NFL Playoff Predictions

Dec. 11- Dec. 17, 2020 Vol. 19, Issue 16 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 3 Dec.11, 2020 - Dec.17, 2020 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 16 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Mustangs headed for Frisco Bowl Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA they defeated Fresno State, 43-10. and passing yards per game (10th, 309.5) Tickets are not currently on sale to the and was 12th in total offense (320.0), 5 RANGER REPORT public. COVID-19 protocols will be in while running back Ulysses Bentley IV BY DIC HUMPHREY place and any tickets that may be made rated among the national leaders in rushing 6 TOM’S TIP available will be very limited. Fans inter- TDs (11th, 11),rushing yards (11th, 913) BY TOM WARD ested in game information and tickets and total TD’s. (13th, 12). 2020 TOUR WAS A SEASON OF Mustangs Selected For Tropical Smoothie should monitor the bowl website at The Mustangs registered 500 yards of SURPRISES www.thefriscobowl.com for further infor- total offense in six of 10 games in 2020, 7 BY PGATOUR.COM Cafe Frisco Bowl FRISCO, Texas (SMU) Ð SMU has mation to be released in the next few days. including 710 (344 passing, 366 rushing) NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS at North Texas. The total was the second 8 BY TYLER GRAHAM accepted an invitation to play in the 2020 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl. The SMU’s Riley Named To AFCA 35 Under most in a game at SMU. SEC WEEK 12 PREDICTIONS 35 10 BY ROBERT CORTINEZ game will be played Dec. 19, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco and will be televised on SMU Offensive Coordinator and quar- CFP Rankings terbacks coach Garrett Riley has been BIG 12 WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS ESPN2 at a time to be determined. An Games Played through December 5 11 BY JOHN MOSS opponent will be named at a later date and named to the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Rank Team Overall Record Leadership Institute. AAC WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS will likely be from Conference USA. 1 Alabama 9-0 12 BY MIKE MCFEE "We are excited to extend an invitation Riley was selected from a candidate pool 2 Notre Dame 10-0 of over 150 applicants for the program that COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS AND to SMU to play in the Tropical Smoothie 3 Clemson 9-1 13 NOTES Cafe Frisco Bowl," said Executive Director is aimed at identifying and developing pre- 4 Ohio State 5-0 BY BO CARTER Sean Johnson. "We are happy to have a mier, future leaders in the football coach- 5 Texas A&M 7-1 NFL WEEK 14 PREDICTIONS local team with a great fan base and look ing profession. Selected participants are 6 Florida 8-1 15 BY NFL.COM forward to an exciting game next week at invited to attend the one-day institute that 7 Iowa State 8-2 AUTO REVIEW Toyota Stadium." features a curriculum of interactive lectures 8 Cincinnati 8-0 17 BY KBB.COM The Mustangs finished the regular sea- focused on topics specifically tailored to 9 Georgia 6-2 18 THE TICKET WINDOW son 7-3, and were ranked as high as No. 16 emphasize leadership in the coaching pro- 10 Miami (FL) 8-1 fession, ethics, influential responsibilities, RESTAURANT REVIEW in both the AP and Coaches Polls. SMU 11 Oklahoma 7-2 19 BY RICHARD POLLAK opened the season 5-0, giving them con- career progression, and family balance. In 12 Indiana 6-1 secutive 5-0 starts for the first time since order to be eligible, applicants had to be 13 Coastal Carolina 10-0 the 1982-83 seasons, and have won seven born on or after January 1, 1986, and must 14 Northwestern 5-1 games in back-to-back seasons for the first be currently serving as a high school head 15 USC 4-0 time since the 2011-12 seasons. coach, two-year college full-time assistant 16 Iowa 5-2 Follow us on This is SMU's third bowl appearance in or head coach, or NAIA/NCAA (all divi- 17 North Carolina 7-3 four seasons, and second consecutive that sions) full-time assistant or head coach. 18 BYU 9-1 Twitter & Facebook they have clinched under Sonny Dykes. SMU finished the regular season ranked 19 Louisiana 9-1 This will be the 18th bowl appearance fifth nationally in first downs (251),13th in 20 Texas 6-3 twitter.com/sportspagedfw overall for the Mustangs, with SMU hold- total offense(494.5),14th in passing offense 21 Colorado 4-0 ing a 7-9-1 all-time record and second (218) and 17th in scoring offense (38.6). 22 Oklahoma State 6-3 facebook.com/sportspageweek- appearance in the Frisco Bowl (2017). The Individually, quarterback Shane 23 NC State 8-3 Mustangs are looking for their first bowl Buechele ranks in the top 10 in the FBS in 24 Tulsa 6-1 Publisher Contact Us passing yards (5th, 3,095), completions per Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 win since the 2012 Hawai'i Bowl when 25 Missouri 5-3 LLC P.O. 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4 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY News from Baseball’s Winter Meetings the trade first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in as the Rangers’ number three starter and outfielder Termel Sledge. The key behind Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. player the Rangers received from the Weems was ranked as the number 10 Padres was veteran starting pitcher Adam prospect in Chicago’s system. He played Eaton, who had a reputation for having a four years in college before being drafted lot of talent but was often injured. He in 2019. Many project him as a reliever, missed half the 2006 season with an injury but the Rangers plan to groom him as a and won just seven games before signing starting pitcher at this point. with Philadelphia as a free agent after the Daniels has received criticism for not season. Meanwhile, Young and Gonzalez trading Lynn last August near the trade went on to be All-Stars making this the deadline. The theory was that teams would worst trade in Daniels’ regime as general pay more last August when he could manager. impact two seasons for the team that got Young won 79 Major League games him instead of just the 2021 season after against 67 losses with a 3.95 career ERA. which his current contract expires. The He pitched for five teams, including the theory may or may not be valid. Taking on Kansas City Royals, in his final three years Lynn for the pennant race still meant in the big leagues which included 11 wins adding more than $1,000,000 to their pay- in 2015 when the Royals won the World roll, in an environment where there were Series. no fans attending games, and for the have- The Monday morning press conference nots of baseball, no revenue sharing. At was still fresh on everyone’s mind, when this point, there is optimism that with a the news leaked that Lance Lynn had been vaccine for the Coronavirus close, fans will Former Highland Park pitcher Chris Young will take over General Manager duties for the Rangers traded to the White Sox. Lynn broke into be able to attend games in some capacity the Majors in 2011 with St. Louis appear- next season providing more certainty for quish the GM duties, and second because ing in 18 games for the team that upset the teams. The bottom line is that the return the Rangers were able to attract such an Rangers in the World Series. He impressed the Rangers received for Lynn is at least as outstanding candidate for the job. the Cardinals’ manager Tony LaRussa who good if not better than what was expected Young grew up in the Park Cities and in has recently taken over the managerial last August. high school led Highland Park to the state helm with the White Sox. LaRussa obvi- Another aspect of not trading Lynn last finals in both baseball and basketball in the ously pushed to get Lynn for a team that August also came to light with the trade. late 1990’s. He’s an intelligent young man won the American League Central last sea- Part of the agreement between owners and that played both sports at Princeton. Young son with up and coming players. He’s players for the 2020 season was that play- recently interviewed for the New York exactly what the Sox need to upgrade their ers could opt-out of their contracts if they BY DIC HUMPHREY Mets General Manager position but with- starting rotation. felt uncomfortable with the Coronavirus [email protected] drew his name from consideration shortly The Rangers received pitchers Dane environment. Lynn effectively transformed MEMBER: USBWA before the news broke that he would be Dunning and Avery Weems. Dunning is this provision into a no-trade clause, which joining the Rangers. Daniels said the idea the prize here. He was ranked as the Sox he didn’t have in his contract. His agent ARLINGTON, Texas Ð This week was of splitting his job into two positions was number four prospect by Baseball America, informed the Rangers that Lynn would opt- supposed to be the week that baseball exec- broached earlier this fall, but that he wasn’t the number five prospect by MLB.com and out of his contract if the Rangers traded utives gathered for the Winter Meetings in sure they would have hired a new GM if Baseball Prospectus, and number six by him to a team he didn’t like. The result Dallas. With the COVID-19 considera- Young had turned down the Rangers’ offer. Fan Graphs. He’s ranked in the top 100 for was that Daniels’ hands were tied for mak- tions, the meetings turned into a virtual Young becomes the second former play- all minor league players. Dunning started ing a deal, and he chose not to make a deal event, much to the chagrin of local hotel er to be the Rangers’ GM....Tom Grieve is seven games for Chicago in 2020 with a 2- with what was offered. and restaurant owners. The winter meet- the other. Young debuted in the Major 0 record and a 3.97 ERA. He is penciled (continued on page 6) ings are usually a time when baseball’s off Leagues on August 24, 2004 as a Texas season gets moving, and it certainly did for Ranger taking the mound against the the Texas Rangers. It began with the sur- Minnesota Twins. He completed 5-2/3rds prising announcement that Jon Daniels innings allowing three runs on four hits. would be relinquishing his General He struck out four and walked three. In Manager duties and would just be the fourth inning, Corey Koskie and Tori President of Baseball Operations. Chris Hunter touched Young for home runs, with Young was announced as the new General Koskie’s coming with a runner on base to Manager. account for the three runs. The Rangers Young has made no secret that this job struck for a ninth inning walk-off 5-4 win. is a dream come true. He wanted to be It was a magical night for Young. He was involved in baseball in some capacity after definitely around familiar faces as the seat- his playing career, and he resides in ing areas near the Rangers’ dugout, sec- University Park. How much better can it tions 31, 32 and 33 in the Ballpark in get to have a tremendous job opportunity Arlington, looked like Park Cities night at with the team he grew up rooting for and the ballpark. the team for which he made his Major In 2005, he still qualified as a rookie League debut? There were no hints that and set the Rangers’ rookie record by win- this move was in the works. It was a bomb ning 12 games. Surprisingly, GM Jon shell on the local sports scene from at least Daniels traded Young before the 2006 sea- two angles. First, that Daniels would relin- son to San Diego. The Rangers included in

