Oct. 16 - Oct. 22, 2020 Vol. 19, Issue 8 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 3 Oct. 16, 2020 - Oct. 22, 2020 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 7 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Big 12 to host NCAA Tournaments Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA rounds. These three upcoming events will increase the Big 12’s NCAA men’s basket- 5 MLB LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP ball hosting opportunities to 17 since the SERIES Conference began competition in 1997. BY DIC HUMPHREY The league is also hosting 2021 men’s first GOLF, ETC. and second rounds as well as the 2023 7 BY TOM WARD NCAA Women’s Final Four in CJ CUP@SHADOW CREEK 8 PREVIEW Dallas. As part of the Women’s Final Four, BY PGATOUR.COM the Big 12 will host the championship games for Division II and Division III in SEC WEEK 4 PREDICTIONS Big 12 Conference To Host March 9 BY ROBERT CORTINEZ addition to the Division I semifinals and Madness In 2023, 2024, 2026 final. BIG 12 REPORT The Big 12 will continue to host NCAA 10 BY JOHN MOSS “The Big 12 and its host organizations Division I Men’s Basketball Championship have a long, rich history of hosting NCAA 11 SMU REPORT competition in 2023, 2024 and 2026, the championship events,” said Big 12 BY DIC HUMPHREY NCAA has announced. Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “The cities The Conference will join forces with NEWS AND and arenas have been exceptional partners Texas Motorplex delivers fans five days 12 NOTES Kansas City to host a 2023 Regional, with and we look forward to remaining a part of BY BO CARTER of thrills to kick off AAA Texas NHRA Dallas for a 2024 Regional and with March Madness in the upcoming years.” NFL WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS Oklahoma City for 2026 first and second Fall Nationals 15 BY NFL.COM National Open, October 14-15 BIG 12 NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HOST HISTORY Hundreds of sportsman racers from AUTO REVIEW across the country will be competing in a 17 BY KBB.COM 2001 Kansas City, Mo Kemper Arena First/Second Rounds unique two-day event. 18 THE TICKET WINDOW 2002 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center First/Second Rounds Friday Night Live, October 16 2003 Oklahoma City, Okla Ford Center First/Second Rounds The Friday Night Live event will begin RESTAURANT REVIEW with a round of Grudge Match Racing fol- 19 BY RICHARD POLLAK 2004 Kansas City, Mo Kemper Arena First/Second Rounds 2005 Oklahoma City, Okla Ford Center First/Second Rounds lowed by a qualifying session from the 2006 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center First/Second Rounds NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top 2009 Kansas City, Mo Sprint Center First/Second Rounds Alcohol Dragster division. 2010 Oklahoma City, Okla Ford Center First/Second Rounds AAA Texas FallNationals, October 17-18 2013 Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium South Regional Saturday and Sunday at the Motorplex Follow us on 2014 Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium Final Four will feature competition in NHRA’s four Twitter & Facebook 2016 Oklahoma City, Okla Chesapeake Energy Arena First/Second Rounds professional classes 2017 Kansas City, Mo Sprint Center Midwest Regional Chris Kyle Frog Foundation Event, October 18 twitter.com/sportspagedfw 2018 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center First/Second Rounds 2021 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center First/Second Rounds Once again the Chris Kyle Frog facebook.com/sportspageweek- 2023 Kansas City, Mo T-Mobile Center Regional Foundation will offer military and first 2024 Dallas, Texas American Airlines Center Regional responders free tickets to the annual Publisher Contact Us 2026 Oklahoma City, Okla Chesapeake Energy Arena First/Second Rounds NHRA national event Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 To purchase tickets, call 800-668-6775 LLC P.O. 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4 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com MLB LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Braves and Rays one win away

that hit the first inning home run. Brandon Lowe tied it with a solo home run in the third inning. put the Astros back in front 3-1 with a two run sin- gle in the bottom of the third inning. Arozarena (again!) and Ji-Man Choi hit solo shots in the fifth and eighth innings to send the game to the ninth inning tied at three. It was the Astros’ Carlos Correa that walked it off for Houston with another solo home run. Astros 4 Ð Rays 3 final with five of the runs scoring on five home runs with no one on base. NATIONAL LEAGUE The are also one win away from reaching the World Series. The young, but very talented Braves have con- tinued their playoff run against the heavily favored Los Angeles Dodgers. Atlanta came into the series with a 5-0 record in this post-season with four of those wins being shutouts. The Braves have three solid starting and a strong bullpen to match up with the Dodger starters and solid bullpen. They were still given little chance to beat Los Angeles, a team that had won their division for eight straight years and Houston has rallied with a pair of wins to force a game six Friday in San Diego reached the World Series twice in the past three years. It was presumed that this would be their year to finally win it all, but score 2-1. Valdez took the loss but has 5-1 lead. Michael Brantley hit another solo they find themselves in a 3-1 hole going almost certainly pitched his way into next home run in the Astros’ sixth inning, but into the weekend. season’s Astros starting rotation. that was all the scoring. The final score Here’s a summary of the first four games: In game two, a throwing error by Jose was 5-2 with Urquidy taking the loss Monday night’s game 1 of the Braves Ð Altuve in the first inning led to three despite allowing one earned run in five Dodgers series was the first Major League unearned runs off Lance McCullers, Jr. innings plus innings. game this year with paying customers sit- The error came with two outs leaving the The Astros looked dead in the water ting in the stands. They were treated to a Rays still up to bat, and Manuel Margot 3-0. They had not hit with men in marvelous game. Atlanta took the early 1- made the Astros pay by hitting a three-run scoring position and had given up runs 0 lead on ’s first inning home run. Carlos Correa hit a solo home with shoddy fielding. However, they aren’t BY DIC HUMPHREY home run. Enrique Hernandez tied it with run in the sixth inning, but Zunino matched dead until they lose four games and they [email protected] a fifth inning home run for Los Angeles. it with a solo home run in the seventh didn’t lose game four. It was still tied 1-1 going to the ninth inning. The Astros twice loaded the bases Altuve again homered in the first inning AMERICAN LEAGUE inning, but the teams took different paths in the ninth inning but managed to score to give the Astros a quick 1-0 lead. In his The Tampa Bay Rays go into the week- to get there. LA’s starting Walker just once making the final score 4-2. next at bat in the third inning, Altuve dou- end leading Houston three games to two Buehler gave up just the one run on three Houston again out-hit the Rays 10-4 but bled home another run to push the lead to needing one more win to punch their ticket hits, but he was in constant trouble as he went 1-8 with runners in scoring position. 2-0. That lead didn’t last long. Arozarena to the World Series next week in Arlington. walked five batters. That ran up his pitch McCullers took the loss. (him again!) homered with a runner on They sprinted out to a 3-0 lead to start the count such that he finished just five innings. In Tuesday’s game three, Altuve again base to tie the game in the fourth inning. series, but the Astros aren’t going home The Dodgers needed three relievers to get homered in the first inning. Jose Urquidy George Springer then matched Arozarena easily. Houston has rallied with a pair of to the ninth inning. was the Astros starting pitcher and turned with a two run home run for Houston in the wins to force a game six Friday in San Atlanta’s Max Fried was almost perfect. in five shutout innings as the Astros nursed fifth inning to stake Houston to a 4-2 lead. Diego. He gave the Braves six solid innings and that 1-0 lead. Urquidy gave up a single to Old pro Zack Greinke started and gave Here’s a summary of the first five needed just 96 pitches to do so. Chris start the sixth inning. Urquidy then coaxed the Astros six innings allowing the two games: Martin and blanked the a potential double play ground ball to runs on five hits. Cristian Javier shut out Jose Altuve homered in the first inning Dodgers in the seventh and eighth innings, Altuve, who made his third error of the Tampa in the seventh and eighth innings, of game one to put the Astros in front 1-0. retiring all six batters they faced. series on his throw to second base. That but when he walked the leadoff hitter in the Randy Arozarena homered in the fourth led off the top of the ninth put runners at first and third with no outs, ninth inning, manager Dusty Baker sum- inning to tie the game, and the Rays manu- inning with a home run. A double, flyout and Astros Manager Dusty Baker then moned closer Ryan Pressly, the Flower factured a run in the fifth inning with a and single followed to push across a third went to his bullpen. Enoli Parades relieved Mound Marcus graduate, to finish the leadoff walk scoring on Mike Zunino’s two Atlanta run, which chased Dodger reliever and gave up hits to the first two batters he game. He gave up a run scoring double but out single. Blake Treinen from the mound. Jake faced scoring both inherited runners. That retired the other three hitters he faced to The Astros out-hit the Rays 9-6, and McGee followed Treinen, and he gave up a put the Rays ahead for good at 2-1. earn the save in the 4-3 game. Greinke Framber Valdez pitched exceedingly well, two run home run to making The Rays scrambled to push three more was the winning pitcher. but Houston and Tampa Bay never scored (continued on page 6) again after the fifth inning making the final runs across the plate to take a commanding On Thursday, it was George Springer

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 5 relievers to take control of the game at 7-1. The final score was 10-2 with Kershaw taking the loss. After the big night Wednesday, the Dodgers mustered just three hits in game four. Houston’s Framber Valdez makes his second start of the series Friday against Tampa Bay’s Blake Snell. Dustin May is going for the Dodgers; but as of Friday morning, the Braves were still undecided on a game five starter. NOTEABLE: ¥ All four games in the Dodgers-Braves series have been played with the Globe Life Field roof open. With the cool front that blew in Thursday, there were claims that the wind was a factor keeping some well hit balls in the ballpark. ¥ During the regular season, Globe Life Field was thought to “play big”. However, in the first four games of the Braves Ð Dodgers’ series, the teams have managed to hit 17 home runs. ¥ The order of selection in next year’s amateur draft was announced this week, The Dodgers scored 11 runs in the first inning, the most runs in an inning since 1954 when they were the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Rangers will be picking second, as the draft order was the usual reverse order the score 5-1. grounded out to end the game. game four for Los Angeles. He went out of the 2020 regular season standings. The The Dodgers went quietly on three Wednesday’s game three started with a for the sixth inning with the game tied at 1- Pittsburgh Pirates have the number one groundouts in the ninth inning to end the marvelous play on the first pitch. Mookie 1 but gave up base hits to the first three pick in the draft, which will be held in July game. Betts grounded to third. Braves’ third batters before being relieved. All three in conjunction with All-Star Weekend The bad news for Los Angeles began baseman went to his right scored, and the carnage didn’t stop there. rather than June. early on Tuesday when starting pitcher to catch the ball and his momentum moved Atlanta added three more runs off Dodger Clayton Kershaw, a Highland Park High him well into foul territory to make an off School grad, was scratched with back balance throw to try to catch the speedy spasms. His replacement, Tony Gonsolin Betts. First baseman Freddie Freeman looked good for three innings, retiring all made a marvelous play to catch the wide nine Braves he faced. Braves starting throw, stay on the base and avoid contact pitcher was almost as good with Betts. First base umpire Dan Iassonga shutting out the Dodgers over the first three called Betts out, but the call was over- innings. turned on replay. Betts was safe with an Atlanta turned the game around quickly infield single. in the fourth inning. A leadoff walk was It was a sign of how the night was followed by a Freeman home run to put the going to go for the Braves. Not good! Braves in front 2-0. The Braves chased Seager followed with a run scoring double. Gonsolin in the fifth inning upping their Two groundouts followed moving Seager lead to 6-0 and pushed across a seventh to third base, such that the Braves were one inning run to make the score 7-0 going to out away from heading to the dugout with the bottom of the seventh inning. a 1-0 deficit. That third out proved to be It looked like a lock for Atlanta at that extremely elusive. point, but it wasn’t. Corey Seager hit a A double scored Seager. A walk set up three run homer in the Dodgers’ seventh to Joc Pederson for a three run home run make the score 7-3. Albies got one of moving the score to 5-0. Edwin Rios also those runs back in the ninth inning with a homered, and Chris Taylor walked to chase solo home run, but the ninth inning was Braves’ starting pitcher . A still scary for the Braves. walk, single and hit by pitch followed to Josh Tomlin took the mound for Atlanta score another run and load the bases. and struck out the first batter he faced. A Muncy then capped off the scoring with a single and a double followed scoring a run grand slam home run making the score for the Dodgers. Another put the 11-0. Braves an out away for a win, but a Max It was the most runs ever scored in an Muncy (Keller High School and Baylor inning in post season play. All nine University) home run cut the lead to 8-6. Dodger starters scored a run. It was the That was all for Tomlin. first time the Dodgers had scored 11 runs Mark Melancon relieved and coaxed a in an inning since 1954 when they were the ground ball to second base that should have Brooklyn Dodgers. ended the game. Albies fumbled the ball, L. A. scored a single run in the second and the Dodgers’ Will Smith was safe at inning and three more in the third to run first. Cody Bellinger followed with a triple the lead to 15-0. The final score was 15-3, bringing the Dodgers to within a run at 8-7 and the Dodgers looked to be back in the with the tying run perched just 90 feet away series. from home plate. However, A. J. Pollock Kershaw was finally available to start

