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Home , 2020 World Series, Anderson Tejeda, Andrew Romine, Brett Martin (baseball), Brock Burke, Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw gets a title

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2020 Vol. 19, Issue 10 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 3 Oct. 30, 2020 - Nov. 5, 2020 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 10 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Preseason Awards

Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA American and named the nation’s top recruit, among many other honors. He led WHERE DO THE RANGERS GO Montverde Academy to a unanimous No. 1 FROM HERE ranking and a 25-0 record last season with 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY wins over seven ranked opponents. Despite GOLF, ETC. Big 12 Reveals 2020-21 Men’s playing just 22 minutes a game, the point 6 BY TOM WARD Basketball Preseason Awards guard averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 assists and BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP Jared Butler (Baylor) was selected Big 4.2 rebounds. Cunningham is the fourth hosts PBR World Finals for the 7 PREVIEW 12 Preseason Player of the Year while Cowboy to be selected as preseason fresh- BY PGATOUR.COM first time ever Marcus Santos-Silva (Texas Tech) picked man of the year. For time in league history, the 8 COLLEGE GAMEDAY AT THE up Newcomer of the Year and Cade Butler and Cunningham were both also PBR (Professional Bull Riders) will host MASTERS Cunningham (Oklahoma State) was named named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team BY PGATOUR.COM its World Finals in Arlington, Texas, buck- Freshman of the Year. The honors were along with Marcus Garrett (KU), Austin KERSHAW GETS A WORLD ing into AT&T Stadium on Nov. 12-15 for 9 SERIES TITLE voted on by head coaches, who are not Reaves (OU), Matt Coleman III (Texas) the 2020 PBR World Finals: Unleash The BY JOEY LAYNE allowed to vote for their own athletes. and Oscar Tshiebwe (WVU). A tie created Beast. The fan-attended, season-culminat- SEC WEEK 5 PREDICTIONS Butler was a unanimous selection on an extra position on the team. Butler and ing event will conclude the unique 2020 10 BY ROBERT CORTINEZ the All-Big 12 First Team and received Garrett were unanimous selections. Garrett season which has seen PBR pioneer the votes for consensus All-America last sea- was the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the return of professional sports in the United BIG 12 WEEK 9 PREDICTIONS son as he helped lead Baylor to a second- Year and a member of the All-Big 12 Third 11 BY JOHN MOSS States in a safe and healthy manner. place Conference finish. His 16.0 points Team, along with Coleman III. Tshiebwe Set to award hundreds of thousands per game were third in the league and he was All-Big 12 Second Team last season. across the four-day event, one rider will be 12 SMU HOSTS NAVY was also third in 3-pt field goals made with Preseason Player of the Year: BY MIKE MCFEE crowned the 2020 PBR World Champion a 2.57 average. The junior guard was sev- Jared Butler, Baylor, G, 6-3, 195, Jr., earning the coveted gold buckle and $1 VANDY AND SMU ARE VERY Preseason Newcomer of the Year: 13 SIMILAR enth in both field goal percentage (.421) million bonus, while one bovine athlete BY BO CARTER and steals (1.63). Butler is the third Bear to Marcus Santos-Silva, Texas Tech, F, 6-7, will be anointed the 2020 YETI PBR NFL WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS garner preseason player of the year, joining 245, Sr., Taunton, Massachusetts World Champion Bull and receiving 15 BY NFL.COM Pierre Jackson (2012-13) and Perry Jones Preseason Freshman of the Year: $100,000 in prize money. AUTO REVIEW III (2011-12). Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State, G, 6- The action-packed, world-class event 17 BY KBB.COM Texas Tech boasts the preseason new- 8, 200, Fr., Arlington, Texas week will also feature a four-day, free-to- comer of the year in consecutive seasons Big 12 Mens Basketball PreSeason Poll attend fan zone in Lot 4 of AT&T Stadium as Chris Clarke grabbed the honor in 2019- 1. Baylor from Nov. 12-15. In addition to featuring Follow us on 20. Santos-Silva played the last three sea- 2. Kansas daily taping’s of iconic western sports sons at VCU where he was named NABC 3. West Virginia entertainer Flint Rasmussen’s “Outside Twitter & Facebook All-District Second Team and led his team 4. Texas The Barrel,” talk show, and mechanical in scoring (12.8), rebounding (8.9) and 5. Texas Tech bull rides from veteran rider Chase Outlaw, twitter.com/sportspagedfw blocks (1.2). The senior forward also regis- 6. Oklahoma fans will also be able to watch the 2020 tered 10 -doubles during the short- 7. Oklahoma State MBR (Miniature Bull Riders) Finals, facebook.com/sportspageweek- ened season. 8. Iowa State where the sport’s top aspiring talent ages Cunningham was the 2020 Naismith Publisher Contact Us 9. TCU 8-13 compete aboard miniature bucking Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 High School Player of the Year, a 10. Kansas State bulls standing under 48”. LLC P.O. Box 820813 McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All- [email protected] , Tx. 75382 www.sportspagedfw.com NCAA Football - Top 25 Coaches (Week of 10/26/20) AP Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert 1. Clemson 1. Clemson Cortinez. James McAnally 2. Alabama 2. Alabama 3. State 3. Ohio State OCTOBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 4. Notre Dame 4. Notre Dame 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 5. Georgia 5. Georgia FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6. Oklahoma State 6. Oklahoma State To advertise in The Sports Page Weekly 7. 7. Cincinnati Dallas 8. 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4 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com MLB WORLD SERIES Rangers begin off season planning

The prediction here is that with the com- impressive young on the Rangers back next year, and more than likely that bination of the huge financial losses this last season. Cody was once a highly regard- both will be part of the 2021 team. season and the uncertainty of next year’s ed Ranger pitching prospect, but he lost two Ronald Guzman .244 with four home financial situation, that teams will be look- full seasons to Tommy John Surgery. This runs in 26 games. He is a tremendous ing to cut payroll. We all saw the success of summer, he had a 1.59 ERA in 22-2/3rds defensive , but the Rangers feel young relief in the playoffs such as innings over eight games. He’ll get a they need more offense, and especially some the Rays’ Peter Fairbanks. Such young chance to be in next year’s rotation, but the home production from the position. players make at or near the Major League Rangers may go slow with him with his sur- Guzman will be in the mix, but the Rangers’ minimum, such that by using them instead gical history. , patience with his offensive game is growing of expensive veterans, payroll costs can be and are the other young thin. reduced. prospects that will have a chance to be in had a season lost season BY DIC HUMPHREY Already since the end of the World the 2021 starting rotation. hitting just .190 in 29 games. Injuries held [email protected] Series, the Braves turn down their option on and also showed enough this him back. He figures in the left field/desig- Darren O’Day at a salary of $3.5 million summer to be considered for the rotation. nated hitter picture. ARLINGTON, Texas Ð The Major next season. He was 4-0 with a 1.10 ERA Perhaps the two best pitching prospects was one of the young League Baseball season came to an end this out of Atlanta’s . in the Rangers’ organization are Cole Winn Ranger prospects that got a chance to play week when the World Series concluded in has been one of the best and Hans Crouse, the number four and six at the Major League level when the team six games at in Arlington. closers in baseball for years, if not the best. ranked prospects in the Rangers’ minor fell out of contention for a playoff spot. He The bad news is that the did The Indians have a team option on Hand for league system. They are farther away from is Major League ready in center field. not play in the World Series despite the next season at $10 million. They put him on competing at the Major League level than Offense is the question. Among the young locale, and in fact, the Rangers didn’t come waivers hoping another team will claim him the ones mentioned Rangers that saw action this season, he has close to sniffing a playoff berth in this most and exercise the option, saving Cleveland There is the basis of a solid if not really the best chance to be on the 2021 opening unusual baseball season ever. The Rangers the $1.0 million buyout of the option. If he good bullpen. Rafael Montero was excellent day roster. finished the season on a three game winning clears waivers, the Indians intend exercise as the Rangers’ this season saving got a look at the Major League streak, and they need an equally good off the buyout. eight games. The Rangers might test the level without any minor league experience season to head the team back to contention. A lot of arbitration eligible players are trade market for Montero like with Lynn. above the level. He appeared in just One benefit of the Rangers’ poor record going to feel the pinch too. Teams can Jose Leclerc was scheduled to be the closer 10 games, but hit three home runs, showing is a high draft pick in next year’s amateur avoid arbitration by failing to tender those until an injury ended his season. Jonathan some serious power. He likely starts 2021 draft. The Pirates with the worst record in players contracts by a predetermined date Hernandez was the Rangers best relief in AA or AAA to continue his development baseball this year have the number one pick, (December 2) making them free agents. pitcher last year Ð 5-2 record with a 2.90 as a but has a good chance to be part and Texas gets the second selection. The non-tenders are expected to set new ERA. Joely Rodriguez was one of the solid of the Rangers later in the season. The end of the World Series signals the records this off season. The most likely end of game relievers. , and infielder official start of the off season planning for non-tender candidate on the Rangers is Jimmy Herget and Ian Gibaut also look are two more of the young next year. The Rangers really began even Danny Santana, who was limited to just 15 promising. Lefties and Taylor Rangers that got a chance because of the before the end of the season. The first order games by injury. He is not expected to be Hearn are back, though both could garner mysterious 2020 season. Both are excellent of business was the declaration of 147 play- ready when begins and was consideration to be in the starting rotation. defenders with questions about their offense. ers as free agents. Seven were Rangers led scheduled to make $3.6 million last season. As for the position players, there are just The bottom line is that the starting rota- by Shin-Soo Choo. Choo has indicated that The Rangers could still negotiate a new con- two that are assured a position next year Ð tion is weak. The Rangers may bring in vet- he wants to play again next year, preferably tract at a lesser salary. in right field and at erans and continue their young starting with the Rangers. That’s not likely. The The Rangers did announce a move last catcher. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitchers’ development in the minor leagues. Rangers are in full rebuild mode, and they week. Bullpen and will be in the lineup somewhere. Kiner- New pitching coaches Mathis and Sagara need to be playing young players to develop Brendan Sagara will share the pitching Falefa was the team’s 2020 Most Valuable have their work cut out for them bringing them into being the core of a contending coach duties as co-pitching coaches. Sagara Player, playing mostly third base. His the starters along. Offensively, the Rangers team. had been scheduled to be the Rangers’ AAA defense was excellent enough to be a finalist simply didn’t score many runs last year and The other six Rangers that are now free pitching coach last summer before the for the are terribly short of power in the lineup. agents are catcher Mike Mathis, pitchers Coronavirus situation shut down minor at the position. He did play at 2021 is expected to be a year of develop- , Jesse Chavez, and Edinson league baseball. The idea is that the job has times with Elvis Andrus on the ment much like September was this season. Volquez, and infielders Derek Dietrich and become too big for one person. The and could be an option there. Solak played NOTEABLE: . There will be other Rangers’ team ERA was an obscene 5.02, mostly in the outfield, but his best defensive ¥ Texas finished with a 16-14 record at Rangers becoming free agents too. One for 11th among American League teams. They position is second base. He is a contact hit- home and a 6-24 record on the road to get to sure is Corey Kluber. The Rangers will not replace Julio Rangel, who was notified that ter that was consistent at the plate. 22-38 for the season. exercise the team option at $18.5 million his contract would be renewed for next sea- The two biggest questions this winter will ¥ Sixty of the Rangers best minor league which will make him a free agent. son earlier this month. be about middle infielders Andrus and players are currently in Arizona for instruc- MLB Commissioner esti- Personnel-wise, the Rangers’ starting Rougned Odor. The pair are collectively tional league play to make up for not having mated that the teams collectively lost around rotation starts with (6-3, 3.32 owed around $55 million on their current a minor league season last summer. $2.8 to $3.0 billion in this shortened season ERA), (2-6, 5.35 ERA) and contracts, and both have underperformed. ¥ Catcher Jeff Mathis, now a free agent, with no fans attending games and have (1-6, 7.02 ERA). All three are Andrus’s problems have been injury caused. wants to continue playing, but the Rangers amassed additional debt of $8.3 billion. under contract for 2021 and Gibson’s con- Odor is more of a head scratcher. He hit a seem more interest in having him back in Everyone assumes the situation caused by tract extends through the 2022 season. woeful .167 with a good finish in late some sort of instructional capacity. the Coronavirus will loosen up for next year, There was talk of trading Lynn last August September. Despite that, he tied Gallo for ¥ Tony La Russa was tabbed by the but there’s no assurance teams won’t be as the trade deadline neared. A trade didn’t the team lead in home runs with 10 and led to be their next manag- dealing with COVID-19 protocols and happen then, but the Rangers are almost cer- the Rangers in RBIs with 30. It is doubtful er. White Sox fans are seemingly unhappy reduced attendance to allow for social dis- tainly going to explore the trade market for that either could be traded without the with the team signing the 76 year old La tancing in the stands. In other words, the him this winter. Lynn has said he prefers to Rangers kicking in a substantial amount for Russa. The are expected to financial situation should be better next stay with the Rangers and would like to sign their remaining salaries or taking another name A. J. Hinch as their new manager year, but it may not be back to what we all an extension. bad contract in return. Consequently, it’s shortly. thought of as normal in 2019. From there, was the most almost a surety that one of them will be

