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July 30 - August 5, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 49 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 3 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 49 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Big 12 totals seven NBA selections Cover Photo: AROUND THE AREA traded to the via the Memphis 4 Grizzlies. Brown’s draft rights were traded RANGERS REPORT to the Portland Trailblazers. The 5 BY DIC HUMPHREY Longhorns had a third selection with GOLF, ETC Jericho Sims chosen by the Knicks. 6 BY TOM WARD This year's draft marked the 24th time OLYMPIC GOLF PREVIEW in 25 seasons for the Big 12 to produce 7 BY PGATOUR.COM first-round picks. It’s the 16th consecutive FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT year that at least one Big 12 student-athlete OLYMPIC GOLF VENUE has been taken in the NBA Draft lottery as SMU’s Goodwin named to All-Nicklaus 8 BY PGATOUR.COM one of the top 14 choices. The seven selec- team AAC FOOTBALL 2021 tions are the most since 2012. (SMU) - SMU's Noah 10 PREDICTIONS BY STEVEN LASSEN Overall, 84 players were chosen in the Goodwin was named to the All-Nicklaus past 14 drafts. A total of 131 players from Team, the Golf Coaches Association of NEWS AND 13 NOTES the Big 12 have been selected since the America announced this week. The team BY BO CARTER first league season. recognizes 24 golfers throughout all divi- KU has registered a total of 34 players sions of college golf for their outstanding 18 THE TICKET WINDOW OSU’s Cunningham Top Pick in NBA chosen since the Big 12 began play, more play during the 2020-21 season. Draft than any other league school. is next Goodwin, who adds All-Nicklaus to his AUTO REVIEW Oklahoma State’s with 23 draftees, followed by Iowa State litany of awards from the 2020-21 season, 19 BY KBB.COM was the No. 1 overall selection to highlight with 14. Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma becomes the second SMU player to earn seven Big 12 players chosen in the 2021 State have 10 each. Texas Tech (7), Kansas that distinction since the team was created NBA Draft. A trio of top 19 picks marked State (3), West Virginia (2) and TCU (1) in 2008, joining Bryson DeChambeau the 15th time the Conference has produced round out the Big 12 team draft totals. (2015). Goodwin was previously named a three or more in the first round. Big 12 Selections in the 2021 NBA Draft First Team All-American, American Cunningham became the Big 12’s third Round 1 Athletic Conference Golfer of the Year, top overall selection since 2009 when the 1. Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State) All-Central Region and was a finalist for Detroit Pistons took him off the board. He G, Detroit Pistons the Nicklaus Award and Haskins Award. joins Kansas’ (2014) and 9. (Baylor) Goodwin set the SMU record with a Oklahoma’s (2009). The G, Sacramento Kings 70.00 scoring average in the 2021 season, Sacramento Kings chose Baylor’s Davion 19. Kai Jones (Texas) and won medalist honors at the NCAA Follow us on Mitchell at ninth while the New York F, New York Knicks Stillwater Regional with a -15 under score. Knicks picked up Texas’ Kai Jones at 19th. Round 2 Goodwin had five top-5 finishes in eight Twitter & Facebook Jones’ draft rights were traded to the 36. Miles McBride (West Virginia) events, and had an impressive run from . Four more players were G, Oklahoma City Thunder Feb. 17 to May 18 where he shot a com- twitter.com/sportspagedfw taken in the second round beginning with 40. (Baylor) bined -39 in 16 rounds. West Virginia’s Miles McBride by the G, Pelicans Goodwin was the nation's top-ranked facebook.com/sportspageweek- Oklahoma City Thunder with his draft 43. Greg Brown III (Texas) golfer entering the NCAA Championships, rights traded to the Knicks. The New F, and currently ranks eighth on the 2022 Publisher Contact Us Orleans Pelicans selected Baylor’s Jared 58. Jericho Sims (Texas) PGA Tour U rankings. Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 LLC P.O. Box 820813 Butler and Texas’ Greg Brown. Butler was F, New York Knicks [email protected] Dallas, Tx. 75382 NCAA FOOTBALL www.sportspagedfw.com PRE-SEASON TOP 25 Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert TEAM 2020 Record Cortinez. James McAnally 1. Alabama 13-0 2. Clemson 10-2 JULY JULY AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST AUGUST 3. Oklahoma 9-2 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 4. 8-2 FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 5. Iowa State 9-3 6. 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4 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Football is in the air on the hilltop

