help keep Gonzaga's winning tradition going.
Oregon HC Dan Lanning Denies Auburn Buzz: 'The Last Thing I Ever Want to Do Is Leave'
Nov 8, 2022
BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 5: Head coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks looks on from the sideline in a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 5, 2022 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Dan Lanning has no plans to use Oregon as a steppingstone.
The Ducks head coach offered an extended denial of rumors he'd be interested in taking the Auburn head coaching position Monday, telling reporters Oregon "has everything I could possibly ever want."
Oregon’s Dan Lanning was asked about a fan blog affiliated with Sports Illustrated reporting “mutual interest” between him and Auburn.
Lanning’s initial response — shaking his head in disbelief — is what you’d expect.
"First off, I'll say things like this are gonna come up when you have team success and when you do your job and things go the way they're supposed to go. That's credit really to our team. That being said, I think there's a little bit of a problem in society today with people looking for what's next and where there's an opportunity, and the reality is the grass is not always greener. In fact, the grass is damn green in Eugene, right? And I want to be here in Eugene for as long as Eugene will have me.
"This place has everything I could possibly ever want, my family could ever want. I've got an 11-year-old that's lived in eight states. The last thing I ever want to do is leave. I want to enjoy this opportunity here. It's been a phenomenal place for us. And when you talk about things that align, things that match your vision for what you're looking for as a head coach, Oregon checks every box for me.
"I think history maybe shows that this is a great place to be and not a great place to leave. I want to be here. Hopefully, that's the last time I have to really address it. But the reality is this is a destination, not just for me, but for elite players. And why is it a destination? Because reat administration, great fans, great support, and it's a good reason to be here and why we're having the success we're having."
Oregon has seen its last two coaches (Willie Taggart and Mario Cristobal) use the program to boost their resumes before leaving for what they perceived as better jobs (Florida State and Miami, respectively). Taggart lasted less than two seasons at Florida State before being fired, and Cristobal is 4-5 in his first season at Miami.
Lanning, meanwhile, is 8-1 in his first year in Eugene with a shot at making the College Football Playoff. The Ducks recovered from an ugly 49-3 loss to Georgia to open their regular season to reel off eight straight wins, scoring 40-plus points in each contest.
Lanning came to Oregon after working his way up from a high school special teams coach to being Georgia's defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021, winning a national championship with the Bulldogs last season.
The combination of Lanning's age (36) and history in the SEC makes him a natural target for Auburn, which fired Bryan Harsin on Halloween.
While the program will have little trouble finding interested parties, the Auburn job isn't strong at the moment. The Tigers haven't won 10 games since 2017 and are looking into an uncertain SEC future that includes the impending additions of Texas and Oklahoma. By 2025, Auburn may be the seventh- or eighth-best job in the SEC.
By contrast, Oregon is the pillar of the Pac-12—especially with USC and UCLA set to join the Big Ten.