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 5 MISC TOM WARD Cindy Morgan talks Caddyshack, Tron

lucky because we were struck by comedy lightning. Out of the blue people like Bill Murray who had no lines was coming up with incredible stuff on the spot. Rodney Dangerfield would start doing his nightclub act which was hilarious. There’s Ted Knight getting legitimately angry holding onto his script saying, “I’ve got words.” I got along with literally everyone on the set of Caddyshack and that included Chevy Chase. Yeah we fought, but Chevy was TOM WARD fine. Now Tron was 180 degree turn the [email protected] other way. We shot on the Disney lot and it was a huge empty warehouse that was Actress Cindy Morgan has played a painted black. The film was shot in black wide variety of roles throughout her career. and white and that was so they could However, to many loyal fans she’s perhaps specifically pinpoint lighting exactly on the best known for her early roles as “Lacey marks we were hitting. Later, they could Underall” in Caddyshack (1980), and hand the film over to the Disney artists and “Yori” in TRON (1982). they could then do CGI. There would only Morgan, a Chicago native, moved to be a few people ever on the set. We worked in 1978 where she landed the 12-14 hour days. We were sewn into our role of the ‘Irish Spring’ girl in TV com- costumes and they weren’t pleasurable. In mercials. Then in 1979, Morgan beat out a between filming I used my Walkman a lot bevy of beauties to win the role of the an back then listening to music which kept my over-amorous ingénue Lacey Underall in energy level up. My two co-stars used their Caddyshack. She wound up acting along- time in another way. Jeff Bridges kept him- side comedy legends Chevy Chase, Ted self busy playing video games. Bruce Knight, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Boxleitner for some reason was lassoing Murray. Morgan next appeared in the 1982 folding chairs a lot of the time. film Tron, the first computer-generated TW: Tell me about working with the direc- film. Cindy co-starred in the movie along tors. Where their styles different? with Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner. CM: Oh yeah! Harold Ramis who direct- She played two characters: Lora, a comput- ed Caddyshack this was his first film and er programmer in the “real” world, and he was our camp counselor. He was also Yori, her alter-ego in the film's computer- Lacy Underall which was my character. generated flights of imagination. What I meant by that is a lot of times he Earlier this week I spoke to Cindy. would come up to me and whisper in my TW: First, How are you dealing with the ear and tell me to go do this. A lot of pandemic? naughty little things that Lacey did came CM: I’m very careful because I don’t want right out of Harold’s mind. Steven held up after all these years? CM: What’s going on now is I’m back to play Russian roulette with my health. On Lisberger who directed Tron was very seri- CM: Unbelievably well! How lucky was I doing what I did when I first got out of col- two occasions I asked someone to wear a ous. The film meant a lot to him because to be in two completely different films that lege which is broadcasting and telling sto- mask when they came into my house. One he co-wrote it. He wanted everything per- people love seeing. I think the reason peo- ries. This time I’m doing it on the internet. time the person absolutely refused which I fect and pulled the best people in for it. ple like watching Caddyshack was because People can go to my website www.cindy- found upsetting. Someone else wasn’t hon- There was one line in the script in which I you could see on screen we were having a morgan.com. I’ve got so much new content est about how he lives his life. I found out went around and around with the director. I really good time. You can’t possibly on the site now which includes a lot of new he had been partying with a lot of people told him I’m not going to say this line rehearse that. Plus, I was working with photographs. who didn’t wear masks. I’m not here to tell because it makes no sense and it’s stupid. some of the most talented people on earth. Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- other people what to do, but when you Probably wasn’t a good arguments when TW: What’s on the horizon with you that timewithtom.com walk through my door that’s different. This the director is also the writer. The line was people can be on the lookout for? isn’t about politics or religion because now ‘Oh Tron, I knew there wasn’t a circuit your endangering my life. This pandemic is built that could hold you.’ how it’s going to be here for quite a while. TW: What is it that fans like to discuss I’ve set up a desk at my place in the middle with you from both of those films? of the room with good lighting. It’s the CM: What people have told me over the only desk in my home that isn’t cluttered. years from Tron is a really cool thing. Also, I took over control of all of my social They’ve told me they got into computer media during this time because if I make a science because of the movie Tron. It was mistake I pay for it. so inspirational and a lot of people saw TW: Caddyshack and Tron were two what Tron meant. Others became computer entirely different films. What was your technicians, engineers, code writers and experience like on and off the set on those software developers. Caddyshack was kind movies? of a lifestyle where Tron is more of a spiri- CM: Caddyshack was a big party on and tual belief and people take it seriously. off the set. On Caddyshack we were very TW: How do you think those films have

6 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR This week: Bermuda Championship

back top-15 finishes on TOUR… Harrington and Dufner are familiar with Bermuda having competed in the PGA when it was contested on the island… Todd will defend his title in Bermuda after a career season in 2019-20 that was kick-started here. He also won the Mayakoba Golf Classic in his next stop. 72-HOLE RECORD: 260, Brendon Todd (2019) 18-HOLE RECORD: 62, Scottie Scheffler (first round, 2019), Brendon Todd (fourth round, 2019). LAST TIME: Brendon Todd broke a five- year winless drought in Bermuda with a four-stroke victory over Harry Higgs. Todd, who won the 2014 AT&T Byron Nelson for his first PGA TOUR title, earned his TOUR card back for 2019-20 at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. After his win in 2014, Todd missed 37 of 41 cuts from 2016-18 and fell outside the top 2,000 in the world. But in a story of resilience, Todd fought all the way back to the PGA TOUR winner’s circle, punctuated with a 9-under-par 62 in the final round in Bermuda. Hank Lebioda, Aaron Wise, Brian Gay, and Scottie Scheffler all finished T3 at 18-under.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Television: Thursday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. ET; Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (Golf Channel) in the field… Sponsor exemptions include Zalatoris is looking to earn enough Bermuda’s own Camiko Smith, Taylor Nonmember FedExCup Points to get spe- Radio: Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Funk (son of former PLAYERS cial temporary member. He has finished in ET; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday 9 Championship winner Fred Funk, who is the top-10 three out of his last four TOUR a.m.-2 p.m. also in the field), Korn Ferry Tour mem- events, including the U.S. Open. He is just (PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and bers John Oda and James Nicholas, plus three FedExCup points away from earning PGATOUR.com/liveaudio). brothers Ollie and Luke Schniederjans special temporary membership, which Bermuda Championship (Luke, the younger brother, just shot a 59 would allow him to accept unlimited spon- October 29 - November 1, 2020 at a mini-tour event in North Carolina in sor exemptions… Suh has posted back-to- Port Royal Golf Course mid-October)… Monday Qualifiers include Southampton Parrish, Bermuda Danny Walker and Michael Miller, who Purse - $4,000,000 survived a 4-for-2 playoff two weeks ago Winners share: $720,000 that went into Tuesday due to darkness. Defending Champ - Brendon Todd FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 FedExCup points. By Adam Stanley COURSE: Port Royal GC in PGATOUR.COM Southampton, Bermuda, par 71, 6,828 yards (yardage subject to change). A The PGA TOUR returns to Bermuda Robert Trent Jones design, the course host- for the second Bermuda Championship ed the Grand Slam of Golf and underwent with a field led by former FedExCup win- a near $15-million renovation in order to ner Henrik Stenson and defending champi- welcome PGA TOUR golfers to its facility. on Brendon Todd. The Oceanside course is the longest on the FIELD NOTES: Former collegiate stars island. Will Zalatoris and Justin Suh earned a spot STORYLINES: This season’s Bermuda in the field after parlaying sponsor exemp- Championship will offer full FedExCup tions into the Shriners Hospitals for Open points… the Bermuda Championship will Children into top-10 finishes … Major be the first event on the TOUR schedule champions Danny Willett, Jason Dufner, since the COVID-19 break to allow specta- Stewart Cink, and Padraig Harrington are tors, but are limited to 500 per day…

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 7 GOLF Augusta National host College GameDay

For iPhone¨, iPad¨ and Android phones, the Masters Tournament will release free apps designed to complement the television broadcast or to be used inde- pendently to follow Tournament action. Golf fans can also stay informed of Tournament news by following @TheMasters on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. On Snapchat, the Masters will feature a new augmented real- ity experience on the platform, allowing users to scan the iconic Masters logo and bring it to life inside the Snapchat app, using Snapchat's Marker Technology, where Masters fans can use their Snapchat camera to unlock unique virtual experi- ences. The 84th Masters is set to begin on Thursday, November 12 with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player acting as Honorary Starters. Tee times will be announced at a later date, but players will be scheduled to start off the first and 10th tees in two waves the first two rounds.