question of picking the right one. At least Commission. Mazza is a transfer from Dykes has good options. Washington State and was one of 20 semi- Cincinnati was last year’s conference finalists for this award in the 2019 season. champion, finishing in the Top 10. They Shaine Hailey is on the preseason watch should be good again. The Mustangs face list for the Danny Wuerffel Trophy. The the Bearcats in Cincinnati late in the sea- Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to college son. Houston and Memphis are expected football players that serve others to cele- to be good teams, and the Mustangs face brate their positive impact on society. both on the road. It’s not an easy schedule, Hailey is the Chairman of the Community but the AAC is a good football conference. Outreach and Donor relations for the It takes a good team to win the conference, Détente Collective. He is also the founder and the Mustangs are optimistic they final- of the Feeding Homeless initiative. ly have the quality players and depth to be Men’s : a real factor in the conference race. The pairings for the conference sched- Post season award watch list: ule were announced this week. The eight Maxwell Award given annually to the teams the Mustangs play twice are most outstanding player in college football. Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis, Temple Reggie Roberson, Jr. and Tulane, Tulsa, South Florida and Wichita running back Ulysses Bentley, IV are both State. SMU will host Central Florida at This fwill be the most anticipated season of SMU football since the 1980’s on the initial watch list. Bentley, IV led and go on the road to the American Athletic Conference with 913 play East Carolina to complete the 18- rushing yards last season. Roberson started game conference schedule. ly improve his draft position next spring. four games last year before an injury ended The Mustangs return All-AAC honoree Dykes has also been a master at utiliz- his season. In those four games he caught Kendric Davis along with starters ing the transfer portal. This year he has 22 passes for 474 yards and five touch- Emmanuel Bandoumel and Isiah Jasey. brought in notable players such as quarter- downs. Jahmar Young, Jr., Darius McBride and back Tanner Mordecai, tight end Grant Ulysses Bentley, IV is on the Doak Alex Tabor, Jr. also return from last year’s Calcaterra and linebacker Isaac Slade- Walker Award watch list. The Doak team. Tim Jankovich has Matautia. All three have the potential to be Walker Award is given annually to the brought in transfers Zach Nutali from Sam All-Conference players. They aren’t the nation’s outstanding running back. Houston State where he was the Southland only ones, but perhaps the most important Bentley, IV was also on the watch list last Conference Player of the Year, Marcus newcomer to this year’s team is defensive season after his fast start. Weathers from Duquesne where he was BY DIC HUMPHREY coordinator . Dykes bucked the Reggie Roberson, Jr. and Rashee Rice twice on the All-Atlantic 10 team, Michael [email protected] trend in college football of hiring younger are on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. Weathers from Texas Southern where he MEMBER: USBWA coordinators in their late 30’s and early The Biletnikoff Award is given annually to was SWAC Newcomer of the Year, Tristan 40’s for the experienced old pro in Leavitt. the top receiver in the nation. Rice played Clark who was on last year’s National UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas Ð With the Slade-Matautia, the linebacker transferring in all ten games last season leading the Championship Baylor team, and Franklin calendar flipping to August this weekend, from Oregon, came specifically to be team with 48 receptions for 633 yards and Agunanne from Loyola . football has almost arrived on the Hilltop. coached by Leavitt. The Mustangs defense five touchdowns. Jankovich has also added newcomers Players are reporting August 5, and the first has been much of the problem in failing to Grant Calcaterra is on the John Mackey Zhuric Phelps (2021 Texas Mr. Basketball), workout is scheduled for August 6 in win big games the last two years; but this Award watch list. It is given to the most three star recruit Jalen Smith, Stefan preparation for the Mustangs’ opening season with better personnel and Leavitt in outstanding tight end in the nation. Todorovic from Serbia, and Tyler game on September 4 against Abilene charge, the defense could well match the Calcaterra is a transfer from