6 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com MISC TOM WARD GCOA featured in new Borat Film

so we just let them do their stuff. My hus- band Mauricio was inside the clubhouse while they were filming and glanced out- side, but couldn’t see anything because of the big covers over the building where they were shooting. TW: How long were they at your driving range? LG: They were here for more than half a day. I know they stayed longer than they had planned. Later that day what was TOM WARD funny was Mauricio was cleaning up after [email protected] they left with some of our staff and they found pieces of one of the transcripts in the He’s back! That’s right British actor and trash can. Some of the dialogue in the comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is back with script was really awkward and weird. We more hi-jinx’s in his latest movie called were thinking Jesus what type of movie Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: It’s his fol- were they recording here? We thought is low-up film to the 2006 comedy hit center- this a porn movie? Now that we learned it ing on the real-life adventures of a fictional was a Borat film it makes more sense. Kazakh television journalist named Borat. After they left we never thought about it Fourteen years after release of the origi- again. nal Borat film about his journey to TW: How did you learn that your driving America, Borat returns from Kazakhstan to range was going to be in the film? America and this time he reveals more LG: It wasn’t until one of our customers about the American culture, the COVID-19 told us. He saw the trailer for the film and pandemic, and the political elections. recognized our driving range in the new The film is quite secretive, however we Borat movie. We were like what are you do know that the Borat character brilliantly talking about? portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen does TW: So the people associated with the make a few appearances in north Texas. film never let you know your place was One of the locations where a short segment going to be in their movie? of the movie was shot is the Golf Center of LG: Oh no, never! It was like top secret. Arlington. It’s a top-notch practice facility Imagine if we knew a year ago that they that I have used over the years for teaching would be filming Borat 2 here I can tell that has everything a golfer could need. you my husband Mauricio wouldn’t be Earlier this week I spoke with Larissa able to keep his mouth shut. We had no Vilela who along with her husband, idea it was Borat here at our driving range Mauricio Galante, are the owners of the or what type of movie this was. We never Golf Center of Arlington. The Brazilian asked and they never volunteered to tell us. couple filled me in about the circumstances They just wanted to shoot some images for on how a major film was shot at their and a lot of people love it. I hope the feed- the Borat accent saying “I like. Very nice!” a video at our place. It’s kind of like when facility. back will be positive. Mauricio thinks it I told him you can talk exactly like Borat someone throws a party and invites you to TW: Take me back to when you received a will be good and I do too. Everyone that so you should do it yourself. attend you don’t go there and start asking message about someone wanting to book I’ve talk to thinks it’s so cool that our place The new Borat 2 movie is coming out them all kinds of questions about their your place for a few hours to shoot some will be in the movie and it will be so funny. October 23rd and will be available to party. Over the years we have done this video? TW: Are you doing anything to prepare stream on Amazon Prime starting on that with everyone that has rented our place out LG: I don’t remember the exact date as it for the film when it comes out? date. You can watch by subscribing to for private functions. We never saw Borat was over a year ago. We received an e-mail LG: Mauricio has already made some Amazon Prime. (Sacha Baron Cohen) while he was here. last fall from someone who told us they koozies along with some shirts. He wanted To learn more about the Golf Center of We did see someone wearing a black cap, wanted to shoot a video at our driving to hire someone to dress like Borat and Arlington visit their website at www.golf- but we never knew who it was. range. They wanted to rent the driving walk around the range while people are centerofarlington.com. TW: Do you and Mauricio plan on watch- range for a few hours and we agreed to here. He has a shirt from the first movie ing the movie when it comes out? that. It wasn’t unusual for us because from like 15 years ago and he put it on the Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- LG: Of course. It will be fun to see shots we’ve rented out the driving range for other day and was talking to people with timewithtom.com. of the driving range and to see exactly numerous groups and companies over the what Borat did practicing golf here. It years. I made all the arrangements and should be quite interesting. We have no signed the contract with them to come out idea why they chose us. We are looking when they were ready. When they finally forward to it as it should be fun. showed up to film it was a weekday in the TW: Do you think this kind of exposure morning a few weeks later. The main stipu- for your driving range will be a good lation was we couldn’t be there to watch thing? what they were filming which was fine LG: I hope so. I know a lot of people like with us. They ended up putting big thick Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedic style and covers up over the driving range building some don’t care for him at all. He is so no one could see in to what they were always making fun of people and situations doing. We weren’t even that curious either

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 7 GOLF PGA TOUR This week: The CJ Cup@Shadow Creek

to action after testing positive for COVID- to continue his Las Vegas heater at Shadow victory after winning the inaugural event in 19… Joo-Hyung Kim is among the Korean Creek. Cantlay has finished 1-2-2 at the 2017. Lee’s runner-up result was his best in contingent who earned spots into THE CJ Shriners the last three seasons and shared the 2019-20 PGA TOUR season. Hideki CUP. The 18-year-old has played two PGA the 36-hole lead heading into the weekend Matsuyama, Gary Woodland, and Cameron TOUR events thus far this season, making in 2020. Smith finished at 15-under and rounded out the cut in both. He already has four profes- 72-HOLE RECORD: 267, Brooks the top five. CJ Cup@Shadow Creek sional wins on his resume. Koepka (2018) October 15 - October 18, 2020 FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 18-HOLE RECORD: 62, Ryan Palmer HOW TO FOLLOW Shadow Creek Golf Course FedExCup points. (Fourth round, 2018) Television: Thursday-Sunday, 5 p.m.-8 North Las Vegas, Nevada COURSE: Shadow Creek, par 72, 7,527 LAST TIME: Thomas shot a 5-under 67 p.m. ET (Golf Channel) Purse - $9,750,000 yards (yardage subject to change). The Sunday to top Danny Lee, who was born in PGA TOUR Live: Thursday-Sunday, Winners share: $1,700,000 Tom Fazio-designed desert oasis, which South Korea, by two shots at the 2019 CJ 12:45 p.m.-8 p.m. ET (Featured Groups) Defending Champ - Justin Thomas opened in 1990, has been long known as CUP @ NINE BRIDGES. Thomas held the Radio: Thursday-Friday, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. It 54-hole lead and despite making a bogey Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m.Ð8 p.m. (PGA By Adam Stanley played host to the first made-for-TV match on the par-3 17th hole, he bounced back TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA- PGATOUR.COM between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, with a closing birdie to win his 11th PGA TOUR.com/liveaudio). Played annually on South Korea’s Jeju giving fans a glimpse of the layout. Dustin TOUR title. It was also his second CJ CUP Island, THE CJ CUP will make a one-year Johnson has the course record (66), while move to Shadow Creek in Las Vegas before Woods and Fred Couples shared the record returning to Asia in 2021. prior to Fazio’s restoration in 2008 (60). THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK About 30 minutes from the Las Vegas will once again feature a 78-player field Strip, the course feels far from your usual highlighted by reigning FedExCup champi- desert golf experience with its rolling on Dustin Johnson and fellow FedExCup mounds, creeks, waterfalls, peaks and val- winners Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy. leys. FIELD NOTES: Brooks Koepka, winner STORYLINES: Thomas has won two of of the 2018 CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES, the three CJ CUPs in South Korea and will is scheduled to make his return after a two- look to see if that success will transfer over month layoff due to injury… All of the top to the United States…This is the second of five golfers in the Official World Golf two events in Las Vegas after the Shriners Ranking will tee it up at Shadow Creek Hospitals for Children Open… Koepka has including Johnson, Thomas, McIlroy, Jon been on the shelf for the last two months Rahm and Collin Morikawa… Sponsor after withdrawing from both the opening exemptions into the limited-field event event of the FedExCup Playoffs and the include Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler, U.S. Open as he rehabbed an injury. This Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry, Ian Poulter, will be his first start on the PGA TOUR and past FedExCup winners Justin Rose since a missed cut at the Wyndham and Jordan Spieth… Tony Finau will return Championship… Patrick Cantlay will look

8 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOTBALL SEC GAME DAY REPORT SEC football weekend picks - Week 7

