Jan. 22 - Jan. 28, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 22 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 3 Jan. 22, 2020 - Jan. 28, 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 22 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Texas Motorplex hosts Funny Car Chaos Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA Funny Car Chaos features a wide open in a vote by the league’s head coaches. array of body styles and engine combina- This marks the 12th occurrence in the last 5 RANGER REPORT tions with an emphasis on safety. The 13 years the Sooners have collected the BY DIC HUMPHREY entertainment value and character of these honor. 6 GOLF, ETC Funny Cars makes them the most popular OU received four first-place votes and BY TOM WARD and identifiable drag racing vehicle on the 34 total points. Texas was picked second planet. with the other three first-place votes and 7 THE AMERICAN EXPRESS The Spell Paving Services 2021 Funny BY PGATOUR.COM Tickets on sale at texasmotorplex.com 33 points. This season marks just the sec- Car Chaos Championship Tour presented Schedule of Events ond (2006) that the top two teams are sepa- 8 TIGERS WOODS UNDERGOES by Red Line Shirt Club and Mears Mazda BACK SURGERY Thursday - March 25 rated by one point since the preseason poll BY PGATOUR.COM Volvo kicks off March 26-27, at the his- Pre-Party in the Pits was first conducted in 2000. toric Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas. NFL CONFERENCE 7:00 Ð 10:00 p.m. Oklahoma State was picked third fol- 9 CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS This event will make history as the first Friday - March 26 lowed by Baylor in fourth. Texas Tech, BY MIKE MCFEE time Funny Car Chaos and Outlaw Fuel Funny Car Qualifying Iowa State and Kansas rounded out the 2021 NFL HALL OF FAME Altered Series will co-headline two days of 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. preseason selections. Coaches are not 10 BALLOTING HAS BEGUN wild drag racing action. The $250,000 BY MIKE TANIER Outlaw Fuel Altered Qual. allowed to vote for their own team. championship tour will run at eight venues 8:30 p.m. The 2020 Big 12 softball season was 12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS AND across the country beginning in North NOTES Friday Night Live After Party After Q2 canceled prior to the start of conference BY BO CARTER Texas. Saturday - March 27 play due to COVID-19. Team schedules “We are thrilled to be hosting the AUTO REVIEW Spectator Gates Open for 2021 will be released when available. 17 BY KBB.COM world's only Outlaw Funny Car 10:00 a.m. Championship series with 200+ mph THE TICKET WINDOW Racing Starts 18 ground-pounding nitro action combined Noon with the Outlaw Fuel Altered Series,” said RESTAURANT REVIEW Funny Car Final Qualifier 19 BY RICHARD POLLAK Andy Carter, Texas Motorplex general 2:00 p.m. manager. “We have been building towards Funny Car/Fuel Altered Elims 5:00 p.m. hosting these mega-events for some time Winners Circle now. These two days will feature some of 10:00 p.m. Big 12 Men’s Basketball Schedule the most exciting and unpredictable racing Adjustments action in the country.” The following Big 12 men’s basketball Friday will feature multiple qualifying conference games have been rescheduled. sessions followed by a Friday Night Live Future schedule adjustments will be Follow us on After Party on the starting line open to any announced when available. ticket holder. Fans can meet and mingle Thursday, January 28 Twitter & Facebook with the racers and crews from some of the TCU at Kansas (Big 12 Now on ESPN+), twitter.com/sportspagedfw most entertaining race teams in the coun- try. On Saturday one more Funny Car 7:00 p.m. (originally scheduled for Jan. 26) Sooners the Favorite in Big 12 Softball Chaos qualifier will lead into a wild night Thursday, February 11 facebook.com/sportspageweek- Preseason Poll of racing action. Eliminations will begin at Iowa State at Kansas (Big 12 Now on For the ninth consecutive year, 5:00 p.m. and everyone is invited to join ESPN+), 7:00 p.m. CT (originally sched- Publisher Contact Us Oklahoma has been chosen as the favorite Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 the winner’s circle at the end of the day. uled for Jan. 16) LLC P.O. Box 820813 in the 2021 Big 12 softball preseason poll [email protected] Dallas, Tx. 75382 www.sportspagedfw.com NCAA Basketball - Top 25 Coaches (Week 8) AP Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert 1. Gonzaga 1. Gonzaga Cortinez. James McAnally 2. Baylor 2. Baylor 3. Villanova 3. Villanova JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY 4. Texas 4. Texas 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5. Michigan 5. Iowa FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6. Creighton 6. Kansas To advertise in The Sports Page Weekly 7. Kansas 7. Michigan Mavs Mavs Mavs Mavs 8. Iowa 8. 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4 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY The free agent market starting to move

Chatwood to a $3.0 million one-year con- Don Sutton died at the age of 75 this week. tract which also provides for $2.5 million Sutton won 323 games over 23 seasons. in performance bonuses. He is most known for his durability. He The other big name free agent to sign started 756 games, third most in baseball was last season’s American League batting history behind Cy Young and Nolan Ryan. champion, D. J. LeMahieu. He re-signed After his playing career ended, he had a with the Yankees Ð a six year, $90 million marvelous career announcing baseball deal. LeMahieu had been looking for a games for the Atlanta Braves. four year deal at $90 million similar to the In 2020, seven Hall of Fame players contract Josh Donaldson signed with the passed away, the most ever in a year. This Twins last year. LeMahieu and Donaldson year may be just as devastating. In addi- have similar statistics and LeMahieu is tion to Sutton, Hall of Fame manager about the same age that Donaldson was last Tommy Lasorda passed away earlier this year. In the end, the Yankees were willing month. to pay $90 million, but went to six years to NOTABLE: keep the annual value down enabling New ¥ The increased number of day games on York to stay under the luxury tax. the 2021 schedule Ð six more than any pre- As anticipated, former Ranger right- vious year Ð may not be all that startling. handed starter Corey Kluber signed with an Besides opening day, there are nine day East Coast team. He accepted a one-year, games on Mondays and Thursdays. There $11 million deal with the Yankees. New have often been as many as six weekday York had at least two holes to fill in their day games in the past, so the increase is Joey Gallo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa were signed before the arbitration deadline rotation. If Kluber returns to the form he just three. Also, the time frame that the showed in the middle years of the last 162 game schedule is played in has been decade, he will be a steal for the Yankees. expanded to include 27 weekends instead to contracts this week. George Springer, Trevor Bauer is now the biggest name of 26. The 2021 season is one in which the the most highly regarded free agent among free agent available. With roughly three Rangers get an extra weekend Ð 14 instead position players agreed to a deal with the weeks until spring training camps open, the of the 13 in past years. All Sunday games Blue Jays. Reliable sources have indicated market for free agents is finally starting to will start at 1:05 PM, except for the final that Springer received a six-year contract move. day of the season, which will start at 2:05 worth $150 million. It is the largest con- The Rangers aren’t going to be in the PM. Five of the Saturday games are tract in Blue Jays history. Toronto has pur- market for big name free agents, but in scheduled to begin at 3:05 PM, and the sued other upper end free agents this off their eternal search for pitching, they other nine at 6:05 PM. All 14 of the Friday season and has failed; but Springer was BY DIC HUMPHREY signed Hunter Wood to a minor league games are scheduled to begin at 7:05 PM thought to be their top target. [email protected] contract with an invitation to Major League as are 29 of the other weekday games. In recent years, the Jays have brought MEMBER: USBWA spring training. Wood spent most of the ¥ MLB Pipeline announced its All- some outstanding young talent to the Major 2020 season at Cleveland’s alternate site Defensive team from among the top minor Leagues, including the sons of three former The date for teams and players to but did not appear in a Major League league prospects. The Rangers’ Leody Major League players Ð Vladimir Guerrero, exchange salary proposals for arbitration game. The Arkansas native’s career record Taveras was named to the team as one of Jr., Cavan Biggio (son of Craig), and Bo eligible players came and went last week, in three Major League seasons is 2-2 with the outfielders. Taveras played in 33 Bichette (son of Dante). The commitment and the final day was a busy one. Twenty- a 3.32 ERA. He has appeared in 66 Major Rangers games in last year’s truncated sea- to Springer is a clear indication that the eight hours before the deadline, 128 play- League games, including 10 starts, for son hitting .227 with a .703 OPS. He is Blue Jays rebuilding phase is over, and that ers were involved. When the smoke Tampa Bay and Cleveland. considered a top-flight centerfielder defen- they are in the “win now” mode. Springer cleared the following day, deals were final- On a sad note, Hall of Fame pitcher sively and will likely be the Rangers’ open- ized with 115 of them, leaving just 13 brings not only outstanding baseball skills, players heading to arbitration hearings. but playoff experience, something sorely Teams and players can continue to negoti- missing on the young Blue Jays’ roster. ate up to the hearing date, though several Springer never showed interest in re- teams choose to stop negotiating once the signing with the Astros. He is from salary figures are exchanged. Connecticut, and it was obvious from the The Texas Rangers had two arbitration beginning that he was most interested in eligible players Ð Joey Gallo and Isiah signing with an East Coast team. The Kiner-Falefa. They signed both, making offers boiled down to two teams Ð Toronto Lee Stevens in 2000 still the last Ranger and the New York Mets. The Mets are player to actually go to an arbitration hear- believed to have topped out at $125-$130 ing. Gallo signed for $6.2 million assum- million. ing the entire 2021 season is played. The Blue Jays also bolstered their Kiner-Falefa signed for a 2021 salary of $2 bullpen with two additions this week. million. Both players won the Gold Glove They signed right-handed pitcher Kirby Award for fielding excellence last season Ð Yates to a one-year contract with $5.5 mil- Kiner-Falefa at third base and Gallo in lion guaranteed and an additional $4.5 mil- right field. lion available in performance bonuses. With the arbitration situation essentially Yates was overwhelming in 2019 saving 41 settled, the slow moving free agent market games with a 1.19 ERA. He averaged a shows some sign of getting on the road. whopping 15 strikeouts per nine innings. Two of the top available free agents agreed In addition, Toronto signed Tyler