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 5 On Wednesday, the third significant base for the Rangers and leaves incumbent TOM’S TIP TOM WARD announcement came down. The Rangers first baseman Ronald Guzman in the lurch. AAA affiliation switches back to Round Outfielder/first baseman Heriberto Rock after being in Nashville since 2019. Hernandez is the primary prospect the Don’t swing on the ball When Nolan Ryan left the Rangers and Rays are receiving in return. The total joined the Houston Astros, it was a for- trade involves six players with the Rangers gone conclusion that Round Rock, which also receiving first baseman Jack Guenther is owned by the Ryans, would become an and a player to be named later. The Rays Astros’ farm club again; and that’s what are also receiving infielder Oselves Basabe happened when the agreement with the and outfielder Alexander Ovalles. Rangers expired after the 2018 season. COMMENTARY: Nolan and Reid Ryan are no longer affili- The arrangement of having a separate ated with the Astros. With the restructur- President of Baseball Operations and a ing of the minor leagues by Major League General Manager is becoming the norm in Baseball, the Astros gladly moved their baseball. In that regard, the Rangers are AAA affiliation to the Houston suburb of just catching up with the trend. Chris Sugar Land, which has a magnificent Young has no experience working in a TOM WARD minor league park and has been fielding front office, but he has contacts in front [email protected] teams in independent baseball. offices in both leagues from his work as I would like to see all golfers swing That made Round Rock available to the Major League Baseball’s head of field into a better golf game in the coming year. Rangers, who jumped at the chance. The operations since 2018. He was doing an What I don’t want golfers to do is put their Nashville affiliation has been a good one. exceptional job with MLB, and swings on the ball. It’s a great town with an outstanding ball- Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated they I know that sounds like a crazy state- park, and there are plenty of flights hated to lose him. He thus has numerous ment, so let me clarify for you. Let the between the cities, at least there was prior contacts around Major League front golf ball get in the way of your swing. In to the Pandemic. The lure of having their offices. He of course has known Jon other words, let the ball get hit because it AAA affiliation just a three hour drive Daniels from his playing days in Texas, was sitting there and it was in the path of away was too much for the Rangers to and he also knows manager Chris your golf swing. This is a good example pass up though. Woodward, who was on Seattle’s coaching why people’s practice swings are better Their other three affiliates stay the staff the year Young pitched for the too. Don’t get me wrong, I whiffed my than their actual real swings. That’s same. The AA team remains in Frisco. Mariners. Young is an intelligent and share of shots in the beginning and sent because without a ball in front of you your The single A affiliates stay in North articulate young man who fans can expect the ball flying off in every direction imagi- able to project swinging through the ball, Carolina - Hickory and Down East will be a fast learner. He is an excellent nable, but in the end I persevered and it and when the ball is there on the turf in (Kinston). However, they flip-flop classi- choice for the job. payed off. front of you there is the inclination to fications, with Hickory becoming the One of the Rangers’ principal owners, Blind golfers obviously can’t see the swing at the ball. High-A team, and Down East becoming Ray Davis, commented at last Monday’s ball, so I helped develop a program that One of the ways to help you correct the Low A team. press conference, “I’ve had the opportunity has created exciting results which prove this problem is understanding not only The Winter Meetings concluded to interact with Chris Young on a number beyond a doubt that once you position how the proper body actions work, yet just Thursday with the Rule 5 Draft. There of Major League Baseball initiatives, and yourself over the ball (at address in your as important, how to separate the optic eye were 18 players drafted,but none of them his qualifications make him the ideal per- stance) you have in fact measured yourself vs. the mind’s eye. were Rangers. That was a surprise as son to take on this role.” Davis also noted, to the ball. The key was to substitute sight The optic eye sees where the ball is most felt reliever Alex Spies would be “After four years of losing seasons, it for sound. I will go into greater details laying on the ground. The mind’s eye sees taken. Texas did make a selection taking doesn’t make sense to keep doing the same about this in a future column. the ball traveling to the target. Remember, right-handed pitcher Brett de Geus with thing.” So, when someone tells you to keep the ball is not your target, so don’t let the the second pick in the draft from the Los The team has essentially been in a your head down or keep your eye on the optic eye con you into hitting it. Let the Angeles Dodgers. He was 6-2 with a 1.79 rebuild since the 2017 trade deadline deal ball, what that really means is keep your mind’s eye swing to your target which is ERA and eight saves at High-A in 2019. that sent Yu Darvish to the Dodgers, yet at head still. With a steady head, it makes it the fairway or the green. I stress the word He also looked good in the Arizona Fall this point, there is very little talent on the easier to swing the club in the arc best target because of a tendency over the years League this year, with his fastball touching field, and the farm system is ranked in the suited to you based on your physical build. to place too much emphasis on looking at 98. De Geus will have to be on the 20’s by most of the statistical ratings. In Your head (eyes) stays centered only to the ball. Frankly you should look at the Rangers’ active roster next season or short, this front office has simply not done maintain good overall balance. Balance is ball, but there is a great difference from waived if the Rangers do not wish to keep well at drafting and developing talent. a must to having a successful and repeat- looking at it and concentrating on it. him. If he clears waivers, he must be Hopefully, Young will be a new voice and able golf swing. The head is the pivot Projecting to the target, not at the ball, offered back to the Dodgers before he can will bring new ideas to the front office to point; therefore is must stay steady. If the sounds like a good thing to do, however be sent to the minor leagues. The roster get the Rangers back into being a contend- head moves too much during the back- many golfers have not mastered this tech- size was initially expanded to 26 to begin ing team. swing or downswing it will cause loss of nique. I’ll give you a perfect example of 2020, but with Coronavirus considerations, NOTABLE: balance and this will result in wayward this having taught numerous golfers over they were expanded to 30 to start the sea- ¥ MLB and the MLBPA have resumed shots. the past few decades who have lost their son and later dropped to 28. With rosters discussions regarding how and when the Also, with your eyes looking at the ball vision. possibly being expanded to more than 26 2021 season will be played. The playoff it’s easy to become ball conscious. The To understand what blind golfers were again in 2021, it will be easier to stash de format and the use of the designated hitter physical eye encourages at hitting action, experiencing I started blind-folding myself Geus on the active roster. in the National League are just two of the the mind’s eye is a swinging action. When back in the 1980’s while hitting balls. Not By Thursday afternoon, news started issues to address besides dealing with the your mind is focusing in on where the ball being able to see the ball became impera- leaking the Rangers had made another Coronavirus. sits, it can limit your ability to make the tive to trust my swing fundamentals and impactful trade. Texas will be receiving ¥ Chris Young spent seven seasons with proper swing. When your projection is that in turn helped me communicate a feel left-handed hitting first baseman Nate National League teams where he accumu- positive, as it is when your mind’s eye is to my students who lost their vision. Lowe from Tampa Bay, the only player lated 246 plate appearances batting .150 on the target, this will encourage you to After some diligent practice closing my among the six in this transaction that has with one home run and 17 RBIs. make the proper body motions that you eyes, or using a blindfold, I became quite played in the Majors. Lowe has appeared ¥ Former Ranger General Manager Eddie have been practicing. So remember, “ You proficient making solid contact with the in 71 games over the past two seasons hit- Robinson will celebrate his 100th birthday must swing through the ball, not to the ball, hitting nearly the same distances as ting .251 in 245 plate appearances with the next week (Dec. 15). He is the oldest liv- ball.” normal without the blindfold. I was sur- Rays. He hit 11 home runs and driven in ing former Major League player. Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- prised that the accuracy was pretty good 30 runs. He undoubtedly takes over first timewithtom.com

6 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR 2020 TOUR was a season of surprises

TOUR since the 2017 Masters, and he Wait. Him again? Yep, meet the new pointed to the sky and blinked back tears boss, same as the old boss. The winner of while remembering his two uncles who had last season’s points race is in pole position died from the coronavirus. yet again. That’s because Johnson shot 20 “It’s hard,” Garcia said, which also under at Augusta to break the Masters scor- described so much of 2020. ing record (Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth) by Ortiz broke through at the Vivint two. He also finished T2 at the Vivint Houston Open in his 118th career TOUR Houston Open, and T6 at the U.S. Open. start, marking his first victory of any kind Any questions? since his three-win season on the Korn Johnson is 252 points ahead of No. 2 Ferry Tour in 2014. Then he broke down. DeChambeau, who along with Mickelson Streb won The RSM Classic six years after and Adam Scott experimented with extra- winning the 2014 RSM, a stretch of 165 long driver shafts. Thomas revealed a starts. grudge match with Charlie Woods, 11, as The fall wasn’t entirely about winning; Justin and dad Mike, and Tiger and son Matthew Wolff was loading up on seconds Charlie, anticipate their first-ever appear- long before Thanksgiving. The runner-up ance at the PNC Championship in Orlando to DeChambeau at the Rocket Mortgage later this month. Dustin Johnson is the first reigning FedExCup No. 1 to enter the break leading the standings since the wraparound season Classic, Wolff was runner-up to DeChambeau Said Thomas, “We'll have that like started. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images) again at the U.S. Open, and in his very inner tournament within a tournament.” next start lost a playoff (Laird, Austin Cook) That was the fall Ð a tournament within a to finish T2 at the Shriners. Yep, three near- tournament. Because as great as it was, it Cink, Hovland victories bookend wildly Classic) each made an albatross. None of misses in 10 starts. He’s ninth in the FedEx was just a taste of 2021, when Dustin and entertaining stretch on PGA TOUR them won, either. Korn Ferry Tour pro Will Cup. That’s a solid fall; Wolff might even Justin, Viktor and Xander, will return with Zalatoris made a hole-in-one at the U.S. make the season-ending TOUR Championship the rest of them. Happy holidays and see By Cameron Morfit Open at Winged Foot, then earned Special at East Lake, Sept. 2-5, 2021. If he does, you in Maui for the Sentry Tournament of PGATOUR.COM Temporary Membership on TOUR, a dif- he’ll likely run into No. 1 Johnson. Champions, Jan. 7-10. Viktor Hovland’s 12-foot birdie putt to ferent sort of victory. win the Mayakoba Golf Classic presented We witnessed brawn (DeChambeau at by UNIFIN, the 12th and final event of the the U.S. Open; Dustin Johnson at the fall, moved him up to third in the Masters), and brains (three 40-something FedExCup and put a bow on a wildly winners). We saw a salute to the golden entertaining fall season. oldies (Fred Funk, 64, made the cut at the The fall also provided a lot of answers. Bermuda Championship despite averaging We know whose biohacking has worked. less than 245 yards off the tee). (Take a bow, Bryson DeChambeau.) Ageless Bernhard Langer, 63, became We know who won’t stop knocking on the oldest to make the Masters cut. Playing the door. (Make room for Maui-bound with DeChambeau on Sunday at Augusta, Stewart Cink, Brian Gay, Jason Kokrak, the PGA TOUR Champions star hit hybrids Martin Laird, Carlos Ortiz, Robert Streb and 3-woods into most of the par 4s; and Ð deep breath Ð Hudson Swafford.) DeChambeau, meanwhile, scraped the We were entertained, again, by Tiger clouds with his tee shots and drove the and Phil. Woods made a career-high 10 at third green. And Bernie beat Bryson 71-73. the 12th hole at the Masters Ð then erased Surprising? Certainly. The fall was that. most of that mess with five birdies in his Cink, 47, won the Safeway Open, breaking last six holes. Mickelson won the a win drought of 4,074 days since the 2009 Dominion Energy Charity Classic for his Open Championship. He is currently fourth second victory in as many starts on PGA in the FedExCup. Last season he was TOUR Champions, then carried Charles 144th. Barkley on his back for 18 holes. Gay, 48, won the Bermuda We saw three new courses, with Championship for his first title in over Houston’s iconic Memorial Park in it for seven years. Kokrak made 26 birdies and the long haul. THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW won THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK CREEK and ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ for his first win at 35. Because it’s like SHERWOOD were stopgaps. Fittingly, they say: If at first you don’t succeed, wait there were new course records at all three. until your 233rd career start. Xander Schauffele shot 8-under 64 at Laird won a playoff over Austin Cook and Shadow Creek; Richy Werenski 11-under Matthew Wolff at the Shriners Hospitals 61 at Sherwood; Hideki Matsuyama 7- for Children Open, his first trophy since under 63 at Memorial Park. (Justin Thomas the 2013 Valero Texas Open. Swafford also shot 5-under 65 at the Winged Foot (Corales Punta Cana Resort & Club U.S. Open.) Championship) hadn’t won since the 2017 None of them won. The American Express, and Sergio Garcia, Harry Higgs (Safeway Open), Scott 40, putted with his eyes wide shut to steady Harrington (Sanderson Farms Championship) his stroke at the Sanderson Farms and Brendan Steele (Mayakoba Golf Championship. It was his first victory on

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 7 NFL NFL PLAYOFFS Predicting NFL playoff teams and SB