Bulldogs. Tennessee was the better team benched starting QB, KJ Costello after he at Georgia for a half, leading 21-17, but threw 4 first half interceptions and his failed to score a point in the second half, replacement came in and threw three losing 44-17. Tennessee turned the ball oskies. Leach went on to double down over three times in the second half, all and declare that he’ll be kicking malcon- inside their own 30-yard line. The Vols tents off this team in the near future. shot themselves in the foot in Athens but Bulldogs are done. QB Jarrett Guarantano made some NFL Pick: Texas A&M 42 Mississippi State 34 worthy throws in the first half. This alone will give the Big Orange high hopes for a #3 Georgia (3-0) at #2 Alabama (3-0) comeback win in Knoxville. Line: Tide -6 / 57 Pick: Tennessee 34 Kentucky 22 Time/TV: 7:00 / ESPN The biggest game of the year pits the Ole Miss (1-2) at Arkansas (1-2) Best of the West against the Beast in the Line: Rebels -3 / 77 East. Georgia and Alabama do battle in Time/TV: 2:30 / ESPN2 Tuscaloosa to determine which one of The Arkansas Razorbacks had won their these teams make it to the CFP. Bama Georgia and Alabama do battle in Tuscaloosa to determine which one makes it to the CFP second SEC game in a row as double-digit HC, Nick Saban, caught Covid on Tuesday underdogs and then had it stolen away by and has been coaching via Zoom. The season against-the-line picks are better than the men in stripes. Auburn’s QB, Bo Nix, reins have been temporarily handed over to my straight picks. Covid time, go figure. fumbled the with a minute left in the assistant HC Steve Sarkisian who was fired Last week results: Straight:4-3; ATS: 5-2 game, then panicked and spiked the ball from his head coaching job at USC and has Season results: Straight: 14-7; ATS: 15-6 backwards which should have been another been somewhat murky since joining Saban’s M&M broke out of his betting mini- fumble. The Hogs recovered the ball, but staff. Tide QB Mac Jones continues to slump and went 5-2 on his seven picks last Refs said no deal, gave Auburn an inten- impress, throwing for 417 yds and 2 Td’s week for a season total of 8-7. His picks tional grounding call, loss of down, kick in the Tides 63-48 win over Ole Miss. this week are as follows: BYU -5, your , Hogs lose, 30-28. Oh, the However, the absolute stud in that victory Clemson -27, W. Virginia -22, Notre Dame agony for the Razorback faithful. Ole was junior tailback Najee Harris who -16, Troy -28, Liberty/Syracuse over 53, Miss on the other hand, feels pretty legit turned in a career game with 206 rushing this week after hanging 48 points on the yards and 5 TD’s. Georgia is doing quite ROBERT CORTINEZ Clemson/ G-Tech under 63,and [email protected] Baylor/Ok.State over 52.5. Alabama defense before losing at home, well with former walk-on Stetson Bennett 63-48. The worry for the Rebs is their leading the Bulldogs to 20-point victories Dammit man, this Covid is turning #15 Auburn (2-1) at S. Carolina (1-2) defense allowing 63 points. Ole Miss HC in each of his first three games. While wannabe’s into contenders and champs into Line: Tigers -3.5 / 51.5 Lane Kiffin has an emerging star in QB Bennett's overall stats don’t jump out at after-thoughts. Not to mention, the Covid- Time/TV: 11:00 a.m / ESPN Matt Corral, 1080 yds, 9 TD’s, one inter- you, he won’t make mistakes and throws 19 has now infected three SEC programs The Auburn Tigers beat the Razorbacks ception in three games. The Reb running an accurate ball, hence the mailman deliv- bringing this pandemic and the SEC’s pre- on a botched backward pass call that attack is also getting better every week ery nickname, One of the reasons Georgia ventive measures into the spotlight. The should have been a recovered fumble by with two backs, Snoop Connor and Jerrion is winning is the Dawg defense which only infections have resulted in two postpone- the Hogs. The SEC officially announced Ealy, gaining over 100 yards on the vaunt- allowed #14 Auburn two field goals, and ments...Vanderbilt @ Missouri, and LSU after the game that it was an “erroneous” ed Tide defense. Razorback HC Sam held #8 Tennessee scoreless in the second @ Florida, and one bad-ass head coach call but that since the whistle had blown Pittman’s team has bested expectations so half last week. It will be a coaching win catching the virus, Alabama's Nick Saban. and recovery was not “immedi- far, can they do it again? for Georgia’ HC Kirby Smart. The 2020 SEC football season is in a ate”, the call couldn’t be overturned. Pick: Arkansas 38 Ole Miss 31 Pick: Georgia 31 Alabama 27 precarious spot, as is the NFL, since both Auburn had jumped out to a 17-point first leagues are dealing with multiple pauses, quarter lead but trailed 28 -27 going into #11 Texas A&M (2-1) at Miss State (1-2) postponements and public relations night- the final minute of this game when the bad Line: Aggies -6.5 / 54.5 mares. The players and staff have access call was made, allowing a game winning Time/TV: 3:00 / ESPN SEC Standings to medical treatment and quarantine proto- field goal. South Carolina dominated The Aggies thrilling 41-38 victory over col not available to regular Jane’s and Joes’ Vanderbilt last week 41-7. The Gamecock previous #4 Florida in the swamp was the Team Conf. Overall first road win by HC Jimbo Fisher over a so the leagues' infected athletes and staff defense looked impenetrable and their WEST top 10 team as the Aggies coach. This is will undoubtedly recover. The question is, offense finally heated up under RB Kevin Alabama 3-0 3-0 the kind of result A&M’s powerful regents at what cost to family, friends or contacts Harris who had 171 yards and 2 TD’s on Auburn 2-1 2-1 were looking for when they hired Fisher who the players may unwittingly pass the 21 carries. The Gamecocks had 300 yards Texas A&M 2-1 2-1 away from Florida State three years ago. virus to? Real world issues in a universe rushing against the Commodores. Auburn’s Arkansas 1-2 1-2 A&M QB Kellen Mond finally played up obsessed with sports. Gus Malzahn may be in for a rough ride on LSU 1-2 1-2 to his potential with 338 yds and 2 TD’s, Two more upsets last week, the most this road trip. Ole Miss 1-2 1-2 while tailback Isaiah Spiller contributed shocking being the LSU Tigers loss to Pick: South Carolina 27 Auburn 26 Mississippi St 1-2 1-2 174 rush yards and 2 T.D’s. Still the Missouri. This came about after LSU gra- EAST Gators were driving to midfield in a tie ciously agreed to move the game from Kentucky (1-2) at #18 Tennessee (2-1) Georgia 3-0 3-0 game with three minutes left before fum- Baton Rouge to Columbia due to Hurricane Line: Vols -6 / 46 Florida 2-1 2-1 bling allowing the Aggies to kick the game Delta. The other big upset was the Aggies Time/TV: 11:00 / SECN Tennessee 2-1 2-1 winning field goal as time expired. Luck defeat of #4 Florida coming two weeks The Kentucky Wildcats borrowed the Kentucky 1-2 1-2 is better than skill. Mississippi State is in after A&M barely beat Vandy at home. The 3-8 defensive scheme from Arkansas and Missouri 1-2 1-2 total chaos as HC Mike Leach declared rest of the slate went about as expected. successfully duplicated a win against S. Carolina 1-2 1-2 every position is an open competition after Interesting note, for the first time since Mississippi State 28-2. HC Mark Stoops Vanderbilt 0-3 0-3 this column began about 15 years ago, my did not allow an offensive point by the losing to Kentucky, 28-2. The Bulldogs

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 9 COLLEGES BIG 12 GAME DAY REPORT Big 12 football weekend - Week 7

Junior QB Jarret Doege averages seven yards per pass with five Henry Colombi brings a dual-threat element to the Red Raider offense

By Jeff Bartl deal with. he struggled to handle the complex ISU When Colombi makes his first career On the field, Kansas doesn’t have coverage scheme. start, he will be facing a tall task against Kansas (0-3) at West Virginia (2-1) enough pop to the offense to push through But when Colombi replaced Bowman in the West Virginia defense. Allowing just Line: Mountaineers -22.5 / 51 a Mountaineer defense that’s 2-0 when the fourth quarter, he immediately led his 19.3 points per game, the Mountaineers are Time/TV: 11:00 AM / FOX allowing 75 rushing yards or fewer and team to what would be its only TD drive of ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in points gave up 203 yards in the loss to Oklahoma the game. In all, he would finish the day allowed. So what is Kansas doing right? State. completing 10-12 passes for 115 yards and Additionally, they are No. 1 in the It’s been a rough run all the way around Kansas isn’t getting to 200 yards and it’s a in only two drives. league against the pass by allowing just over the first three games, but there is a not going to be able to control the game It was the second-straight solid showing 166.3 yards per game through the air. running game there that has to keep being like it’ll need to. for the Florida native. Against Kansas They also are adept at getting after the fed. It’s not hitting four yards per carry, but Pick: West Virginia 41, Kansas 17 State, Colombi completed 30-42 passes for passer ranking second in the Big 12 with there’s talent in the backfield with Velton 244 yards and two TDs while being picked 3.6 sacks per contest. Gardner and Pooka Williams who need the off once after he entered the game for an While we don’t know what Colombi ball in their hands. Texas Tech football: Henry Colombi injured Bowman. will bring to the table next weekend in his Run, keep running, and try to control announced as starting QB for West Colombi also brings a dual-threat ele- first career start, it was becoming painfully the clock. Kansas isn’t getting hammered Virginia game ment to the offense. As a Red Raider, he’s obvious that what Bowman was giving his in the time of possession battle and it’s not Texas Tech football head coach Matt run for 51 yards on 14 carries over the team simply wasn’t going to cut it. turning the ball over enough to matter, but Wells announced that junior QB Henry course of the last two games. While he Thankfully, Wells has pulled the trigger .....the Kansas lines have been awful. Colombi will replace Alan Bowman as the isn’t the next coming of Lamar Jackson, he and turned to a new QB. Now, we wait to The offensive front isn’t consistently Red Raiders’ starter against West Virginia. is able to keep plays and drives alive with see if this move will help turn around a doing enough for the excellent backs, it’s Typically one to play it close to the vest his feet, something that Bowman is not season that is meeting on the brink of dis- not doing much of anything in pass protec- during the season, Matt Wells broke char- equipped to do. aster. tion, and the defensive front isn’t getting acter on Wednesday and made an Prior to coming to Tech, Colombi went into the backfield. The Jayhawks have gen- announcement that just about everyone saw 53-69 for 460 yards and two TDs with one erated just three sacks and 15 tackles for coming. Speaking to the media, Wells interception in two seasons for the Aggies. loss so far Ð they’re just not generating announced that junior Henry Colombi, who Overall, he’s appeared in 15 games but has Big 12 STANDINGS enough big plays. transferred to Tech this offseason from never made a start. Team Conf. Overall KU is dead-last among all Big 12 teams Utah State, will replace Alan Bowman as As for Bowman, he’s become a liability in total offense, West Virginia leads the the team’s starting QB. The news was bro- in the offense with his inability to read Iowa State 3-0 3-1 conference in total defense. The pass rush ken on Twitter by a number of media mem- defenses and his insistence on throwing to Kansas State 3-0 3-1 is solid, the secondary has been great, and bers including Don Williams of the his first option or checking down to his Oklahoma St 2-0 3-0 there won’t be the passing game from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. safety valve out of the backfield. WestVirginia 1-1 2-1 Jayhawks to be a problem. The move comes in the middle of Texas In the last 10 drives with Bowman at Baylor 1-1 1-1 Kansas hasn’t had any fun, with the Tech’s by week and on the heels of a truly the helm, the Red Raider offense has failed Oklahoma 1-2 2-2 biggest problem the health of head coach dreadful showing against Iowa State by to score a point. Meanwhile, in the last 10 Texas 1-2 2-2 Les Miles after he tested positive for Bowman in a 31-15 loss. Playing three drives with Colombi leading the way, he’s TCU 1-2 1-2 COVID-19. He’s doing okay, but he obvi- quarters against the Cyclones, Bowman led Tech to 29 points with two of those Texas Tech 0-3 1-3 ously has had more important things to completed just 13-22 passes for 97 yards as drives ending in missed field goals. Kansas 0-2 0-3