Oklahoma. Lundblade a McDonald’s All-American Christian. This fall will be the most antici- Mustangs’ dynamic offense efficiency- Jaylon Thomas is on the Outland nominee. pated season of SMU football since the wise. Trophy watch list. It is presented annually It was also announced this week that 1980’s. Head Coach has put The largest question for this team is by the Football Writers of America to the SMU will be playing in the Jacksonville together his best team yet going into his . Shane Buechele has moved nation’s top interior lineman. Classic in Jacksonville, Florida on fourth season as Head Coach. Dykes has onto the , and unques- Receiver Danny Gray was named to the November 21 and 22. They will play led his teams into the Top 25 in each of the tionably, he was the key to the Mustangs’ Award watch list. This Missouri in the semifinal game and either past two seasons, but in both years, the success the last two seasons. The Rangers award goes to the most versatile player in Florida State or Loyola Marymount in the Mustangs faded at season’s end. Dykes signed Preston Stone out of high school college football. It is given by the other game. The November 24 game has said he felt like depth was a big reason this year, one of the top five Louisville Sports Commission in memory against Sam Houston State at Moody for the late season drop-off; but this year, in the 2021 high school class. He graduat- of the late Paul Hornung, a football legend Coliseum is also part of this event. he has more depth than ever before. ed early and enrolled this spring at SMU in both college and pro football and a NOTABLE: With the COVID situation last fall pro- allowing him to participate in spring train- Louisville native. Gray is one of the fastest • SMU Men’s golfer Noah Goodwin was viding last year’s seniors the option to ing. Mordecai comes from Oklahoma, and players ever in SMU history. He started all named to the All-Nicklaus team, the Golf return for an additional year of eligibility, he too was enrolled this spring and partici- eight games last year catching 33 passes Coaches Association of America Dykes has 91 scholarship players. Most pated in spring training. He was a four star for 448 yards and four touchdowns. He announced this week. The team recognizes notable among those returning is Reggie quarterback coming out of high school. also rushed for two more touchdowns. He 24 golfers throughout all divisions of col- Roberson, Jr., the Mustangs best receiver Not to be forgotten is Derek Green, a back- led the Mustangs with nine kick-off returns lege golf for their outstanding play during and a solid NFL prospect. Roberson’s last up to Buechele last season. He played par- for 180 yards. the 2020-2021 season. Goodwin joins two seasons have been shortened with ticularly well in spring training, and he has Kicker Blake Mazza is one of 40 on the Bryson DeChambeau as the only SMU injuries. He surprisingly chose to return to the genes. His father is former NFL quar- Watch List. It is presented golfers to be named to the All-Nicklaus SMU rather than explore the NFL draft to terback Trent Green. annually to the top place kicker in the team since its inception in 2008. prove that he can stay healthy and hopeful- The quarterback problem may be a nation by the Palm Beach County Sprots

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 5 GOLF, ETC. WITH TOM WARD Tom’s Tips: Taking Aim at your Problem

left side (for right-handed golfers) to set-up a one piece takeaway synchronizing all motions. Reason number 2: The golf ball is a great hypnotist. Trying to keep your eye on the ball is like a hypnotist staring into a per- son’s eye. The ball hypnotizes the player into hitting it. One of the biggest mistakes golfers make has to do with not swinging TOM WARD [email protected] to their intended target. Usually golfers will tell you they are swinging to hit the Years ago I heard a story about an ball when, in reality, their target isn’t the accomplished marksman who was passing ball, but the fairway or the green. This is through a local town in which he saw evi- why most golfers practice swings are actu- dence of some amazing shooting. ally better than there real swings. The rea- Seemingly everywhere he looked he son this occurs is because during an actual saw targets with a bullet hole in the exact swing at the ball, the ball becomes the tar- center of the bull’s eye on trees, barns and get of their focus. Once the eyes lock on fences. He sought out the marksman who the ball for too long, the mind can start had performed these astounding feats. grinding out too much information, and When he