The clubhouse at Augusta National Golf Club. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images) Turner Sports to exclusively present Capital One’s The Match: Champions Augusta National Golf Club to host ESPN ence of the Masters will experience new well as the 15th and 16th holes. for Change with Mickelson and Barkley College GameDay during Masters and enhanced views of the unique During Tournament week, Masters vs. Curry and Manning November Tournament, as Augusta Digital will feature exclusive live video, - TNT to Televise Live Golf Competition, By PGATOUR.COM National has worked with CBS Sports to scoring, interactive player tracking, group- Friday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m. ET. Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta showcase distinctive angles and shots from ings, video highlights, in-depth Tournament - Event to Benefit Historically Black National Golf Club, announced today the around the course. news coverage and more. The site will also Colleges and Universities, Among 2020 Masters Tournament, scheduled for Throughout the week, live coverage of feature a new live feed in November, high- Additional Initiatives to be Announced Nov. 9-15, will provide an expansive slate the Masters will be broadcast to more than lighting the action from the 4th, 5th and Turner Sports will present Capital of content across multiple platforms, 200 countries and territories. The American 6th holes. Featured hole coverage will also One’s The Match: Champions for Change, including ESPN’s College GameDay airing Forces Network will also broadcast the be available on ESPN+. a premier golf event with the World Golf live from Augusta National on Saturday, event to U.S. military installations through- Building upon the Emmy Award-win- Hall of Famer and crossover legends com- Nov. 14. out the world. ning “Every Shot, Every Hole” technology peting Ð Phil Mickelson, , “Given the circumstances brought about In the , live coverage of from 2019, Masters Digital will unveil the Stephen Curry and Peyton Manning. TNT by the pandemic, the delivery of quality Tournament play will begin Thursday, Nov. “My Group” feature for the 2020 will exclusively televise the event, to be content is as important as ever to the story- 12, from 1Ð5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and Tournament. Similar to a personally tai- held Friday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m. ET at Stone telling of the Masters Tournament,” said continue at the same times Friday, Nov. 13. lored Featured Group, “My Group” allows Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, Ariz. Ridley. “While we will dearly miss our CBS will again provide weekend coverage fans from around the world to build a per- Capital One’s The Match: Champions patrons at Augusta National this fall, we on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1Ð5 p.m. ET, sonalized feed of every shot from their for Change will uniquely contribute toward are excited to showcase what promises to before airing the final round from 10 a.m. - favorite players, ensuring they won’t miss and highlight diversity, equality and inclu- be a truly memorable Masters in a variety 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. The Par 3 any of the action during the Tournament. sion through donations to Historically of ways for viewers around the world.” Contest, which is traditionally played on In an effort to share the latest news from Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), One such way is the addition of College the Wednesday prior to the Masters the Tournament, the Masters has launched while raising awareness and spotlighting GameDay, which is scheduled to take place Tournament and broadcast by ESPN, has a free daily email newsletter for fans. opportunities for diversity and equality in from 9 a.m. Ð Noon before the live CBS been canceled. Delivered directly to their inbox from sports. All four players have previously broadcast of the third round. The studio “The fun and excitement of watching Augusta National, this newsletter will pro- supported diversity and inclusion initiatives will be staged overlooking Ike’s Pond and Masters competitors with their friends and vide fans with exclusive content and high- throughout their careers, which has led to the 9th green of the Par 3 course. family is what makes the Par 3 Contest lights of the day’s action, while also help- them teaming up for this event. Additional “When exploring ways to showcase a such a special part of Masters week,” stated ing them plan their viewing schedule for information on these elements, among oth- fall Masters, we were drawn to the concept Ridley. “We know that experience could the day ahead. ers, will be announced at a later date. of hosting College GameDay at Augusta not have been replicated without guests and Returning in 2020 is the official Masters The Stone Canyon Golf Club, owned National to introduce the Tournament to a patrons at Augusta National, and we eager- podcast "Fore Please! Now Driving..." by Mickelson Golf Properties, is consid- new audience and provide even more antic- ly anticipate the opportunity to bring back which invites patrons and fans to follow ered one of golf’s preeminent desert set- ipation and excitement to the event,” this signature tradition.” along as host Marty Smith explores tings and regularly ranks among the best Ridley continued. “We appreciate the col- For the fourth consecutive year, the Tournament storylines and visits with courses in the country. Stone Canyon’s 18 laboration with ESPN, our longtime broad- Masters will air a live 4K broadcast of the notable guests across sport, entertainment uniquely designed golf holes are situated at cast partner, for this first-of-its-kind oppor- Tournament in the United States, featuring and pop culture. Episodes will be pub- the base of the picturesque Tortolita tunity.” action from Amen Corner Ð the 11th, 12th lished daily from this year’s Masters Mountains, offering views of the Santa In addition, the global television audi- and 13th holes of Augusta National Ð as Tournament. Catalina Mountains in all directions.

8 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com BASEBALL Kershaw finally gets his WS title

have success and reach your dreams.” Kershaw went 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA over 11 2/3 innings in two World Series starts, striking out 14 and walking three. His honors are too numerous to list on his likely Hall of Fame plaque: a five-time major league ERA champion, including four in a row from 2012-14; a three-time champion; a two-time 20-game winner in an era when innings are dimin- ished; a pitching crown in 2011. An eight-time All-Star; NL Award winner in 2011, 2013 and 2014; the 2014 NL MVP. Winner of the 2012 and 2014 Marvin Miller Awards for off-the-field achievements focusing on his community and charitable work. But he entered this year just 9-11 in postseason play, with poor outings in a pair of World Series Game 5s that resulted in a 2017 no-decision and a 2018 defeat. He performed in the postseason like never before, going 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA and 37 This was Kershaw’s 13th major league season with the Dodgers, and 10th trip to the playoffs with five walks in 30 2/3 innings. For the first time since 2015, he wasn’t inserted into a bullpen role when he , World Series champion, ing, just like a job is done. You know, we Kershaw said. “The 2020 Dodgers won the wasn’t starting. That seemed to ease issues feels content won, we did it. We want our race, and it’s World Series. Who cares about all that with back pain that has flared up repeated- over. We completed our mission. I think it’s other stuff? To be a part of that team, all ly for five years. By Joey Layne just a feeling of contentment, joy, Then to that other stuff is just pointless.” Kershaw spoke passionately about “I’ve been saying ‘World champs’ in get to see that group of guys and how Kershaw stood in the Los Angeles bullpen , removed from the game after my head over and over again, just to see if happy everybody was. Only one team gets in right-center field, watching Austin the seventh inning. it will sink in,” Kershaw said. to do it every year, and it’s not an easy Barnes glove the final pitch, the one from informed the Dodgers around the sixth Clayton Kershaw checked off the final thing to do. It’s just a really special thing.” that gave the Dodgers their first inning that Turner's COVID-19 test earlier box on his Hall of Fame resumé late Kershaw helped make it special with World Series title since 1988. in the day had come back positive, depriv- Wednesday night, when the Dodgers won his postseason. He was 4-1 with a 2.93 Kershaw had finally become a champi- ing Kershaw of a teammate who had been their first World Series since 1988, closing ERA in five starts, with 37 strikeouts and on, just like , Fernando alongside him since 2014. out the Rays in six games, two of which five walks in 30? innings, including a 2.31 Valenzuela and before him. “I’m sure it’s really hard tonight and we were won by Kershaw. ERA in his two World Series wins. The mission took 13 years in the majors, all feel for him,” Kershaw said. “But I hope His relief and pure joy were evident dur- “He’s one of the best teammates I’ve 15 since the Dodgers made him the seventh that he can take solace in the fact that ing postgame interviews, with Kershaw been with, one of the most fierce competi- pick in the 2006 amateur draft. we’re not here without him. He’s been our answering questions with a smile on his tors when he steps on that mound,” said Kershaw cut through the critics at last, guy for a long time. He’s done so many face that ran ear to ear. . “He’s there to compete, no just like one of his through the incredible things for this organization. He’s “I’ve been saying ‘World champs’ in my matter what he has that day. He’s been . been the rock in the postseason for us head over and over again, just to see if it great for his whole career, obviously for One of the most accomplished pitchers every single year. And just like tonight will sink in,” Kershaw said. this year, and I’m just happy to be on the in baseball history attained the achievement might not be the night that we expected as Though he started in Game 5 — earning same side as him.” he had sought most when the Dodgers beat a team or that he expected individually, the win by allowing two runs in 5 2/3 “Clayton, when people talk about him, the 3-1 in Game 6 on they’ll never be able to take away the innings — Kershaw was in the bullpen dur- it’s World Series champion first, then Tuesday night. World Series championship from any of us. ing Game 6, even though Dave Roberts future Hall of Famer,” said manager Dave Speaking as graciously as he pitched Kershaw thought ahead to the moment said Monday that Kershaw would be Roberts. elegantly, Kershaw spread thank yous as when the jubilation would be as fulfilling unavailable. Roberts also said Julio Urías Kershaw’s Cooperstown credentials are wide as his famous 12-to-6 . After as the final out was, would be the way he would be unavailable on Tuesday, but obvious, with three Cy Young Awards, an posing on the the pitcher's mound with his envisioned it for so long. seven championship-clinching outs later we MVP, and the lowest ERA of the live ball family, he thanked “my wife, my kiddos, “It might not be the same tonight as saw how that went. era. This was Kershaw’s 13th major league my family, my friends and all those people other teams get to celebrate,” Kershaw Kershaw did not pitch in Game 6, but season with the Dodgers, and 10th trip to that have seen the discipline.” said. "And that’s not fair, obviously, to fans did have the far-away view of Urías’ final the playoffs. After coming up short so “They wanted it just as bad as I did and and us and everybody. But we’re still the pitch, a 96.7-mph to strike out many times, now he’s also a World Series they wanted it for me. And that’s such a champs. And someday — someday soon, I looking. This is the moment champion. selfless thing to feel,” he said. “And so to hope — we are going to celebrate and Kershaw realized he and the Dodgers were As for what that means to Kershaw, he get those text messages from former team- we’re going to be there and there is going world champions: was asked about how his legacy was affect- mates or to get those text messages from to be a parade and there's going to be tens “I was trying to take it all in as best I ed by the World Series win. friends or have friends at the game like I of thousands of Dodger fans. I don’t know could. Just looking around, running in from “We won the World Series. I don’t care did tonight, just to see how happy they when. I don’t know how soon. But when- the bullpen, you never really script what about legacy. I don’t care about what hap- were for us, for me and for our family, it's ever that day comes, I know JT is going to you’re going to do, how you’re going to pened last year. I don’t care about what overwhelming to think that people care that be there and it’s going to be a special thing. feel,” Kershaw said. “It was a content feel- people think. I don’t care at all, man,” much about you and how they want you to