AFC East champions Buffalo Bills ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 11th hardest ¥ Original Pick: Buffalo Bills (11-5) In what has been a career-defining year, Josh Allen was at his best in his Monday Night Football matchup with the 49ers. The third-year quarterback was in control throughout the game, looking every bit like a young Ben Roethlisberger as he routinely moved his huge body through San Francisco’s pass rush and zipped deep passes with ease. Allen, the No. 7 overall pick in 2018, was arguably the rawest quarterback in his draft class, but the high selection is proving his worth every week. He’s putting it all together, and if “it” looks anything like what he did against San Francisco, the Bills will be making some noise in the playoffs. AFC wild card predictions Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 15th easiest, 14th easiest, easiest ¥ Original Picks: New England Patriots (10-6), Cleveland Browns (10-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) The Colts’ close win over Houston on Sunday brought them to 8-4 and a tie with Kansas City Chiefs predicted to defend thier Super Bowl title the Titans for the lead in the AFC South. They have a solid chance at 10 wins, with a Predicting NFL playoff teams and Super Another headtrip of a game, the remain an excellent team and a Super Bowl home rematch with the Texans and a sea- Bowl 2021 winner Broncos nearly left Arrowhead Stadium contender, but the flaws they do have — son finale with Jacksonville still on the We're surveying the NFL after each week with a victory on Sunday night. Denver namely dropped passes and an inefficient schedule. Ailing foot or not, Philip Rivers and predicting which 14 teams will make holding tough against quality teams isn’t rushing attack — were on bright, blinking and the stout Indy D should get them there. the playoffs. We'll even pick the Super Bowl new — they beat the Dolphins and display against Washington. Congrats to The Browns are practically a lock to winner... Patriots and were within a touchdown of Larry Csonka, the 1972 Dolphins, and the make the playoffs, but until Sunday there winning against the Titans and Steelers ÐÐ greatest Old Man Tradition in sports. wasn’t much evidence they could beat a By Tyler Dunn but it was bizarre seeing the Chiefs strug- AFC South champions quality opponent. There is now. Baker Just when we thought we were figuring gle to score like they did. Tennessee Titans Mayfield was at his absolute best, throwing out these teams, they go and give us the Credit coach Vic Fangio and the ¥ Remaining Strength of Schedule: 5th for four touchdowns in the first half, a feat most head-scratching week of the year. The Broncos players, but also tip your hat to easiest not seen in Cleveland since Otto Graham in Steelers bungled their perfect season, the Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker, who ¥ Original Pick: Indianapolis Colts (10-6) 1951. When you have to start citing Otto Seahawks scored 12 points in a loss to the was responsible for 16 of his team’s 22 Tennessee got their doors blown off Graham stats for context, you know the Giants and the Patriots dominated while points on Sunday. Even when things aren’t early by the Browns, who led 38-7 at half- Browns have got things rolling. barely throwing the football. The Jets near- clicking, the Chiefs, like life, find a way. time. Their ol’ third down matador defense The Ravens are 7-5 and a game behind ly won! Kansas City, now 11-1, booked a playoff resurfaced again, as Cleveland converted the Dolphins for this final wild card spot, It was as if we were watching the dop- trip with the win. 10 of 16 third down attempts. The Titans but the schedule is just too tasty not to pelgängers of professional football teams AFC North champions have improved in that area since acquiring include them. Following a tough matchup and not the actual teams themselves. Pittsburgh Steelers slot corner Desmond King at the deadline, with the Browns on Monday Night The whole thing was strange, and often ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 16th opponents had completed just 36% of third Football, the Ravens welcome the Jaguars ugly, but we’re one step closer to the play- hardest downs since the trade prior to Sunday’s and Giants to Baltimore before a Week 17 offs, assuming we haven’t slipped into ¥ Original Pick: Baltimore Ravens (12-4) loss, but they’re still last in the NFL in the game in Cincinnati. That should equate to some alternate reality. Which, hey, you A few weeks ago, hours before the category and among the worst in league 10 wins at minimum, but very little has can’t rule out. Let’s take a look at the Steelers would go on to pummel Cincinnati history. gone as planned for the Ravens this season. updated playoff picture and our predictions by 26 points, coach Mike Tomlin made his This week’s game got away from Titans, NFC West champion heading into Week 14. feelings known about his team’s undefeat- and they have glaring issues on a defense Seattle Seahawks AFC West champions ed season: “The only thing that is perfect that ranks No. 28 by DVOA. But the ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 8th Kansas City Chiefs about our team is our record.” offense is still as dangerous as any outside easiest ¥ Remaining strength schedule: 9th hard- Tomlin was right, as Pittsburgh man- Kansas City largely thanks to running back ¥ Original Pick: Seattle Seahawks (11-5) est aged to lose to the Washington Football Derrick Henry. That should give the Titans The Seahawks offense has stalled, with ¥ Original Pick: Kansas City (15-1) Team on Monday night. The Steelers a slight edge over the Colts in the division. Russell Wilson “in the middle of it all,”

8 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com according to Pete Carroll. Wilson has Smith is back under center and playing cooled significantly since his blazing MVP well after suffering one of the worst beginnings to the season, and his receivers, injuries in NFL history. Both men have like Big Ben’s in Pittsburgh, are dropping shown so much heart and have clearly far too many balls. gained the respect of their locker room, it’s The offensive troubles have come at the honestly surprising a movie deal hasn’t exact wrong time of the season for Seattle, been signed yet. as they failed to outscore the Giants on Washington is tied with the Giants at 5- Sunday in one of the worst losses of the 7, but I’m not buying this New York team, Pete Carroll era. which has the worst scoring offense in the So why pick the Seahawks over the NFC. Plus, they don’t have Chase Young Rams? Well, it may not be an exciting doing things like this at the goal line. answer, but Seattle has a slightly easier NFC Wild Card predictions remaining schedule. Their next two games Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles are against the Jets and Washington, which Rams, Arizona Cardinals before this week would have been consid- ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 3rd ered practically automatic wins. easiest, 4th easiest, 11th easiest Los Angeles, conversely, has the Patriots ¥ Original Picks: New Orleans Saints up next. Ask yourself, truly: how many (10-6), Los Angeles Rams (9-7), Arizona teams would you rather play in Week 14 Cardinals (9-7) than a Bill Belichick-coached team fighting The bad news: Tampa Bay has lost for a playoff spot? Maybe one? Two? three of four. The good news: Tom Brady NFC North champion and Bruce Arians just had a very timely Green Bay Packers bye week to regroup. The good good news: ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 9th the Buccaneers could sweep the last month easiest of opponents, as they face the Vikings, ¥ Original Pick:Green Bay Packers (11-5) Lions and the Falcons (twice). Green Bay has had a couple of quiet If the Rams don’t outright win the NFC wins of late, and it’s starting to feel like West, they’ll definitely hold down a playoff they might creep to 13 wins without any- spot. Los Angeles has a difficult slate one really noticing. They’re currently 9-3, ahead, including games against Seattle and have the second-best offense in the NFL by Arizona to close out the year, but this team DVOA, and if the season were to end is too talented and well-coached to miss today, would hold the tiebreaker over New out on the postseason. Orleans. Arizona’s postseason hopes really Aaron Rodgers is enjoying a true career depend on the health of Kyler Murray. resurgence in his second year with Matt Since injuring his throwing shoulder three LaFleur. A Super Bowl bid is well within weeks ago, Murray — the NFL leader for reach. rushing yards by a quarterback — is aver- NFC South champion aging just five rushes for 20 yards. He’s New Orleans Saints also throwing for some of his lowest yards ¥ Remaining strength of schedule: 13th per attempt of the season, a sign that the hardest Cardinals are at least being cautious with ¥ Original Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers their star quarterback. (10-6) The problem is, they’re running out of The Saints joined the Chiefs as the first time for caution. Now tied with Minnesota teams to lock in playoff spots with at 6-6, the Cardinals are the losers of three Sunday’s win over Atlanta. Taysom Hill straight. That said, the Vikings aren’t exact- dropped back a surprising 37 times and had ly red-hot; they barely beat Jacksonville in his best game of his starting stint, throwing overtime on Sunday and were beaten by for two touchdowns and rushing for 83 Dallas just a few weeks ago. The Cardinals yards. Drew Brees is reportedly throwing, are the better team when Murray is right, which is just nuts considering how many but it’s time to take the kid gloves off and ribs he broke, and could be back for the win some football games. Saints’ upcoming game against the Eagles. So who will win the Super Bowl? It probably won’t matter who suits up at The Chiefs. They may not have won quarterback versus Philadelphia, though. big against the Broncos, but they hung New Orleans has reeled off nine consecu- tough and, once again, showed they can get tive wins and has allowed a ridiculous 8.8 a victory in a variety of ways. This week it points per game the last five weeks. That’s was with Harrison Butker, who connected a tough assignment for rookie Eagles quar- on all five of his field goals and nailed a terback Jalen Hurts, who’ll be making his 48-yarder with 1:04 remaining. first NFL start. Last week it was Tyreek Hill, who NFC East champion made Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis look like Washington Football Team a practice squad player. At different points ¥ Preseason strength of schedule: 16th in the year it’s been Clyde Edwards- easiest Helaire and Travis Kelce, or the defense ¥ Original Pick: Dallas Cowboys (8-8) stepping up in key moments. If it weren’t for Daniel Snyder, And, of course, at the center of it all, Washington would be such a fun team to the Chiefs have the one and only Patrick root for. Ron Rivera has coached through Mahomes. cancer treatments this season and Alex

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 9 FOOTBALL SEC GAME DAY REPORT SEC football weekend picks - Week 12

HC Kirby Smart has found his QB in USC and 433 yards. Florida had this game in transfer J.T. Daniels and the Bulldog hand 31-7 in the 4th quarter but allowed defense is much better than Missouir’s last two trash touchdowns to account for the three wins over Arkansas, Vanderbilt, final score. Alabama put a beat down on South Carolina who are all in last, or next LSU 55-17 in a game that was never close. to last place in their respective divisions. Alabama’s two Heisman candidates QB, Dawgs crush Tigers. Mac Jones ( 385 yds., 4 TD’s) and RB, Pick: Georgia 37 Missouri 20 Najee Harris ( 145 yds.,3 TD’s, 6.9 ypc.) destroyed LSU’s defense all day long. #1 Alabama (9-0) at Arkansas (3-6) LSU announced this week they’ve self Line: Tide -32.5 / 68.5 imposed a bowl ban for this year, which Time/TV: 11:00 / ESPN would have been a mediocre bowl at best. The Hogs lost a heartbreaker to Missouri, Ed Ogeron’s Tiger team has absolutely 50-48. Despite the loss, Razorback HC nothing to play for but Florida doesn’t need Sam Pittman is a beloved coach in to suffer a let down before next week’s Arkansas in spite of only a 3-6 record in SEC Championship game. his first season. Pittman’s passion for the Pick: Florida 33 LSU 14 Hogs is evident in his desire to bring fame and glory to the Arkansas football program. Auburn (5-4) at Miss. State (2-6) Unfortunately, he has to end his season Line: Tigers -6.5 / 49 with a home game against #1 Alabama. Time/TV: 6:30 / SECN Tide HC Nick Saban has his best offensive The Auburn Tigers put up a fight in line ever, and two Heisman Trophy candi- their home loss to #5 Texas A&M but dates, QB Mac Jones (3113 passing yds, 27 couldn’t withstand the Aggies 4th quarter TD 96.3 QBR) and RB Najee Harris (1038 17-0 scoring run, losing 31-20. State’s rushing yds., 20 TD’s, 6.3 ypc). game last week was postponed so that the Alabama’s defense is granite strong but front office could do some covid shuffling its backups sometimes allow trash TD’s at in these last two weeks of the regular sea- Arkansas hosts #1 Alabama this weekend the end of games. Arkansas RS freshman son. The State Bulldogs are in two camps QB KJ Jefferson, who got the start last as we head into this game in Starkville. week over injured QB Felipe Franks, and One side says HC Mike Leach has the This writer has been harping on the transfer RB Trelon Smith help the Hog team going in the right direction, while the expansion since the CFP’s inception, but I defense in keeping this game within the 32 other side says he was the wrong hire. We am the proverbial “ole ye of little clout”. point line. won’t know until we see the improvement ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox have got Pick: Alabama 47 Arkansas 20 track, or lack thereof, next year. Auburn’s the CFP cash cow calf-roped until at least reigning SEC freshman of the year QB, Bo 2022, so we’re stuck with a clumsy, inferi- Tennessee (2-6) at Vanderbilt (0-8) Nix made the “Houdini” college football or model until then. Line: Vols -15.5 / 50 play of the year in last week’s third quarter, This week’s SEC covid cancellation is Time/TV: 3:00 / SECN scoring an improbable 20 yard TD run #5 Texas A&M’s home finale against LSU. The postponed rivalry battle of SEC when five Aggies had him dead to rights. This cancellation may or not have an effect Tennessee colleges is back in Nashville, Tiger HC, Gus Malzahn wont allow a loss on final rankings depending on Florida’s but who really cares. Vols HC Jeremy this final regular season tilt. performance in the SEC championship ROBERT CORTINEZ Pruitt is poised on the precipice of being Pick: Auburn 27 Mississippi St. 23 [email protected] game next week. the third SEC coach fired this season. Last week’s results: SU 4-1 / ATL: 4-1 Vandy has this home game against The CFP rankings top six remain the Season results: SU 49-12 / ATL: 41-20 (67%) Tennessee and then a makeup game at same with Alabama holding the top spot M&M went 3-2-1 bringing his season SEC Standings Georgia to try and avoid a winless season and Texas A&M and Florida coming in at record to 43-23-2 (65%). His picks this for the first time in school history. The Team Conf. Overall #6 and #7. Iowa State snuck up to #7 after week: Georgia -13; Pitt/G-Tech over 54.5; Cincinnati's game was cancelled becoming Volunteers may have found a new QB, J.T. Ark State -22; Ark State / Incarnate Word WEST the only Big 12 member in the top 10. Shrout, who came in and led Tennessee to under 72; Tennessee -14.5; BYU/San Alabama 8-0 9-0 Georgia also makes the SEC top 10 at #9. two late touchdowns vs. Florida to cover Diego over 48; BYU -16.5; Boise/ Texas A&M 6-1 7-1 The big news in college football is the the spread. Vanderbilt got absolutely past- Wyoming over 47. Auburn 5-3 5-4 cancellation of this week’s Michigan vs. ed in its last game vs. Missouri 41-0. Ole Miss 4-4 4-4 Ohio State game. Ohio State would have Smart money’s with Tennessee but #8 Georgia (6-2) at Missouri (5-3) LSU 3-4 3-5 been ineligible to play in the Big 10 cham- Vanderbilt’s interim HC, Todd Fitch will Line: Bulldogs -13 / 54.5 Arkansas 3-5 3-6 pionship since the Buckeyes are 5-0 and try to pull out all the stops to get his Time/TV: 11:00 AM / SECN Mississippi St 2-6 2-6 would not have completed six games by Commodores that “one” win in Covid 2020 The Missouri Tigers have snuck into the EAST next weekend. What’s a conference to do? Pick: Tennessee 27 Vanderbilt 17 CFP Top 25 and are surging in the “Show- Florida 8-1 8-1 Change the rules so that Ohio State can Me” State. Georgia is still trying to figure LSU (3-5) at #6 Florida (8-1) Georgia 6-2 6-2 play in the Big 10 championship with only out a path to the CFP top four, but the odds Line: Gators -23 / 67.5 Missouri 5-3 5-3 five games under their belt. Which begs the are astronomical of the Dawgs getting in. Time/TV: 6:00 / ESPN Kentucky 4-6 4-6 question, does a 6-0 Big 10 team beat out a Missouri’s 50-48 comeback win over Florida clinched the SEC East division Tennessee 2-6 2-6 9-1 SEC team for a playoff berth? The ulti- Arkansas last week galvanized the Tigers title with its 31-19 win over Tennessee in S. Carolina 2-8 2-8 mate solution is a Covid emergency expan- and cemented HC Eli Drinkwitz’s rock star Knoxville. Gators QB Kyle Trask contin- Vanderbilt 0-8 0-8 sion to eight playoff spots and let the status on the Columbia campus. Georgia “true” games begin! ued his Heisman trek, throwing for 4 TD’s