finally caught up to the man he this can become detrimental because it can gave him a congratulatory handshake and inhibit the golfer from simply reacting said, without thinking. Here is a thought I use “How did you do it? Your shooting when teaching blind students to play golf. beats anything I’ve ever seen.” The marks- Substitute sight for sound. Concentrate on man replied, hearing the sound that the clubhead makes “No trouble at all. I just shot first and when contacting the ball. That sound can then drew the circles around the holes.” tell you a lot as well as taking your mind People often aim at nothing and then off hitting. try to draw the lines of life around acciden- I will have more on this topic in future tal marks. The key to success is you must articles. take aim. Reason number 3: Physical vs. Mind’s Eye. I can’t tell you how many times over For the body to swing the club to the target the years asking students to point in the you must see the target and since your direction of their intended target, without head is not in position for the physical eye looking. You would be amazed at how to see the target we must train the mind’s many times they would point nowhere near eye to see it. This takes understanding and where they thought the target should be. practice. Seeing the target with the mind’s Outside of alignment and taking aim there eye is a key ingredient in developing a are a few other issues that give golfers good swing that produces solid, consistent problems. results. When the swing gets underway the Golf is a game of motion like other mind’s eye must be in control of the physi- sports. So why is it that the motion of a cal eye. This is where the player must proj- golf swing creates so much difficulty for ect to the target. This position in other players? I’ve pinpointed 3 main reasons. sports allows the use of the physical eye. 1. Starting the swing from a stationary pitcher is looking at the catcher position. and batter while throwing the ball to home 2. The golf ball. plate. The quarterback is looking at his 3. Eyes. receiver running down field while he is Starting from a fixed position builds up throwing the football to the area where he tension, which interfaces with motion. thinks the player will be. In golf, where is With the body stationary it encourages the eye? Focused on the ball. The ball is starting the clubhead first. Once the club NOT the target. In golf, the physical eye gets ahead of the legs it’s really tough to encourages the motion to go to the ball. It catch up. takes the mind’s eye to create the target In most all sports, some part of the motion. body is in motion prior to swinging. For This is another area I will touch on in instance, when throwing a ball, baseball or greater detail in upcoming articles. football, the feet and legs are in motion By making some of these adjustments prior to the arm swing. This is the reason in your game you’ll be on the path to the forward press is popular with the best becoming a straight-shooter, and you won’t players in the world. Before starting the need a sharpie pen like that fake marksman club back get some part of your body in going around the course drawing circles motion. Even if it is just wiggling the toes. near the pins on the greens. Getting the body in motion allows the Tom can be contacted atwww.teetimewithtom.com

6 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR This week on TOUR: Tokyo Olympics

Kasumigaseki’s West Course to earn his (, First Round, 2016), Matt first Masters invitation. … The first Kuchar (United S Olympic golf competition took place in LAST TIME: Great Britain’s Justin Rose 1904, with Canadian George S. Lyon stayed steady throughout the four rounds of claiming gold. This year, will be Olympic competition Ð his effort highlight- represented by former Kent State team- ed by a Saturday 65 Ð and he sat tied with mates Corey Conners and Mackenzie Henrik Stenson at 15 under heading into Hughes, both of whom are coming off top- the final hole of competition. His approach 15 finishes in The Open… None of the landed less than 3 feet from the hole and, three medalists from 2016 Ð Rose, Henrik after a Stenson three-putt bogey, Rose was Stenson and -- qualified for the gold medalist. American Matt Kuchar this year’s field… Three of the four major entered the final round tied for seventh, but champions from 2021 are in the Olympic his closing 63 (which matched the round of field, with (PGA the tournament) moved him all the way Championship) the lone exception… Rory into the bronze-medal position. Kuchar, McIroy and are looking to Stenson, and Rose were the only three match Justin Rose as gold medalists who golfers to get to double-digits under par for are also FedExCup champions… The the competition. men’s competition starts at 6:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 28, and runs for the HOW TO FOLLOW next four days. It will be a 72-hole stroke (All times Eastern) play event with no cut. The top three fin- ishers on the leaderboard will win medals. Television: Wednesday-Saturday, 6:30 72-HOLE RECORD: 268, Justin Rose p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). (Great Britain, 2016) 18-HOLE RECORD: 63, Marcus Fraser Kasumigaseki Country Club was founded in the 1920s