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 9 FOOTBALL SEC GAME DAY REPORT SEC football weekend picks - Week 6

away from a warm seat becoming very hot. the game away until late in the 4th quarter. Like last week, he’ll “suggest” some play A&M appeared to toy with Mississippi calling to OC and squeak to State in the win at home, but didn’t suffer victory at home. the dreaded let-down loss after beating Pick: Auburn 27 LSU 24 then #3 Florida in the Swamp in week 3. Hence the #8 national ranking for Texas Ole Miss (1-4) at Vanderbilt (0-3) A&M, the highest it's ever been under HC Line: Rebels -16.5 / 64 ’s reign. Arkansas has come a Time/TV: 3:00 / SECN long way from former coach Chad Morris’s The Vanderbilt Commodores are the two-year debacle as the Hogs coach, but only winless team in the SEC in Covid they ain’t gonna sneak up on any more time. The ‘Dores played Texas A&M tight teams this year. in week one, losing 17-12, but were blown Pick: Texas A&M 33 Arkansas 25 out by LSU and South Carolina by identi- Arkansas travels to College Station for an old match up cal scores, 41-7. What are the odds? Ole Missouri (2-2) at #10 Florida (2-1) Miss is fighting mad after having a fumble Line: Gators -10 / 67.5 for verification. recovery touchdown on a kickoff not called Time/TV: 6:30 / SECN Alt M&M boosted his season tally to in last week’s loss to Auburn. The Rebels Missouri HC Eli Drinkwitz may be 20-10-1 and if he goes ballistic again, you would have taken an 8-point lead with 5:40 uttering “Say my name” the famous words may have to pay for his future picks. left and all the momentum at home. Instead of Walter White from Breaking Bad, in his M&M’s picks this week are: Clemson / BC Auburn drives down and gets a touchdown future press conferences. Coach Eli’s over 61; Ole Miss -16.5; Georgia -17; and two-point conversion winning 35 -28. unique first and last name were foreign to Ohio St. -11.5; BYU -28.5; Ole Miss has to get QB Matt Corral back most football analysts at the beginning of BYU/Western Kentucky over 52. on track and Vanderbilt Stadium in this Covid season, but after beating LSU Nashville TN, is the perfect place for that and Kentucky in consecutive weeks, we #5 Georgia (3-1) at Kentucky (2-3) mission. know his name now. Not to mention his Line: Bulldogs -13 / 41.5 Pick: Ole Miss 48 Vanderbilt 24 play calling, which confounded LSU and ROBERT CORTINEZ Time/TV: 11:00 a.m / SECN [email protected] Kentucky into losing games that they were As soon as I started singing the praises Miss State (1-3) at #2 Alabama (5-0) never in. Florida is coming off a three- The Covid shortened SEC schedule last of Kentucky, they fell flat and got whupped Line: Tide -31 / 63.5 week hiatus after about 30 members of the week featured only four games, but true to by Missouri, 20-10. The Georgia Bulldogs Time/TV: 6:00 / ESPN team and staff tested positive for Covid-19. form, there was another upset in Covid were off last week licking their wounds The Mississippi State misfits got more Gator HC, Dan Mullen, had to eat a little time. Missouri kept it rolling from their from Bama’s 41-24 thrashing in Tuscaloosa. bad news after being off last week. First crow since he downplayed Covid and lob- week three win over LSU and defeated Georgia was up 24-21 at halftime but failed team All-SEC running back, Kylin Hill bied for 100% stadium capacity in the Kentucky, as 6-point underdogs, to even to score a point in the second half. The who was second in the SEC in rushing Swamp days before the onslaught of infec- their record to 2-2. Alabama, Auburn and Dawg’s fan base is starting to bark for a yards last year with 1350 yards and 10 tions hit his team. Florida lost its last game LSU all prevailed as favorites. Auburn new QB, such as USC Trojan transfer JT touchdowns has opted out. Hill has seen to Texas A&M when the Gators were nurs- once again got the luck of the blind refs, Daniels, but Georgia HC, Kirby Smart is his role greatly diminish in HC Mike ing a two-point lead late in the game and with a no call late in the game that negated sticking with Stetson Bennett as he should. Leach’s Air Raid offense and made the fumbled at midfield allowing the Aggies to an Ole Miss fumble recovery for a touch- Kentucky should’ve put up a better fight right choice for his NFL future. The drive 30 yards for a game winning field down. against Missouri but may have just peaked Bulldog football team is in a semi-revolt goal with no time on the clock. Unlucky The Covid quarantine finally ends for too early halfway through this Covid sea- and Coach Leach has lost control after bounce for Gator Nation, but this week the Florida Gators although at print time son 2020. publicly shaming his players’ performance. Florida gets back to business and puts the Gators registered six new cases. Pick: Georgia 42 Kentucky 3 Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide continues to Mizzou down. The SEC plays six games this week with roll, obliterating Tennessee last week in Pick: Florida 40 Missouri 21 only South Carolina and Tennessee off. LSU (2-2) at Auburn (3-2) Knoxville, 48-17. Bama did lose All- This marks the first week since week 2 that Line: LSU -3 / 65.5 American WR Jalen Waddle to a season Time/TV: 2:30 / CBS there hasn’t been a COVID related post- ending ankle fracture, but that won’t deter SEC Standings ponement or alteration. However, on the The LSU Tigers have been a post this offensive machine. Tide QB Mac Big 10 side of the Covid coin, Wisconsin national champion enigma. They lost 14 Jones is ahead of last year’s Heisman Team Conf. Overall starters to the NFL but still should have has postponed all football activities due to Trophy winning QB and national champ, WEST handily beaten Mississippi State (1-3) in LSU’s Joe Burrows, in almost every offen- its head coach, starting quarterback and 11 Alabama 5-0 5-0 week one but instead were embarrassed at sive category at this point in the season. other players getting the Covid. In the Texas A&M 3-1 3-1 home losing 44-34. Same for LSU’s loss Another big cover for Bama. shortened Big 10 season this may wind up Auburn 3-2 3-2 to Missouri, a game that featured Mizzou Pick: Alabama 48 Mississippi State 10 disastrous for the Badgers as their confer- Arkansas 2-2 2-2 HC Eli Drinkwitz dialing up plays all day ence mandates a 20-day quarantine for LSU 2-2 2-2 to stymie LSU’s defense. A championship Arkansas (2-2) at #8 Texas A&M (3-1) Covid infections. Unless, of course the Mississippi St 1-3 1-3 hangover was predicted but not an overcon- Line: Aggies -12.5 / 54.5 Big 10 changes their safety protocol for Ole Miss 1-4 1-4 fidence issue which indicates a coaching whatever their reasons....$$$. Time/TV: 6:30 / SECN EAST lapse. Auburn has won two games, In week 4 Arkansas beat Ole Miss 33- Last Week results: Straight: 3-1; ATS: 1-3 Georgia 3-1 3-1 Arkansas and Ole Miss with the help of the 21 and A&M beat Mississippi State 28-14 Season results: Straight: 20-10; ATS:19-11 Florida 2-1 2-1 black and white clad bandit. The refs gave as they both entered their off week. The The huge betting story of last week was Missouri 2-2 2-2 the Tigers two controversial calls sealing Razorbacks were banged up and needed the ballistic resurgence of M&M. My resi- Kentucky 2-3 2-3 victories in both games. Auburn could eas- the week to heal while the Aggies appear dent expert picker tore off a perfect 9-0 Tennessee 2-3 2-3 ily be 1-4, after getting blown by Georgia to be relatively healthy. The Hog’s defense sheet. A $10 parley would have paid you S. Carolina 2-3 2-3 and beaten at home by South Carolina. victimized Ole Miss for six interceptions gentle bettors, a $3600 return. Don't take Vanderbilt 0-3 0-3 my word for it, look at last week’s column Auburn HC Gus Malzahn is three losses and one fumble recovery but still didn't put 10 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES BIG 12 GAME DAY REPORT Big 12 football weekend - Week 9