10 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES BIG 12 GAME DAY REPORT Big 12 football weekend - Week14 Get up early, and turn the game over to the lines. The Horned Frogs should be able to keep the mistakes to a minimum and take advantage of their chances to pull away. Louisiana Tech isn’t all that bad, but it’s not going to be able do anything on the ground and it won’t throw deep here. This won’t be anything scintillating, but TCU will go through a business-like effort to roll to an easy win after coming up with a few early scores and a hot start. Pick: TCU 38, Louisiana Tech 17

Big 12 STANDINGS Team Conf. Overall Iowa State 8-1 8-2 Oklahoma 6-2 7-2 Texas 5-3 6-3 Oklahoma St. 5-3 6-3 TCU 5-4 5-4 WestVirginia 4-4 5-4 By Jeff Bartl Oklahoma State’s offensive balance Offensively, QB Max Duggan is running Kansas State 4-5 4-6 over the last few weeks should be enough well Ð two 100-yard days in the last four Texas Tech 3-6 4-6 #15 Oklahoma State (6-3) at Baylor (2-6) to get by a Baylor team that’s struggling to with nine touchdowns on the year Ð and Baylor 2-6 2-6 Time/TV: 6:00 / ESPNU do anything consistently well. the passing attack should be good enough Kansas 0-8 0-9 Line: Cowboys -5.5 / 49 The Bears aren’t going to be able to run to get to 200 yards. Baylor is struggling way too much on a lick, and while Brewer will bomb away the offensive line with no running game in his home finale, it won’t be enough. and not enough production against any Like everything else with Oklahoma State pass rush. lately, it’s not going to be easy, though. The Bears ran for 207 yards against Pick: Oklahoma State 27, Baylor 21 Texas Tech, and opened the season with just over 200 yards against Kansas, and Louisiana Tech (5-3) at TCU (5-4) that’s been it. The team hasn’t been able to Time/TV: 6:00 / FS1 get past 75 yards on the ground against Line: Frogs -21.5 / 52 anyone else. The Bulldogs are fresh with just one The Cowboys will give up passing game since Halloween Ð rolling by North yards Ð they’re having issues lately in the Texas in a 42-31 shootout a few weeks last three games Ð but they’re also having ago. big issues against the run, allowing more The offense isn’t showing its normal than 200 in three of the last four games and firepower of the last few years, and the four of the last six. defense isn’t showing the playmaking abil- For all of the issues, the D is among the ity in the backfield like it should, but there best in the country on third downs. Stop aren’t a lot of giveaways, the O takes the run, force third-and-long, and the advantage of its opportunities, and the Baylor offense that’s only converting 34% team has been competitive against every- of its third down chances will struggle. one by BYU. The defense has been playing better and The passing combination of Aaron the passing game has been okay. Allen and Luke Anthony worked great in a Oklahoma could never get going last strong win over UAB, and TCU is strug- week, finishing with just 269 yards and gling all year against the pass. struggling to put the game away. The Bears Only Oklahoma was able to go off might not be great all-around defensively, against the Horned Frog secondary, but but it’s not bad at getting into the backfield getting to 200 yards through the air isn’t a and it only allowed over 200 passing yards problem against this D. once in the last five games Ð against Texas Louisiana Tech doesn’t do anything all Tech. that great, and it especially can’t run. Veteran QB Charlie Brewer has been The passing game is okay, and again, through the wars and knows what he’s Allen and Anthony have been fine, but doing, and he’s closing out well. He might there isn’t enough pop for the Horned not be hitting on enough downfield passes, Frogs to be too concerned. The TCU pass but he was brilliant against Kansas State rush is good enough to take over, and the and steady against Oklahoma Ð even if he defense is among the best in the country at misfired a bit too much. stopping third downs.

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play seven games over the last eight weeks. The Tigers saw their three-game winning streak end last Saturday when they lost 35- 21 to Tulane as a 3.5 point underdog. The Tigers were outgained 419 to 300 total yards in the loss and committed two turnovers than Tulane. The Tigers only were able to muster 45 rushing yards for the entire game. Quarterback Brady White completed 19 of 38 passes for 248 yards with two touchdowns and two intercep- tions. The Memphis Tigers are averaging 31.8 points and 467.2 yards per game. Senior quarterback Brady White has been strong for Memphis this season, throwing for 26 TDs and eight interceptions, 2,850 yards, and complete 59.8% of his passes. The Tigers passing attack is throwing for 317.4 passing yards per game, 15th in the nation. Memphis is rushing for 150.7 yards per game, which is 79th in the nation. Defensively Memphis is allowing 30 points Navy (3-6) at Army (7-2) three touchdowns this season. Defensive teams met. Last year the Tigers defeated per game. Time/TV: 2:00 / CBS back Jabari Moore has been responsible for the Cougars 45-27 as a nine-point favorite. The Cougars and the Tigers have faced Line: Knights -7 / 38 two of those defensive scores, with an The first year under new head coach five mutual opponents this season, and For the first time since 1943, the annual interception and a fumble return for a Dana Holgorsen was bizarre for the Houston has performed better overall in Army-Navy Game is set to be played on touchdown this season. Army linebacker Houston Cougars who had a very disap- those matchups. Both teams lost to the campus of one of the service acade- Jon Rhattigan has 93 interception return pointing 4-8 record last season, snapping Cincinnati, but against their other oppo- mies. Army West Point will serve as the yards on two picks. the program's streak of six consecutive nents, Houston has decisively looked like host for this year's rivalry game after the Army's rushing distribution is pretty bowl games. Some of the strangeness was the better team in the AAC even with a neutral site of Philadelphia was ruled out even between quarterbacks Tuhier Tyler due to many players redshirting, including smaller sample size of games. due to attendance regulations as a result of and Christian Anderson and running backs quarterback D'Eriq King, who played the Houston has not played since the COVID-19 pandemic. While fans may Jakobi Buchanan and Tyrell Robinson. But first four games. King wound up transfer- November 14, but the last time they did, not be able to attend this week's game in when down near the goal line, the ball is ring to Miami-Florida after the season. the Cougars won by 35 points against a Michie Stadium, the Cadets and entrusted in the hands of Sandon Mayo, Well, the second season Holgorsen's South Florida team that Memphis only beat Midshipmen will pack the stands, with who leads the Black Knights with 10 rush- regime decided to look at last year and say by one point. Houston has also beaten appropriate social distancing measures in ing touchdowns this season. "hold my beer." Central Florida by 23 points and Memphis place, of course. Navy's defense ranks third in the COVID-19 has heavily impacted the also only beat them by one point. Houston Navy is hoping to make up for a tough American Athletic Conference (AAC) by Houston Cougars 2020 football season. beat the Navy Midshipmen by 16 points on season with a victory over their rivals from allowing 410.3 yards per game this season, After having the first four games of the the road and Memphis beat Navy by only Army. After a brief winning streak by but the Midshipmen have allowed 32 season canceled, the Cougars played six three. Finally, the Tigers most recent loss Army in the series, Navy thumped Army points per game this fall as well. games between October 3 through came by 14 points to Tulane, and Houston last year to the tune of 31-7. It has been a The way things have gone this season, November 14. Houston also missed their beat Tulane by 19 points this season. tough season for Navy though, so expect- this year's Army-Navy game feels as last two most recent schedule games with With the line increasing, I think the smart ing more of the same might be unwise. But though it is leaning Army's favor for a vari- the November 28 game against Tulsa and and sharp money is on the Cougars here in the storied history of this rivalry, it ety of reasons. But this rivalry tends to December 5 game scheduled against SMU. along with mine. should be noted Navy is a perfect 3-0 all- bring out a team's best even when things The last time Houston actually stepped on Pick: Houston 44 Memphis 38 time when the two teams play in Army's are not going well. That could bode well the field, the beat South Florida 56-21 as a Michie Stadium. Can Navy make it 4-0, or for Navy, especially in a game like this 15 point home favorite. will Army move one step closer to poten- where much of the action takes place on The offense is led by junior quarterback AAC Standings tially claiming the Commander-In-Chief's the ground and the clock keeps moving. Clayton Tune who completed 59.2% of his Team Conf. Overall Trophy? But Army has been far more consistent this passes in seven-game last season while Navy's offense has had struggles not season and that should pave the way to throwing for 1,533 yards, 11 TDs, and 9 Cincinnatti 6-0 8-0 typical for a team coached by Ken Army getting a chance to sing second. INTs in 2019. This season, Tune has com- Tulsa 6-0 6-1 Niumatalolo. In their last two games Pick: Army 26, Navy 17 pleted 60.6 % of his passes in six starts, UCF 5-3 6-3 played, Navy has scored just 13 combined throwing for 1,562 yards, 11 TDs, and 6 Houston 3-2 3-3 points against Memphis and Tulsa. Navy #7 Cincinnati (8-0) at #24 Tulsa (6-1) INTs. SMU 4-3 7-3 had three weeks off going into that offen- Time/TV: 3:00 / ESPN2 The Houston Cougars are averaging 33.2 Memphis 4-3 6-3 sive drought, but the Midshipmen also Line: Cougars -4.5 / 43 points and 425.8. yards per game. The Navy 3-4 3-6 managed just seven points earlier this year The Memphis Tigers (6-3) host the Cougars passing attack is 34th in the nation Tulane 3-5 6-5 against Air Force and was steamrolled by Houston Cougars (3-3) on Saturday. These averaging 267.8 yards per game and 158 East Carolina 3-5 3-6 BYU in their opener. teams will be meeting each other for the rushing yards, ranking 71st. Defensively Temple 1-6 1-6 Navy will have to be careful protecting seventh straight season. Memphis has cov- Houston has allowed 33 points per game. South Florida 0-7 1-8 the football. Army's defense has scored ered the spread the last four times these The Memphis Tigers have been able to