Tokyo to represent Ireland alongside 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry … ’s Sungaje Im and Si Woo Kim both withdrew from , citing their desire to have extra time to prepare for the Games… Great Britain will be represented by Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood as they look The Tokyo Olympics to match countryman Justin Rose’s gold- July 28 - July 31, 2021 medal winning performance from 2016. … Kasumigaseki Country Club Australia is represented by the same pair Tokyo, that teamed up to win this year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Marc Leishman By Adam Stanley and Cameron Smith. PGATOUR.COM FEDEXCUP: N/A The Tokyo Olympics are underway COURSE: Kasumigaseki Country Club after a one-year delay, with the golf com- (East Course), par 71, 7,447 yards. petition making its second consecutive Founded in the 1920s, this private golf appearance in the Games. Golf made its course about an hour from Tokyo’s down- Olympic return in 2016 after a 112-year town area first hosted the Canada Cup absence. (now the of Golf) in 1957. FIELD NOTES: The is the Most recently it hosted the -Pacific only country that had four players qualify Amateur Championship in 2010, and the for the 60-man field. The American contin- East Course was re-designed by Tom and gent includes this year’s PLAYERS cham- Logan Fazio in 2016 to ready it for the pion, Justin Thomas, and The Open cham- Olympics. Players will be challenged by pion, Collin Morikawa. With Xander prominent lakes, bunkers, and tree-lined Schauffele also on the squad, Team USA fairways and the Fazio redesign both features three of the top five players in the reflected the original work of C.H. Alison Official World Golf Ranking. Morikawa while also adding undulations to the fair- leads the FedExCup standings, while ways, added size to the greens, and Thomas and Schauffele also sit inside the increased the size and depth of the bunkers. top 10. Patrick Reed was added to the team Precise iron play will be key. after Bryson DeChambeau tested positive STORYLINES: All eyes will be on for COVID-19, making Reed the only Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. The reigning American to play in both the 2016 (T11) Masters champion will try to pair a gold and 2021 Games… Two-time FedExCup medal with his Green Jacket. He won the champion Rory McIlory is heading to 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur on

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 7 Five Things to Know: Olympic golf venue

important international sports event ever five members including Kinya Fujita, held in the Far East.” who’d taken up the game while studying at In preparation, Kasumigaseki’s greens Columbia University and working in New were covered in bales of straw each night York. The East Course was renovated two for weeks leading into the event. The straw, years later by famed British architect C.H. which was removed each morning, was Alison. Kasumigaseki’s West Course was believed to protect the grass. Those greens built in 1932, making it the country’s first gave the home team an advantage that 36-hole club. helped it dominate a field littered with After the East Course’s greens were future World Golf Hall of Famers. severely damaged by snow, two greens “The biggest enemy is going to be (the) were built on each of Kasumigaseki’s 36 swank and tricky Kasumigaseki Course, a holes. One green featured Korai grass for nightmare of traps and greens of coarse warm weather and bent grass for cold Korai grass,” a newspaper report read. weather. “The grain of the grass grows hectically Eight years later, however, the Japanese in every direction, like the extra rough government ordered its citizens to refrain beard featured in shaving cream commer- from playing golf because of World War II. cials,” Wind wrote in . Part of the West Course was requisitioned Despite its unfamiliarity with the putting by the Japanese military and several holes Kasumigaseki