any long drives to take control of games, It’s fine offensively Ð it leads the Big 12 and as promising as Daniels is, there’s in scoring Ð but there’s a wee bit of a nothing big happening down the field yet. turnover issue. It’s okay defensively, but Iowa State has been rocky, but the there’s no pass rush and the secondary has offensive line has been outstanding in pass been hit hard in various shootouts. protection and the O isn’t making enough However, there’s one big problem overall. big mistakes to give the Jayhawks easy The run defense. When it’s good, Texas chances. Five wins in a row and nine in the wins. When it’s not, Texas loses. It’s 0-2 last ten years. Iowa State doesn’t historical- when allowing over 200 yards on the ly own a whole lot of series, but there ground, and 3-0 when it doesn’t. haven’t been any problem against Kansas. Oklahoma State leads the Big 12 in rush- It’s not going to change now. ing, averaging 216 yards per game. The It’ll take a total Cyclone meltdown for offense stalled against Tulsa to start the this to be anything but an easy double-digit season Ð that was a weird game in a whole win. Coming off a loss to Oklahoma State, slew of ways Ð but it kicked in full force Iowa State will be focused. on the ground over the last three games. Pick: Iowa State 44, Kansas 14 The Cowboys don’t have to rip off huge runs, but as long as they’re able to averag- TCU (1-3) at Baylor (1-2) ing somewhere close to five yards per Line: Frogs -2.5 / 48 carry, they’ll control the action. But … Time/TV: 2:30 PM / ESPN2 This is Sam Ehlinger’s day. By Jeff Bartl is going to look terrific against a defense Baylor’s offense can’t run. He was great against Oklahoma, but that won’t get to him often enough. A struggling ground game is equaling Texas lost. Last year, he hit 72% of his #24 Oklahoma (3-2) at Texas Tech (2-3) Pick: Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 20 fewer first downs Ð fewest in the Big 12 Ð passes with four touchdowns and ran for Line: Sooners -14.5 / 59 and an offense that’s having problems scor- 70 yards. He certainly knows the Cowboys, Time/TV: 7:00 PM / FOX #16 K-State (4-1) at West Virginia (3-2) ing. That the Bears have only scored seven but …this isn’t your 2019 Oklahoma State It seems like it’s starting to kick in for Line: Mountaineers -3.5 / 46 times in 11 red zone trips is part of the team. This defense really is good, and the Spencer Rattler. It’s going to take a little Time/TV: 11:00 AM / ESPN2 issue, too. running game really is fantastic. In so while for the star prospect from last year to The Wildcat defense has been able to Baylor simply hasn’t been able to score many ways, this is it. get every aspect of the Lincoln Riley step up after starting quarterback Skylar over the last two games after rolling Kanas Oklahoma State has to play four of its offense down, but it’s almost like finding a Thompson went down. to start the season. But it’s really about the last five games on the road Ð including way to get through the finish of Texas win This is the Big 12, where 400-yard days inability to run the ball. Oklahoma and Kansas State Ð so for all might have been the spark. He misfired on of total offense just get you in the door. The 2019 Bears averaged 4.6 yards per intents and purposes, a loss makes it very, a few throws against TCU, but the explo- Texas Tech was able to get 404 yards on carry with 35 touchdowns. They only man- very hard to get to the Big 12 sion was there in the 33-14 win, averaging the Cats, and that’s it Ð no one else has aged to run for fewer than 100 yards three Championship. A loss also realistically over 15 yards per pass with no picks and been able to crank up the O, and that times. Once was in the Big 12 Championship ends any possibility of the conference get- two touchdown passes. includes Oklahoma. against Oklahoma, once was in the Sugar ting back to the Playoff. Texas Tech’s pass defense is the worst in Will Howard was terrific against Bowl against Georgia, and the other time Texas already has two losses, and one of Big 12 so far. It has been hit for over 300 Kansas and isn’t turning the ball over, the was a 99-yard day against TCU. Baylor them is to Oklahoma. Lose a third game in yards in each of the last two games and defense leads the Big 12 in takeaways, and has failed to run for 65 yards Ð with no four, and forget about shot at playing for three times in the five games, and Rattler is the team has been able to keep on rolling scores Ð in each of the last two games. the Big 12 title Ð and ramp up the Tom about to make it three games in a row. through a whole lot of adversity. Baylor hasn’t been able to find any sort Herman hot seat, too. Is this a new Texas Tech? Seriously, it West Virginia is 3-0 this season when of a groove so far. The team has only Oklahoma State lost last year, but it has beat West Virginia with just 169 passing allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards, and played three games, it’s had to deal with won four of the last five in the series. yards? A scoop-and-score from the defense 0-2 when giving up more than the mark. virus issues, and it’s all happening with a Ehlinger will be great, the Texas offense helped, but the Red Raider offense was Kansas State’s ground game isn’t domi- new coaching staff and a whole slew of will be great, and the game will be great. outgained by 90 yards overall and still nant, but it’s had no problems getting over new parts to last year’s great puzzle. Chuba Hubbard will be great, too, with his mangled to pull it off. 100 yards in any of the last three games. It’s losing the tight games Ð at least so far fourth straight 100-yard game as the New QB Henry Colombi has been a However, West Virginia is 3-0 at home. Ð that the 2019 team was able to win. TCU Cowboys run for 250 yards in the win. good mid-range passer Ð he hit 22-of-28 The defenses are going to keep the score is 0-3 at home, 1-0 on the road, and it’s Pick: Oklahoma State 38, Texas 34 passes against WVU, but there weren’t low, with the Mountaineers coming lone win came against Texas in a thriller many big plays Ð and connecting on 76% through with enough of a passing game in that could’ve and should’ve gone the other of throws is enough to help the team be the the fourth quarter to bounce back from the way. best in the Big 12 on third downs. This loss to Texas Tech. At home, Baylor will finally get just Big 12 STANDINGS might not be the typical Texas Tech team, Pick: West Virginia 28, Kansas State 24 enough of the offensive parts moving to Team Conf. Overall but if this all starts to work, it’s going to do win a very close, very tight battle with QB a better job of controlling games. #23 Iowa State (3-2) at Kansas (0-5) Charlie Brewer carrying the team in the Kansas State 4-0 4-1 Usually, Texas Tech would bring the fire- Line: Cyclones -28.5 / 52 fourth quarter. Oklahoma St 3-0 4-0 power and the passing game to keep up Time/TV: 11:00 AM / FS1 Pick: Baylor 26, TCU 24 Iowa State 3-1 3-2 with an improving but shaky Sooner team. It’s all about improving and finding Oklahoma 2-2 3-2 The OU passing game is still efficient, and parts to build around, and freshman quar- Texas (3-2) at #6 Oklahoma State (4-0) Texas 2-2 3-2 the defense has built on what it did last terback Jalon Daniels appears to be some- Line: Cowboys -3.5 / 58.5 WestVirginia 2-2 3-2 year and hasn’t the upside to be a whole lot one who can be one key guy going forward Time/TV: 3:00 PM / FOX Baylor 1-2 1-2 better as the season goes on. The Jayhawk offense simply can’t score. So what’s the problem with Texas, Texas Tech 1-3 2-3 Oklahoma has won eight in a row in the The offensive line isn’t doing enough to besides the issue with the fight song and TCU 1-3 1-3 series and will keep it all rolling as Rattler give everyone time to work, there aren’t with Quinn Ewers decommitting? Kansas 0-4 0-5

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 11 COLLEGES SMU REPORT Ponies look to rebound against Navy

Dykes got the team out Sunday morn- both the Naval Academy and SMU. ing for practice after the Saturday night The loss to Cincinnati was certainly dis- game that ended at 11:35 PM local time. appointing, especially in view of how they He wanted to get the team focused on play- played. However, this season can still be ing Navy this week rather than stew about the success they are hoping for. The top last Saturday’s game. two AAC teams face off in the conference Navy is always a difficult team to pre- championship game. The AAC is the lead- pare for. They are one of a handful of col- ing conference to produce the group of five lege football teams that run the triple New Year’s Day Bowl representative. option offense. Dykes has in the past allo- Boise State and Marshall are the only other cated four days of spring training and four group of five teams besides Cincinnati and more days of summer practices to defens- SMU that are ranked this week. SMU can ing the triple option. With the COVID-19 still be that New Year’s Day Bowl team, situation, triple option preparation didn’t but the margin of is much smaller. happen at either time. They need to win this Saturday to keep the This is Kim Niumatalolo’s 13th season dream alive. as the Navy Head Football Coach. He has NOTEABLE: been very successful utilizing the triple ¥ Freshman running back Ulysses Bryant, option offense. His 2019 won 11 games, IV was added to the Doak Walker Award including a win over Kansas State in last watch list. year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Navy leads ¥ The Cincinnati loss ended an eight the all-time series against SMU 13-8, game Mustang winning streak at Ford including a 35-28 win last year in Stadium. Annapolis. The Mustangs have won the ¥ Shane Buechele goes into the weekend last three meetings with Navy played in ranked third in the nation in passing yards Ford Stadium. and eighth in the nation in passing touch- The good news for SMU is that last downs. year’s Navy quarterback Ð Malcolm Perry Ð has graduated. He rushed for 195 yards This Saturday’s winner will claim the Gansz Trophy in last year’s game against the Mustangs and generated 357 yards of total offense. AAC Standings Navy (3-3) at #22 SMU (5-1) failed. From that point, confusion reigned. This Saturday’s game kicks off at 6:30 Team Conf. Overall PM on Saturday. It will be televised on Line: Mustangs -13 / 58.5 The clock began to run when the chains 2-0 4-0 ESPN2. The Mustangs are favored by 12.5 Cincinnatti Time/TV: 6:30 / ESPN2 were set and ran down to five seconds 2-0 2-1 points. The Midshipmen are 3-3 on the Houston without getting a play off. The Mustangs 2-0 2-1 season, but 3-1 in conference play. Tulsa UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas Ð The finally called a time out to stop the clock, 3-1 3-3 Cincinnati, Houston and Tulsa sit atop the Navy SMU Mustangs weren’t up to the task last and with just five seconds left, they had no 2-1 5-1 conference standings with 2-0 records. SMU Saturday night when they squared off with choice but to take the field goal and go to 2-1 3-1 The Mustangs at 2-1 are one-half game Memphis the Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati won halftime trailing 14-10. 2-2 3-2 behind Navy in a fifth place tie with UCF 42-13 in a most disappointing performance The lost opportunity at the end of the 1-2 1-2 Memphis. Temple by the young Mustangs. Cincinnati at 4-0 first half seemed to take the wind out of 1-2 1-3 This Saturday’s winner will claim the East Carolina moved up to seventh in the nation in both SMU’s sails. The second half was clearly 0-4 2-4 Gansz Trophy. The late Frank Gansz was Tulane polls. SMU at 5-1 dropped to 22 in the AP the most miserable half of the season. The South Florida 0-4 1-5 poll and 23 in the coaches’ poll. Four Bearcats tallied two touchdowns in each of considered one of the best special teams other American Athletic Conference teams the third and fourth quarters. SMU put coaches in football history. He had ties to are receiving votes in the polls Ð Memphis, together two 11 play drives but netted just Tulsa, Central Florida and Houston. three points making the final score 42-13. The Bearcats won the toss and deferred Head Coach said this to the second half. They held SMU to one week, “We didn’t run the ball particularly first down before forcing a punt, and then early. Later on, we ran it better, but not as proceeded to drive for touchdowns on their good as we wanted to. They tackled well. first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead. We just didn’t have any big runs. They had From there, the Mustangs’ defense stiff- big runs at the end of the game.” ened and kept Cincinnati from further The Mustangs rushed for just 75 net scoreboard damage in the first half. yards on 39 carries. SMU finally got the offense moving in Passing-wise, Shane Buechele was the second quarter scoring a touchdown sacked four times and completed 23 of 44 and driving for another TD late in the half. attempts for 216 yards. The longest com- They completed a pass to the Cincinnati pletion was just 24 yards. The bottom line: nine with 23 seconds remaining until half Cincinnati has a very good defense. time. The Ponies had two timeouts, so Certainly, the SMU program has come there appeared to be plenty of time to run a long way in a short period of time since two or three plays to score a game tying Sonny Dykes took the head coaching job. touchdown and still leave time enough to However, they have not arrived to the point kick a field goal if the touchdown attempt of beating a Top 10 team like Cincinnati.