12 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

(2004) Alex Sarkisian, East Chicago, lnd. for postponements this weekend…Texas Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall A&M has added a contest with Arkansas of Fame members Dec. 8 Bob Brown, State in 2025…Georgia State has sched- George Rogers, E.J. Junior, Dec. 9 Dick uled a single outing with North Carolina Butkus (a spry 78), Steve Owens, Jim A&T in 2026…Mississippi State was 7-1-1 Haslett, Dec. 11 Brad Calip, John Randle, against Egg Bowl rival Ole Miss when the Dec. 13 Brad Crawford… teams did not play on the last game of the National powerhouses No. 13 BYU and regular season prior to the ’20 season. NFF No. 19 Coastal Carolina put together a fea- chairman Archie Manning was 1-1-1 as a ture clash last Saturday, and CCU prevailed starter for Ole Miss against the Bulldogs over the Cougars 22-17 at Conway, S.C., in from 1968-70 and led the Rebels freshman their first meeting. The game was initiated team to a 70-7 win over Vanderbilt in 1967 when Liberty was forced to cancel its bout …Louisiana Tech has downed North Texas with BYU because of COVID-19 concerns six times in their last seven meetings Ð all …Rice pulled off a major road upset and under head coach Skip Holtz…SEC games shutout over Conference USA division- now on Saturday’s docket are LSU at leading Marshall 20-0 and won its first Florida, Auburn at Mississippi State, contest against a nationally-ranked team Georgia at Missouri, Ole Miss at Texas since 1997…Cancelled or postponed col- A&M, Tennessee at Vanderbilt, and lege games from Dec. 1-6 were Southern Alabama at Arkansas. New schedule for last week on the television show Jeopardy! Miss-UAB (which has played just three Dec. 19 includes Texas A&M at Tennessee, and is back this week as the program’s Conference USA games this season to date Ole Miss at LSU, Missouri at Mississippi defending champion. because of COVID-19 interruptions), WKU State, and Vanderbilt at Georgia. The SEC NFF College Hall of Fame Facts at Charlotte (slated for Dec. 1 and post- Championship will be played Saturday, Some notable birthdates in NFF poned until yesterday, Dec. 6, with a 37-19 Dec. 19, at 8 p.m.(EST) in Atlanta...Almost College Hall of Fame annals in the Dec. 8- WKU win), Maryland at Michigan, amazingly in light of COVID-19 condi- 14 time period are Dec. 8 (1914) Bobby Georgia at Vanderbilt, Kent State at Miami tions, Texas State of the Sun Belt Grayson, Portland, Ore.; (1941) Bob (Ohio), Southern Miss at UTEP, Boise Conference became the first NCAA FBS Brown, Cleveland, Ohio; (1958) George State at UNLV, Northwestern at Minnesota, member to complete its 12-game schedule Rogers, Duluth, Ga.; (1959) E.J. Junior, FIU at Charlotte, Houston at SMU, and in the regular season…Conference USA’s Salisbury, N.C.; Dec. 9 (1892) Forrest Marshall at FIU (Dec. 11), cancelled...USC updated schedule this week includes BO CARTER Geyer, Southaven, Kan.; (1898) Duke and Washington State met in a hastily- Thursday Ð Florida Atlantic at Southern [email protected] Slater, Normal, Ill.; (1942) Dick Butkus, arranged national telecast scheduled last Miss; Friday - UTEP at North Texas, Chicago, Ill.; (1947) Steve Owens, Gore, Friday night and had to move that contest Charlotte at Marshall; Saturday - UAB at NFF College Hall of Fame coach at Okla.; (1955) Jim Haslett, Pittsburgh, Pa.; to Sunday, Dec. 6…The Mountain West Rice; Louisiana Tech at TCU…Prior to this William & Mary, NC State, the NFL New Dec. 10 (1883) Jesse Harper, Paw, Ill.; Conference shifted the scheduled Hawai’i week’s games, Florida Atlantic had the top York Jets, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre (1916) Parker Hall, Tunica, Miss.; (1933) at San Jose State game last week to Aloha winning percentage at .800 (4-1 record) Dame, and South Carolina for 36 seasons Larry Morris, Decatur, Ga.; Dec. 11 (1910) Stadium in Honolulu…The SEC is deter- and possibly could be the host for the Dec. and retired ESPN broadcaster Lou Holtz George Sauer, Stratton, Neb.; (1924) Doc mining what to do about possible makeup 18 C-USA title bash on CBS Sports was awarded the Presidential Medal of Blanchard, McColl, S.C.; Dec. 12 (1881) dates Saturday or on Dec. 19 for after re- Network…Baylor’s defense stopped Freedom by U.S. President Donald Trump Zora Clevenger, Muncie, Ind.; (1900) scheduling games last weekend between Oklahoma’s NCAA FBS-mark of 60 con- last Thursday at the White House in a spe- Lloyd Jordan, Punxsutawney, Pa.; (1904) Alabama-LSU and Arkansas-Missouri. secutive games with 28 points by holding cial ceremony. He won two national titles John Smith, Hartford, Conn.; (1914) Bob Postponed contests involving Alabama at the Sooners to 27 last weekend…SMU’s at Arkansas and Notre Dame and 249 con- Herwig, Pomona, Calif.; (1930) Steve Arkansas, Ole Miss at LSU and Missouri at regular-season schedule appears to be com- tests in 35 years as a college head coach. Meilinger, Bethlehem, Pa.; (1962) Brad Mississippi State may be cancelled.... plete at 7-3 after game cancellations with Ordinarily, tomorrow (Dec. 8) would Calip, Hobart, Okla.; (1967) John Randle, Washington State was hoping to have the od Southwest Conference rivals Houston have been the night for the 63rd annual Hearne, Texas; Dec. 13 (1911) Buzz Pac-12 minimum of healthy or non-quaran- and TCU.....Travis Frederick, retired from NFF Awards Banquet at the Hilton Borries, Louisville, Ky.; (1955) Brad tined players to face USC last Sunday and the NFL Dallas Cowboys and All-America Midtown in New York City, but COVID-19 Crawford, Logansport, Ind.; Dec. 14 California Dec. 12 in Pullman, Washington center at Wisconsin, is devoting most of his conditions have forced a postponement. (1922) Charlie Trippi, Pittston, Pa.; (1939) ....UTEP has had four games cancelled or time these days to the Blocking Hunger Please watch for updates on Football foun- Ernie Davis, New Salem, Pa. postponed in the last five weeks due to Program in the Greater Dallas area to pro- dation.com or the NFF phone applications. Notable anniversary death dates for COVID-19 and hopes to face North Texas vide meals to underserved families and The Sports Business Journal’s annual Hall of Famers are Dec. 9 (1956) Calvin Saturday…The Clemson-Wake Forest children Ð especially when school meal Learfield IMG College Intercollegiate Jones, Hope, British Columbia, Canada; game Saturday has been cancelled, and programs are not in session…ESPN cele- Athletic Forum will occur virtually live (2000) Tyrone McGriff, Melbourne, Fla.; Notre Dame will not fill an open date this brated V Week to help raise funds for a from Tuesday-Thursday with 22 sessions, Dec. 10 (1944) Joe Routt, In Combat in week in anticipation of the Dec. 19 Dr cure for cancer in memory of late former 44 guest speakers and panelists. There also Belgium; (1967) Bernie Shively, Pepper ACC Championship Game at NC State head coaches Jim Valvano and is an on-demand version of the IAF start- Lexington, Ky.; (2007) Ð George Morris, Charlotte, N.C…The UAB at Middle Kay Yow who fought valiant battles with ing Monday, Dec. 14. Late registration is Highlands, N.C.; Dec. 13 (1983) John Tennessee re-scheduled on Dec. 6 for a the dread disease…Westmont (Calif.) available online via https://www.sportsbusi- Merritt, Nashville, Tenn.; (2017) Tommy special Sunday makeup skirmish was can- College student-athletes have stepped up nessdaily.com/Conferences-Events /2020/ Nobis, Marietta, Ga.; (2018) Brill Fralic, celled earlier last week…TCU will host their annual efforts for holiday food drives IAF.aspx. Alpharetta, Ga.; Dec. 14 (1920) George Louisiana Tech Saturday for the second to help underserved families in the Santa NFF Hall of Fame coach and current Gipp, South Bend, Ind.; (1983) Johnny meeting of the two times in grid history. Barbara area, especially in light of current North Carolina head coach Mack Brown's Bright, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; (1985) Tech replaces SMU, which had possible national economic conditions…Three daughter, Katherine Ryan, won $22,000 Charlie Bachman, Port Charlotte, Fla.; American Athletic Conference obligations Princeton alumni have proposed a COVID-