10 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES SMU REPORT Ponies try to keep streak alive at Tulane

¥ Shane Buechele is ranked second in passing yards, fifth in passing touchdowns, and seventh in total offense NATIONALLY! ¥ The Mustangs are 14-1 in games played at Ford Stadium since the start of the 2018 season, including wins in their last eight home games. ¥ SMU has won the first quarter this sea- son 60-3 and has not trailed at any point in the first four games. ¥ Former SMU Garrett Gilbert was signed by the Dallas Cowboys this week in the wake of Dak Prescott’s season ending injury. ¥ Defensive tackle Mike Williams opted back into the program after opting out over Coronavirus concerns in August. Williams is a graduate transfer from Stanford that is listed on the roster at 6’-2”, 290 pounds. He’s a welcome addition to an area of the team that lacks the size it had last season, and he saw action in the Memphis game. ¥ The start time for next week’s game against Cincinnati was announced at 8:00 Ulysses Bentley, IV is ranked third in rushing touchdowns, seventh in rushing yards, and seventh in yards per carry nationally PM (CDT) on Saturday, October 24. ¥ The SMU Equestrian team is ranked BY DIC HUMPHREY As for , Dykes said he usually plays like it practices. fifth in the nation in the National [email protected] likes using three. Ulysses Bentley, IV and SMU and Tulane have a recent history Collegiate Equestrian Association presea- Tyler Levine are the two that have shared of close games. SMU has won the last five son rankings, UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas Ð The the running back position with McDaniel. meetings against the Green Wave, includ- SMU Mustangs are set to face the Tulane Sophomore TeMerik Williams will become ing a 37-20 win last year. The three wins AAC Standings Green Wave Friday night in the third back with McDaniel out. in 2016, 2017 and 2018 were decided by Team at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. SMU is a 6.5 The Green Wave comes into the game four points or less. This is the 27th time Conf. Overall point favorite. The game has an unusual with a 2-2 overall record, but an 0-2 record SMU and Tulane have squared off, and the Navy 2-0 2-2 5:00 PM (CDT) start time as it is part of an in conference play. They lost to the series is all even at 13 games apiece going SMU 1-0 4-0 American Athletic Conference Friday night Houston Cougars last weekend 49-31 in into Friday’s game. The game will be tele- Cincinnatti 1-0 3-0 doubleheader. Houston hosts Brigham Houston’s first game of the season. They vised on ESPN. Houston 1-0 1-0 Young at 8:30 PM in the nightcap. had earlier lost to Navy 27-24. Tulane is NOTABLE: Tulsa 1-0 1-1 Despite being off last weekend, the coached by Willy Fritz, who is in his fifth ¥ The Mustangs are ranked fourth in total UCF 1-1 2-1 Mustangs moved up in both polls this season with the program. Fritz had previ- offense, fifth in scoring offense and seventh East Carolina 1-1 1-2 week. They are now ranked 17th in the AP ously been the head coach at Georgia in first down offense NATIONALLY! Memphis 0-1 1-1 and 18th in the Amway Coaches Poll. Southern, Sam Houston State and Central ¥ Ulysses Bentley, IV is ranked third in Temple 0-1 0-1 Three other ranked teams have joined SMU Missouri. He has led the Green Wave to rushing touchdowns, seventh in rushing Tulane 0-2 2-2 at 4-0 for the best record in the country. two straight bowl wins, a first in Tulane yards, and seventh in yards per carry South Florida 0-2 1-3 As for the AAC, Cincinnati at eight in the football history. NATIONALLY! AP and ten in the Amway Coaches poll is Dykes talked about Tulane saying, the only other team in the Top 25; but “They’re always going to be a solid Tulsa, Memphis, Central Florida and team.” He noted that SMU Ð Tulane games Houston are receiving votes. in recent years have been closely contested. The bad news that was anticipated “They have good players. A lot of speed became a reality Monday afternoon, when on offense. We’re pretty similar teams in SMU Head Football Coach Sonny Dykes terms of talent and makeup.” told the media that T. J. McDaniel (ankle) It was noted that Cincinnati, ranked and Reggie Roberson, Jr. (knee) would be eighth and tenth in this week’s polls will be undergoing season ending surgeries soon. coming to Ford Stadium next week, but Both were injured in the Memphis game Dykes was not worried about that making and did not return. the Tulane game a trap game. “We know Dykes said that he will be looking for we have to play really well to win. Our T. Q. Jackson and Calvin Williams to get guys know that if we don’t play well the wide receiver playing time that would against Tulane, we’ll lose.” have gone to Roberson. He did note that last weekend’s off week “Both have a high talent level,” he said. came at a good time. “It was a good open He also is looking for the other three week. I think our guys were comfortable top receivers - Danny Gray, Kylen Granson with what we did. We had some good and Rashee Rice to step up their game. practices.” Dykes also noted that this team

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 11 COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes Conference USA to begin ’20 activity...The Hall of Fame member who later transferred Southeast Missouri at Southern Illinois foot- to SMU) of San Antonio, OL Dr. John Boldt ball skirmish has been moved back from Oct. of San Antonio, kicker Hawkins Golden of 23 to Oct. 30 with a capacity limited to 20 Dallas, and RB Jack Jenkins of Texarkana, percent in Carbondale, Ill.... ….Southern among others. Miss and Florida Atlantic made alternate pro- Kansas State head coach Chris Kliemann visions last Saturday if Hurricane Delta had received a contract extension through the changed its final path of landfall…Memphis 2026 season with a solid compensation football will allow 12,000 fans when the boost…Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, the Tigers host UCF Oct. 17…Houston Baptist longest current active-tenure head football has finished its 2020 fall schedule with a 1-3 coach in NCAA FBS, told media what a thrill mark after downing Eastern Kentucky 33-30 it was last week to go into full-scale practice on Oct. 3. The Huskies will open their 2021 drills…Kansas head coach Les Miles tested slate around Feb. positively for COVID-19 last week but hopes 20…Six different Kentucky players intercept- to return to the sidelines for Saturday’s tussle ed passes last Saturday as the Wildcats held with West Virginia…Texas A&M head coach Mississippi State without a touchdown in a Jimbo Fisher recalled Florida State’s 29-game 24-2 triumph. Bulldogs K.J. winning streak from 2012-14 when he was Costello and Will Rogers attempted 70 passes head coach and the Seminoles 2013 national vs. UK…Nevada has decided not to allow championship season. Texas offensive coordi- After 21 years, longtime Norman Hotel and Bar has closed due to the Covid 19 pandemic fans when it opens at home against Wyoming nator Mike Yurich and defensive coordinator Oct. 24 in Mountain West Conference activi- Chris Ash were featured in a recent newspa- Houston, Texas; Oct. 18 (1902) Charlie ty…The popular Bayou Classic between per account…FIU head coach Berry, Phillipsburg, N.J.; (1914) Joe Routt, Grambling and Southern U. at the Mercedes indicated that 45 football student-athletes Chapel Hill, Texas; (1939) Mike Ditka, Benz Superdome since 1975 will be moved have missed between 25-55 days of practice, Carnegie, Pa.; (1946) Frank Beamer, Mt. to Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La., conditioning workouts or other activities Airy, N.C.; Oct. 19 (1889) Dick Harlow, April 17, 2021 …Texas Wesleyan and because of a COVID-19, contact tracing and Philadelphia, Pa.; (1911) Max Starcevich, Southwestern Assemblies of God have moved quarantine protocols with just three available Centerville, Iowa; (1963) Jim their season openers until Oct. 24 (from Oct. offensive linemen for one practice date…Ole Dombrowski,Williamsville,N.Y 17) in Fort Worth, Texas, because of recent Miss athletics has produced a new bobble- Notable anniversary death dates for COVID-19 reports at Wesleyan...Oklahoma head doll celebrating head coach Lane Kiffin. Hall of Famers are Oct. 14 (1973) Volney and Texas played the longest game in the Hometowns of more 2020 college head Ashford, Marshall, Mo.; Oct. 17 (1967) Don 115-game history of the two teams with a coaches Ð McMurry: Jordan Neal, Abilene, Holleder, In Combat in Vietnam; (1977) Cal four-overtime extravaganza and 53-45 OU Texas; Murray State: Dean Hood, Ashtabula, Hubbard, St. Petersburg, Fla.; (2000) Leo BO CARTER win last weekend in Dallas at Cotton Bowl Ohio; Navy: Ken Niumatalolo, Laie, Hawai’i; Nomellini, Stanford, Calif.; (2003) Charlie [email protected] Stadium. Ironically, the teams competed in Nebraska: Scott Frost, Lincoln, Neb.; “Choo-Choo” Justice, Cherryville, N.C.; Oct. one of the last ties in NCAA FBS (then Nebraska Wesleyan: Brian Keller, Seward, 18 (1895) Winchester Osgood, In Combat in The historic Sooner Legends Inn and Division I-A) in 1995 when the teams knot- Neb. Cuba; Oct. 19 (1995) Don Faurot, Columbia, ted at 24-24 in Dallas. Florida director of athletics Scott Stricklin Suites in Norman, Okla., will be sold at auc- Mo. tion along with Oklahoma athletics memora- The Tyler Hilinski's Hope Foundation has been named Sports Business Journal’s Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall of opened Mental Health Awareness week with 2020 Director of Athletics of the Year. He has bilia in each of the inn’s 167 rooms. Two of Fame members Oct. 13 Jerry Rice, Oct. 14 the hotel’s most popular attractions were "3Day" on Oct. 3 with numerous teams wear- survived a summer bout with COVID-19 and Keith Byars, Paul Palmer, Oct. 15 James ing a green ribbon sticker on helmets, hold- remains on the College Football Playoff rooms dedicated to NFF College Hall of "Boots" Donnelly, Oct. 16 D.D. Lewis (a spry Fame members and Oklahoma greats coach ing up three fingers during the first play of selection committee.... 75), Chris Gilbert (a spry 74), Oct. 17 Bill the third quarter, and participating in an inter- ....Several national ADs have signed the Barry Switzer and RB Joe Washington. Bowes, Herb Orvis, Steve McMichael, Oct. NFF College Hall of Fame Facts nal assessment to evaluate how their schools Collegiate Coaching Diversity Pledge in 18 Mike Ditka (a spry 81), Frank Beamer (a Some notable birthdates in NFF College are following best practices for mental health recent days with Lamar's Marco Born, spry 74), Oct. 19 Jim Dombrowski… programs. The Foundation upholds the mem- Washington's Jennifer Cohen, Arkansas' Hall of Fame annals in the Oct. 13-19 time The LSU-Missouri game last Saturday period are Oct. 13 (1962) Jerry Rice, ory of late Washington State quarterback Hunter Yurachek, Texas A&M-Corpus was moved to Columbia, Mo., due to the Tyler Hilinski…Washburn University’s Christi's Jon Palombo, Monmouth's Dr. Starkville, Miss.; Oct. 14 (1896) Tom Davies, threat of Hurricane Delta over the weekend in Pittsburgh, Pa.; (1901) Harry Stuhldreher, Alumni Association is hosting a Mississippi Marilyn McNeil, and Minnesota's Mark South Louisiana and Gulf of Mexico areas. River cruise in March 2021 with football- Coyle inking the pact…North Carolina AD Massillon, Ohio; (1940) Billy Joe, Ayner, Mizzou then pulled a 45-41 upset over the S.C; (1963) Keith Byars, Dayton, Ohio; and tourist-famous stops at Memphis, Tenn., Bubba Cunningham congratulated several fel- Top 25-ranked Bayou Bengals ...The New Orleans, La., Baton Rouge, La., low ADs and schools for being adaptable and (1964) Paul Palmer, Bethesda, Md.; Oct. 15 Louisiana-Coastal Carolina skirmish has been (1873) Ed “Robbie” Robinson, Lynn, Mass.; Vicksburg, Miss., and Natchez, Mississippi answering communications promptly when it postponed until Wednesday in Lafayette, La., ….Texas Tech athletics recently provided a comes to 2020 scheduling (1886) Jonas Ingram, Jeffersonville, Ind.; because of last weekend’s approach of (1892) Huntington Hardwick, Quincy, Mass.; series of statewide billboards with the safety challenges…Illinois State AD Larry Lyons Hurricane Delta…Georgia Southern will host message “Mask up, Red Raiders” Ð a refer- will retire in December after 33 years of serv- (1917) Bob MacLeod, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; (1931) Massachusetts in a recently scheduled game Donn Moomaw, Santa Ana, Calif.; (1943) ence to Tech’s famed Masked Rider mascot ice with Redbirds athletics. ISU president Dr. Saturday…The Florida Atlantic at Southern (inaugurated at the 1953 Gator Bowl by late Larry Dietz is working on a national search James "Boots" Donnelly, Nashville, Tenn.; Miss contest scheduled for Oct. 10 was post- (1885) Hunter Scarlett, Erie, Pa.; Oct. 16 head coach DeWitt Weaver) at football con- for Lyons’ replacement…Florida Gulf Coast poned until a future date to be deter- tests…The Vanderbilt Alumni Association AD Ken Kavanaugh survived a head-on auto (1893) Harold Ballin, New York, N.Y.; (1945) mined…Houston was able to start its season D.D. Lewis, Knoxville, Tenn.; (1946) Chris will host a virtual Texas Trivia Night for all collision last week with an oncoming pickup last Thursday on ESPN with an American Texas VU alumni chapters on Wednesday, truck…UC Davis AD Kevin Blue spoke of Gilbert, Houston, Texas; Oct. 17 (1923) Athletic Conference clash in Houston with Charlie McClendon, Lewisville, Ark.; (1924) Oct. 28. Some of the questions may be con- various solutions for saving budget items Tulane and a 49-31 victory while overcoming cerning famed Vanderbilt student-athletes other than eliminating varsity sports Ð only Don Coryell, Seattle, Wash.; (1943) Bill five interceptions. Crosstown rival Rice hopes Bowes, Blanchard, Pa.; (1946) Herb Orvis, from the Lone Star State such as current utilized as a last resort…Iowa AD Gary Barta to start the football year Oct. 24 against the starting quarterback Ken Seals of spoke of the Big Ten Conference’s ruling for Petoskey, Mich.; (1947) Ron Johnson, Middle Tennessee Ð the last member of Detroit, Mich.; (1957) Steve McMichael, Weatherford, RB Kyle Rote (NFF College no fans in attendance when the season begins