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 5 MISC TOM WARD How to maintain your swing center

wasted motion when doing this correctly. That technique employs both the upper body and lower body working in unison to make the golf swing work efficiently. The golfer wound up the backswing powerfully, without sacrificing balance and motion, and begins to make the downward transi- tion back to the ball. Stabilize the swing center from start to finish. Inconsistencies will occur when the swing center (hub) moves too far up or TOM WARD down or too far back and forth while mak- [email protected] ing the swing. Excessive movement will cause the swing center to become discon- The simplest way to understand what nected. Just like the wheel shown in the the swing center is in the golf swing is to bottom photo, it will be out of control and visualize a wheel. The hub of the wheel is wobble all over the place. your swing center. If the hub is out of cen- No matter what sport you play, motion ter, you’ll have a wobbly wheel. without balance is a wasted effort. So what is definition of a hub? Remember, swing the club by feel, and 1: the central part of a circular object (such learn feel through good motion. as a wheel or propeller) spokes attached to Another easy way to understand and the hub of the wheel. feel the swing center is to place a golf ball 2 : a center of activity. on the ground with the sun to your back. All body parts and movements directly Address the ball whereby the shadow of influence the swing center position. Once your head covers the golf ball. While you set up over the ball at address you’ve swinging, keep your eyes on the shadow. It established the swing center. will move slightly, but if it moves off the When taking your stance, make sure the ball you’ve lost the correct swing center. If feet are in position to carry all of the body the shadow remains on the ball you have movements, with balance, throughout the kept the swing in position. Keeping an eye swing. Avoid a stance that is too wide as it on your shadow will teach you the feel of can inhibit your body motions. the upper body staying in position Ð neither The knees should remain flexed. To moving to the right or left- nor up and keep body movements from moving the down. swing center out of line during the back- Having good solid imagery is vitally swing keep your weight on the inside of important in developing what you are try- your feet. This will allow you to make the ing to accomplish in the golf swing. Try rotation of the shoulders and arms, carrying incorporating these ideas....they work, and the club to the top of the backswing. help reinforce good habits in the swing In the three sequence photos, one of my which will yield favorable results. These students is demonstrating the importance of movements keep the swing center station- maintaining the swing center. ary while moving the golf club both for- The top photo shows the golfer setting ward and back. up over the ball. I placed a golf club adja- These key points will provide great cent to his left shoulder. feedback in understanding how to feel the In the second photo, the golfer com- proper technique in maintaining your pletes the backswing. Notice how much he swing center. moved from where he started. He actually makes a good shoulder turn, however he Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- made the move that a lot of golfers do, timewithtom.com making it difficult to get back to the ball. This will cause the golfer to use his upper body to initiate the downswing which is a real no-no. Notice the arrow highlighting the gap that was created. By having too much later- al motion going back he has lost his hub, or center, and balance in the swing. This is commonly known as swaying. The bottom photo shows the golfer making his backswing while maintaining the swing center. I placed a wheel in front of his chest as a visual aid to highlight the proper move. By maintaining the swing center, you are able to properly spring load the backswing to create power. There is no

6 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | GOLF PGA TOUR The First Look: The American Express

The American Express since Johnny Miller ond PGA TOUR title. Ancer, fresh off his in 1975-76… Adam Hadwin finished 2nd- Presidents Cup appearance in 2019, fired a T3-T2 at this event from 2017-19 before Sunday 63 (tied for the round of the day) missing last year’s event due to the birth of which included going 3 under for his final he and his wife’s first child. He’ll return five holes. Landry made it interesting in the this year looking for some rekindled final nine holes. He birdied Nos. 10-12 but magic… The American Express, PGA gave those shots right back with bogeys on TOUR, and the Mickelson Foundation Nos. 13-15. His only par of the back nine announced a $1-million donation to came on the par-5 16th. He added birdies Coachella Valley-based charities. on the final two holes to seal the win. 72-HOLE RECORD: 260, Patrick Reed Scottie Scheffler, who would go on to win (2014). PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, finished 18-HOLE RECORD: 59, David Duval third. Bud Cauley and Sepp Straka finished (5th round, 1999 at PGA West/Palmer), T4 and rounded out the top five. Adam Hadwin (3rd round, 2017 at La Quinta CC). Stadium Course record: 63, HOW TO FOLLOW Abraham Ancer (4th round, 2020), Sam Burns (4th round, 2020), Jonathan Fricke PGA TOUR LIVE: Thursday-Friday, (2nd round, 2008 Q-School*), Whee Kim 11:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. ET (Featured Groups) (2nd round, 2012 Q-School*). Nicklaus Television: Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m.-7 Tournament record: 59, Harrison Frazar p.m. ET (Golf Channel). (4th round, 2008 Q-School*). Radio: Thursday-Saturday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Note: Q-School does not count as an offi- ET. Sunday, 2 p.m.- 7 p.m. ET (PGA cial PGA TOUR event. TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA- Andrew Landry wins at The American Express LAST TIME: Landry fended off a hard- TOUR.com/liveaudio) charging Abraham Ancer to notch his sec- By Adam Stanley are 13 golfers ranked in the top 50 in the PGATOUR.COM Follow world teeing it up at The American Express. Rahm, who’s ranked No. 2 in the The PGA TOUR returns to the U.S. world and a past American Express cham- mainland for The American Express in La pion, leads the way. Rahm beat Landry in a Quinta, California. This year’s edition will playoff at PGA West in 2018. Other top- have a different look Ð only two courses ranked golfers making the trip to the will be used, and amateurs will not play Coachella Valley include the ninth-ranked alongside the pros Ð but a strong field has Cantlay, No. 11 Reed, who won the 2014 assembled, highlighted by Jon Rahm, American Express, No. 15 Matthew Wolff, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Patrick and No. 18 Sungjae Im. Cantlay and tournament host Phil FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 points Mickelson. Andrew Landry is your defend- COURSE: Stadium Course at PGA West, ing champion. 7,113 yards, par 72 and Nicklaus FIELD NOTES: Amateur standout John Tournament Course at PGA West, 7,152 Augenstein, the runner-up in the 2019 U.S. yards, par 72 (yardages subject to change). Amateur, is making his professional debut. For the first time in tournament history, He also was a member of the United The American Express will be conducted States’ victorious Walker Cup team in 2019 on fewer than three courses. This marks the and the 2020 SEC Player of the Year. He sixth year the Stadium Course and the made the cut in the 2020 Masters, finishing Nicklaus Tournament Course will be part T55… Koepka is making his first start of of the rotation. the 2021 calendar year. He battled injury STORYLINES: The pro-am portion of last season but showed flashes of his usual the tournament has been eliminated for the brilliance with a T5-T7 run at the Vivint first time in its history due to COVID-19 Houston Open and the Masters… Past health and safety precautions. The cut will FedExCup champion Bill Haas looks to go from the typical 54 holes to 36. The become the only three-time winner of The only other time there was not a pro-am was American Express. Arnold Palmer won the in the second round of 2010, when amateur event five times, but Haas is one of seven play was suspended due to weather. It’s set golfers (including Mickelson) who has won to return in 2022… Youth will be served at it twice… Mickelson is making his first The American Express. Not only will start of the 2021 calendar year. This is the Augenstein make his pro debut, but other second time he’ll play host, as well as sponsor exemptions include 18-year-old compete… Francesco Molinari returns to Korean star Joohyung Kim, fellow teenager action. The past Open Championship win- Akshay Bhatia, and 23-year-old ner had a truncated year in 2020 due to Englishman Harry Hall, who had two top- COVID-19 concerns. He played three 10s to finish the Korn Ferry Tour season times in the fall, with his best finish being last October… Landry is looking to a T15 at the Vivint Houston Open… There become the first golfer to defend his title at

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 7 GOLF PGA TOUR Woods undergoes fifth back surgery

fairway. Monterey Peninsula Foundation in critical “He’s a very young man, but he is pre- areas brought on by the pandemic. Over disposed to a few injuries, too, and we’ve the last five months, the PGA TOUR has seen that,” Padraig Harrington, 49, said successfully hosted Wednesday pro-ams, then. “Some weeks he doesn’t look like he an integral part of tournament week. With a could be competitive, but the weeks that he limited number of amateur participants, the does come out and is walking that bit bet- pro-am is conducted in accordance with a ter, he’s a big contender.” comprehensive health and safety plan, What he’ll have left after stepping aside including COVID-19 testing. to heal once more remains to be seen. Following the standard cut to 65 and ties, the third and final rounds will be 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to be played on Pebble Beach Golf Links. Since played without traditional format the tournament moved to the Monterey Tournament will continue to maximize Peninsula in 1947, the final action has local charitable impact with support of unfolded on the iconic holes of Pebble title sponsor AT&T Beach Golf Links. The tournament plans to The PGA TOUR, in conjunction with return to the traditional pro-am format Ð AT&T, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation conducted over three courses Ð in 2022. and Pebble Beach Company, announced “This was a very difficult decision, but Woods and Sam Snead are tied with 82 career wins, the most in PGA TOUR history that the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am the right one given the recent surge in will be played without the traditional COVID-19 cases,” said Bill Perocchi, Woods will miss Farmers Insurance Open, His 45th birthday last month was an multi-day pro-am format due to local Chief Executive Officer of Pebble Beach The Genesis Invitational occasion to step back and appreciate not COVID-19 circumstances in the Monterey Company. “Since the beginning of the pan- only his 82 victories, but also his 31 sec- Peninsula. The professional portion, featur- demic, we have put the health and safety of By PGATOUR.COM onds, 19 thirds, and 199 top-10 finishes in ing 156 players, will be played as sched- our guests, employees and community first. Tiger Woods has undergone a fifth back 368 starts. He has an 11-1 career playoff uled, February 8-14, 2021, and will be held We know this will create challenges for surgery. He recently had a microdiscecto- record, and earnings of nearly $121 mil- on only two courses: Pebble Beach Golf many local charities this year, but we are my to remove a pressurized disc fragment lion. But his 1,322 rounds on TOUR have Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. confident that the incredible giving associ- that gave him nerve pain during last taken a toll. “We are incredibly grateful for the com- ated with this event will continue well into month’s PNC Championship, his TGR Woods, who has also endured multiple mitment of our title sponsor AT&T, corpo- the future. We appreciate the support from Foundation announced Tuesday. operations on his left knee, had but one rate partners, PGA TOUR, Pebble Beach Monterey County and the State of “I look forward to begin training and top-10 finish in the 2020 calendar year Ð a Company, Monterey Peninsula Country California in helping to ensure a safe and am focused on getting back out on TOUR,” T9 at the Farmers Insurance Open. Worn Club and volunteer community,” said Steve successful professional tournament, as well Woods said in the statement in which his out by 2019, and experiencing stiffness in John, Tournament Director and Monterey as from our partners at AT&T, the PGA doctors deemed the operation successful his back, he skipped the Arnold Palmer Peninsula Foundation CEO. “While we TOUR and the Monterey Peninsula and predicted a full recovery. Invitational presented by Mastercard, will truly miss watching the actors, musi- Foundation.” Woods’ quest for a record 83rd PGA which he’s won eight times; The Honda cians, athletes and other amateur partici- The 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, TOUR victory has been put on hold. He Classic, his hometown tournament; and pants that make this event so special, we which was won by Nick Taylor in 2020, announced that he will miss next week’s THE PLAYERS Championship (two-time are pleased to continue on with the profes- will be broadcast by CBS, Golf Channel, Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines champion). sional competition, enabling the PGA TOUR LIVE, DIRECTV’s “PGA and his own The Genesis Invitational, Then came the pandemic. Foundation to support nonprofits in TOUR Experience” and PGA TOUR which he will host at Riviera Country Club Returning at the Memorial Tournament Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Radio. Fans also can follow along the tour- on Feb. 18-21. Woods and Sam Snead are presented by Nationwide in July, he fin- Counties. Our charitable giving will target nament’s social media channels on tied with 82 career wins, the most in PGA ished T40 and did not contend elsewhere, basic needs like food insecurity, education- Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. TOUR history. either. His T72 at the ZOZO CHAMPI- al inequities and health inequities brought “The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s Woods has won eight times at Torrey ONSHIP @ SHERWOOD, a course where on by the pandemic.” lineup of celebrities competing with the Pines Ð seven times in the Farmers, and at he’d won the Hero World Challenge five The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, PGA TOUR’s best players with the the 2008 U.S. Open Ð but remains winless times, said it all. which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Monterey Peninsula as the backdrop has at Riviera, where he played his first PGA “I haven't put all the pieces together at 2021, had previously announced spectators been a perfect marriage of sports and enter- TOUR event. Woods will be at Riviera next the same time,” he said before the Masters will not be on-site at this year’s event. tainment since 1947,” said Tyler Dennis, month to serve as tournament host, accord- in November. Through the unwavering support of AT&T, EVP and President, PGA TOUR. “The ing to Tuesday’s release. He didn’t put the pieces together at the second-longest running title sponsor on PGA TOUR and our partners have main- Woods underwent his fourth back sur- Augusta, either. Tied for 10th after an the PGA TOUR, the tournament will con- tained that the health and safety for all gery, a spinal fusion, in early 2017. He opening-round 68, he faded to the finish, tinue to maximize charitable contributions involved with our events and the communi- returned in 2018, contending for multiple and his 10 at the 12th hole in the final in the area. Since 1947, the AT&T Pebble ties in which we play is our No. 1 priority, titles before winning the TOUR round Ð where he hit three balls in the Beach Pro-Am has generated more than and for that reason Ð together with AT&T, Championship at East Lake. He won The water -- was the highest score of his career. $176 million for charities in Monterey, San the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Masters Tournament and ZOZO CHAMPI- Although he bounced back with birdies on Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. Pebble Beach Company Ð we feel strongly ONSHIP in 2019, when he was also the five of the last six holes, he still shot 76 In addition, a pro-am will be conducted this decision, while difficult, was the right playing captain of the U.S. Presidents Cup and finished T38 to cap a largely forget- Wednesday morning to support local chari- call to make given the current environment. Team, leading a dozen of the best table year. table giving. The ‘Every Shot Counts’ pro- We thank our title sponsor AT&T for their American players to victory at Royal At the PNC Championship last month, am will allow participants the opportunity support of this reimagined event and for Melbourne while also going 3-0-0 himself. he opted not to hit a tee shot on a handful to help drive grantmaking by targeting four the positive impact that will continue in the Since then, however, he’s gone largely of holes where his partner, 11-year-old son key initiatives. Just as every shot counts, region through the charitable initiatives of quiet. Charlie, was already in play well down the every dollar contributed will be invested by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.”