12 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER SMU and Vanderbilt are very similar

Vandy practice when he came to visit his grandson Buzz Hamilton Ð a VU defensive end and son of former Vandy great Fred Hamilton who was married to coach Morrison’s daughter Mae-Mae Morrison Hamilton)… Those VU-SMU connections through Morrison Ð also the namesake of the -Matty Bell Track on the SMU campus are enough to bridge the football and athletics’ programs by them- selves. But the story does not end there. Former SMU great and San Antonio resident Kyle Rote was enrolled at Vanderbilt as a fresh- man for a few weeks prior to the 1947 sea- son when the then-Texas Lt. Governor (later Governor) Allan Shivers called Rote’s mother and then Rote and told him how much better off he would be with the Mustangs. Rote asked then-Vandy head coach Red Sanders (yet another Hall of Famer) if he could borrow his call for the evening and promptly drove to Union Station in Nashville to catch the next train to Dallas. Your writer’s father and Vandy guard, Sam T. Carter, and some other Vandy play- ers (many of them World War II veterans) Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field holds 40,550 were dispatched to find coach Sanders’ auto and to discover the destination of difference of 101 from VU statistics). championships until the Commodores won young Rote. Both were founded by the United the 1973 SEC crown. A few days later, Rote let friends and Methodist Church Ð SMU April 17, 1911, Still a mere youngster, Morrison became family know he was enrolled at SMU and and Vandy in 1873 as Methodist Bishop SMU’s first head football coach in 1915 began a start-studded career in fall ’47 with Holland N. McTyeire (namesake of VU’s and ’16, went off to the armed service dur- 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker historic McTyeire Hall Ð convinced friends ing World War I, coached one season at of the Mustangs. Many Vandy followers and families of New York business magnate Vandy with a 4-2 record and 3-0 SIAA wondered how the Commodores might Cornelius Magnate to donate between worksheet in 1918, had some other region- have fared with Rote at halfback or receiv- $500,000-1 million to start the Nashville- al coaching positions and returned to SMU er and future All-Pro quarterback Bill based university. in 1920 as an assistant coach and in ’22 as Wade who starred at VU from 1948-51. The positive comparisons continue as in football chieftain to guide the Mustangs for Guessing and wondering: how have BO CARTER the 1960s and 1970s Vanderbilt men wel- 13 seasons and three Southwest Conference SMU and Vanderbilt football programs [email protected] comed frequent visits by SMU women and titles despite being one of the smaller gone in different directions in recent years their friends to campus for various social schools (along with Rice and TCU) in total with all these maincurrents? In My Opinion....A Tale of Two events and simply fun nights in Music City. enrollment during that area. Well, for starters, SMU had the good Programs: SMU and Vanderbilt Football One particular friend always lined up dates And, of course, when NFF College Hall fortune of having the talented offensive with the SMU lasses through the VU of Fame head coach Dan McGugin retired genius as head coach from By Bo Carter Baptist Student Union… at VU after a 1904-34 career, alumni and 2008-14 with a school-record, four consec- [email protected] Vanderbilt always has attracted dozens administrators called for Morrison to utive bowl bids from 2009-12. DALLAS Ð Talk about your contrasts: of Dallas area students to campus and more “return to Mama” (as said Ironically, after rifling through six dif- here’s a look at the resurrection of SMU’s than its share of football student-athletes, when he came back to Alabama as head ferent head coaches from 1990-2010, the football program and Vanderbilt’s valiant coaches and administrators with SMU con- coach from 1958-83), Ray Morrison got Commodores settled on current Penn State fight (my Classics’ training is coming into nections. the call from 1935-39 and battled against head coach James Franklin who guided the play here) against that Great Dragon One National Football Foundation more well funded and powerhouse SEC Dores to a record three bowls in a row known as the Southeastern Conference. College Hall of Fame coach (and he proba- programs. A 2-7-1 overall mark in ’39 from 2011-13 before moving onto greener The similarities of the two universities bly could have qualified as a star play as assisted the popular Vandy coach and play- pastures in the Nittany Valley. He even actually are interesting without regards to well) is the late Ray Morrison. er to accept the same position at Temple became the first former Vanderbilt head the gridiron success. Morrison starred as a quarterback and from 1940-48 and later at famed Austin coach ever to take a team to a Goodyear Both their enrollments have been in the halfback in various Commodores offenses College in Sherman, Texas, from 1949-52. Cotton Bowl berth in 2019 with a win over 9,000-13,000 range (Vandy is the definite from 1908-11 and garnered All-South and Most amazing about the Commodore leg- American Athletic Conference champ midget among the SEC mega-schools such All-America laurels as a senior in 1911. He end’s coaching career was that he was Memphis. as Texas A&M with 71,109 Ð VU lists its also was a standout catcher and outfielder involved in 33 tie games 26 seasons. Now SMU head coach Sonny Dykes has fall ’20 enrollment as 12,824, though hun- for Vandy’s 1910 and ’12 Southern Enough of this Ray Morrison chronicle the Mustangs on a 15-4 roll over the last 19 dreds may be taking hybrid remote classes; Intercollegiate Athletic Association title (and yours truly had the wonderful oppor- contests while the Commodores have SMU show its fall enrollment as 12,723 Ð a teams Ð Vandy’s last conference baseball tunity to meet coach Morrison at a 1972 slumped to a 3-12 mark since August

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 13 plays to win.” It might have been a small stub of the toe for the SMU program against a Top 10 foe, but the program still seems to be on the rise nationally. And for those of us who appreciate another nationally-ranked program (with NCAA titles in 2014 and ’19 under head coach Tim Corbin), Vanderbilt 2021 base- ball practice begins in 79 days. The Commodores diamondmen also defended their 2019 championship in ’20 without playing a postseason game because of the cancellation of the season on March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notes: The SMU-Cincinnati clash was Homecoming for the Mustangs and the first national Top 25 dual encounter at Ford Stadium since it opened in 2000…SMU’s Naggar had made his first nine consecutive field goals before missing twice at Tulane Oct. 16 and was 10-for-12 to begin the year (now 12-for-14)…SMU entered the contest No. 9 nationally in third down con- version offense,No. 6 in first down offense, No. 5 in passing offense, and No. 7 in scor- ing offense...Freshman RB Ulysses Bentley IV continues to lead the Mustangs with SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium holds 32,000 fans 546 rushing yards on 90 attempts for a 6.1 average and eight touchdowns…Buechele 2019. To his credit, Mason has taken Hall of Fame coach and Vanderbilt/Florida the best against a bevy of rugged oppo- was among NCAA and AAC top-rung VU to two of its nine all-time bowl treks State alumnus Mack Brown) in all previous nents besides Cincinnati and MSU. leaders with a 67.2 percent passing success (fewest among SEC schools and among the 130 campaigns, and this could be the fate- In last weekend’s tussle with the No. 9 rate prior to the clash with 119-of-177 lowest of any of the current 130 schools in ful year. Bearcats SMU spotted Cincy a 14-0 advan- passing, just two interceptions (he was the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision), but And notably, the Commodores opened tage in the first quarter before cutting the picked once by the Bearcats), 1,710 yards VU has suffered numerous challenges on that ’90 season with a 44-7 setback to QB margin to 14-10 in the second period (second nationally) and 12 touchdowns offense as other SEC teams have accelerat- Mike Romo-led SMU, and that led to a (almost 14-13 if a 46-yard field goal by …SMU had eight interceptions as a team ed their paces. downward spiral with the lone victory that Chris Naggar had connected). in 13 games last season and notched six And Dykes is no stranger to SEC activi- autumn by VU 24-21 over (of all schools) Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder pickoffs in it first five skirmishes in ’20 ty, either, as an assistant coach at Kentucky LSU in Nashville. That game also was (a product of the fabled Louisville, Ky., St. …Mustangs tight end Kylen Granson has Louisiana-Monroe, Arizona, Texas Tech, fourth and most recent meeting in a SMU- Xavier program) showed why he is one of become one of the top receiving tight ends and TCU before taking over grid programs Vandy series dating to Morrison’s second the top executing option quarterbacks both in the AAC with 21 receptions for 297 at Louisiana Tech, California and now year of the 1935-38 tenure Ð a 16-0 SMU in the AAC and nationally with 179 rush- yards and two touchdowns.... Cincinnati SMU with a ton of tape watching of triumph Ð and the series is (you guessed it) ing (on just eight carries with three touch- was plagued by several injuries during the Commodores teams. tied 2-2. downs) and 126 passing yards to lead the win with three players downed on one And yet another SMU-VU connection It is going to take a similar-miracle to way for the win. The Bearcats started defensive stop in the fourth quarter. is the Commodores 2020 starting freshman get the Commodores into the win column pulling away with another two scores in the quarterback Ken Seals of nearby in 2020, but stranger things have happened. third stanza and rolled to a 28-10+++ Vanderbilt University Weatherford, Texas, with three starts in his Next weekend, VU is Homecoming oppo- advantage after three. Ridder capped off Religious Affiliation: United Methodist first three college contests. Seals was nent (a frequent occurrence in Vandy his evening with a 91-yard rushing TD Established 1873: 147 years ago recruited by SMU and several Texas col- annals) for Mississippi State Ð could a road with 4:39 remaining. Endowment: $6.9 billion (2020) leges after a stellar career at WHS. victory be a possibility? For the Mustangs, missing standout Students: 13,537 (Fall 2020) Maybe SMU might send some of that Regardless, SMU is looking like a bowl receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. and running Undergraduates: 7,057 (Fall 2020) good fortune and some good student-ath- invitee for the third time in four seasons in back T.J. McDaniel with season-ending Location: Nashville, Tennessee, letes/recruits Vandy’s way as the David of this COVID-19 impacted outing while the injuries, all the arrows were not in the Campus: Urban, 330 acres the SEC clashes with Goliaths of that Commodores have a lot of work to do to attack “quiver” and the Bearcats defense Colors: Black and gold region weekly Ð especially in 2020 when get to .500. proved to be the most formidable SMU has Nickname: Commodores the Commodores are playing a 10-game, And, in case you are wondering, when faced in six contests. all-SEC-opponents’ schedule due to was the last time a Vanderbilt team was Cincinnati forced five Mustangs punts, Football Stadium Capacity - 40,550 COVID-19 Ð no traditional early-season ranked and playing another nationally two turnovers and a subpar passing night foes on the non-conference slate such as ranked squad as in No. 16 nationally SMU (net of 216 yards) with constant pressure Southern Methodist University Presbyterian, The Citadel, Chattanooga, hosting No. 9 Cincinnati in AAC competi- on QB Shane Buechele. Established: April 17, 1911;109 years ago William & Mary, East Tennessee State, and tion last Saturday? “Congratulations to Cincinnati,” said Religious affiliation: United Methodist others. That was in 2008 when then-No. 22 SMU’s Dykes. “They outplayed and out- Endowment: $1.66 billion (2019) Even more important for Commodores Vandy challenged No. 10 Georgia and fell coached us tonight (Saturday). We had a Students: 12,373 (Fall 2020) enthusiasts in this 130-year (131st season) 24-14. And the previous Top 25 matchup to golden opportunity at the end of the first Undergraduates: 6,827 (Fall 2020) anniversary of the start of Vandy football is that one (a rarity in VU history) was No. half to get into the end zone and didn’t get Postgraduates: 5,546 (Fall 2020) that fact that Vanderbilt has won at least 18 LSU edging No. 19 Vanderbilt 19-13 on it done. We really worked hard and pre- Location: University Park, Texas one game (unfortunately, seven times Ð Oct. 25, 1947. pared hard for this game and thought we Campus: Urban, 237 acres most recently in 1990 under famed head Thus, you have the contending Mustangs had two of our best practices this year Colors: SMU Red and SMU Blue coach and former VU quarterback Watson and the trying-harder Commodores heading Wednesday and Thursday. We had a lot of Football Stadium Capacity: 32,000 Brown, also the brother of NFF College in different 2020 directions and hoping for dropped balls, and you gotta make those