12 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com but hopes there may be some adjustments MAC to re-mount its 2020 football out- record six FWAA Outland Trophy winners or Heisman 2019 runnerup QB later to allow some attendees…Indiana AD ing…The Big Ten Conference is utilizing who have played in the Classic prior to the …Boston College Hunter Long and Scott Dolson spoke of procedures the Biodesix, Inc., a diagnostic company with a 85th annual GCB in December. QB Phil Jurkovec were featured on the John Hoosiers are putting in place for future focus on lung disease; and Quidel, which UTSA jumped out to a 3-0 start behind the Mackey Award website..Texas A&M’s two- names, images and likenesses revenue manufactures rapid antigen COVID-19 tests; performance of then-NCAA FBS-leading position (DE and DT) defender De Marvin streams in 2023 for college student-ath- on 2020 fall sports’ testing…The Pac-12 and rusher Spencer McCormick with 527 rushing Leal was credit with key stops in the Aggies letes…Georgia State AD Charlie Cobb clari- Fulgent Genetics, which will provide reverse yards and four touchdowns prior to a first- upset of No. 4 Florida last week. A&M kick- fied some statements he made about possible transcription polymerase chain reaction test- ever meeting with BYU, which edged the er Seth Small booted a 26-yard field goal on human error in COVID-19 testing and the ing capabilities to supplement existing PCR Roadrunners last Saturday …Alabama QB the final play of the contest to produce the postponement of GSU’s recent game with and antigen testing capabilities for each ath- Mac Jones squared off with Ole Miss QB 41-38 verdict…The Davey O’Brien Charlotte. Cobb also noted that 2,500-plus letics department, are working together for Matt Corrall to produce 782 passing yards Foundation named SMU’s Shane Buechele COVID-19 tests had produced a positivity better COVID-19 testing results and student- out of the teams’ combined 1,370 yards of National Quarterback of the Week after he rate of 1.7 percent among student-athletes, athlete/coach/fan safety…Pac-12 commis- total offense and 111 points in the Crimson passed for a career-best 474 yards with three coaches and staff…William & Mary Interim sioner Larry Scott addressed television obli- Tide’s 63-48 win at Oxford, Miss. The two TDs to keep the Mustangs undefeated (4-0) AD Jeremy Martin held a virtual public meet- gations for the 2020 season to ESPN and QBs remain among the Top Five nationally in with a triumph over Memphis…The ing to discuss financial issues facing the FOX and rationale to return to conference- passing yards per game …North Carolina QB Burlsworth Trophy for national NCAA FBS department…Maryland AD Damon Evans only football activity…The Big Ten Sam Howell has passed for 4,418 yards and walkon player of the year has moved its nom- and 13 Terrapins head coaches have taken a Conference will begin 2020-21 men’s and 44 touchdowns in his first 16 career games ination deadline to Nov. 18 with 10 finalists voluntary 10 percent pay decrease…North women’s hockey season on Nov. 13 …The for No. 8 North Carolina and NFF College being selected by Dec. 1…Oklahoma wide Carolina senior associate AD/strategic com- Patriot League will cancel its non-conference Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown of the Tar receiver Drake Stoops made the winning munications Steve Kirschner listed dozens of men’s and women’s basketball outings in Heels …Florida star QB Kyle Trask indicated catch in the Sooners 53-45 quadruple over- duties performed daily by athletics’ commu- November and December and start an 18- that his parents named their son after Kyle time win over Texas on Dec. 10 on a 25-yard nications offices Ð especially while working game conference slate on Jan. 1…The Big 12 Field at Texas A&M. Both his parents are reception. Stoops is the son of former remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conference is promoting a unity message Texas A&M graduates, and Trask grew up in Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops (1999- Kirschner is in his 36th year with Tar Heels before each event hosted by a Big 12 school, Manvel, Texas, near both Houston and 2016)…North Texas WR Jaelon Darden and athletics …William & Mary AD Samantha and these can include messages about inclu- College Station, Texas. A&M and UF met Florida TE Kyle Pitts Ð playing with UF QB Huge has left the program, and the school is sion, equality, sportsmanship, oneness in pur- last week in College Station…RB Khalil Kyle Trask at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field last eliminating seven varsity pose, and similar concerns…Conference Herbert of Virginia Tech is coming off a 207- weekend Ð entered Oct. 8 games tied for the sports…Massachusetts chancellor Dr. USA is considering a regular season men’s yard rushing game against Duke and a 138- NCAA FBS national lead with six touch- Kumble R. Subbaswamy and AD Ryan and women’s basketball scheduling model yard afternoon against North Carolina to downs receptions each…Texas OT Sam Bamford addressed possible athletics prof- where teams would play the same opponent being his season’s total to 450 net yards and a Cosmi has started at either right or left tackle itably challenges during the 2020 campaign in the same location twice in the same week 10.2 average…West Virginia’s All-Big 12 DT in the Longhorns last 31 contests…SMU WR and remaining competitive in NCAA FBS as on Thursdays and Saturdays to help limit Darius Stills continues to move toward school Reggie Roberson Jr. was he Earl Campbell an independent…California AD Jim travel and possible health contacts. The career records in tackles for loss after making Tyler Rose Player of the Week for his recent Knowlton noted the department is close to America East and Northeast Conferences also 3.5 TFL in the Mountaineers win over performance against Tulane…UTSA punter hiring an associate AD for diversity, equity, are looking at these solutions. C-USA also Baylor…Austin Aune jumped to the starting The Augusta Sports Council and the Ray Guy inclusion, and belonging from a field of 120 hopes to play its full schedule of six games slot for North Texas against Charlotte after Award are proud to announce Lucas Dean applicants…North Carolina Central AD without postponements Saturday for the first alternating with Jason Bean through the was the Ray Guy National Punter of the Ingrid Wicker-McCree indicated that her has time in ‘20… com- Mean Green’s first three games…Iowa State Week through games of Oct. 7. NFF undergone an intricate assessment of all missioner Greg Sankey relayed cautionary QB Brock Purdy passed for 302 yards and College Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden departments and will cut $2.8 million from memos to members for masking and social two touchdowns against Texas Tech in a win contracted COVID-19 last week but reported the 2020-21 budget …Duke vice distancing particularly in light of NFL and last Saturday, has 4,894 passing yards in his a mild strain and said he was recuperating. president/general counsel Pamela J. Bernard White House COVID-19 outbreaks…The last 17 games since 2019 and has been inter- Bowden will turn 91 years old on Nov. explained the Blue Devils administration’s Pac-12 Network is working with the confer- cepted just 10 times in his last 600 aerial 8...Former Penn State head coach Bill decisions not to allow fans at 2020 home ence office to promote and expand football attempts…Arkansas LB and well-named O’Brien has left the NFL Houston Texans as football contests for health and safety sake. coverage with the abbreviated 2020 schedule. Bumper Pool came off a 20-tackle game in a head coach and general manager…The NFL There is planning for possible attendance for The network also is hoping to be back some victory at Mississippi State to keep the Carolina Panthers are using Xenex basketball and spring sports if conditions previously furloughed employees from spring Razorbacks in contention before falling to LightStrike robots, which are priced at improve …Washburn selected Kirby Ronning and summer…The Ohio Valley Conference No. 14 Auburn 30-28 on a last-second field $125,000 each, to disinfect Bank of America as head men’s and women’s tennis coach will play an eight-game spring schedule goal. Pool also was the Bronko Nagurski Stadium in Charlotte…Former Mississippi …Lafayette College president Dr. Alison between Feb. 21-April 11, 2021, with the Award National Defender of the Week after State head coach Sylvester Croom, the first Byerly and Lehigh president Dr. John Simon option to play a Feb. 13-14 non-conference his stellar showing at MSU…Auburn LB K.J. Black FB HC in SEC history and a member will be finishing their tenures at the end of contest. Eastern Kentucky of the OVC is Britt has undergone thumb surgery and is out of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for his the 2020-21 academic year …Pittsburgh playing a nine-game fall schedule with two indefinitely…Texas DL Keondre Coburn was playing career at Alabama, spoke about the women's soccer head coach Randy Waldrum matchups home-and-home against Central celebrated as a key leader on the Longhorns lack of hiring minority head coaches on all is the new head coach of the Nigerian Arkansas on Oct. 24 and Nov. 14. That will defensive front…Oklahoma WR Charleston levels of football…NFL executive vice presi- women's national team …Guilford publicist give EKU either 17 or 18 official contests Rambo was highlighted in a newspaper arti- dent of communications Jeff Miller has and CoSIDA board member Dave Walters has from Sept. 5-April 11…The Women's cle about the Sooners high-powered passing denoted intensive protocols with no in-person been furloughed due to economic conditions Collegiate Hockey Association is completing attack…After playing against Central meetings, no team or player gatherings out- after 24 years at the school…St. Thomas testing methods and protocols to determined Arkansas on Oct. 3, North Dakota State QB side the facility, two COVID-19 tests per per- (Minn.) men’s ice hockey head coach Jeff when the 2020-21 season may start. Trey Lance has opted out of the rest of the son, per day, and PPE and/or face masks Boeser will retire at the end of the 2020-21 The College Football Playoff 2020 fall an 2021 spring seasons and enter worn by all personnel on the field at all season before STU moves to NCAA Division Management Committee did not approve a the 2021 NFL draft ....SMU hopes to regain times. The NFL office levied some fines ear- I in August 2021. proposal by Pac-12 Conference commissioner the talents of injured WR Reggie Roberson lier this season for personnel not following The Southland Conference has reached a Larry Scott to expand the CFP to eight teams and RB T.J. McDaniel before to Mustangs protocols…Famed college and NFL head multiyear media rights agreement extension this season. CFP executive director Bill travel to Tulane Saturday in AAC coach Howard Schnellenberger continues his with ESPN and ESPN+ with 1,500-plus SLC Hancock indicated that the timing of the action…TCU wide receiver JD Spielman long road to recovery after suffering a brain events in the next five years …Iowa State and request at this point in the 2020 season would spoke of getting into a comfort zone with injury due to a fall at his home in Boynton Kansas State stand alone atop Big 12 present too many challenges to the current, TCU after transferring to the Big 12 school Beach, Fla., in August and appears to be pro- Conference standings at 3-0 after last week’s four-team format …Former Allstate Sugar from Nebraska …Texas Tech backup QB gressing…Former All-SEC quarterback at victories, and ISU is 3-0 to start Big 12 activ- Bowl executive director, Grambling director Henry Colombi has seen his most extensive Mississippi State and All-Pro standout with ity for the first time since 2002…Mid- of athletics and Dallas Independent School career action after an injury to Red Raiders the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott suffered a American Conference commissioner Dr. Jon District director of athletics Troy Mathieu has starter Alan Bowman…Texas QB Sam broken ankle and is out for the remainder of Steinbrecher