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 13 19-free spring semester “bubble” in the bowl for 28 years…Senior deputy AD Josh Northwestern and Stanford…Former Texas Sunday…With recent upsurges in COVID-19 resort town of Pottsboro, Texas, starting in Brooks has been named interim AD.Georgia A&M, Murray State and Southeastern nationally some conferences are considering January with reduced tuition. The group will president Dr. Jere Morehead and Georgia Louisiana men’s basketball head coach Billy going to conference-only men’s and womens be limited to 150 students. Museum of Art director Dr. Michael Luthi Kennedy is joining the Wichita State pro- basketball schedules in coming weeks…The 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the will head the search committee for gram as an assistant coach…Baylor head Big Ten and Pac-12 Conferences have begun Year and Harlon Hill Trophy honoree Will McGarity’s fulltime replacement…Florida men’s basketball coach Scott Drew is the more frequent COVID-19 testing procedures Hall of North Alabama has been named head State AD David Coburn went on the first of first coach or student-athlete at Baylor with a and strict protocols to be followed for con- coach at Southern Miss…Oklahoma’s all- two one-week furloughs and has extended positive COVID-19 test in the last 13 weeks tact tracing and quarantine procedures…Iowa time winningest head coach (190-48) from his 20 percent pay decrease to help the …Miami (Fla.) athletics’ administrator State had the Big 12 Conference’s top posi- 1998-2015 Bob Stoops resumed on-field Seminoles budget…Sports Illustrated men- Audra Cohen has been tabbed as senior asso- tion in the second week of College Football assistant coaching duties to help current head tioned longtime Alabama deputy AD Jeff ciate AD for development…UTRGV named Playoff rankings Dec. 1 at No. 9 (also an all- coach (and former Stoops’ assistant) Lincoln Purinton as a prominent name for the search Bryheem Hancock as its men’s soccer head time CFP best for the Cyclones)…The ACC Riley’s depleted assistant coaching corps committee seeking Georgia’s new AD... coach…BYU men’s basketball head coach is moving its 2021 men’s basketball tourna- due to COVID-19 tests and contact tracing …McNeese State interim AD/head men’s Mark Pope had his contract extended through ment from Capital One Arena in Washington, …Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells had a basketball coach Heath Schroyer will receive the 2026-27 season…Virginia Tech women’s D.C., to the Greensboro Coliseum in positive test for COVID-19 earlier last week, the positions starting Jan. 1 on a permanent basketball head coach Kenny Brooks has Greensboro, NC, because of the COVID-19 and he yielded head coaching duties to basis with Tanner Stines as senior associate accepted a four-year contract extension... pandemic. Capital One Arena will host the defensive coordinator Keith Patterson in a AD and chief financial officer and Bridget …Georgia Southern athletics selected former 2024 event....The Big Ten Conference win over Kansas…South Carolina’s head Martin as senior associate AD for compli- North Georgia head coach Chris Adams as reminded members to practice sportsmanship coaching search possibilities have included ance and senior women’s administrator…UC its women's soccer coach…Former Alabama and ethical comments on social media after a the likes of West Virginia head coach Neal Davis AD Kevin Blue has been tabbed as the associate and NCAA enforcement Kobie recent commentary following the Illinois- Brown, Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey chief sport officer for Golf Canada. Deputy Baker was mentioned in a story by The Nebraska game...The Metro Atlantic Athletic Chadwell and Oklahoma assistant coach AD Rocko DeLuca is serving as interim AD Athletic…Former Texas AD and current Conference has postponed the 2021 winter Shane Beamer (son of NFF College Hall of beginning Jan. 1…Michigan AD Warde counsel for Winstead PC Mike Perrin met swimming and diving championships and Fame retired coach Frank Beamer), among Manuel reiterated that the Wolverines will do with LEAD1 CEO and CoSIDA Academic cancelled the MAAC 2021 indoor track and others. Louisville head coach Scott everything in their power to play scheduled Hall of Fame member former U.S. Rep. field championships…The Lone Star Satterfield has denied any interest in the games within safety measures and protocols Tom McMillen of Maryland to analyze sev- Conference completed its preseason media South Carolina coaching search…Liberty for COVID-19…Washington AD Jennifer eral key financial and leadership issues in days in virtual format last week for men’s head coach Hugh Freeze has received a con- Cohen was interviewed about the challenges college sports. and women’s basketball…The Southern tract extension through the 2026 season... of having to cancel the historic Apple Cup Big Sky Conference commissioner Tom Conference is changing its women’s schedul- …Current Notre Dame defensive coordinator game with rival Washington State and then to Wistrcill has inked a two-year contract exten- ing to a Thursday/Saturday or Friday/Sunday and former Vanderbilt fullback Clark Lea have to re-schedule two other opponents Ð sion…The Atlantic Coast, Pac-12 and because of COVID-19 concerns and travel has surfaced as a fans’ favorite for a possible San Diego State and Utah Ð during the same Southeastern Conferences are utilizing costs....College Football Playoff selection interview for the vacant Vandy head coach- week Nov. 23-29…Arkansas AD Hunter Kinexon GPS devices for COVID-19 testing committee chair Gary Barta of Iowa noted ing post…Clemson head coach Dabo Yurachek tweeted that he has been speaking and contact tracing during practices and that the committee was aware of Texas Swinney said he is over the disappointment with SEC administrators about a targeting games…Iowa State clinched its first Big 12 A&M’s (No. 5 in latest CFP rankings) of the postponement/cancellation of the CU- call in last month’s UA-LSU contest...Fresno Conference football regular-season crown defensive play in a 20-0 shutout of LSU Florida State game in ACC play and looking State AD Terry Tumey and Old Dominion with a win at West Virginia last Saturday in merited the attention of the committee for a forward to a possible substitute ACC or non- senior associate AD for compliance and stu- 25 years of competition. The Cyclones will possible move into the coveted Top Four... conference foe Saturday before the Dec. 19 dent-athlete welfare Randale L. Richmond head for the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football …The CFP semifinal game at the Rose Dr Pepper ACC Championship Game...Texas emphasized the SOLVE (Solution-Oriented Championship on Dec. 19 at AT&T Stadium Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual Tech used backup assistant coaches John Leaders Value Everyone) method for work- in Arlington, Texas, with an 8-1 league on Jan. 1 will not allow fans due to Cannova and Mark Tommerdahl to help the ing with various challenges in college athlet- record. It is the Cyclones first conference California COVID-19 protocols…ESPN’s Red Raiders roll to a season-best 639 yards ics in an AthleticsU interview…Former football title since the 1912 Missouri Valley Heather Dinich reported that there were no of total offense against Oklahoma State when Providence president Rev. Brian Shanley is Conference crown (ISU tied for the Big 12 College Football Playoff committee mem- COVID-19 conditions intervened and caused taking over as St. John's (N.Y.) president North Division top spot with Colorado in bers with COVID-19 positive tests during staffing shortages on game day. Feb. 2, 2021…Former Villanova and Boston 2004)…The SEC Championship game at Hometowns of more 2020 college head College AD Gene DeFilippo has been named Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the first two weeks of Top 25 rankings’ in- coaches Ð Rice: Mike Bloomgren, executive marketing strategist for Playfly able to allow 25 percent stadium capacity person meetings…Some additional project- Tallahassee, Fla.; Richmond: Russ Huesman, Sports…Clemson president Dr. James P. after the NFL Atlanta Falcons have been lim- ed post-2020 bowl games from Athlon Cincinnati, Ohio; Rutgers: Greg Schiano, Clements has withdrawn his name from the ited to 10 percent throughout the season. Sports are: AutoZone Liberty - West Wyckoff, N.J.; Samford: Chris Hatcher, search for the new Atlantic Coast Conference SEC commissioner Greg Sankey noted that Virginia vs. Kentucky; Los Angeles - Macon, Ga.; San Diego: Dale Lindsey, commissioner…Texas AD Chris Del Conte all efforts will continue to play games UCLA vs. Boise State; Military presented Bowling Green, Ky. received kudos for the Longhorns Big 12 Saturday and possibly Dec. 19 to complete by Northrop Grumman Ð Navy vs.Wake Notre Dame director of athletics Jack volleyball championship and combined 7-0 the original schedule (or as much as time Forest; Music City: Iowa vs. Tennessee Swarbrick explained how multiple streams of starts with national rankings by UT’s men’s allows) of 10 SEC contests prior to the SEC …AthleticDirectorU and D1Ticker.com revenue for 2020-21 had been disrupted and and women’s basketball programs...Incarnate Championship tilt…If conference champi- have joined the Navigate Co. to model pre- how athletics is trying to find additional Word athletics named former UTSA assistant onships were played in the coming week (all dictions for the College Football Playoff solutions along with joining the ACC for the AD for development Ashley Poronsky as its 10 FBS leagues play title games Dec. 18-19), with such variables as a Clemson win over ’20 football outing…Wisconsin AD and NFF new deputy AD…Kentucky's former strength and one week remains to determine division- Notre Dame in the Dr Pepper ACC College Hall of Fame coach Barry Alavrez and conditioning coach and director of stu- al champs and the top two contenders), here Championship contest, Cincinnati’s and believes there may be some adjustments for dent-athlete engagement and development are the potential matchups: American Ð Texas A&M’s chances of breaking into the minimum games played qualification for the Ray “Rock” Oliver has chosen as executive Cincinnati vs. Tulsa (game is set); ACC Ð Top Four if circumstances prevail and what Big Ten Conference championship tussle due associate AD for diversity, equity and inclu- Clemson vs. Notre Dame; Big Ten Ð BYU needs to do to jump from the No. 13 to COVID-19 cancellations…Georgia’s pop- sion and co-chair of the diversity advocacy Northwestern vs. Ohio State; Big 12 Ð Iowa in last week’s CFP rankings to climb closer ular AD Greg McGarity, who started his committee at UK…Boise State’s AD’s open- State vs. Oklahoma (set); Conference USA Ð to a semifinalists’ berth…The Lockheed career in athletics as an elementary school ing has been rated the second-best AD’s Marshall or Florida Atlantic vs. UTSA; Martin Armed Forces Bowl now is con- ball boy for Hall of Fame late head men’s position in the Mountain West Conference MAC Ð Buffalo vs. Ball State or Western tracted with SEC and Pac-12 teams for the tennis coach Dan Magill at UGa and later behind San Diego State by AthleticDirectorU Michigan; MWC Ð Boise State vs. San Jose Dec. 31 after an earlier agreement with the had a solid career at Florida as senior associ- and Athlete Viewpoint…Several internal and State; Pac-12 Ð USC vs. Washington; SEC Ð Big 12 and American Athletic Conferences. ate AD, will retire Dec. 31. McGarity also external sources have noted that new Alabama vs. Florida (set); Sun Belt Ð Coastal .....Colorado RB Jarek Broussard motored told the Florida Times-Union newspaper that Vanderbilt chancellor Dr. Daniel Diermeier Carolina vs. Louisiana (set)…Conference he has not interviewed to become the new is hoping to hire a new VU head football USA designated its official replacement for 301 yards in the Buffaloes 24-13 win TaxSlayer Gator Bowl president to replace coach to pattern the success of the program games and newly-arranged contests for over Arizona…UTSA RB Sincere the retiring Rick Catlett who has headed the similar to ones Dr. Diermeier worked with at Friday-Saturday with a national notification McCormick sets a school season record