8 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NFL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2021 NFL Conference Championship

NFL playoff picks, predictions: Packers Tampa Bay (11-5) at Green Bay (13-3) first meeting either. Rashan Gary, Preston week, so he could be the focus if Edwards- edge Buccaneers, Chiefs hold off Bills in Sunday, 2:05 / FOX Smith and Za'Darius Smith need to pres- Helaire can't go. The Chiefs also were championship games Line: Packers -3 / 51 sure Brady, or he will sit back and work without Sammy Watkins (calf) last week. Green Bay looked unstoppable on with a loaded group of receivers. Who wins The good news? Travis Kelce and Tyreek By Mike McFee offense against the Rams with the combi- the red-zone matchups between Rob Hill were still in action. They can hit the NFL championship weekend features a nation of Rodgers' efficiency and a three- Gronkowski and Mike Evans and Green chunk plays against Buffalo's secondary no pair of quarterback matchups for all ages. headed running game led by Aaron Jones, Bay's secondary, which features a lock- matter who is at quarterback. First, Tampa Bay meets Green Bay in Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon. down cornerback in Jaire Alexander and Josh Allen struggled in the regular-sea- the NFC championship game at 2:05 p.m. That's where this matchup starts. The an emerging safety in Darnell Savage Jr.? son matchup, but he didn't take a sack in on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers, 37, is playing Packers generated just 94 rushing yards in That will be the key. that loss. He also had not established a in his fifth NFC championship game, but the regular-season meeting, a 38-10 loss at With these two quarterbacks, it comes strong connection with Stefon Diggs, who it's his first one at Lambeau Field. Tom Tampa Bay that was ignited by two down to a handful of plays. The Packers has emerged as one of the best Ð if not the Brady, 43, is in his 14th NFC champi- Rodgers' interceptions in the second quar- will hold on to a one-score lead at halftime, best Ð receiver in the league this season. onship game, but this is his first one in the ter. The Buccaneers had five sacks, and the but Tampa Bay ties it early in the fourth Allen will target Diggs frequently, and NFC. It's also the first postseason matchup combined pressure from defensive linemen quarter with an Antonio Brown touchdown. Cole Beasley and John Brown to need to between the two future Hall of Fame quar- Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh It really might come down to which quar- take advantage of their 1-on-1 opportuni- terbacks. flustered Green Bay. Devin White and terback has the ball last Ð and which ties. The Bills need to generate a running Buffalo travels to Kansas City for the Lavonte David are speedy linebackers who defense comes up with the stop. How much game with Devin Singletary early, and AFC championship game at 5:40 p.m. can stuff the run, too. That is the challenge of an advantage is Lambeau Field? We Allen will make more plays this time. It's the Chiefs' third straight AFC cham- for a Packers' offensive line that has think it makes the slight difference in an Again, this pick still comes down to pionship game at Arrowhead Stadium, and improved since, even without starting tack- instant classic. Mahomes. If he's cleared, then we'll it remains to be seen whether Patrick le David Bakthiari. Pick: Packers 31, Buccaneers 28 assume he's healthy enough to lead the Mahomes, 25, will clear concussion proto- Rodgers needs those play-action oppor- Chiefs to another Super Bowl appearance. col for the game. If not, the Chiefs will tunities to work with Davante Adams and Buffalo (13-3) at Kansas City (14-2) Buffalo takes the early lead on a Diggs' turn to backup quarterback Chad Henne, Robert Tonyan. Green Bay made it look Sunday, 5:40 / CBS TD, and the Bills cling to a third-quarter 35, who sealed the divisional playoff round easy against the Rams. Can they do it Line: Chiefs -3 / 53.5 lead before the Mahomes magic act begins. victory against the Browns. Josh Allen, 24, again? It's difficult to make a pick without Second-half TDs to Kelce and Hill re-take is trying to get the Bills back in the Super Then there's Brady, who made the knowing whether Mahomes is playing this the lead, and Kansas City closes the door Bowl for the first time since 1993. Packers pay for those mistakes in the first week, but we're going to base this predic- behind the running game in the fourth I hit three of four on divisional playoff meeting. He's working with a loaded group tion on the premise he's able to go. Clyde quarter. If last week taught us anything, weekend. Here is a look at my track record of receivers. Ronald Jones had 113 yards Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip) also practiced then it's Andy Reid won't hold back in this season: and two TDs in the first meeting, and last week but was inactive for the Browns' crunch time. ¥ Last Week: 3-1 Green Bay's defense has been susceptible game. Edwards-Helaire had 161 rushing It's tight again, but Kansas City repeats ¥ Regular season: 129-75 to the run. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark yards in Kansas City's 26-17 victory as AFC champions. We will re-evaluate ¥ Playoffs: 7-3 needs to be more disruptive in this game. against the Bills in Week 6. Darrel this pick if he can't go. ¥ Overall: 136-78 The Packers did not get a sack in that Williams started over Le'Veon Bell last Pick: Chiefs 28, Bills 26

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 9 NFL HALL OF FAME Pro Football HoF balloting has begun

old slobber knocker days. Frankly, it still impacts the decision making of Hall of Fame voters trying to differentiate among defensive backs. Lynch played his signature seasons in Tony Dungy’s Tampa-2 defense, often tasked with covering deep zones. Lynch got shunted behind Steve Atwater, Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, and Troy Polamalu in recent votes and could get stuck behind Butler as well, not really because Butler has better stats (safety stats are often mis- leading, anyway), but because Butler was perceived (rightly) as more of a versatile box safety and enforcer than Lynch, and therefore someone who impacted far more plays. Working in Lynch’s favor is his pres- ence as a high-profile NFL figure as the 49ers general manager (it’s easier to vote for a guy you may need as a source) and the fact that he is an eight-time finalist. So Packers fans, if Butler is “snubbed” this year, it will probably be because the voters were clearing Lynch through to make room for Butler next year. One last note, Ronde Barber’s candida- cy might also stall because of the percep- Charles Woodson, Payton Manning, Calvin Johnson and Jared Allen are eligible for the first time tion that he was a Tampa-2 “system guy” who only worked the short sidelines. By Mike Tanier non-Peyton level legends, reaching the Hall Charles Woodson and prioritized behind Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne of Fame is more about navigating through former teammate John Lynch on the selec- Wide Receiver Predicting how the 2021 Pro Football backlogs and logjams at various positions tion committee’s list. Holt and Wayne are both second-time Hall of Fame balloting will go — and getting off-the-record endorsements Tony Boselli and Alan Faneca finalists who will probably share the ballot The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame from teammates, coaches, and opponents Offensive Line for a while. Both achieved fame as the #2 balloting process has begun. Who are the — than racking up stats or Pro Bowl Hall of Fame voters have been telling receivers for historic offenses (the nominees this year, and who is the most berths. me the same things about Boselli for years. “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams likely to be inducted? All 15 of this year’s finalists have They know he’s great, but his short career and Peyton Manning’s mid-2000s Peyton Manning’s 2021 Pro Football strong Hall of Fame credentials. Who gets has shunted him behind fellow offensive Indianapolis Colts) whose careers took off Hall of Fame “debate” will consist of his in will probably come down to who has linemen Kevin Mawae (Hall of Fame Class as their teams’ fortunes began to decline. name getting called and everyone saying been waiting the longest and who is stuck of 2019), Steve Hutchinson (Class of 2020), That makes them Sammy Hagar candidates “Aye.” Calvin Johnson and Charles on a ballot next to a similar player, result- and Faneca. You may not love that logic. — great for a long time, but not quite at Woodson are also likely first-ballot ing in a split ticket. Hall of Fame voters have little choice but the same level as the guys who came inductees. But what about John Lynch, Oh, and stick around until the end, to try to prioritize players from similar before them. who has been a Hall of Fame finalist for where I suggest a solution to the 2021 Pro positions and eras. The similarities between Holt and years? Or Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, a Football Hall of Fame’s logjam of Mawae was an All-Pro at age 37. Faneca Wayne will end up in a split ticket for at pair of great wide receivers who are so overqualified candidates. and Hutchinson were high-impact starters least another year. At the very least, both similar that they force voters to take sides? in their mid-30s. Boselli’s career was over will have to wait until there is no better Or linebackers Clay Matthews and the late 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot at 29. It’s hard to pretend that his career wide receiver candidate on the ballot. Sam Mills, who may not get another Who is on the list this year? length shouldn’t be a factor. Especially true Calvin Johnson chance if they are not enshrined this year? Jared Allen at a position with no statistical record to Wide Receiver The important context of Hall of Fame Defensive End fall back upon. The only arguments against Johnson for voting Allen is an excellent 2021 Pro Football Faneca is a sixth-year finalist because of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame voting, I’ve been writing about the Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate but not a high-pri- the offensive line backlog; Boselli is a if there are any, will be: a) short career, and Hall of Fame for years. I’ve often picked ority one. As a first-time finalist not in the fifth-year finalist. Voters have tacitly been b) he should wait until the committee the ears of many selection committee Peyton-Megatron category, voters will clearing this logjam one lineman at a time. processes Holt and/or Wayne. members in the past. It gives me as good a quickly shunt him to the back of the line. This will be Faneca’s year. Boselli will Johnson’s career is not Boselli-short. chance as just about anyone about how this Voters will work on players who have been have to wait beyond the 2021 Pro Football He left on his own terms (as opposed to year’s balloting will go. Let me share some on the docket for years. Hall of Fame voting. fading or succumbing to injuries at an early of the backdrop to the Hall of Fame voting Ronde Barber LeRoy Butler and John Lynch age), so the short career argument likely process. Cornerback Safety won’t sway anyone. And most voters surely You may notice that there’s not much in Another 2021 Pro Football Hall of There’s an old football adage — the place Megatron in a separate category from this article about how much “greater” or Fame first-time finalist whose candidacy further you are from the ball, the less Holt and Wayne. Plus, voters may like the “more worthy” one Hall of Fame candidate stalled at the semifinalist stage for a few impact you have. That’s silly in the modern idea of shooing Johnson in and leaving the might be than another. That’s because for years. Barber will also be overshadowed by pass-happy NFL, but it made sense in the Detroit Lions alone for a few decades.