14 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NFL NFL Picks and Predictions: Week 8

Line: Bills -3.5 / 43 The Patriots haven't lost four straight games since 2002, and the poor quarter- back play is eye-opening. New England QBs have combined for just three TDs and 11 interceptions this season. The Bills will be more than happy to pile on. Pick: Bills 27, Patriots 14

L.A Chargers (2-4) at (2-4) Sunday, 3:05 p.m, CBS Line: Chargers -3 / 44 Drew Lock hasn't thrown a TD pass in his last two starts, and Justin Herbert has seven TDs and no interceptions the last two weeks. Lock, however, finds a groove at home against a defense that allows 253.2 yards per game. Pick: Broncos 27, Chargers 25

San Francisco (4-3) at (5-1) Monday, 3:25 p.m, FOX Line: Seahawks -3 / 54 The NFC West grinder continues, and Seattle will look to bounce back from its By Mike McFee Lamar Jackson threw three intercep- or more in every game this season. The first loss of the season. The 49ers and tions in his only start against the Steelers Packers are still battling injuries to some Seahawks have split their last four meet- Week 8 of the NFL season features the last season, but the Ravens still won 26-23. stars, but they keep rolling the division. ings. San Francisco has allowed just 11 renewal of a classic AFC North rivalry with Baltimore had an extra week to get ready, Pick: Packers 33, Vikings 22 points per game the last two weeks. Seattle high stakes in the playoff race. and they take advantage in what should be has played in five straight one score games, Pittsburgh (6-0) is the last unbeaten the best game of the weekend. Indianapolis (4-2) at Detroit (3-3) and that experience pays off in a classic. team remaining in the NFL. The Steelers Pick: Ravens 30, Steelers 27 Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS Pick: 49ers 29, Seahawks 26 rank in the top 10 in offense and defense Line: Colts -3 / 50 and have a chance to take a two-game lead L.A Rams (4-2) at Miami (3-3) revived the Lions' New Orleans (4-2) at Chicago (5-1) in the division race. The Ravens (5-1) have Sunday, 12 p.m., FOX season with a last-second TD pass to T.J. Monday, 3:25 p.m, FOX the top-scoring defense in the NFL, and Line: Rams -4 / 46 Hockenson, and Detroit suddenly has life Line: Saints -4 / 44 Lamar Jackson leads a top-10 offense. It Tua Tagovailoa will make his first start, in the NFC playoff race. The Colts had a The Saints have quietly won three promises to be a physical matchup and a and the Rams are coming off a short week bye week to prepare, but they are also 1-2 straight games since the "Sunday Night close game. after Monday Night Football. Los Angeles on the road this season. Detroit's Matthew Football" loss to Green Bay, and Drew That’s not the only good divisional ranks in the top five in sacks per game, and Stafford outduels Indy's Philip Rivers here. Brees completed 29 of 36 passes last week matchup on the schedule. The Seahawks that pressure will create a few turnovers. Pick: Lions 27, Colts 24 against the Panthers. Brees has won his and 49ers renew their NFC West rivalry, Tua, meet Aaron Donald. last four starts against Chicago, too. and the Bills have a chance to bury the Pick: Rams 29, Dolphins 20 Las Vegas (3-3) at Cleveland (5-2) Pick: Saints 28, Bears 24 Patriots in the AFC East standings. For Sunday, 12 p.m, FOX those that can’t avoid watching NFC East N.Y Jets (0-7) at Kansas City (6-1) Line: Browns -2.5 / 53.5 Dallas (2-5) at Philadelphia (2-4-1) TV, the Eagles-Cowboys Sunday Night Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS The Browns lost Odell Beckham Jr. to a Sunday, 7:20 p.m, NBC Football matchup should produce drama. Line: Chiefs -19.5 / 48.5 torn ACL, but Baker Mayfield showed he Line: Eagles -3.5 / 43.5 ¥ Last Week: 10-4 It's a huge point spread, but this is a can work with the other receivers. Las The Cowboys might go quarterback ¥ Season: 35-20 lopsided matchup for a reason. The Jets Vegas is 2-1 on the road, and the Raiders shopping this week, but it’s a dreadful With that as the mind, below are our picks are averaging just 12.1 points per game, have won the last two meetings against defense that continues to be the biggest and predictions for Week 8. and Kansas City learned its lesson from Cleveland. Anticipate a wild finish between problem. Carson Wentz has passed for mul- taking an opponent too lightly in Week 5 two playoff contenders. tiple TDs in his last three starts, and he Atlanta (1-6) at Carolina (3-4) against the Raiders. The only questions Pick: Raiders 29, Browns 27 improves to 4-4 as a starter against Dallas. Thursday, 7:20 p.m., FOX here are whether the Chiefs cover Ð and Pick: Eagles 30, Cowboys 20 Line: Panthers -3 / 49 whether Le'Veon Bells gets in the end Tennessee (5-1) at Cincinnati (1-5-1) The Panthers beat the Falcons 23-16 in zone against his former team. Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS Tampa Bay (5-2) at N.Y Giants (1-6) Week 5, and Atlanta is coming off yet Pick: Chiefs 37, Jets 13 Line: Titans -6 / 54.5 Monday, 7:15 p.m, ESPN another heart-breaking loss to Detroit. Joe Burrow continues to impress as a Line: Bucs -10.5 / 46 Teddy Bridgewater helps Carolina end a Minnesota (1-5) at Green Bay (5-1) rookie, but the Bengals have been Tom Brady comes to the Big Apple, but Eli two-game skid with a season sweep of Sunday, 12 p.m., FOX outscored 73-43 in the fourth quarter this Manning won't be on the other sideline. their division rivals. Line: Packers -6.5 / 54.5 season. Tennessee presents too many prob- The Buccaneers' pass rush will overwhelm Pick: Panthers 27, Falcons 24 It's a rematch from a Week 1 shootout lems for Cincinnati's defense. Daniel Jones, and Tampa Bay's offense between NFC North rivals. Minnesota had Pick: Titans 28, Bengals 19 continues to put up big numbers. Brady has Pittsburgh (6-0) at Baltimore (5-1) a bye week to prepare and will be playing just one interception in his last four games. Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS with a sense of desperation, but it's hard to New England (2-4) at Buffalo (5-2) Pick: Buccaneers 34, Giants 19 Line: Ravens -3.5 / 46.5 trust a team that has surrendered 27 points Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 15 Cowboys face tough test test this week

By Mike McFee week and they have to start seventh-round rookie “Ben DiNucci” at quarterback. The With the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles Eagles’ defensive line should be able to rip often being bad and disappointing, it’s hard through the Cowboys’ porous offensive line to be sure that such a thing as an “easy and make life on the James Madison prod- win” exists for them. uct very difficult. Even if Dalton’s able to But if there WERE ever a week for that, suit up, it’s hardly like he’s inspiring a ton it would be this one against the Dallas of confidence. And he won’t be able to Cowboys. The Birds are 7.5-point favorites fully practice this week. against their reeling division rival, accord- The Cowboys obviously do have dan- ing to DraftKings Nation. gerous receiving weapons in Amari For as poor as the Eagles have been Cooper, CeeDee Lamb (who struggled against the spread this year (2-5), the against Washington), and Michael Gallup. Cowboys have been even worse. Ezekiel Elliott has been bad but part of his Historically inept, even: fumbling frequency has been about bad Other than the desperation factor, there’s luck. Maybe the Cowboys find a way to just nothing about this Cowboys team that create some issues for Jim Schwartz’s should scare the Eagles right now. defense. Everyone knows by now that the But I don’t really see it. The Eagles Cowboys’ defense is a disaster. Dallas is should be able to win this game comfort- allowing the most points in the league. ably. The Cowboys look like a team that’s They have the fewest takeaways in the already checked out on new head coach league with just three. Their inability to Mike McCarthy. I mean, it’ll be a new create turnovers has them ranked dead last level of embarrassment if the Birds can’t in turnover differential by far at -13. beat this group. It could be like the Eagles Maybe the Eagles can actually avoid giving versus Luke Falk last year if DiNucci is the ball away in this game. starting. The Cowboys’ offense, meanwhile, is Pick: Eagles 28 Cowboys 17 also sinking without Dak Prescott in the lineup. Dallas has only managed to score NFC East Standings 19 points on 24 drives since their starting quarterback got hurt. For perspective, the Team W L T Strk Eagles have logged 50 points on their last Philadelphia 2 4 1 W1 24 drives. This should be a “get right” Washington 2 5 0 W1 opportunity for Carson Wentz. Dallas 2 5 0 L2 Dallas figures to be worse off than ever NY Giants 1 6 0 L1 this year on offense if Andy Dalton can’t pass through the concussion protocol this