14 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com with every rushing yard as he has gained Bolton of Missouri, Zaven Collins of Tulsa, sports a linebacker/RB named Will Rudd, will feature cardboard cutouts of fans of fam- 1,364 yards and a possible bid to the Jabril Cox of LSU, Nakobe Dean of Georgia, but he is not related to the famed NFF chief ily for six other sports in addition to the fig- Conference USA championship clash Dec. and Olakunle Fatukasi of Rutgers (leading of staff and former NCAA administrator Will ures featured for football at Apogee 18 as well as a bowl berth...Texas QB Sam the Big Ten in tackles with 75 through games Rudd…Late Pro Football Hall of Fame Stadium…Texas students and student-ath- Ehlinger spoke about possibly opting out of of Dec. 3 with nine tackles losses). Colorado coach Hank Stram was remembered in a his- letes were relieved that a large drug and the 2020 for the 2021 NFL Draft but also LB Nate Landman also was the FWAA toric photo from the 1947 Purdue archives crime ring targeting people on the UT West noted that he never considered that option... Nagurski Award National Defensive Player where he played halfback after World War II Campus apparently was ended with the cap- …The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award of the Week with 11 tackles and four TFLs service…Former Houston head coach and ture of several suspects last week…Ohio designated its Top 10 semifinalists last against San Diego State …The Biletnikoff longtime offensive guru and Arkansas stand- State was missing 23 players and fourstarters Friday as Ian Book, Notre Dame; Sam Award has been following the nation’s top out John Jenkins was featured in a 25-year against Michigan State due to COVID-19 Ehlinger, Texas; Justin Fields, Ohio State; receivers and sends honors’ mentions to ESPN remembrance of the final week of tests and contact tracing …Michigan has Mac Jones, Alabama; D'Eriq King, Miami Treylon Burks of Arkansas, D’Wayne Southwest Conference football in December been beset by 12 positive COVID-19 cases (Fla.); Trevor Lawrence, Clemson; Kellen Eskridge of Western Michigan, Erik 1995. and several players and staff members quar- Mond, Texas A&M; Brock Purdy, Iowa Ezukanma of Texas Tech, Louisville’s Dez Nebraska athletics revealed flyover, 360- antined due to contact tracing…Army West State; Kyle Trask, Florida; and Zach Wilson, Fitzpatrick, Jaivon Heiligh of Coastal degree photos of the proposed $155 million Point and Navy unveiled their distinct uni- BYU…North Texas DL Dion Novil had Carolina, Sam Pinckney of Georgia State, Nebraska football training facility and does forms for their Saturday national telecast eight total tackles, five tackles for loss, two Rashee Rice of SMU, and Kylen Granson of not anticipate any major renovations of the from West Point, N.Y., with several famed forced fumbles, and one sack in the Mean SMU…Several NCAA FBS student-athletes Dr. Tom Osborne Athletic Complex at NU’s traditions of both academies represented. Green’s win over Rice…Notre Dame QB Ian are contemplating a return to activity in 2021 Memorial Stadium… Towson athletics and Army West Point hosts Air Force on Dec. 19 Book now has the most victories in UND as 2020 seniors in eligibility since the other departments received a $5.3 million for the latest football meeting between the history as a starting quarterback with 30 NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility for donation from alumnus Dr. Fran Soistman famed programs after an earlier postpone- …WKU punter John Haggerty had a career- all players in ’20. Jr., the retired executive vice president of ment.... …Davidson athletics is the first best 53.3-yard average on eight punts against NFF College Hall of Fame QB and 1998 government services for CVS Health-Aetna. school to wear Steph Curry Brand gear from FIU…Texas A&M wide receiver Demond William V. Campbell Award¨ recipient It is the largest individual gift in Towson his- Under Armour as a salute to the Wildcats Demas played against Auburn last week after Peyton Manning and NBA standout Steph tory…Several basketball programs had to famed alumnus…LSU’s legal department is missing the Aggies win over LSU. WR Curry of Davidson fell in a close match on pause their games and practices due to working with the legal firm Husch Chase Lane of the Aggies shook off a shoul- TBS Sports to PGA stalwart Phil Mickelson COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Blackwell to help review past alleged assault der bruise to return to action as well…UCF of Arizona State and basketball icon Charles Among the national powers on pause or just cases on the Baton Rouge campus…Hawai’i quarterback McKenzie Milton has entered Barkley in the Capital One's The Match: ending COVID-19 quarantines are Florida, football had only one positive COVID-19 the NCAA transfer portal…Indiana QB Champions for Change golf competition, St. Joseph’s, Vanderbilt, Denver, Northern test among its student-athletes but fell to Michael Penix Jr. has been ruled out for the which raised a record $5.455 million in Colorado, Seton Hall, Northern Kentucky, Mountain West division-leading San Jose season after suffering a torn ACL against donations for Historically Black Colleges William & Mary, Stephen F. Austin, Maine, State 35-24 last Saturday…Ohio State athlet- Maryland Nov. 28…When Columbia gradu- and Universities…NFF College Hall of Fame Southern Miss, Maryland, Utah Valley, ics is expecting $1 million in savings from ate transfer Oren Milstein opted out of late coach Darrell Royal was featured in a Tennessee, Northeastern, Southern Illinois, pay cuts by its key administrators...Furloughs Vanderbilt’s 2020 season, it indirectly led to tome about the 50-year anniversary of the Gonzaga, Kansas, Auburn, and Presbyterian are set for Georgia Tech athletics and other the acquisition of history-making Sarah 1970 Texas team that perfected the famed … Yale athletics is not cutting any of its 35 areas of the university between Dec. and July Fuller from the VU women’s soccer team as Wishbone offense, which was crafted by varsity sports in 2020-21 after holding sever- 31, 2021. Award-winning CBS broadcasters an emergency specialist. Fuller suited up Texas Sports Hall of Fame member and then- al fundraising campaigns to avoid large Verne Lundquist and Charles Barkley were again for Vandy’s game last week with UT assistant coach the late Emory Bellard deficits in the overall budget for athletics special guests on a national media and publi- Georgia and had passed all the COVID-19 just before the 1968 season began…Morgan …Syracuse men’s basketball had to play non cists’ ESPN reported that several Black options as the previous star goalie for VU’s Shaw Parker, first vice president and chief -conference opponent Bryant after practicing men’s basketball coaches wore towels on SEC champion women’s soccer team and marketing officer at AMB Sports and the just once in the previous 12 days due to their shoulders to honor the memory of late three-time Academic All-SEC choice... Atlanta Falcons, has been named as One of COVID-19 conditions…Popular sports George- town (D.C.) head coach ad adminis- ...Virginia Tech QB Quincy Patterson has the Most Powerful Women in American equipment company Slinger Bag added trator John Thompson...The Center for applied for the 2021 NCAA transfer portal Sports by Ad Week. She was vital to hosting Tracy Clark as financial controller...Michigan Research in Intercollegiate Athletics posted ...Oklahoma State OL Teven Jenkins has the first 2000 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football football had to pause team activities due to a study on student-athletes perceptions of decided to complete his college career and Championship at Kansas City’s Arrowhead COVID-19 conditions last week…Stanford the upcoming names, images and likeness- enter the 2021 NFL Draft…Arkansas RB Stadium while she was publicist for the football had to relocate because of new lock- es’ legislation, and 71.4 percent supported Rakeem Boyd (2,176 career rushing yards) Kansas City Chiefs…NFF John W. Toner downs in Santa Clara (Calif.) County and the NIL compensation plan ....D1Baseball. will not play the rest of the ’20 season while Award recipient and retired Florida AD area protocols. The Cardinal has not had a com outlined several scenarios where con- preparing for the ’21 NFL Draft…Auburn Jeremy Foley was interviewed about the positive COVID-19 test since July on the ferences have agreed to play two-game OT Alec Jackson has had hand surgery and is challenges of being a SEC AD and the lega- grid squad or staff…Hewlett-Packard Co. is series in spring 2021 to minimize travel out indefinitely…Fans and media alike are cy of his former associate Greg McGarity relocating its headquarters to the Houston, and athletics’ expenses…ESPN’s Joe hoping for a sometime meeting of famed- retiring as Georgia’s AD…The Texas Sports Texas, suburb of Spring in coming months Lunardi has proposed a an 80-team 2021 named Auburn DB Smoke Monday and Hall of Fame had a special membership and and hopes to recruit several, bright student- NCAA men’s basketball tourney, which Louisiana Tech WR-SB Smoke Harris...The giving promotion on National Giving athletes for the new corporate offices…Texas would include 16 opening round contests Bednarik National Player of the Week Award Tuesday Dec. 1 along with international Tech had 93 positive COVID-19 cases across the regions rather than a First Four was captured by Washington outside line- appeals to college students and administra- among football players, student-athletes, backer Zion Tupuola-Fetui with three sacks, tors from Maryknoll …Longtime Auburn staff, and support personnel from June 1-Dec in Indianapolis, Ind The Center for Disease a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a coaches and administrators Hal Baird and 1, but most have returned to full strength... Control last week also lowered the manda- win over Utah ....Haaziq Daniels launched Cliff Ellis have been named to the Alabama …Michigan moved to all virtual meetings tory quarantine time from 14 to either the longest touchdown pass of his career Sports Hall of Fame…Former Auburn AD and practices last week after COVID-19 test- seven or 10 days with COVID-19 testing with a 49-yard toss to Ben Peterson in Air and publicist David Housel was an eager fol- ing and contact tracing…Minnesota football before people are cleared again for full Force’s 35-7 MWC triumph over Utah State lower when his hometown team Gordo (Ala.) had 47 players, staffers and coaches with activities. The shorter quarantine times ...Texas RB Keaontay Ingram has opted out HS played for the Alabama State Class 4A positive COVID-19 tests from Nov. 19-Dec 1 already have had a positive impact on foot- of the rest of the ’20 season, expects to trans- state championship contest at Bryant-Denny …Salesforce has acquired Slack for $27.7 ball overall and college athletics..Decorated fer and has been replaced by freshman RB Stadium in Tuscaloosa against Roanoke billion, and Yahoo and Google Finance ini- Vanderbilt radio broadcaster Joe Fisher has Bijan Robinson who rushed for a career-high Handley HS last Friday…Former Wake tially valued Slack at $25 billion-plus. The stepped down after 23 years of providing 172 yards and three TDs in a win at Kansas Forest QB-WR Kendall Hinton, the emer- two entities specialize in enterprise software football, basketball, and baseball commen- State last Saturday…Numerous Butkus gency rookie QB for the Denver Broncos for athletics and multiple groups and work- tary at VU. Area broadcaster and former Award candidates and the 16 semifinalists when four regulars were sidelined by from-home solutions ...McNeese State athlet- Vandy baseball student-athlete and NHL the 36th annual top linebacker kudos have COVID-19, now has an official line of mer- ics has completed its contract with Learfield Nashville Predators voice Willie Daunic been sterling in late-season games, and sev- chandise on the Broncos online store…Texas IMG College and is working with new cor- will replace Fisher on upcoming football eral of the potential conference defensive Association of Private and Parochial Schools porate sponsorships through the McNeese and basketball broadcasts. players of the year, among others, are Nick playoff team Fort Worth Southwest Christian Athletic Foundation ..North Texas athletics

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 15 NFL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE NFL Picks and Predictions: Week 15

Dallas (3-8) at Cincinnati (2-9-1) ing storyline. The 49ers are on the outskirts Sunday, 12:00 / FOX of the playoff conversation, but they are Line: Cowboys -3.5 / 43.5 healthy and at home. Both teams allow less Andy Dalton returns to Cincinnati and than 24 points per game. That's the magic will make a start against his former team. number. The Bengals, meanwhile, has averaged just Pick: 49ers 24, Washington 20 10.8 points per game through a four-game losing streak. Dalton leads the Cowboys to New Orleans (10-2) at Philadelphia (3-8-1) victory on the road, and that puts even Sunday, 3:25 / FOX more heat on second-year coach Zac Line: Saints -7 / 44.5 Taylor. Will the Eagles turn to Jalen Hurts with Pick: Cowboys 23, Bengals 13 their season on the line? He offered a spark in the second half in last week's loss to the Houston (4-8) at Chicago (5-7) Packers. The Saints have allowed just 9.3 Sunday, 12:00 / CBS points per game in Taysom Hill's three Line: Texans -1.5 / 44.5 starts. This will be close, but New Orleans Brace yourselves for a week of Mitchell hangs on to the top seed in the NFC. Trubisky-Deshaun Watson comparisons Pick: Saints 24, Eagles 16 from the 2017 NFL Draft. The Texans are favored, and the line has jumped up a Atlanta (4-8) at L.A Chargers (3-9) point. David Montgomery helps Chicago Sunday, 3:25 / FOX control the clock at home, and the Bears Line: Falcons -2.5 / 50 keep their slim NFC playoff hopes alive. The Chargers are coming off an embar- Pick: Bears 26, Texans 22 rassing 45-0 loss, and they are underdogs By Mike McFee league's top run defense. That will put against the Falcons. Atlanta still hasn't been pressure on Kirk Cousins. Tampa Bay had Denver (4-8) at Carolina (4-8) consistent on both sides. The Falcons are NFL picks, predictions for Week 14: an extra week to prepare, and Tom Brady Sunday, 12:00 / CBS 2-3 on the road this season. Bills shock Steelers; Browns get revenge on cleans up the turnovers at home. Line: Panthers -3.5 / 47 Pick: Chargers 28, Falcons 24 Ravens; Bucs right the ship Pick: Buccaneers 28, Vikings 21 Week 14 of the NFL season offers a The Panthers had a bye week to heal for the stretch run, and they get a Denver team Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (5-7) preview of the AFC playoffs. There are Arizona (6-6) at N.Y Giants (5-7) that is 2-4 on the road this season. The Sunday, 3:25 / FOX four games between AFC teams with win- Sunday, 12:00 / FOX Broncos have a -10 turnover ratio in their Line: Packers -7.5 / 55 ning records. That starts in the Noon slot Line: Cardinals -2.5 / 45 last four games, and Carolina takes advan- The Packers can clinch the NFC North with Kansas City and Miami. Indianapolis The Cardinals have lost three consecu- tage of that trend. with a win and a Vikings loss, but it won't faces Miami in the 3:05 p.m. spot. tive games since the “Hail Murray.” The Pick: Panthers 23, Broncos 20 be as easy as it looks at Detroit. The Lions That sets up a pair of intriguing prime- Giants have allowed 20 points or less played loose under interim coach Darrell time matchups. Pittsburgh will try to keep through a four-game win streak. Oklahoma N.Y Jets (0-12) at Seattle (8-4) Bevell, and the teams have split the last the No. 1 seed going at Buffalo on and Texas fans will tune into this Colt Sunday, 3:05 / CBS four meetings at Ford Field. Will Green Sunday Night Football, and Baltimore will McCoy and Kyler Murray matchup, but we Line: Seahawks -13.5 / 47 Bay close out their division rival? try to keep its playoff hopes alive at like the Cardinals to get back on track. The Seahawks' defense is playing bet- Pick: Packers 27, Lions 24 Cleveland on Monday Night Football. Pick: Cardinals 28, Giants 24 That is sure to shake up the playoff picture. ter, but the offense struggled in a loss to the Giants last week. Seattle is 0-4 when it Pittsburgh (11-1) at Buffalo (9-3) Here is a look at our track record in Kansas City (11-1) at Miami (8-4) has two or more turnovers in a game this Sunday, 7:20 / FOX picking games straight-up in 2020: Sunday, 12:00 / CBS season. Russell Wilson gets back on track Line: Bills -2 / 46.5 ¥ Last Week: 9-6 Line: Chiefs -7.5 / 49.5 against the winless Jets. The Steelers are on their third game in ¥ Season: 83-57 The Dolphins remain in the playoff hunt, Pick: Seahawks 31, Jets 17 12 days, and it's a tough spot at Buffalo. With that in mind, below are our picks and this is the first big-time matchup for The Bills also are coming off a short week, and predictions for the rest of Week 14: rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Indianapolis (8-4) at Las Vegas (7-5) but they are 5-1 at home. Josh Allen makes Dolphins rank second in the league in cre- Sunday, 3:05 / CBS the most of the opportunity by handing New England (6-6) at LA Rams (8-4) ating turnovers (20), but the Chiefs will not Line: Colts -2.5 / 51.5 Pittsburgh a second loss. Thursday, 7:20 / FOX give them enough opportunities. Patrick The Raiders escaped New York with a Pick: Bills 26, Steelers 20 Line: Rams -5 / 44.5 Mahomes II has thrown just two intercep- victory against the Jets, and now they meet The Patriots are back in the playoff tions all season. an old nemesis in Philip Rivers Ð who lost Baltimore (6-5) at Cleveland (9-3) hunt and have allowed less than 300 yards Pick: Chiefs 31, Dolphins 20 of offense in their last two games. Can that both meetings to the Raiders as the Monday, 7:15 / ESPN Chargers' starting quarterback last season. Line: Ravens -1 / 45.5 trend continue against the Rams? Jared Tennessee (8-4) at Jacksonville (1-11) Las Vegas' defense is a big concern, but The Browns have come a long way Goff passed for 351 yards last week after Sunday, 12:00 / CBS Derek Carr leads another victory in an since the season-opening 38-6 loss to being called out for too many turnovers. Line: Titans -7.5 / 53 afternoon thriller. Baltimore. Cleveland is 9-3, and their play- Los Angeles has a good defense, too. The Titans played a 33-30 thriller with Pick: Raiders 31, Colts 28 off credentials are still being questioned. Pick: Rams 24, Patriots 20 the Jaguars in the first meeting. This is the chance to change the narrative, Jacksonville has lost four of its last five Washington (5-7) at San Francisco (5-7) and they do it in thrilling fashion against a Minnesota (6-6) at Tampa Bay (7-5) games by four points or less. Derrick Sunday, 3:25 / FOX division rival. Sunday, 12:00 / FOX Henry clears 100 yards this time, and the Line: 49ers -3.5 / 49.5 Pick: Browns 30, Ravens 27 Line: Bucs -6.5 / 52 Tennessee bounces back from the loss to Alex Smith will be starting against his The Vikings remain in the playoff hunt, Cleveland. former team, and that provides an interest- but Dalvin Cook will be challenged by the Pick: Tennessee 28, Jacksonville 21