10 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com when he shared the ballot with teammate Any fifth-time finalist should be sub- Jason Taylor (Class of 2017) for several jected to a separate “yes or no” vote by the years. This year, his chances come down to committee. If the fifth-time finalist wins a whether the receivers, offensive linemen, simple majority, he’s enshrined in the Hall and safeties box each other out in just the of Fame. Most importantly, his selection right combination. He will likely be priori- does not count against the five players in tized ahead of the old-timer linebackers. that year’s class. If he does not get a Kevin Mawae sung Thomas’ praises in his majority, his case is sent to the senior’s Hall of Fame enshrinement. committee. Charles Woodson This year, Boselli, Faneca, and Lynch Defensive Back would each be voted upon separately. All The only argument against Woodson three would almost certainly pass and will be about the queue, not his accom- reach the Hall of Fame by a simple majori- plishments. Some voters may push for ty. The committee could then discuss other Lynch to get in before Woodson, and players without prioritizing guys who have there’s a slim chance of some Woodson- been stuck in various positional logjams Butler split Green Bay Packers’ ticket con- for many years. fusion. Most likely, he’s in on the first This plan would result in a few years ballot. where 6-8 players are inducted into the My early 2021 Pro Football Hall of Hall of Fame. This would not be counting Fame prediction seniors, coaches and contributors. After This might be Zach Thomas’ last chance to get in the Hall of Fame Alan Faneca, John Lynch, Calvin that, the docket would simmer down to the Johnson, Peyton Manning, Charles point where someone like Jared Allen Calvin Johnson A favorite of mine, Mills (who passed Woodson. I hope to revisit this prediction doesn’t get the “we don’t have time for you Wide Receiver away in 2005) is in his 19th year of eligi- after speaking to some voters over the next yet” treatment for several years. It would The only arguments against Johnson for bility and will also soon be likely sent over week or two. not swell the ranks of the Hall of Fame too the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame voting, to the senior’s committee. His portfolio is My Hall of Fame preferences much or make it less of an honor; it would if there are any, will be: a) short career, and better than Matthews’, but even odder. He Alan Faneca, Calvin Johnson, Peyton just be a way of handling air traffic control. b) he should wait until the committee was the leader of the Dome Patrol Saints Manning, Sam Mills, Charles Woodson. I And it would allow us to talk more about processes Holt and/or Wayne. defenses of the early 1990s, a key contribu- prioritize Sam Mills over John Lynch, but the accomplishments of these players and Johnson’s career is not Boselli-short. tor to the early seasons of the Carolina the committee may see otherwise. less time on balloting logistics. He left on his own terms (as opposed to Panthers, and the greatest player on the My suggestion for “fixing” the Hall of fading or succumbing to injuries at an early greatest team in USFL history (Mills start- Fame voting age), so the short career argument likely ed his career with the Philadelphia won’t sway anyone. And most voters sure- /Baltimore Stars, who won two USFL ly place Megatron in a separate category titles). from Holt and Wayne. Plus, voters may Mills’ candidacy has suffered from the like the idea of shooing Johnson in and same issue that has held Matthews back. It leaving the Detroit Lions alone for a few could befall many others on this list decades. (including the next guy). If it takes a few Peyton Manning sentences to explain why a player was an Quarterback all-time great, he’ll inevitably get stuck Yerp. behind the guys who can be summed up in Clay Matthews Jr. a few words. Linebacker Richard Seymour Matthews is a first-time finalist in his Defensive Line 20th year of eligibility after years and Seymour is likely to end up the sixth or years in semifinalist purgatory. In other seventh player on many ballots (among the words, his case is being sent to the final cuts, in other words) for a few more “Supreme Court” for a final ruling before years until he’s in a Faneca-Lynch situation he is (most likely) shipped over to the where there is more urgency to make a senior’s committee. final decision. His candidacy might take Matthews’ Hall of Fame case is a grab- off now that the Patriots dynasty appears to bag. An ultra-long career, some seasons be over. The time is coming to put the fran- with fondly-remembered Dawg Pound chise’s accomplishments into a historical defenses, interesting-but-not-overwhelming perspective. Just not sure it will take place statistical accomplishments (leading the for the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame league in tackles is not the sort of thing balloting. that impresses most voters), some famous Zach Thomas offspring to keep him fresh in the minds of Linebacker fans/voters, and a few very high-profile Despite Thomas’ many All-Pro and Pro former coaches known to stan for (and Bowl selections, he suffers from a variation sometimes against) their favorite players of the Lynch problem. There’s a perception and opponents behind the scenes. that he was a “system guy” protected by My gut tells me that the 2021 Pro space-eating defensive linemen who fun- Football Hall of Fame committee will pass neled plays into his lap. Keep in mind that on Matthews, knowing that he will be a these “perceptions” typically come from top-of-the-list guy at the senior’s level. It conversations with coaches, players, and may all come down to what one of those opponents of the time, not from sportswrit- high-profile former coaches thinks. ers who hate your favorite team or some- Sam Mills thing. Linebacker Thomas’ candidacy also lost momentum

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 11 COLLEGES SMU REPORT NCAA announces tournament details

41 passes for 627 and scored nine touch- the AAC with 913 rushing yards last sea- downs over the 2017, 2018 and 2019 sea- son. He became the first Mustang to win sons. In 2018, he was the Big XII’s first Freshman All-American honors. team All-Conference tight end. Calcaterra SMU Men’s Soccer is the second Oklahoma transfer coming to The MLS Super Draft was held SMU this spring as he joins quarterback Thursday, and three Mustangs were select- Tanner Mordecai. Calcaterra said part of ed, all in the first three rounds. Nicky his decision revolved around the success Hernandez was drafted by FC Dallas with that Kylen Granson had the last two sea- the 15th pick in the first round. He is the sons at tight end for SMU. The Mustangs’ 12th Mustang to be selected in the first offense is obviously one that Calcaterra round and continues a streak of four con- expects to thrive in. secutive years in which an SMU player has SMU also received a commitment from been drafted in the first round. Brandon former University of North Texas running Terwege was taken in the third round by back Tres Siggers. Siggers tweeted earlier Houston Dynamo FC with the 57th pick this week that he was moving down I-35 to overall. Toronto FC nabbed Talen Maples SMU. Siggers said that he wanted to play in the third round with the 72nd overall for SMU coming out of high school in pick. Duncanville, however, his grades did not NOTABLE: qualify him for admission. Now, he is on ¥ SMU point guard Kendric Davis goes schedule to graduate from UNT this May, into the weekend leading the AAC and the and he is qualified for admission. He will NCAA in assists at 7.7 per game. Davis’s be eligible to play this season and will have 6.9 assists per game in his SMU career two years of eligibility remaining. places him second behind Billy Allen’s 9.0 The Final four is still scheduled for Saturday, April 3 and Monday April 5 Ulysses Bentley, IV was named the assists per game over the 1978-80 seasons. Football Writers Association of America ¥ Classes at SMU resume this Monday, BY DIC HUMPHREY causing the postponement. No make-up Freshman All-American team. Bentley led January 25. [email protected] date has been announced. The original pos- MEMBER: USBWA itive SMU test came shortly after the last game SMU played forcing quarantining of The NCAA announced more details this players and coaches. week on the Men’s NCAA Post-Season “I haven’t seen the team in a week,” Tournament, which will be played entirely Head Coach Tim Jankovich said last in Indiana. The four play-in games that Monday. “It’s very strange not to see your reduce the field from 68 teams to 64 usual- team for a week in the middle of the sea- ly take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. son.” This year they are being pushed back to Practice resumed last Tuesday. Thursday to give more time for teams to The American Athletic Conference has get settled in Indianapolis, tested, and oth- particularly been hit hard with COVID-19 erwise deal with COVID-19 protocols. The postponements. Every school in the confer- four games will be played on Thursday, ence has had conference games postponed. March 18 at Mackey Arena in West The Mustangs now travel to Orlando to Lafayette, home of the Purdue face the Central Florida Knights this Boilermakers, and Assembly Hall in Saturday. SMU is 12-10 all-time against Bloomington, home of the Indiana the Knights, including 3-7 in Orlando. Last Hoosiers. season, the teams split two games, with the The first and second rounds after the home team winning each time. Game time play-in games will take place on Friday, is 2:00 PM Eastern/1:00 PM Central, and March 19 through Monday March 22 at six the game will be televised on ESPNU. venues, which are Lucas Oil Stadium, With the postponements, the Mustangs Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle are looking at finishing January with four Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum and games in nine days. After Saturday’s game the two venues of the play-in games. The in Orlando, SMU plays Memphis next Sweet Sixteen will be played on Saturday, week on Tuesday and Thursday and finish March 27 and Sunday March 28, followed the month on Sunday, January 31 against by the Elite Eight on Monday and Tuesday, Houston. Next Thursday’s game against March 29 and 30. The Elite Eight games Memphis is the only home game among will be televised in prime time. the four. The Final four is still scheduled for SMU Football update Saturday, April 3 and Monday April 5. The Mustangs tackle football team SMU Basketball update received two significant transfer commit- As for the SMU Men’s basketball team, ments. Grant Calcaterra, a tight end from their third consecutive scheduled game was Oklahoma switched his commitment from postponed Wednesday night. This time it Auburn to SMU because of Auburn’s was Tulane that had COVID-19 problems coaching change. At Oklahoma, he caught