Country Club and its East Course will host 60 players from around the globe surfaces, the U.S. team was still a formida- were sold for farmland to raise necessary ble duo. The U.S. had won the previous funds to run the club during the war. The year’s Canada Cup and the 1957 lineup club closed in 1945, and later that year was Five Things to Know: Olympic golf most vaunted venues. Kasumigaseki refers featured and , requisitioned by the U.S. Air Force. venue Historic Kasumigaseki Country to itself as the Koshien of Japanese golf. who’d combined for 10 major titles. The use of 18 holes didn’t occur again Club will host the men’s and women’s Koshien, which ESPN’s Jeff Passan called The Japanese team of Torakichi until 1946 after the recovery of nine holes golf competitions in this year’s Games “the country’s most sacred sporting Nakamura, 41, and , 39, sepa- from each course. The portion of the East grounds,” is the site of Japan’s annual high- rated themselves on the putting surfaces, Course that was sold as farmland was By Sean Martin school baseball championship. Japanese though. bought back in 1950. Two years later, the PGATOUR.COM players like Shohei Otani, Masahiro Despite trailing the U.S. by five shots U.S. Air Force ended its requisition of the When golf returned to the Olympics Tanaka, Hideki Matsui and Daisuke after the first day, Japan charged to a nine- club after nearly seven years and the East five years ago, a new course was designed Matsuzaka became national heroes at shot victory in front of a partisan gallery of Course regained its original 18 holes. A specifically for the competition. This time, Koshien before embarking for Major approximately 12,000 fans. Japan finished new West Course was opened in 1954, the Games will visit a historic venue that is League Baseball. at 19-under 557. Snead and Demaret fin- making Kasumigaseki a 36-hole club once nearly a century old. Kasumigaseki “For nearly a century, Koshien has host- ished second in the team competition. again. Country Club is one of the oldest clubs in ed twice-annual championships that marry Nakamura won the individual title by Visitors to the course have included Japan and was the site of the stunning the interest of the NFL, the urgency of the seven shots over three players, including Gene Sarazen, in 1937, as well as the Big upset that sparked the country’s passion for NCAA basketball tournament and the Snead and a young , who Three of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and the game. Kasumigaseki also played a cru- parochialism of the World Cup,” Passan turned 22 a few days later. Player won his Player. The trio filmed one of its televised cial role in Hideki Matsuyama’s career, set- wrote in his book, “The Arm.” first PGA TOUR title the following year. matches at Kasumigaseki in 1967. The East ting him on the path that led to this year’s Matsuyama only earned an invitation to Wind wrote this about the unique swings of Course was selected as Golf Magazine’s Masters title. the Asia-Pacific Amateur because Japan, as the winning duo, both of whom were for- top 50 courses in the world in 1979. Before the Games, here are Five Things the host country, received extra spots in the mer caddies: “Over the four days, their Tom Fazio and his son, Logan, were to Know about Kasumigaseki Country field. That good fortune changed the course play from tee to green was steady rather tabbed in 2014 to renovate the East Course, Club and its East Course, which will host of his career. than exceptional. Neither is a stylist, or building one green for each hole and mak- 60 players from around the globe in both Matsuyama went on to win by five shots, close to it. On his backswing, Nakamura ing it a modern test. the men’s and women’s competitions. earning an invitation to the 2011 Masters. lurches his whole body way around to the 4. ALISON’S IMPACT: Alison, who ren- 1. HIDEKI’S HISTORY: Green and He was low amateur at that Masters, thanks right, thrusting his hands into the air as if ovated Kasumigaseki’s original East gold. They complement each other well. in large part to a third-round 68 that he to grab the rope of a bell in a belfry. Ono course, is often overlooked by his longtime Matsuyama already owns a Green Jacket recently called “a round I’ll never forget.” has a very flat backswing on which he architecture partner, Harry Colt, who is one after winning this year’s Masters. He’s the Steve Stricker, then the world’s eighth- loosely flips the club open and shut with of the most influential architects of all-time first Japanese man to win one of golf’s ranked player, congratulated Matsuyama