16 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO PORSCHE MACAN The ninth best small luxury SUV

but the 20- and 21-inch wheels available on Panamera, and enables 0-60-mph blasts of the Macan S and Macan Turbo models dra- 5.1 seconds. This engine places the tur- matically improve the visual appeal. bocharger in the valley between the Standard tires on the new Macan Turbo are engine’s cylinders for improved turbo size 265/45R-20 in front and 295/40R-20 response. in back. The Porsche Macan GTS is powered by The Porsche Macan is generously a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 375 horse- equipped. Besides the turbocharged 2.0- power, while the new Macan Turbo gets liter engine and 7-speed dual-clutch auto- 434 horsepower out of the same basic matic transmission, the base Macan is fit- engine. The twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6s have a ted with all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, a slightly shorter stroke than Porsche’s 3.0- power tailgate, LED headlights, an anti- liter V6. theft alarm and an interior featuring power All Macans use a 7-speed PDK automat- front seats, four USB ports, tri-zone cli- ic transmission and a sporty rear-biased all- mate control and leather and Alcantara wheel-drive system. For added fuel effi- trim. A lane-departure warning system also ciency, the compact Porsche SUV also has is standard, as are cruise control and a an auto start/stop system that can be split-folding rear seat. The infotainment switched off if desired. Porsche, for the by Matt Degen In keeping with Porsche’s other vehi- system is highlighted by a 10.9-inch multi- record, states that the Macan Turbo has a cles, the Macan has a 10.9-inch touch touch screen with navigation. towing capacity of 5,291 pounds (with a Although the 911 is the company’s screen that dominates the center dash. The As for the V6-powered Macan S, it has braked trailer). best-known model, the Macan is Porsche’s touch-screen setup plays host to all info- Sport and Off-Road modes, not to mention 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Macan) best-selling vehicle. As crossover SUVs tainment features, navigation, rearview shift paddles and 19-inch wheels. The new 248 horsepower @ 5,000-6,750 rpm gain in popularity, Porsche has been able to camera and apps integration plus available Porsche Macan Turbo benefits from 273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm combine the versatile family utility of a Apple CarPlay. Porsche Active Suspension Management EPA city/highway fuel economy:19/23 mpg compact SUV with the performance The Macan Turbo’s brake discs are coat- (air suspension), 20-inch wheels, larger 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Macan S) expected of the storied brand from ed with tungsten carbide to dramatically brakes and a Sport exhaust with silver 348 horsepower @ 5,400-6,400 rpm Stuttgart, Germany. reduce rotor wear and significantly cut the tailpipes. An analog clock also graces the 354 lb-ft of torque @ 1,360-4,800 rpm To ensure maximum traction on all sur- amount of brake dust deposited on the dash of the Macan Turbo. EPA city/highway fuel economy:18/23 mpg faces, the Macan comes standard with all- alloy wheels. (Although most people think Porsche offers extensive option packages 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Macan GTS) wheel drive, while power comes from a brake dust is comprised primarily of spent for its Macan SUV. At $6,500, Premium 375 horsepower @ 5,200-6,700 rpm choice of turbocharged engines: a 2.0-liter pad material, Porsches says 70 percent of it Package Plus is by no means inexpensive, 383 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,000 rpm 4-cylinder for the base model, a 3.0-liter comes from the rotor itself.) but it includes a huge panoramic sunroof, EPA city/highway fuel economy:17/22 mpg V6 for the Macan S, and a twin-turbo 2.9- The Macan’s interior may not be as spa- Apple CarPlay, a Bose Surround Sound 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 ( Turbo) liter V6 in the new Porsche Macan Turbo cious or accommodating as some of its audio system and heated 14-way-power 434 horsepower @ 5,700-6,600 rpm model, which returns to the lineup after a rivals, but few in this class can match this front seats with memory. An available 405 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,600 rpm year-long hiatus. Porsche’s attention to detail, design and Premium Package includes the Bose stereo, EPA city/highway fuel economy:17/22 mpg The Porsche Macan is sportier than the functionality. As is tradition in Porsche Apple CarPlay and heated seats (but no The Porsche Macan carries a (MSRP) of Audi SQ5, BMW X3/X4 and Jaguar F- vehicles, the ignition is to the left of the panoramic sunroof) for $3,110. $50,900, plus a destination fee of $1,350. Pace, but it does come up comparatively steering wheel. Instrumentation is directly A Sport Chrono Package is available as The Macan S starts at $60,750, while the short against those competitors in cargo in the driver’s line of sight, with the a $1,360 option. In addition to having an Porsche Macan GTS and Macan Turbo space and off-road abilities. tachometer taking center stage in the clus- analog and digital stopwatch, Sport Chrono begin much higher, at $71,300 and 83,600, From behind its thick leather-wrapped ter, flanked by the speedometer and digital includes a Sport Plus mode for the engine, respectively. Equipped with a bounty of 3-spoke steering wheel, the Porsche Macan readout screen. gearbox and chassis. Sport Chrono also options, a Macan Turbo can crack the is a delight, a wonderful blend of SUV and The center stack is dominated by a 10.9- includes a nifty Sport Response Button that $100,000 mark. sports car. It’s one of the sportiest SUVs inch touch-screen infotainment system, quickly engages the Macan’s sportiest set- Consider a Porsche Macan Turbo that available, and it’s an engaging drive from while a smaller steering wheel from the tings for 20 seconds, all at the touch of a KBB recently sampled in Germany. the instant you fire up its turbo charged 911 is optional. Firm and well-bolstered button. A Launch Control program, which Equipped with options such as a black engine. Even the “slowest” model, the base front seats are designed with performance guarantees a fast start, also is a part of leather interior ($1,890), a panoramic sun- Macan, is fast. This 4-cylinder model hits driving in mind, and although the button- Sport Plus. roof ($1,670), Adaptive Air Suspension 60 mph in just over six seconds. The V6- heavy center console looks intimidating, Porsche’s Surface-Coated Brakes ($1,390), Adaptive Cruise Control($1,170), powered Macan S shaves another second it’s logically arranged. There’s 17.7 cubic (PSCB), which effectively eliminate brake Park Assist ($1,200) and Lane-Keep Assist off that time, while the new Macan Turbo feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 dust, are a $3,490 option. Also available: ($1,380), the Macan Turbo we drove was throws down the gauntlet with a blast to 60 rear bench, an amount that increases to 53 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes priced at $100,390. And when you throw in in 4.3 seconds (or 4.1 when equipped with cubic feet when the seat is folded. (PCCB), which add $8,160 to the price of a Burmester surround-sound stereo($5,700) the Sport Chrono package). The Porsche Macan SUV received a new the Macan S and Macan Turbo. and the Sport Chrono Package ($1,360), Not long ago, that kind of performance look for 2019, and the compact SUV con- The base Macan employs a turbocharged your Macan Turbo gets awfully close to was strictly 911 territory. Porsche’s all- tinues unchanged. The nose is highlighted 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 248 $110,000. wheel-drive system maximizes traction, by full LED headlights, while the rear horsepower. That’s enough power to zip As such, the Macan is among the prici- and there’s enough cornering grip in the boasts an LED taillight spanning the full this performance SUV from 0-60 mph in est of the compact-luxury SUVs on the Macan to strain neck muscles. At the same width of the tailgate. The wheels and tires 6.3 seconds (or 6.1 with the Sport Chrono market. The Macan’s resale value should time, Porsche’s compact SUV has a vault- look like those used on the Cayenne SUV package). At just over 4,000 pounds, this is be near the top of the segment, better than like chassis and a comfortably smooth ride. and Panamera sedan. the lightest Macan. The Macan S receives that of the Audi Q5/SQ5, BMW X3 or Toss the Macan into corners and let the fun Standard wheels are 18-inchers (the best the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (348 Lexus NX 300 F Sport. begin. choice for those looking for a smooth ride) horsepower) used in the Cayenne and

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK Dessert: The last course is worth the wait

nemon and nutmeg, then baked to perfec- tion. The Dessert world as we know it is based around Chocolate. Here another fam- ily celebration would not be complete without a Chocolate Ganache Cake. The

By Richard Pollak The Traveling Gourmet [email protected] The Caramel Cake at Nick & Sams One of the best homemade dessets is Bread pudding This was suppose to be my last arti- and toffee bits. Truly, the best way to end cle, my last review, the end, the finish but Croissant and Donuts will be the next great a family celebration. now that I've come to dessert how can i invention. The number #1 Dessert is New York stop now? Every home cook makes bread pudding. Style Cheesecake. So airy to make even I Norma’s Coconut Cream Pie Made of stale bread and milk or cream, can make it but why try. Go instead to eggs, butter and array of spices such as cin- Junior's in New York where their world mad design of Chocolate drippings and fresh home made whipped cream. There is a whole day just to celebrate Pies and Norma's takes the cake with it's 14 varieties from berries to chocolate and even peanut butter. Outstanding! Finally, its my birthday and to celebrate a huge four pound rainbow birthday cake for my Luau themed celebration. With two layers, one of chocolate macadamia nuts and the second Vanilla Passion fruit, the

A Smoothie makes for a refreshing dessert

Dessert can be as smooth and refresh- ing as this Mango Smoothie! You don't Junior’s famous Cheesecake have to go exotic or extravagant for Dessert. But, today, pastry Chefs in the back of the kitchen are now becoming famous Cheesecake is ordered even before celebrities. the Entrees! One of the great landmarks in Los Angeles is the giant Donut. Many a simple meal can end with a Donut or Pasteries. The variety and creativity is outlandish as the newly invented Cronut, a combination

Dessert treats can be had at Globe Life Park

Texas Snow Balls are a unique treat only found at Globe Life Park. Shredded brisket rolled into balls, dipped in funnel cake batter and deep fried, then coated in powdered sugar. We shouldn't run right to the celebration Dessert but when it is so magnificently pre- sented as here at Nick & Sams why not! The Caramel Cake is crowned with vanilla Ice Cream and drizzled with more caramel

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 16 | December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 19 20 December 11, 2020 - December 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 16 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com