12 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

Idaho State in 2022…New Mexico State agreed with the university administration’s and UTSA will start a four-game series in decision to cancel spring football activity 2024…Liberty and Old Dominion will and to start the regular season in September renew a three-year series from 2021-23... …Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal told …Interestingly, both Alabama and Ohio media he is buoyed by his contract exten- State had 90-10 overall records in the 100 sion and ’21 returnees for the Ducks and games prior to last week’s College Football offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead…Jerry Playoff Championship Game…Texas A&M Neuheisel, former UCLA quarterback and enjoyed its highest finish in the final son of former Colorado and UCLA head Associated Press national poll since the man and noted ESPN broadcaster Rick 1939 won the national championship as the Neuheisel, is the new receivers coach at 2020 Aggies closed in the No. 4 position… UCLA…Georgia co-defensive coordinator Ardent Ohio State fan Tommy Dan Lanning indicated he will remain with Wainwright of Prosper, Texas, received the Bulldogs instead of moving to the immeasurable support from OSU coaches Texas football staff in the same capacity... and student-athletes and former Buckeyes …Maryland added Dan Enos as 2021 head coach Urban Meyer in messages of offensive coordinator…Former Vanderbilt encouragement throughout his long battle head coach Derek Mason is the new defen- with cancer. The seven-year-old sive coordinator at Auburn...Former Baylor McNeese State travels to Tarleton State on February 13 Wainwright later rang the ceremonial bell head coach and longtime SEC teams’ assis- to complete his chemotherapy treatment tant coach Kevin Steele has been added to Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jan. 20 (1929) Frank Kush, and being designated cancer-free at an area the Tennessee staff as a defensive assistant Windber, Pa.; (1960) Ronnie Mallett, Pine children’s hospital Jan. 11…Vanderbilt coach…Duke head coach David Cutcliffe Bluff, Ark.; Jan. 21 (1879) Gil Dobie, chancellor Dr. Daniel Diermeier has will allow an assistant coach to perform Hastings, Minn.; (1901) Lynn Bomar, debuted the Vanderbilt Project on Unity offensive play calling duties in ’21...Miami Gallatin, Tenn.; (1925) George Connor, and American Democracy with a special (Fla.) head coach Manny Diaz is taking Chicago, Ill.; (1952) Billy “White Shoes” presentation with former College Football over defensive team signal calling in the Johnson, Boothwyn, Pa.; (1967) Jacob Playoff selection committee chair and coming season…Washington head coach Green, Pasadena, Texas; (1975) Aaron Distinguished Stanford Herbert Hoover Jimmy Lake expressed a notion to play Taylor (Neb.), Wichita Falls, Texas; Jan. 22 Professor Dr. Condoleezza Rice and tough-minded defense in both ’20 and the (1948) Bob Stein, Minneapolis, Minn.; Vanderbilt law alumnus and former under- upcoming 2021 campaign for Pac-12 (1958) Charles White, Los Angeles, Calif.; graduate roommate of Harvard football stu- Conference success…New Texas head (1964) Joe Dudek, Boston, Mass.; Jan. 23 dent-athlete Tommy Lee Jones former U.S. coach Steve Sarkisian was complimented BO CARTER (1890) Morley Jennings, Holland, Mich.; vice president Al Gore....The Texas on his game planning and play calling for [email protected] (1935) Jerry Tubbs, Throckmorton, Texas; Woman’s U. school newspaper, the Lasso, Alabama when it downed Ohio State in the (1952) Shelby Jordan, E. St. Louis, Ill.; is doing special features on Black alumni CFP title test. The Crimson Tide averaged College football in 2020-21 has turned Jan. 24 (1881) Bill Warner, Springville, and Black former student-athletes in its 9.5 yards per play on seven touchdown virtually into a year-round sport. NCAA N.Y.; (1920) Chuck Taylor, Portland, Black History Month editions in February. drives. Sarkisian’s introductory news con- FCS power and Ohio Valley Conference Ore.; (1936) Don Bosseler, Weathersfield, Indiana head coach Tom Allen is the ference at Texas was webstreamed nation- favorite Jacksonville State and dozens of N.Y.; (1985) Patrick Willis, Bruceton,Tenn. 2020 AFCA National FBS Coach of the ally last Tuesday…The new Texas head FCS, NCAA Division II and III and NAIA Notable anniversary death dates for Year in the 86th annual awarding of this coach added fellow former Crimson Tide squads open spring season workouts this Hall of Famers are Jan. 19 (1936) Dan honor. NFF College Hall of Fame coaches assistant coaches Kyle Flood as the week, and the first contest on the spring McGugin, Nashville, Tenn.; (1942) Jimmy Joe Paterno (five times) of Penn State and Longhorns offensive coordinator and Jeff slate is Feb. 13 when McNeese State trav- Johnson (Carlisle, Northeastern), San Juan, Bear Bryant (three times) of Alabama have Banks as special teams coach…UTEP els to Tarleton State. Stephenville, Texas, Puerto Rico; (1980) D.X. Bible, Austin, been the most frequent recipients of this hopes to name former Texas A&M assis- where TSU is located, is just thawing out Texas; (2015) Lou Michaels, Swoyersville, AFCA honor…New Boise State head tant coach Bradley Dale Peveto as its from a rare, eight-inch snowfall on Jan. 10. Pa.; Jan. 21 (1969) Bowden Wyatt, coach Andy Avalos has finalized his five- defensive coordinator…UMass director of Turner Classic Movies, which had a Kingston, Tenn.; Jan. 23 (1976) Paul year contract with performances bonuses, sport performance Matt Shadeed has joined special season of college football movies’ Robeson, Philadelphia, Pa.; (2011) Dr. Ed and Avalos is retaining defensive coordina- South Alabama as assistant head coach and remembrances in autumn 2019 with special Dyas, Mobile, Ala.; (2017) Ralph tor Spencer Danielson from the current director of strength and conditioning. A.T. interviews at the NFF College Hall of Guglielmi, Wallace, N.C.; Jan. 25 (1999) staff…Florida head coach Dan Mullen Turner has replaced Shadeed at Massachusetts Fame, has been airing the historic MGM Herman Wedemeyer, Honolulu, Hawai’i; spoke of the possibility of playing a regu- …2020 Texas assistant coaches defensive Movie Reviews from the 1950s with the (2007) Ken Kavanaugh, Sarasota, Fla. lar-season game at the end of spring train- coordinator Chris Ash and defensive tack- award-winning actor and emcee George Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall ing at one of the traditional bowl or cam- les coach Bo Davis have been interviewed Murphy who was host for the first NFF of Fame members Jan. 20 Ronnie Mallett, pus sites in an ESPN interview. He also as possible holdovers for the ’21 UT staff.. Awards Banquet at the Waldorf Astoria in Jan. 21 Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, addressed opening the 2021 season with …Tennessee Tech tabbed Lamont Seward 1958. The famed former Yale football play- Jacob Green, Aaron Taylor (Neb.), Jan. 22 bowl games Ð especially the cancelled con- as a new assistant coach…Tennessee chose er narrated dozens of these MGM shorts Bob Stein, Charles White, Joe Dudek, Jan. tests from post-2020 Ð and spoke of the Nick Davison as defensive line coach... with some of his best friends from all 23 Shelby Jordan, Jan. 24 Don Bosseler (a post-COVID-19 a hypothetical outing …Arizona State assistant head coach and walks of Hollywood and the sports world. spry 85), Patrick Willis… between Florida and Southern California co-defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce NFF College Hall of Fame Facts Kansas State and Stanford will meet in might draw in Miami or Orlando, Fla... become sole defensive coordinator and will Some notable birthdates in NFF the Allstate Kickoff Classic Sept. 4 at ….Alabama named former Penn State and send in defensive plays and formations. College Hall of Fame annals in the Jan. 19- AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas...UNLV NFL Dallas Texans head coach Bill Former NFL Cincinnati Bengals Marvin 25 time period are Jan. 19 (1892) Eddie and UTSA will start a six-game series on O’Brien as offensive coordinator…Dayton Lewis is moving into a special adviser’s Mahan, Natick, Mass.; (1932) Joe Schmidt, Oct. 2, 2021, and the Rebels will host head coach Rick Chamberlin said he post for the Sun Devils in 2021…Former