spoke about hos more rapid returned to Grand Prairie (Tx) Independent Ehlinger made a school-record fourth start the 2020 season…Former Southland, Lone COVID-19 testing results and state protocols School District as AD…The Goodyear against Oklahoma last week, and the first Star Conference and North Texas publicist concerning crowds’ admission caused the Cotton Bowl Classic will honor the bowl- three were against recipients (continued on page 14)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 13 Brian Briscoe was part of an exclusive agreement with adidas. The new pact will poned to a later date to be determined due tributing useful chapters and pointers..... panel concerning careers in strategic com- provide necessary funds for athletics as well to injury- and COVID-related issues at Athlon Sports reported on several develop- munications at the TCU Bob Schieffer as the FAMU Student Government Virginia…Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has ments and possible changes in NCAA College of Communication last week Association in a unique contract…USF ath- determined that the state will allow 15 per- names, images and likenesses future legisla- …Standout lineman Kyle Hinton of Wash letics has eliminated 30 and major adminis- cent seating capacity at outdoor venues this tion…The Kansas State Legislature honored burn was featured for his rookie season trators will be taking 15 percent pay reduc- fall with a cap of 7,500 fans…Elevate veteran broadcaster and former Kansas impact with the NFL tions. These moves will help alleviate a pos- Hoops and Nebraska will host a men’s bas- Sportscaster of Year (multiple times) Tom …Former South Carolina and NFL New sible $2.5 million deficit for the Bulls in the ketball tourney including theHuskers, LSU, Hedrick after he ended a 62-year broadcast- England Patriots standout DB Stephon 2020-21 academic year. Senior administra- Northern Iowa, Nevada, Illinois State, and ing career with the Kansas Jayhawks, Baker Gilmore had a positive COVID-19 test and tors at USF also will take a $600,000 reduc- Cleveland State initially with more teams to U. (Kansas), the Missouri Valley is in restricted quarantine …University of tion in salaries over the next nine come up to a possible 16 entries in the tour- Conference and numerous other pro, college Calgary standouts OL Logan Bandy, DB months…Memphis athletics has completed ney…Buffalo athletics is spending nearly and high school groups… Extra Points fea- Deane Leonard (transferred to Ole Miss in furloughs for 19 members of the depart- $30,000 COVID-19 testing through Quest tured the Colonial Athletic Association and ’20) and LB Grant McDonald are among ment, including three in the communica- Diagnostics at a cost per test of $51 its intricate workings around one of the the Top 20 projected Canadian Football tions office, and a retirement of longtime …Florida Atlantic athletics is eliminating most diverse memberships in NCAA FCS. League draftees by the CFL Central publicist and Memphis area sports writer 19 positions through layoffs and unfilled The FWAA was reminded by College Scouting Bureau…The National Hockey Phil Stukenborg…Gonzaga men’s basket- positions for 2020…Nike is making work- Pressbox.com about airline and motel League is shooting for a Jan. 1, 2021, open- ball team is looking at a possible mini-bub- force reductions for 7-10 percent of its full- rewards’ programs associated with multiple ing of the upcoming campaign...Major ble for practice and games in Spokane, time positions. This may result in as many FWAA members…CoSIDA president Sam League Baseball allowed a maximum of Wash…Notre Dame men’s basketball is the as 7,500-plus total terminations…Delaware Atkinson of Gallaudet, Laurie Bollig of 11,500 fans/game for the natural-site latest team to opt out of the 2020 Legends athletics suspended 19 student-athletes for CoSIDA, Gene Cassell of Washburn, Steve National League playoffs at Globe Life Classic due to health concerns…Texas Tech not following department protocol for wear- Fink of South Carolina, and CoSIDA Hall Field in Arlington, Texas. Attendance for athletics has completed a completed review ing of masks, social distancing and large of Fame member Dave Plati of Colorado the Oct. 30-Nov. 8 World Series is to be of women’s basketball and softball pro- public gatherings…San Diego State men’s were featured subjects and opinion makers determined…The NFL Tennessee Titans grams and personnel changes in recent basketball had “live” drills for the first time in the CoSIDA Open Forum online news- recorded no new positive COVID-19 tests days..Iowa and Michigan classes shifted last week…Stanford football will travel to letter …The 2021 CoSIDA Academic Hall for two consecutive days on Oct. 6-7 after into hybrid mode in recent days after neigh- Woodside (Calif.) High School in San of Fame includes of OU, encountering as many as 19 positives in boring states expected rises in COVID-19 Mateo County to start football workouts Bruce Furniss of Southern California, previous days. The Titans were unable to cases…Minnesota’s men’s gymnastics’ this week after the Cardinal’s home Santa Michelle Johannes of Mt. Holyoke, Alex use their Nashville, Tenn., practice facility team has submitted a 26-page update on Clara County continued its ban on larger Smith of Utah, and Amy Privette Perko of for several days due to the occurrences. The why the program should continue in spite of public gatherings such as practices Wake Forest. Smith returned to NFL activi- NFL also has rescheduled the Titans- budget reductions. Minnesota athletics also …Oregon State’s Reser Stadium is on ty last Sunday with the Washington Buffalo Bills contest for Tuesday night. The is seeking to have 98 fewer student-athletes schedule with 2020 renovations and will be Redskins two years after suffering a severe NFL Denver Broncos- on Olympic sports teams in 2021- ready for the Beavers home lidlifter onNov. leg injury…Arizona State, California, game scheduled for Oct. 11 has been moved 22…Attorneys in a group lawsuit against 7 against Washington State…The full Colorado State, Kansas, Louisville, Miami back a week to Oct. 18 due to several posi- the NCAA are seeking to use the monetary Marist campus, including athletics training (Ohio), Michigan State, Minnesota, Penn tive COVID-19 cases among the figure $15,415 as the maximum student-ath- sessions, is on a pause/lockdown after a State, Texas State, UCLA, and Wichita Patriots...NFF College Hall of Fame TE letes can receive per year for academic recent outbreak of COVID-19 among MU State are working with NCAA enforcement Mike Ditka of Pittsburgh was coached in achievements. This figure is based on students…All non-union employees at and compliance officials concerning possi- high school basketball in Aliquippa, Pa., by tuition, fees, books, and recent high-profile Delaware will endure salary reductions and ble issues and reports at their respective Press Maravich (later head coach at LSU) Ð student-athletes who recently entered the nine furlough days in coming weeks, and schools…The NCAA Eligibility Committee father of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame professional sports ranks…All Hawai’i athletics will be affected. There are 138 has approved immediate transfers for 77 of standout the late Pete Maravich...The Texas team activities have been placed on tempo- non-union employees who have taken early the 98 FBS student-athletes making Sports Hall of Fame will host its annual rary hold after four positive COVID-19 retirement at DU…A new advisory & edu- requests in ’20…Greensboro, N.C., appears Legends Golf Tournament to raise funds for tests among football student-athletes…Five cation firm, Altius Sports Partners, will to be solidly in the running to host the the Waco facility on Monday, Nov. 9, at The Wyoming football student-athletes have work with several leading athletics depart- delayed 2020 NCAA Men’s Division I Clubs of Kingwood, Texas. For registration opted out in ’20 with two starters and pass ments in solving student-athletes names, Swimming and Diving Championships after and additional information, please access rusher deluxe Solomon Byrd…San Jose images and likenesses challenges, and the they were moved from Iowa City, tshof.org…Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has State football will practice initially at new clients include such schools as LSU, Iowa…The NCAA Division I Council is not issued an edict on how many fans may Humboldt State's campus in Arcata - 232 Arizona State. Former West Virginia AD anticipating a vote this week to add the one- be allowed at TIAA Bank Stadium in miles away from San Jose, Calif. Ð because and NCAA vice president Oliver Luck and time transfer rule into the legislative Jacksonville, Fla., for the Nov. 7 Florida- of Santa Clara County health regula- former Vanderbilt and Washington AD Todd cycle…The NAIA has passed names, Georgia contest Ð held annually in tions…Several national health and media Turner are special advisers to the new images and likenesses legislation to allow Jacksonville since 1933. The City of agencies have urged NCAA football teams group. student-athletes to receive compensation for Jacksonville has postponed several public and administrators to enforce wearing High school sports guru Callie Caplan of promoting any commercial product, enter- dinners and events prior to the key SEC masks at games more strictly. SMU security the Dallas Morning News reported on sev- prise, or for any public or media appear- matchup due to COVID-19 protocols... recently moved students at a game from the eral steps taken by Duncanville (Texas) HS ance. The NAIA legislation will take effect …Former North Texas QB Damon West has student section because of lack of social and Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy to pre- in January 2023 at the same time as NCAA been making the national motivational lec- distancing and 100 percent mask vent interstate illness contagion when they NIL allowances begin…The U.S. Olympic ture tour and speaking about his book usage…North Texas continues to have lim- played last week….ESPN and AT&T are Paralympic Committee and USOPC “Coffee Bean” about hanging lives in chal- ited single-game home ticket sales as space offering the new AT&T 5G SkyCast appli- Collegiate Advisory Council have formed lenging circumstances…The NFL Dallas warrants…The Citadel is re-scheduling cation for several games this autumn the USOPC College Sports Sustainability Cowboys have a first-year deep snapper in three prominent non-conference games for …Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde touched Think Tank to look at “broad-based college Joe Fortunato of Delaware Ð not related to the 2021-22 season after changes to the base on Notre Dame's joining the Atlantic sports programming initiatives focused on the ate Mississippi State NFF College Hall 2020-21 campaign mandated by the Coast Conference for 2020 football after vulnerabilities facing varsity-level Olympic of Fame great and NFF Mississippi- NCAA...The Knight Commission has pro- 133 years as an independent and its meas- and Paralympic sports” with Florida AD Louisiana Fortunato Chapter namesake Joe posed some changes for NCAA March ures against COVID-19 spread. The team Scott Stricklin as chair of the think Fortunato. Madness¨ revenue streams and distribu- returned to workouts last week after a 10- tank…The NCAA's deadline for an requests LSU’s athletics marketing department tion…Florida athletics denoted one positive day break for recovery and testing... Long- for proposals for future championships’ captured the 2020 Best Social Media Award COVID-19 test last week and 113 positive time Houston sportscaster Bill Brown has sites ended last week…One national publi- for colleges by Sports Business results since May 26 out of 3,054 total compiled a new book Ð Broadcasting 101 Ð cation has reported that Ticketmaster Global Journal…Florida A&M athletics is nearing tests…Virginia’s volleyball matches against with noted radio and television voices Brad chair Jared Smith will complete his tenure completion of a marketing and apparel North Carolina last weekend were post- Sham, Bill Schoening and Craig Way con- in December.