16 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO CHEVROLET TAHOE The best full size SUV’s money can buy

that frees up space in the center console. phones is available on LT and Premier trim Few SUVs look as SUV-like as the Two V8 engines are available for the Chevy Tahoe. Big, blocky and bold, it is Chevy Tahoe. Most are powered by a 5.3- the pictorial definition of what many envi- liter 355-horsepower V8 with high-tech sion when they think of a traditional sport- fuel injection that enhances both fuel econ- utility vehicle. We like the Tahoe’s sharp- omy and power; it also features GM’s edged styling, sculpted flanks and new Active Cylinder Management, which LED daytime running lights. The Tahoe imperceptibly shuts off half the cylinders looks wider than its GMC Yukon sibling under steady cruise to help preserve fuel. thanks to the wide grille that blends into This engine works with a 6-speed automat- the headlights. Shorter drivers will love the ic transmission, and while it’s relatively available power running boards. Tahoe smooth, we do wish GM would offer the RST models add aggressive aesthetics like excellent 8-speed automatic that’s been a black grille, mirror caps and bow-tie available in some Silverado pickup models. By Matt Degen Tahoe Premier model really gets up and badges, and 22-inch wheels. Order the RST special edition and opt goes, hitting 0-60 mph in less than six sec- For the Tahoe is available in three main for the Performance Package, and the With its attractive styling, capable inte- onds. The RST (Rally Sport Truck) treat- trims: LS, LT and Premier. At its least Tahoe Premier model gets the 420-horse- rior and powerful standard V8 engine, the ment is also available without the engine expensive, a Tahoe LS includes cloth seats, power 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic Chevrolet Tahoe remains one of the best upgrade on Tahoe LT and Premier models. tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless from the Cadillac Escalade. Two-wheel full-size SUVs money can buy. Because Of the numerous infotainment setups entry, rearview camera and rear parking (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a it’s constructed atop a rugged truck-like we’ve tested, the MyLink system in the sensors, cruise control, and the MyLink 8- proper low range for real off-road duty are frame, the Tahoe can haul and tow far more Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV is hands- inch touch-screen infotainment system with available. With either engine the Tahoe is weight than a conventional crossover SUV down one of the best. It’s easy to use and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility rated to tow up to 8,600 pounds in 2WD like the Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot. navigate, with quick response times and and 6-speaker audio system. form, while 4-wheel-drive Tahoe models However, when it comes to trailering brag- big, colorful graphics. The system is not If you can afford roughly $5,000 more, max out at 8,400 pounds. ging rights, the Ford Expedition’s 9,300- only compatible with Apple CarPlay and we recommend stepping up to at least the 5.3-liter V8, 355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm pound rating beats out the Tahoe’s 8,600- Android Auto, it also offers onboard 4G Tahoe LT trim. It adds safety features like 383 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm pound limit. LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and voice activation. forward-collision alert and lane-keeping EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 While not as fuel-efficient as the Ford, Once offered only in the Cadillac systems, plus amenities such as leather mpg (2WD), 15/21 mpg (4WD), 11/17 the Tahoe’s standard V8 falls squarely in Escalade and GMC Denali, the big 6.2-liter seating, power tailgate, Bose 9-speaker mpg (E85, 2WD), 11/16 mpg (E85, 4WD) line with similar engines offered in the V8 is now available in the Tahoe as part of audio system, telescoping steering wheel 6.2-liter V8 Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. the Premier’s RST with Performance and power-adjustable pedals, memory seat- 420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm There’s also an optional 6.2-liter V8 in the Package option. With 420 horsepower and ing and universal garage-door . The 460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm RST package that bumps HP to 420. 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine can handle LT trim also opens the door to options like EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 With prices ranging from the low the biggest jobs while pushing acceleration 2nd-row bucket seats, sunroof and more. mpg (2WD), 14/22 mpg (4WD) $50,000s to as much as $80,000 with every times into sports-car territory. The engine The top-line Tahoe Premier comes with The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS SUV has option, the Tahoe isn’t cheap,but it’s priced also comes with a 10-speed automatic many of the amenities that are optional on an MSRP starting at $49,295, including the competitively and holds its value well. transmission and Magnetic Ride Control the LT, including hands-free tailgate, navi- $1,295 destination charge. If you only need The Tahoe drives quite a bit better than suspension. gation, blind-spot monitoring, keyless start, two rows and seating for five, you can you might expect for a big, truck-based One of the leading reasons people love and heated steering wheel. Exclusive to the shave $4,200 off that price with the body-on-frame SUV, and certainly better the Chevy Tahoe is its massive interior. Premier are Magnetic Ride Control, high- Custom Edition. than its predecessors. While not quite as Among its non-GM peers, the Tahoe is the intensity headlights, ventilated front seats, Most buyers, however, will be better off comfortable as a car-based crossover SUV, only full-size SUV that can accommodate 10-speaker Bose audio, and optional power in the more recommendable Tahoe LT. That today’s Tahoe rides admirably. This is truer up to nine passengers, a feat made possible -retractable side steps. You’ll also need the midgrade variant offers more features and still if you opt for the Magnetic Ride by the LS trim’s available 3-person front Premier trim if you want adaptive cruise amenities, and starts just over $54,000. Control suspension that comes on the top- bench seat. While the Tahoe’s third row control and advanced high-speed Top-line Tahoe Premier editions bow at line Premier trim. There’s no getting isn’t as comfortable or roomy as the one in autonomous braking. nearly $64,000. Adding 4-wheel drive to around the Tahoe’s girth that can make it a the Ford Expedition, it still serves as a suit- If you go with the base LS trim, we any model is an extra $3,000. If you want handful in parking lots and other tight able perch for kids or pets. Most Tahoe highly recommend adding the Enhanced the special-edition Tahoe RST with the big- spaces, but its steering is light and makes models seat eight, but there is a 5-passen- Driver Alert Package. For just $695 it adds ger 6.2-liter V8 engine on your Premier piloting this ship seamless. ger version that omits the rearmost seat, forward-collision alert with low-speed for- model, plan on spending over $70,000. On the highway, the Tahoe is refined saving money and gaining cargo space. ward emergency braking, power-adjustable At its starting point, a 3-row Tahoe and quiet. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine Speaking of space, with the 3rd-row in pedals, lane-keep assist, lane-departure SUV begins slightly above the Nissan remains a gratifying powerhouse, and its 6- place, there’s a paltry 15.3 cubic feet left warning, and more. Armada, and a bit below its GMC Yukon speed automatic transmission is a mostly for gear. However, with said seat folded or Four-wheel drive can be had on all twin and the better-equipped Toyota smooth operator. We’ve tested the Tahoe removed, cargo capacity jumps to a mas- three trims instead of the standard 2-(rear)- Sequoia, and a few thousand less than the over hill and dale and while towing offroad sive 51.7 cubic feet. wheel drive, and the optional Z71 off-road Ford Expedition, which was also a 2019 vehicles, and it’s always up to the task. As for passenger comfort, we think package amplifies the Tahoe’s capabilities Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Winner. For even more potency, the Tahoe can most will find the Tahoe’s seats both wide with skidplates, upgraded suspension, hill- Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair now be had with GM’s more powerful 6.2- and supportive. Those who need the con- descent control and more. Purchase Price to see what others in your liter V8, which is used in the Cadillac venience of a tilt-and-telescopic steering The Tahoe RST edition is available on area are paying for their new SUV. The Escalade and has already been available in wheel and power-adjustable pedals will LT or Premier trims, but to add the 6.2-liter Chevy Tahoe’s resale value is very strong. the GMC Yukon. Equipped with this 420- need to move up to the LT or Premier engine you’ll need to step up to the In fact, in 2019 it earned the top spot in its horsepower engine as part of the special trims. Storage space is ample, thanks in Premier. A rear-seat entertainment system class for Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale edition RST Performance Package, the part to the column-mounted gear selector with Blu-ray player and wireless head- Value Awards.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK Here are my picks for favorite Burger

made pickels and mustard sauce. A must grilled beef with incredibly fresh vegeta- go eat in Vegas! bles makes this one an easy choice.

By Richard Pollak The Traveling Gourmet [email protected] Kenny’s Philly Cheesesteak Burger with Tex Mex Queso Without a doubt, Texas is the Beef The Kenny's El Jefe Grande Burger Capital of the world. Texas consumes more The Hawaiian Burger Challenge is a 7 lb monstrosity with over 5 than 1 million hamburgers a day. In anoth- Jalapeno Mushroom Burger at Dugg Burger lbs of Chili, Cheese, veggies and fries. er life, I was responsible for 11 million This is it, My Hawaiian Burger, which Whoppers a year as Marketing Director for When you want to pile it all in and not won the Texas Food Writers Challenge in Burger King Corporation right here in pay .75 cents for a slice of Tomato, you've 2014 over 300 Texas Foodie scribes by Dallas after an illustrious career in Sports got to try Dugg Burger's architecturally over 5500 votes. While I should have Marketing. So, here is what I consider to correctly structured Hamburger. They dig entered my Smoked Salmon Burger with be the some of the best burgers I have ever out the under crown of the bun so that Chive Creamed Cheese, the Hawaiian had. there was unlimited room for any and all Burger was obviously well received. A 1/3 toppings you desire. Every week, a pound patty, lettuce, special sauce and a unique Lucky 13 Burger is created as a grilled pinapple slice. specialfor the week. The Jalapeno You can't cut the Queso out of Kenny's Mushroom Burger is the way to go. Philly Cheesesteak Burger. Ask for extra napkins! El Jefe....the mother of all Texas Burgers

Twin Peaks Hangover Burger

Twin Peaks has several really good burgers on the menu such as the Avacado Smash Burger, Billionaires Burger, Turkey Burger and Smokey Sweet Bar BQ Burger Poblano Burger at Globe Life Park but the one that I consider the best is The Hangover Burger. Bacon, lettuce, tomato, Sports stadium food has gone gastro- cheese, Mayo and topped with an egg. nomic and Texas Rangers Globe Life Park Excellent choice....especially the day after! is hitting a grand slam with the Poblano Burger introduced last season. In the past, the Ballpark Burger has always taken sec- ond place to the Hot Dog but that is about to change. This burger is highly recomend- ed when visitning Globe Life Park.

The Melt at Wahlburgers in Las Vegas

I had to admit that I went to Wahlburgers in Las Vegas for the Celebrity shtick. Their show is one of my favorite shows on TV. Incredibly, the Hamburgers were far better than I ever imagined. There was plenty of In-N-Out Burger fresh beef and real fresh crispy veggies with a variety of toppings. My favorite is I have to say, In-N-Out Burger is my The Melt which is 1/3 pound burger with favorite Fast Food Hamburger. The freshly cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, home-

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 10 | October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 19 20 October 30, 2020 - November 5, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 10 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com