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 13 Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer porarily…Minnesota senior associate AD honors for the 2020-21 fall semester…The with just seven interceptions…Georgia QB spoke of the injection of offense current for facilities and capital projects Scott American will play a 32-game, intraconfer- JT Daniels is expected to be among top head coach Ryan Day has brought to the Ellison has retired after 32 years with the ence round-robin slate with up to 24 non- candidates for All-SEC honors after he program since taking the reins in 2019 and department…UNC Asheville AD Janet AAC contests allowed beginning in late decided to return for ’21…Clemson is before that as OSU’s offensive coordinator Cone related how UNCA sent student-ath- February or early March…The Southern seeking immediate assistance after the during the 2017 and ’18 outings. By the letes home for the holidays, and the young- Conference will form four subcommittees departure of All-ACC QB Trevor Lawrence way, Meyer is finalizing contract details to sters and parents were grateful for their to its Racial Equity and Justice Task Force and RB Travis Etienne who combined for become head coach of the NFL return from campus to their hometowns Ð the Education, Marketing, Supporting 17,000-plus yards of total offense for seven Jacksonville Jaguars…South Carolina with special attention to COVID-19 proto- Diversity, and Support Subcommittees have years with the Tigers…North Carolina QB named former Marshall strength and condi- cols…Ole Miss AD Keith Carter noted that had chairs appointed and will being meet- Sam Howell brings back 68 TD passes in tioning coach Luke Day to that post at the Rebels anticipated revenue is down $30 ing in coming days. two seasons and tons of savvy in ’21 for USC. million at this point in the athletics’ fiscal Bowl Season executive director Nick UNC head coach and NFF College Hall of Hometowns of more 2021 college head year but would have been down potentially Carparelli proposed that future NCAA Fame member Mack Brown…Miami (Fla.) coaches Ð TCU: Gary Patterson, Rozel, $60 million if the 2020 football season had names, images and likenesses’ compensa- QB and Houston transfer D’Eriq King Kan.; Texas: Steve Sarkisian, Torrance, not been conducted. He also noted that the tion for football student-athletes should appears to be on the road to recovery after Calif.; Texas A&M: Jimbo Fisher, SEC’s new television agreement with include required participation in bowl a knee injury and hopes to start the upcom- Clarksburg, W.Va.; Texas Southern: ESPN will be a game-changer financially games to receive full compensation..... ing season at 100 percent for the Hurricanes Clarence McKinney, Houston Texas; Texas …One of CarrSports most recent consults …Something to shoot for in 2021: some …DB Deane Leonard of the U. of Calgary State: Jake Spavital, Tulsa, Oklahoma. in July 2020 was the promotion of schools seeking their first time in the CFP (Canada) and LB Tavius Robinson who Longtime Duke director of athletics Incarnate Word AD Richard Duran to full- rankings in the coming year are Air Force, was at the University of Guelph (Canada) /vice president Kevin White is retiring Aug. time AD status…Marist director of swim- Akron, Arkansas State, Army West Point, both played regularly for Ole Miss in 2020 1 after serving in that post for 13 years. ming and diving Larry VanWagner is retir- Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, as transfers and enjoyed the bowl experi- White previously was AD at Notre Dame, ing June 1 after 45 years in this role... California, Central Michigan, Charlotte, ence against Indiana in an Outback Bowl Arizona State, Tulane, Maine and Loras.. …UTRGV president Dr. Guy Bailey said Colorado State, Connecticut, East Carolina, triumph after starring in Canada’s U …Some possible leading candidates for the university will continue to explore the Eastern Michigan, FIU, Florida Atlantic, SPORT Collegiate League before making White’s position are Duke senior deputy possible addition of a NCAA FCS or FBS Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Hawai’i, the trek to Oxford, Miss.…Alabama back- AD for administration, legal Affairs and football program with the Western Athletic Illinois, Kansas, Kent State, Louisiana up QB Bryce Young is awaiting his turn as chief of staff Nina King, St. John's (N.Y.) Conference’s expansion and return to foot- Tech, Maryland, Miami (Ohio), Middle All-America QB Mac Jones will not return AD Mike Cragg, NCAA executive vice ball as a championship sport in ’22. Tennessee, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern for the defending national champs along president Stan Wilcox, and Pennsylvania SEC commissioner Greg Sankey reflect- Illinois. North Texas, Ohio, Oregon State, with fellow NFL projections CB Patrick AD Grace Calhoun…UC Davis' director of ed that there was not a totally unified front Purdue, Rice, Rutgers, San Diego State, Surtain II, WR Jaylen Waddle and DL athletics search committee has convened among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas Christian Barmore…Texas A&M LB and made solid progress in statements from members on number of games, start of the State, Texas Tech, Troy, Tulane, UAB, UL Buddy Johnson has declared for the ’21 committee chair and faculty athletics repre- season and bowl contracts as COVID-19 Monroe, UNLV, USF, UTEP, UTSA, NFL Draft. The Aggies should be loaded sentative Dr. Scott Carrell…Ohio State AD conditions progressed. The commissioner Vanderbilt, WKU, and Wyoming. There again, though, with the returning triumvi- and 2007 NFF John L. Toner Award recipi- also noted that there may be legislation have been 74 schools represented in the rate of RBs Isaiah Spiller, Devon Achane ent Gene Smith was interviewed by The proposed to allow flexibility for the 25- first 42 national rankings over seven sea- and Ainias Smith who dominated SEC con- Undefeated's Bill Rhoden about NCAA player new enrollees’ limit due to excessive sons by the College Football Playoff. There tests along with key CB returnee Myles FBS administrators seeking to bring more transfers, opt outs and early NFL declara- were 91 different schools represented in the Jones. Youngsters expected to tussle for the Black head football coaches into the col- tions…Big Ten Conference commissioner 125 Bowl Championship Series standings A&M quarterback role in ’21 are Zach lege ranks…Kent State AD Joel Nielsen Kevin Warren spoke about the imperfect from 1998-2013 (16 years)…The CFP Calzada, Haynes King and Eli Stowers Ð will retire from the post after 11 years on season of 2020 due to massive COVID-19 championship skirmish between Ohio State all freshmen…Notre Dame RB Kyren June 30 to pursue other career opportuni- concerns and the importance of remaining and Oregon in January 2015 remains as the Williams has been noted on several way-to- ties …William & Mary interim AD Jeremy calm and thoughtful in times of challenges most viewed title telecast with 34.6 million early prognostications for All-America Martin reported the university has reached …The Southland Conference is working watching. This year’s Alabama-Ohio State honors in ’21….Southern California wide 62 percent (roughly $2.6 million) of its with Dallas-based with Eastman and contest attracted 24-26 million viewers as receivers Drake London and Bru McCoy 2020-21 academic year fundraising goal... Beaudine to assist in the future alignment final ratings’ tallies are being compiled. are projected to haul in as many as 100 …Georgia Southern AD Jared Benko note of the circuit. SLC commissioner Tom In bowl geography Alabama is now 13-7 in composite passes from Trojans returning on a recent podcast the challenges of Burnett noted that the conference had gone bowl games played in the state of Florida QB Kedon Slovis. The receivers combined COVID-19 and how GSU hopes to host through several membership changes for a while Ohio State is 2-11 in postseason play in ’20 for 54 catches and 738 yards in six more athletics events on the Savannah and number of years and would continue to in the Sunshine State after both met in the games…Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr. is Armstrong, Ga., campus…Missouri State adapt in coming months…The Western CFP Championship Game on Jan. 11…The working through injury rehab and hopes to AD and Football Championship Sub divi- Athletic Conference formally admitted new Southeastern Conference captured the most see some activity in ’21 spring workouts... sion Selection Committee chair Kyle conference members Abilene Christian, post-2020 bowl encounters with seven wins …Former Mississippi State QB-WR Moats explained about the 2021 number of Lamar, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. in 10 encounters…With the COVID-19- Garrett Shrader has transferred to Syracuse fewer at-large teams for the spring FCS Austin, and Southern Utah as new mem- related cancellation of 16 bowl games and …Texas junior-to-be QB Casey Thompson championship in Frisco, Texas, May 16 bers for the 2022-23 academic year and limited attendance protocols due to the has tossed for six career TDs in just 29 all- …Stephen F. Austin AD Ryan Ivey posited will renew WAC football after a 10-year pandemic, total bowl attendance was time pass attempts all-time for the ‘Horns... about some new expenses associated with absence with this development…Central 170,453 Ð the fewest fans since there were …Former Oklahoma TE Grant Calcaterra changing conference logos and travel Arkansas officially will join the Atlantic 137,042 for four major bowls during the and former Arizona State gridman Nolan expenses as the Lumberjacks move to the Sun Conference in 2022-23 after leaving height of the Great Depression in post- Matthews are transferring to SMU.. WAC in 2022…Loyola Marymount AD the Southland Conference…Chicago State 1935 college football. The 26 bowls played …Oklahoma State returning QB Spencer Craig Pintens discussed various hiring and confirmed that it will leave the WAC in were the fewest since there were 25 bowls Saunders was credited with stick-to-it-ive- financial practices during the COVID-19 2022, and current WAC member Grand in post-2001 Ð the winter after the events ness after returning from early injuries to era and announced the addition of former Canyon reiterated that it will not start a of Sept. 11, 2001. pass for 2,007 yards and 14 TDs last year San Diego State assistant AD for develop- varsity football program…Yahoo Sports Alabama kicker Will Reichard made all …Penn State hopes to continue its late-sea- ment and major gifts James Batley as sen- reported that Boise State and San Diego 98 of his kicks during the 13-0 team’s son roll with the comeback of WR Jahan ior associate AD for development at LMU State have had preliminary discussions national title campaign. He was 84-of-84 Dotson…Texas RB Keaontay Ingram has …Clemson associate AD of communica- about possible membership in the on extra-point boots and 14-of-14 on field requested entry into the ’21 NCAA transfer tions and strategic initiatives Jeff Kallin American Athletic Conference…The Lone goal tries…Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler portal…Virginia Tech RB Khalil Herbert noted that $64.8 million in upgrades at Star Conference had 2,254 student-athletes garnered Freshman All-America laurels has declared for the ’21 NFL Draft…LSU CU’s Memorial Stadium are on hold tem- have earned Commissioner's Honor Roll after passing for 3,031 yards and 28 TDs tight end Arik Gilbert will enter the 2021