14 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NFL NFL Picks and Predictions: Week 6

Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS will be under more heat in this one. Line: Ravens -7.5 / 46.5 Pick: Bears 26, Panthers 23 The Ravens' defense has found its foot- ing since the loss to the Chiefs, and they N.Y Jets (0-5) at Miami (2-3) have allowed just 10 points per game in Sunday, 3:05 p.m, CBS victories against Washington and Line: Dolphins -8 / 48 Cincinnati. The Eagles present a stiffer The Dolphins have won two of their last challenge, but Baltimore’s offense is just three behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has a too efficient right now. pair of 300-yard games in that stretch. The Pick: Ravens 24 Eagles 20 Jets haven't been able to stop the pass. They will join the Giants in the 0-6 club. Washington (1-4) at NY Giants (0-5) Pick: Dolphins 31, Jets 23 Sunday, 12 p.m., FOX Line: Giants -3 / 43 Green Bay (4-0) at Tampa Bay (3-2) Speaking of the No. 1 pick, this NFC Sunday, 3:25 p.m, FOX East rivalry features two teams still looking Line: Packers -1.5 / 54 for a superstar quarterback. New York’s The marquee showdown features Aaron offense showed up in the loss to Dallas, but Rodgers and . The Packers are the Redskins make it ugly. Chase Young coming off the bye week, and the comes up with a late sack to seal the Buccaneers had extra rest after the victory. "" loss to the Pick: Washington 19, Giants 17 Bears. This is another prove-it game for Brady, and the Buccaneers will lead for Atlanta (0-5) at Minnesota (1-4) three quarters before Rodgers leads a Sunday, 12 p.m., FOX fourth-quarter comeback. You can flip the Line: Vikings -3.5 / 55.5 script and take Tampa Bay if you want. The Falcons fired Dan Quinn after a 0-5 Either way, the game lives up to the hype. start, and the Vikings might be without Pick: Packers 33, Buccaneers 31 Dalvin Cook (groin). Both defenses give up more than 30 points per game, but the L.A Rams (4-1) at San Francisco (2-3) Vikings ride Alexander Mattison to victory Sunday, 7:20 p.m, NBC By Mike McFee schedule continues to change by the day here in a close one. Line: Rams -3.5 / 50.5 Week 6 of the NFL season features great because of COVID-19, and we have no Pick: Vikings 29, Falcons 27 The Rams and 49ers both have top-five quarterback matchups — and the focus idea who will be their starting quarterback defenses when it comes to yards allowed, will be on the Tom Brady-Aaron Rodgers at this point. We’re sticking to the same Detroit (1-3) at Jacksonville (1-4) and that should lead to a grind-it-out game, and - quarter- prediction as last week. Sunday, 12 p.m, FOX and Jimmy Garoppolo faces more pressure back duels in the big spotlight games. Pick: Patriots 28, Broncos 19 Line: Lions -3.5 / 54.5 than anyone else here. At home, San Dallas' Andy Dalton also will be making This game appears to have more impli- Francisco delivers. his first start with his new team on Houston (1-4) at Tennessee (4-0) cations for the 2021 NFL Draft than any- Pick: 49ers 23, Rams 20 "Monday Night Football" against Kyler Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS thing else. The Lions had a bye week to Murray and the Cardinals. Line: Titans -5.5 / 43 shore up the protection around Matthew Kansas City (4-1) at Buffalo (4-1) Five divisional games, however, have We have no idea what to expect from the Stafford, but Detroit must squeak out Monday, 4:00 p.m, FOX our attention. The Titans-Texans matchup Titans at this point given the COVID-19 another one-score victory on the road. Line: Chiefs -3.5 / 55 is interesting with Tennessee coming off a issues surrounding the team. The Texans Pick: Lions 27 Jaguars 20 This game got pushed back from its short week. The Jets are looking for their have lost three of the last four at "Thursday Night Football" spotlight, and first win against the Dolphins, and the Tennessee, but it depends on how the Cincinnati (1-3-1) at Indianapolis (3-2) it’s Buffalo’s chance to shine on the Giants are looking for their first win Titans respond to a short week. We’re Sunday, 12 p.m, FOX national stage. The Chiefs were upset by against Washington. San Francisco faces going to take Deshaun Watson in the upset. Line: Colts -7.5 / 46.5 the Raiders in Week 5, but they are more pressure heading into a "Sunday Night Pick: Texans 28, Titans 26 Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow took accustomed to this prime-time spot. Patrick Football" matchup against the Rams. eight sacks against Philadelphia and seven Mahomes and Josh Allen put on a show, The big game, however, is the Browns- Cleveland (4-1) at Pittsburgh (4-0) more in the loss to the Ravens last week. but the Chiefs come out on top. Steelers matchup in Pittsburgh. Cleveland Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS Indianapolis will be coming next, and their Pick: Chiefs 33, Bills 24 has a chance to knock off an unbeaten Line: Steelers -3.5 / 51 defense will be motivated after giving up team, and this AFC North rivalry has a lit- Emotions should be high because this is 32 points to the Browns last week. Arizona (3-2) at Cowboys (2-3) tle more meaning now. That’s the best the first matchup with big implications in Pick: Colts 23, Bengals 17 Sunday, 7:15 p.m, ESPN game of the week. this rivalry in a while. The Steelers’ Line: Cardinals -2.5 / 54.5 ¥ Last Week: 9-4 (Before Tuesday's game) defense showed holes in the secondary last Chicago (4-1) at Carolina (3-2) Andy Dalton is the next man up at quar- ¥ Season: 17-9 (Before Tuesday's game) week, and will make some Sunday, 12 p.m, FOX terback for the Cowboys, and the offense With that in mind, below are our picks and big plays in the passing game. Cleveland Line: Panthers -2.5 / 44 can still function with him at quarterback. predictions for Week 6 of the NFL season. will lead at halftime, but the Steelers will The Bears are underdogs for the second This is a homecoming of sorts for Kyler rally in the fourth quarter for another big straight week, but the offense has changed Murray, a Texas high-school legend who Denver (1-3) at New England (2-2) victory at the Browns' expense. direction with . Carolina is a hot has the Cardinals in the playoff hunt. Sunday, 12:00 p.m., CBS Pick: Steelers 29, Browns 27 team with Teddy Bridgewater, who has Some might want to write Dallas off. We Line: Patriots -8.5 / 45.5 thrown just one interception and taken two just think this is the next roller-coaster ride. The Patriots are another team whose Baltimore (4-0) at Philadelphia (1-3-1) sacks through a three-game win streak. He Pick: Cowboys 34, Cardinals 31