14 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NFL Draft while 2020 Tigers teammate grad Bill Belichick has passed on receiving Texas…Texas Woman’s U. athletics has million from 702 total donors…South sophomore QB Myles Brennan is set to the 2020 Presidential Medal of Freedom. been hit exceptionally hard by COVID-19 Carolina athletics will receive an opera- return for the coming outing …Liberty The six-time NFL Super Bowl winning in 2020-21 and was able to play just one tional loan from the university’s general seeks to build on its 10-1 season again with coach is the godson of late NFF College women’s basketball game between Nov. 26 fund to cover missing revenues in 2020-21 standout starters QB Malik Willis and RB Hall of Fame coach Bill Edwards of -Jan. 16. The TWU gymnastics squad was due to the COVID-19 pandemic…Alaska TJ Green back in the fold…QB Andrew Vanderbilt and Wittenberg, was born at able to compete in an intrasquad skirmish Anchorage's alpine ski team was reinstated Brister, son of standout ULM and NFL QB Vanderbilt Medical Center where his dad on Jan. 9 and was slated to open its 2021 by the University of Alaska Board of Bubby Brister, appears to be a solid candi- Steve was previously on the assistant portion of the season against Lindenwood Regents after the sport was scheduled to be date to start as a freshman for Northern coaching at VU before going to Navy, and last Saturday. No spectators will be dropped, and there are possibilities with Colorado and head coach Ed McCaffrey in is named after coach Edwards…Several allowed at any Pioneers events until further continued fundraising efforts to bring back spring gridiron activity…Alabama All- news media outlets commented on the notice…There are 31 other collegiate bas- the UAA hockey and women’s gymnastics America RB Najee Harris complimented NFL’s desire to attract a younger audience ketball or winter sports’ teams affected this programs by a vote prior to the end of Ohio State’s defense for its rugged intensi- by simulcasting the New Orleans-Chicago week by COVID-19 pauses…The Virginia February. ty against the running game. He gained 125 contest on Jan. 10 on the popular young- women’s basketball joined SMU, San Jose The Dallas (Texas) Morning News news- hard-earned yards on 15 carries with a long sters’ cable network Nickelodeon…Former State and Duke in cancelling the rest of its paper editorial board projected a Top 25 for carry of 14 yards in the CFP crown test UCLA defensive back and longtime NFL 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pan- NCAA FBS schools in 2021, and the Top against the Buckeyes, but he did raise teams’ executive George Paton is the new demic…University of Calgary athletics 10 included Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama school record of TDs in one sea- general manager of the NFL Denver Broncos reflected on the lost seasons of 2020-21 Clemson, Ohio State, North Carolina, Iowa son to 26. Alabama senior LB-FB Joshua …The Texas University Interscholastic and the effect of players receiving an extra State, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, and McMillion also was praised for coming in League Class 5A Division I playoffs fea- year of eligibility in Canada similar to the Southern California…Instagram will begin as a blocking back for Harris on offense tured two father-son combinations of head NCAA extra-season rules for 2021-22.... helping musicians, including some college throughout the national championship cam- coaches and standout players. Denton …Hawai’i football is planning to play its student-athletes in the future months, earn paign…Former Vanderbilt QB Danny (Texas) Ryan HS featured head coach Dave 2021 home schedule at the Clarence T.C. money through tipping and merchandise Clark has entered the NCAA transfer por- Henigan and QB son Seth Henigan, a 2021 Ching Athletics Complex with on the sales online…Shay Segev and James tal…Former Oklahoma WR Charleston Memphis signee. Cedar Park HS is Manoa campus with additional seating and Rushton have been named-co-chief execu- Rambo finalized his transfer to Miami coached by Carl Abseck with son Gunnar other amenities. Aloha Stadium, which has tive officers for the global sports streaming (Fla.)…Nebraska has been bolstered by Abseck with 1,000-plus receiving yards hosted Rainbow Warriors football for 40- service DAZN Group…Sportico took a USC transfer RB Markese Stepp after 2020 …Aledo (Texas) HS won a school-record plus years, is in need of some immediate glance at meetings of 10 leading directors running backs Dedrick Mills (senior) and for 11-man football 10th state Texas foot- renovations before post-2021 bowl season of athletics prior to the 2020 fall season Wan’Dale Robinson (NCAA transfer por- ball championship in Class 5A Division …Collegiate Sports Management Group and what led to their decisions with confer- tal)…RB Ty Chandler is moving from over first-time state finalist Crosby HS last has chosen former NFL consumer products ences or independent schools about the Tennessee to North Carolina as a graduate Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas director Jim Connelly as CSMG’s senior start and continuation of football activity. transfer…Five additional North Texas play- …Katy HS near Houston also won its ninth vice president of consumer products…Ohio Connecticut AD David Benedict was fea- ers (one who opted out for the 2020 cam- Texas Class 6A UIL football trophy to tie State football produced a pre-CFP title tilt tured for his lengthy meetings and consul- paign) have entered the NCAA transfer for second-most all-time in the non-six- video with fans and famed actor and ath- tations before the Huskies decided to opt portal…Top 10 Pro Football Focus 2021 man football standings. The Katy head lete John Legend and LeBron James narrat- out of football contests last year…The NFL Draft possibilities are Clemson QB coach (winning his fifth state crown) is ing the piece…South Carolina State foot- Washington Post newspaper spoke with Traveor Lawrence, BYU QB Zach Wilson, Gary Joseph, son of longtime late Texas ball held a groundbreaking to replace the leading epidemiologists who are also col- Ohio State QB Justin Fields, Oregon OT High School Coaches Association execu- current synthetic turf of Willie Jeffries lege football fans and asked how they Penei Sewell, LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase, tive director Eddie Joseph…This also is the Field at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium with thought the 2020 football season was con- Penn State LB Micha Parsons, Alabama 100-year anniversary of UIL football play- Shaw Sports Turf being installed in time ducted and any different protocols that WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama WR DeVonta offs in Texas, and the first championship for SCSU’s season opener Feb. 20 against might have been needed…Fox Sports Smith, Florida TE Kyle Pitts, and North game (no classifications) resulted in a 0-0 North Carolina Central…Toyota North Southwest is working with several regional Dakota State QB Kyle Pitts…Former tie between Cleburne and Houston Heights America and Stanford’s Design Lab for and national cable providers to regain sta- Vanderbilt soccer standout-football kicker in January 1921 after the ’20 regular sea- automobiles are studying auto safety proce- tus on their basic broadcast packages... and North Texas soccer student-athlete son closed…Last Friday, Jan. 15, was the dures, which will impact in the future col- …Advertising placements on the 2021 CFP Sarah Fuller will be featured on a prime- 54-year anniversary of Super Bowl I at the lege athletics’ courtesy vehicles and other Championship Game on ESPN were run- time segment of coverage of the inaugura- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the transportation…According to industry ning slightly over $1 million for 30-second tion of 46th U.S. President Joe Biden NFL Green Bay Packers downed the AFL sources, the top five advertisers for the spots…Pac-12 Networks president Mark Wednesday. Kansas City Chiefs…Last Sunday’s NFL College Football Playoff championship Shuken was interviewed by Cynopsis NFF College Hall of Fame player and AFC semifinal game matched former Texas game were AT&T Wireless ($2.88 million), Sports about upcoming media rights deals, current Northwestern head coach Pat Tech QBs Patrick Mahomes and Baker Allstate ($2.61 million), Taco Bell ($2.15 the college sponsorship marketplace, Fitzgerald has been voted in as American Mayfield (later transferred to Oklahoma million), Dr Pepper ($2.11 million), and COVID-19 pandemic issues, and the chal- Football Coaches president for 2021... and won the 2017 Heisman Trophy) for the Chick-fil-A ($1.54 million). Of note, the lenges of live vs. taped sports content both …Wisconsin AD and NFF College Hall of defending Super Bowl champs Kansas City $2.11 million by Dr Pepper was almost the via cable and webstreamed…Broadcaster Fame coach Barry Alvarez was lauded for Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, respectively. same amount as Dr Pepper’s increase in Thom Brennaman has begun a new podcast his leadership of the Badgers on and off the More than 8,000 Georgia supporters scholarship funding for college students in entitled Dialed In with Urban Meyer as a field and a possible contract renewal for his donated $22.1M to the COVID-19 UGA 2020-21…The 2020 Texas University frequent guest…ESPN investigative current pact, which ends in 2022…NFF Athletics Fund during 2020 and another Interscholastic League high school football reporter and award-winning writer Mike College Hall of Fame coach LaVell $15.6 million to the Hartman Scholarship championships will be played in December Drago was highlighted in a recent Edwards was recalled in a story about Fund for the Bulldogs…CarrSports has at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas...The LinkedIn.com comment…CBS Sports BYU as Quarterback U and Cougars greats transferred ownership from founder and Journal of American Medicine has pub- columnist Dennis Dodd spoke with Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, former president/retired Houston and lished a study to promote cardiac MRIs as American Athletic Conference commis- Giff Nielsen, and Gary Sheide…Football Florida AD Bill Carr to managing partners part of the screening process for student- sioner Mike Aresco, and both espoused a historian Mike Burrows celebrated the 50- and longtime former college Mike Thomas athletes as a secondary health safety meas- major need to expand the College Football year anniversary on Jan. 11 of the last and Jeff Hathaway. Former Sun Belt and ure…LSU is working with Baton Rouge- Playoff to as many as eight or 16 teams game involving an American Football Western Athletic Conference commissioner based Invested Enterprise for an updated with additional bowl games in the mix... League team – Kansas City’s 23-7 victory Karl Benson has joined the 23-year-old version of NCAA compliance with an …Last week was the 20th birthday of over Minnesota of the NFL in Super Bowl company as a special consultant…Texas autumn 2022 starting date…Furman athlet- encyclopedic and sports history chronicling IV at historic and now-razed Tulane and Texas A&M athletics had to resched- ics’ Charge Forward Campaign started with Wikipedia founded by Auburn and Harvard Stadium in New Orleans, La….New ules classes and activities last Monday due a goal of $1 million from March-December alumnus Jimmy Wales…Profiles of all England Patriots head coach and Wesleyan to a mini-snowstorm in Central and South 2020 and ended with a whopping, $5.05 (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 15 members of the NFF College Hall of Fame in on some of the NCAA’s delays on the are provided on the Wikipedia.com website names, images and likenesses’ legislative with special links to Footballfoundation.org timetable and the delay of a final vote on biographies on each member’s Wikipedia the Division I one-time transfer rule... page…ESPN editorialized about whether …Former Ohio State wide receiver and coaches should be members of NCAA U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio) selection committees…The Coach & Crew noted he had some informal discussions show in Northern Virginia is in the process with President-elect Biden on NCAA of developing a 2021 college football pre- issues. view magazine. The FWAA awarded columnist Sid 2020-21 College Football Playoff Bowl Hartman, who first joined the Football Schedule with New Year’s Six Games Writers Association of America in 1945, as (All Games Televised by ESPN, Eastern) the posthumous recipient of the associa- Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 (CFP Semifinals) Ð tion’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the EST start times 2020 season. At 100 years of age, Hartman Rose Bowl presented by Capital One was still writing a regular column for the CFP Semifinal Minneapolis Star-Tribune. FWAA officers Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14 held the annual Awards Breakfast during AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas the College Football Playoff Championship Allstate Sugar Bowl Game weekend with president Doug Ohio State 42, Clemson 28 Lesmerises of Cleveland.com, executive New Orleans, La. director Steve Richardson, first vice presi- Monday, Jan. 11 dent Heather Dinich of ESPN, and second CFP Championship vice president David Ubben of The Alabama 52, Ohio State 24 Athletic…Zach Groen of the Big Ten Miami, Florida Conference, Tyler Neville of Maine, Chris Wednesday, Dec. 30-Jan. 2 (Other New Miller of St. Francis (Pa.), Jamie Hall of Year’s Six Bowls) Youngstown State, and Kenny Klein of Wednesday, Dec. 30 Louisville were featured subjects and opin- Goodyear Cotton Bowl ion makers in the CoSIDA Open Forum Oklahoma 55, Florida 20 online newsletter…Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Michigan Friday, Jan. 1ÐChick-Fil-A Peach Bowl State, Southern California, Tennessee, and Georgia 24, Cincinnati 21 UCLA are working with NCAA enforce- Atlanta, Georgia ment and compliance officials concerning Sat., Jan. 2 - PlayStation Fiesta Bowl possible issues and probes at their respec- Iowa State 34, Oregon 17 tive schools…The AFCA added West Glendale, Ariz., Virginia head coach Neal Brown, Capital One Orange Bowl Louisiana head coach Billy Napier and Texas A&M 42, North Carolina 28, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman to the Miami Lakes, Florida group’s 2021 Board of Trustees. The 2021-22 College Football Playoff Bowl AFCA also tabbed Lenape Valley (N.J.) Schedule with New Year’s Six Games Regional High School head coach Don (All Games Televised by ESPN, Eastern) Smolyn as the 2020 AFCA¨/AFCF¨ Friday, Dec. 31, 2021 (CFP Semifinals Power of Influence Award winner and & Championship Jan. 10) Ð Tentative EST named Pittsburgh’s Randy Bates as FBA Goodyear Cotton Bowl Assistant Coach of the Year…The 2021 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball 4 or 8 p.m. Championships could take place as soon as Capital One Orange Bowl 4-5 days after Selection Sunday, March 14. Hard Rock Stadium There have been reports that some of the Miami Lakes, Fla., 4 or 8 p.m. Indianapolis, Ind., area sites will be con- Monday, Jan. 10 - CFP Championship, tested starting Fridays or Saturdays March Semifinal Winners 19-21 or March 20-22 with the usual day Lucas Oil Stadium of rest between first and second rounds... Indianapolis, Ind., 8 p.m. …The NCAA has tabled a Division I Thursday, Dec. 30. 2021-Jan. 1, 2022 Council vote on the names, images and (Other New Year’s Six Bowls) likenesses’ legislation and a new timetable. Thurs., Dec. 30 Ð Chick Fil-A Peach The council will continue to keep the NIL Bowl Mercedes-Benz Stadium on its monthly meetings’ docket…The Atlanta, Ga., TBD NCAA Division III Executive Council Fri., Jan. 1 Ð PlayStation Fiesta Bowl withdrew its motion for upcoming NIL leg- State Farm Stadium islation…Sportico analyzed the possible Glendale, Ariz. TBD differences and outcomes in national ath- Friday, Jan. 1 Ð letics’ policies between NCAA president Allstate Sugar Bowl Dr. Mark Emmert and new Justice Mercedes-Benz Superdome Department administrators under incoming New Orleans, La., TBD 46th U.S. President and former Delaware Friday, Jan. 1 Ð Rose Bowl presented by football student-athlete Joe Biden…U.S. Capital One Senator Cory Booker of Stanford football Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, Calif. fame and representing New Jersey chimed ###

16 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO REVIEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLA Between Crossover SUV and Hatchback

7.1 seconds with all-wheel drive. These numbers provide no reason to make new entries in the record books, but represent satisfactory performance for most people on most roads. For greater enjoyment, the Sport driving mode sharpens throttle response and delays transmission upshifts to give the GLA 250 a little extra verve. 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 208 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,000 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD) The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $34,250. Add the $995 destina- tion charge for $35,245. The 4Matic AWD system runs another $2,000. For a premium vehicle, the GLA is priced attractively. Fight the urge to be impulsive, though, when consulting the options list. It’s possible to spend close to By kbb.com Annoyingly, those occasions often occur at level crossover SUV,” it still comes with $3,500 on supplemental driver aids alone. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 straddles the worst possible time, and that’s why it’s plenty of premium equipment as standard. Throw in a few comfort and convenience that vague ground between crossover SUV great to have another unblinking eye on the The long list includes a power liftgate, amenities, and the bottom line easily zips and hatchback. This subcompact vehicle road ahead, and with the ability to apply automatic dual-zone climate control, 18- past the $40,000 mark and well on the way has the much-loved raised driving position the brakes if necessary. inch aluminum-alloy wheels, selectable toward $50,000. and offers all-wheel drive. But whereas This technology is perfect for traffic driving modes, 14-way power-adjustable Compared to other vehicles like the most crossover SUVs tend to be a bit more jams on your daily commute. Pressing a front seats with memory settings, a high- GLA, the Audi Q3 and BMW X2 cost a lit- (or a lot more) imposing, the GLA 250 button keeps the brake applied, such as resolution 8-inch infotainment display, and tle more, while the Lexus UX and Volvo makes a little less of a splash. when stopped at a red light. So the driver keyless entry/ignition. Standard safety fea- XC40 cost a little less. The Infiniti QX30, Overall, the GLA 250 is charming, can relax that foot a little before stepping tures include forward-collision warning which shares a platform and powertrains credibly representing affordable luxury as on the accelerator pedal. with automatic emergency braking and with the GLA, as well as many interior it competes against rivals like the Audi Q3, The usual elegance Mercedes-Benz dis- driver-attention monitoring. parts, costs several thousand dollars less BMW X2, Infiniti QX30, Lexus UX and plays in its cabins is certainly evident in All-wheel drive (known as “4Matic” in than the Mercedes. Volvo XC40. However, a redesigned the GLA 250, but look a little closer and Mercedes jargon) costs an extra $2,000, Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Mercedes GLA is just months away, and if some of the plastics used are more main- bringing an Off-road driving mode, a dedi- Purchase Price to see what others in your you can wait, we recommend doing so. stream than premium in terms of quality. cated display and downhill-speed regula- area are paying for their new GLA 250. Driving the Mercedes-Benz GLA For the GLA to be the company’s least tion. According to KBB, resale value is not as Given the modest width and length of the expensive crossover SUV, some cost-cut- Additional options include leather seats, favorable as the Lexus UX and Volvo GLA 250, it feels about as stable and plant- ting has to happen somewhere. Besides, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, XC40. ed as it’s possible to be. These dimensions everything seems to be built well enough. adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree cam- Which Mercedes-Benz GLA Model is make it easy to park, helped by the light Being a subcompact, the 2020 GLA era system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Right for Me? steering, and the GLA feels perfectly at 250 is far from roomy, but space for rear smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, ambient Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 home in towns and suburbs. passengers is acceptable for average-sized LED cabin lighting, a hands-free tailgate, a 18-inch aluminum wheels On the freeway, it’s about as quiet as a adults providing those in front aren’t above panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, heated MB-Tex simulated-leather upholstery good mainstream car, but a little more average in height. With the rear seats front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system Dual-zone automatic climate control sound insulation wouldn’t go amiss in a flipped down, total cargo space is 43.6 upgrade, remote start/lock/unlock, and a 14-way-power front seats premium vehicle like this. Similarly, the cubic feet. For some context, the VW Golf semi-autonomous parking feature. In other Forward-collision warning w/automatic ride quality is comfortable and connected, compact hatchback has 52.7. words, many of the items offered for larger, emergency braking but not quite convincing as a luxury car. Whether or not you think the GLA 250 truly luxurious vehicles are available for Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG-Line Our thoughts on the dual-clutch automatic is a real SUV, it certainly has some of the the GLA 250. 19-inch AMG-design aluminum-alloy transmission’s shift action run along the same attitude with a chunky grille and fake A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder wheels same lines. skidplates on the lower front and rear fas- engine provides a healthy 208 horsepower AMG-design body kit The turbocharged engine, however, is cias of the all-wheel-drive version. Clearly, and 258 lb-ft of torque when burning pre- Perforated front-brake discs eager and punchy, a pleasant complement the GLA is sleeker than a typical SUV, too, mium unleaded gasoline. This is sent to the Painted front-brake calipers to the GLA’s nimble handling. Some driv- especially in comparison to the new boxy front wheels in standard form (FWD), or Black interior headliner ers might not like the noticeable way the Mercedes-Benz GLB. all four with the 4Matic system (AWD), Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Premium engine’s fuel-saving stop/start feature kicks Crossover SUV? High-riding hatch- through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Package back in, but they can easily turn it off if back? Whatever it is, it’s arguably easy on transmission. Steering-wheel-mounted shift Satellite radio w/free 6-month trial period they can’t get used to it. the eye. The GLA is also unmistakably a paddles give the driver manual control over Passive keyless entry system Even with the best of intentions, there Mercedes-Benz, with the prestige that the transmission. Hands-free power liftgate are times when your concentration wavers. accompanies the name. In performance terms, the sprint from Heated front seats Or you just might not notice something. Despite the GLA’s status as an “entry- standstill to 60 mph takes 7.2 seconds, or Blind-spot-monitoring system

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK Shabu Shabu: A boiling pot of soup bliss

begins with a Hot Pot full of freshly cut The Chicken, Green Mussels and Veggies and Tofu to cultivate the broth. Berkshire Pork come in three sizes. You There are a choice of 5 dipping Sauces to can add an additional Vegetarian platter accompany the process as well as Rice. with one of their three Noodles (Udon, The Sesame Peanut Goma, Citrus Ramen or Maloney). With so many com- Ponzu, Garlic Teriyaki, Rayu Oil and ponents to this meal everything goes into Ichimi Pepper condiments are both tradi- the pool and with expert guidance, add the By Richard Pollak tional yet experimental to the taste and remaining veggies to the Hot Pot of Soup The Traveling Gourmet range from smooth to robust to hot as hell! to complete the ultimate bowl of bliss. [email protected]

Shabu Shabu is a totally unique dining Extremely thin sliced Meats make for extremely fast cooking experience...one that I have never encoun- tered before. I was actually mesmerized by The protein is the start but certainly not what was in front of me. a solo act as Veggies play an important role Two giant hot pots of boiling bliss in the flavoring. preparing to be invaded by the freshest ingredients. A compliment of dipping sauces awaited along with the thinnest slices of prime protein on the planet.

Kimberly guided us through the Yoshi Shabu Shabu After mastering the art of the Hot Pot the soup is ready process

When dining at Yoshi Shabu Shabu, one And the hardest decion of all is dessert of their token staff members will expertly with a choice of a hard decision of Nom guide you through the preparation and Nom Ice Cream Bars with flavors ranging cooking process. Once the hot pot is pre- Rice topped with protein along with vegetables from Coffee Oreo to Fruity Pebbles for the pared, from one of their six signature base kids. broths, its time to enjoy. You can choose from a traditional Kombu Seaweed, very spicy Capsaicin, soybean paste Miso, Tsuyu seasoned Soy Sauce, Tonkotsu is a rich and creamy pork broth and Sukiyaki which is sweet and savory with an Egg (which was expertly held back to add a rich glow to the final bowl of noodle soup.) Traditional Japanese starters are elevated at Yoshi Shabu Shabu

A wide variety of Starters from the familiar Gyoza Dumplings, Edamame, Green Beans and a House Salad compete with a very unique Seaweed Salad or Gyudon Beef Ribeye, Karaage Chicken and Oyakodon Chicken which comes on top of a bowl of Rice or Noodles. Yoshi Shabu Shabu also offers Ramune Japanese Soda available in three flavors; Original, Melon and Strawberry. Japanese The Seafood is fresh and prepares quickly in the Hot Pot children love the challenge of popping the top of the bottle to the Soda. A task that I didn't accomplish on my own The Seafood is fresh and prepares quick- After the Starters, the main experience ly in the pot. A beautiful presentation of Shrimp, Scallops and Salmon are all ready to dive into the pool. If you are a master of Chopsticks they are available or you can simply plunge these sea morsels or use the custom scoop. Do not over cook the pro- teins. The New York Strip, Prime Beef Ribeye, Choice Ribeye come in seven sizes from a small with four pieces to Godzilla with 36 slices. The Wagyu Beef Ribeye is the most marbled and flavorfull on the menu. It's the The meal begins with an overflowing bowlof fresh cut veg- art of the quick dip that is so extreme! gies and Tofu

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 22 | January 22, 2021 - January 28, 2021 19 20 January 22, 2020 - January 28, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 22 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com