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 15 Cowboys vs Cardinals bold prediction

scored a touchdown since the fourth quar- ter of week two but piled up 34 points Sunday. Dallas led 3-0 before giving up 17 unanswered points to trail 17-3 early in the second quarter. The Cowboys tied the game at 17 and took a 24-20 halftime lead when Cedrick Wilson hit Dak Prescott on an 11- yard touchdown pass on the Dallas version of the “Philly Special” just before intermis- sion. Dallas led 31-23 after three quarters but trailed 34-31 with late in the fourth quarter before Dalton got the team moving. The Cowboys tied the game on a 40-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal with 1:56 to play and, after the defense got a stop, Dalton moved Dallas 72 yards in five plays. That set up Zuerlein’s game-winning 34-yard kick as time expired. Dallas owned a 402- 300 edge in total offense and picked up 28 first downs while allowing 20. The Cowboys turned the ball over twice, including a pick-six, while forcing one takeaway, which was a scoop-six. Dallas also lost the time of possession battle by a 32:22 to 27:38 margin. The Cowboys’ two wins are over teams that are a combined 0- 10 so they try to beat a team with actual By Mike McFee York from getting back in the game en The Cowboys had their ups and downs wins on the ledger here. route to the victory. The Cardinals led 7-0 against the winless Giants, who hadn’t Pick: Cardinals 38 Cowboys 24 It’s a battle of former NFC East rivals after the opening quarter and scored the who now just share bitterness as confer- final 10 points of the first half after New ence rivals taking center stage on Monday York got on the board to take a 17-3 lead at Night Football. The Arizona Cardinals are intermission. Those 10 points came in the on the road as they make the trip to face final 2:41 of the half. After seeing the Jets the Dallas Cowboys to close out week six get within seven early in the third quarter, on Monday night. Arizona comes in off an the defense shut New York down the rest of emphatic 30-10 whipping of the Jets on the the game en route to the win. Arizona road last Sunday to snap a two-game skid. rolled up a 496-285 edge in total offense, Dallas managed to pull out a wild 37-34 held a 28-21 advantage in first downs and win at home over the Giants last Sunday to owned a 32:15 to 27:45 advantage in time snap a two-game slide of their own. The of possession. The Cardinals committed the Cowboys lead the all-time regular season game’s lone turnover but had a huge stop series 56-31-1, including a 28-17 road win midway through the second quarter, thwart- in the most recent matchup between the ing a 14-play, 79-yard drive that chewed up teams on September 25, 2017. 7:57 by stuffing Le’Veon Bell on fourth Arizona comes into this game with a and one from the Arizona 13. 3-2 record, leaving them third in the NFC Dallas managed to rally to earn the win West behind the 5-0 Seahawks and the 4-1 at the final gun for the second time this Rams in the standings. The Cardinals are season as they knocked off the winless looking to make it back to back wins here Giants. The Cowboys enter this one 2-3, to get to 4-2 on the season as they make which, sadly, puts them atop the NFC East the trip on the road. Arizona opened the standings after five weeks. Their victory season with a divisional win as they beat came with a stiff price as quarterback Dak the 49ers (24-20) on the road. The Prescott suffered a compound fracture and Cardinals followed that up with a solid dislocation of his right ankle in the third home win over the Washington Football quarter of the game. He underwent surgery Team (30-15) in week two. Things went on Sunday and his season is reportedly sideways the next two weeks as Arizona over, meaning Andy Dalton will take over was defeated at home by the Lions (26-23) the reins of the offense. Dallas opened the in week three and then on the road by season with a 20-17 road loss to the Rams Carolina (31-21) in week four. Arizona in week one. That was followed by a mas- bounced back with a solid showing in dis- sive comeback in a 40-39 win over the mantling the Jets to get back over the .500 Falcons in week two. Dallas was then beat- mark. Now, the Cardinals get a chance to en by Seattle (38-31) on the road in week bolster their resume after six games with a three and were gouged by the Browns in a win here. home loss (49-38) in week four. That set Against the Jets, Arizona came up with up a NFC East battle with the winless critical plays at key times to thwart New Giants.

16 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS VW Atlas midsize-crossover SUV

is available in the S. Apart from all-wheel drive and the V6 engine (both of which are standard in SEL Premium), the only other main options are a trailer package for the first three trims with the V6, panoramic sunroof (available in the upper two SE variants) and 2nd-row captain’s chairs. The first two trims are ineligible for that last feature. To see which equipment goes where, check our Trims/Features section below. The basic engine in the VW Atlas is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit mak- ing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the only configuration. The alternative is a 3.6-liter V6 generat- ing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and can drive either the front wheels or all four (AWD) with the 4Motion setup, which has modes for various treach- erous conditions. The Atlas also has on- road driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport. Both engines connect to an 8-speed By Matt Degen vehicle VW sells in the United States, so is big on the inside yet capable of fitting automatic transmission. even this option is hardly a powerhouse. within a regular garage. The rear-passenger 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize- But it can come with all-wheel drive doors are generously sized and open wide 235 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm crossover SUV with three rows of seating. (AWD), a system that includes Snow and for easy entries and exits. And we like the 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm In its usual form, it has accommodation for Off-road modes. large cargo-area aperture, especially when EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/24 seven. An optional pair of captain’s chairs Eight inches of ground clearance means it’s accessed by the hands-free power tail- mpg for the second row brings that down to six. the Atlas can cope with a rural trail, but not gate. Touches like these illustrate the detail 3.6-liter V6 Volkswagen designed and developed the the really rough stuff. Volkswagen has gone into when consider- 276 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm Atlas especially for North America, and Yes, a third seating row is good enough ing the needs of its potential customers. 266 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm builds it in the company’s factory in to warrant a special mention. The way the The standard wheel is an 18-inch alloy, EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 Chattanooga, Tennessee. second row slides forward to make the going up to 21 inches on the highest trim. mpg (FWD), 16/22 mpg (AWD) The Atlas is therefore a specialized seats behind so easily accessible is just one The R-Line variants have their own cos- The S trim is the lowest of the seven machine that still has to have a broad aspect. Passengers will also find plenty of metic additions. Atlas trim levels, with a Manufacturer’s appeal. And it succeeds with family-friend- headroom and decent legroom, with space The good news is that the Atlas in Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,545. ly space and costs, smart ergonomics, under the second row to place their feet. entry-level S trim comes with a lot of stan- Add the $1,020 destination charge to make decent-quality materials, and a pleasant Even if the Atlas isn’t exactly breathtak- dard equipment that includes a few $32,565. driving experience with standard driver ing, there’s still some VW spirit to be advanced driver aids. Other attractions Aim for the SE trim at least, from aids. found. Clicking the driving modes over to include rain-sensing wipers, automatic $35,715, although a good balance of price As with almost anything that looks like Sport sharpens up the steering and throttle LED headlights, heated side mirrors, roof and equipment is the SE w/Technology for an SUV, though, this is a hotly contested responses, and raises the transmission shift rails, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smart- $38,065 (front-wheel drive). The SEL arena. Principal rivals like the Honda Pilot, points. It even works with the adaptive phone integration, and Wi-Fi. comes in at $41,815, while the SEL Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer have cruise control engaged. Safety makes a substantial contribution Premium (with the V6, all-wheel drive and been joined recently by the excellent Kia Because the Atlas is aimed at American with six airbags, automatic post-collision almost everything else as standard) is Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Let’s not buyers, there are 17 cup holders. However, braking, and VW’s Intelligent Crash $50,215. Adding the 2nd-row captain’s forget the Chevrolet Traverse, either. At the cabin still mixes simplicity with class. Response System, which cuts the fuel sup- chairs would be $695. Where they’re least the Atlas is strong enough to be in the The high-quality plastics help in this ply, unlocks the doors and turns on the haz- optional, the V6 is $1,400 and all-wheel game, rather than being left on the side- regard. ard lights in the event of a crash. drive is an extra $1,800. lines. The second row can fold and slide for- The not-so-good news is that there’s These figures are similar to the Ford The Atlas has a comfortable ride quality ward even when child seats are fitted, only a 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and approaching that of a luxury vehicle, yet enabling accommodation for seven occu- and one USB port. Hyundai Palisade. The Chevrolet Traverse still displays control and composure when pants, or six if the optional 2nd-row cap- To bring even more features into a new starts with a lower price, while a new-for- the corners come along. That’s the tain’s chairs are selected. Volkswagen Atlas means heading for high- 2020 Toyota Highlander costs more. European influence in a vehicle designed In versions of the Atlas without the cap- er trims. For example, parking sensors Check out KBB.com’s Fair Purchase and built for Americans. tain’s chairs, the rearmost two rows of aren’t available until the mid-range SE Price to see what other buyers in your area The basic 4-cylinder engine (paired seats can fold to create a flat load-space w/Tech R-Line model, while the hands-free are paying for their new Atlas. The Pilot only with front-wheel drive) is adequate for floor. Behind the third row is a still-gener- power tailgate comes in the SEL model. and Highlander outperform the Atlas in suburban duties, but anyone planning ous 20.6 cubic feet of cargo area, which Those looking to spend more can always terms of resale values. Although the VW longer drives might want to consider the expands to an impressive maximum of 96.8 order the panoramic sunroof, 20-inch or SUV has a transferrable 6-year/72,000- V6. Then again, the Atlas is not light cubic feet. 21-inch alloy wheels, and 2nd-row cap- mile bumper-to-bumper warranty in its (around 4,500 pounds) and it’s the largest Clever packaging means the VW Atlas tain’s chairs. The V6 with all-wheel drive favor.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK Taco Crush: Madness for the love of Tacos

Guacamole was extra firm and robustly fla- Thousand Island Dressing into a Taco. problem is how to eat them all! It willobvi- vorful. Also available for starters is There were no complains about the Beef ously take multiple visits as there are 16 Refried Beans, Black Beans, Rice, and Quasadillas or the Buffalo Chicken Tacos Tacos to choose from! Chips and Salsa. either. Both scored big in competitive taste.

By Richard Pollak The Traveling Gourmet [email protected]

It's just maddening to think that the best Tacos in McKinney are the result of a Taco crush. That's when you are so crazy about Tacos, you open the best Taco paradise in Hot sauce choice are Mango Habenero, Salsa and Tomatillo McKinney, Texas. Crazy thought, but there’s is nothing else in McKinney, that I The sopapillas are fantastic have tried, that even compares. The menu Grilled Chicken Salad Bowl, grilled Fish and Barbacoa The homemade Hot Sauce is available spans the global of Taco traditions and in Mango Habenero, Salsa and Tomatillo The Sopapillas are tiny little pillows of offers something for all tastes. and the perfect crowing touch. The The grilled Chicken Salad Bowl was Dessert madness, vs the much larger ver- Mango Habenero is definately the hottest crowned with Crispy Fried Chicken atop a sion available at most Mexican restaurants, bed of crisp, shredded Romaine Lettuce, and are prepared perfectly with sugar and covered in Black Beans, Shredded Cheese cinnamon and side of honey. Very tradi- and a choice of Salsa, Sour Cream or tional. What an outstanding way to end a majestic Spicy Avocado Ranch Dressing. global trek of Taco madness for the love of The Fried Fish and Barbacoa Tacos were Tacos! outstanding as well. You simply can't go Check it out....if you love Tacos you will wrong with any of Taco Crush's Tacos. The not be dissapointed.

Chicken and Waffles Taco, Brisket Taco and Pastor Taco

of the three. The insane Chicken and Waffles Tacos can't be matched on earth! And the greatest They even have IBC Root Beer part about it is they are available all day and all night. A Full Monty Burrito puts everything a As soon as I entered Taco Crush, I was breakfast eater could crave in a huge carry- driven towards the Soda display...OMG! ing case. Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Potatoes, When I see the fabulous IBC Root Beer, I Beans, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Cheese have to grab two even if I’m eating break- ....basically the kitchen sink. fast Tacos. At Taco Crush, starters, breakfast Tacos, Salad bowls and Quesadillas, Burritos and Flautas, all share the menu with 16 Tacos and Desserts

The Ruben Taco

Guacamole served with the Queso starter I would have to say that it’s worth the trip, if for nothing else, for the Rueben Taco.....yes, Taco Crush has literally The Chips and Queso are blessed with a crushed the concept of putting Corned spicy Avocado Ranch swirl that takes this Beef, Grilled Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese and starter to a whole new level. The

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 8 | October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 19 20 October 16, 2020 - October 22, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 8 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com