as his wrists. … Their driving, while short, and credited with turning golf course archi- major championships. It was an accom- he walked off the 18th green. was at least as straight and serviceable as tecture into a profession. Colt influenced plishment that earned him the Prime “That round gave me the confidence any of their rivals’. Their iron play was far many of the Golden Age’s top architects, Minister’s Award upon his triumphant that I could play here,” Matsuyama said at from brilliant but it was good.” including Alison, Alister Mackenzie and return to his homeland in April. There will this year’s Masters, “I could play profes- Player said about the victorious team, Donald Ross. be no spectators at the Olympic competi- sional golf as a career.” “I’ve never seen such putting in my life.” Colt and Alison teamed up in 1906. tion but it’s still safe to say that the host 2. CUP RUNNETH OVER: Serving as a A recent slump had some questioning Thirteen years later, they teamed up with country’s eyes will be focused on springboard for Matsuyama’s success was Ono’s selection to the team, but “the slim, Mackenzie, who would later design Matusyama’s medal quest. not the first time Kasumigaseki contributed dour chap,” as Wind described him, fin- Augusta National, to form the firm of Colt, While most of the field has never seen to golf’s popularity in Japan. ished fifth in the individual competition. Mackenzie & Alison in 1919. Kasumigaseki, Matsyuama has already The East Course also served as the The entire tournament was televised in Alison’s career took off after he moved won two important titles there: the 2009 venue for the , which Japan and covered widely in newspapers. to the United States, where he designed Japan Junior and 2010 Asia-Pacific became the World Cup. Thirty two-man The exposure, and the home team’s upset, such courses as the Country Club of Amateur (on the West Course). teams arrived at Kasumigaseki for the first is credited with starting Japan’s golf boom. Detroit, Sea Island and consulted on Pine Kasumigaseki has hosted the Japan major international golf tournament played 3. A HISTORIC CLUB: Kasumigaseki Valley. Junior for the last 50 years, which earns it in Asia. Sports Illustrated’s Herbert Warren was founded in 1929 with the opening of Alison arrived in Japan on December, 1, a comparison with another of the country’s Wind upped the ante, calling it “the most the East Course, which was designed by 1930, on a ship from California.

8 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Alison was only in Japan for a few half, and owns six top-5 finishes. In his where Xander will compete. He has visited months in 1930, but he designed and reno- first opportunity to represent the U.S. in Japan “10 or 12 times,” he estimates, and is vated several courses and his impact on Presidents Cup play two years ago, very comfortable there. (“It’s a place I hold golf in Japan is still felt. His trip to Japan Schauffele took down seasoned Australian dear to me,” he said.) is compared to Mackenzie’s trip to Adam Scott at Royal Melbourne to collect Stefan, a man of French-German ances- Australia, which resulted in the building of a key Sunday singles point in a tight U.S. try, was making progress as a decathlete many of the country’s best courses, such as road victory. when, at 20, he was involved in a horrific Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath. Schauffele was a nice surprise found in car accident, struck by a drunken driver. Alison is considered the father of Japanese the back pages of the PGA TOUR’s deco- The impact of the crash cost Stefan his architecture because of the courses he had rated high school yearbook of 2011. He vision in his left eye, and it led to two a hand in and his influence on Seiichi didn’t arrive with the accolades or pedigree years of surgeries. Stefan would move to Inoue and Osamu Ueda, two of Japan’s top that Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas had. California, and became consumed with architects. While those two led a pair of powerhouse golf, learning and tinkering and becoming Alison’s large, steep-faced bunkers are Xander Schauffele and his father share programs to NCAA titles, Schauffele start- a pretty good player himself. In 15 months, still called ‘Alison bunkers’ in the country gold medal dreams Xander Schauffele ed his college career in relative anonymity he became a scratch player. because they are so closely associated with and his father share gold medal dreams at little Long Beach State before transfer- Stefan’s advice often extends beyond his his designs. “His eye-catching bunkering, ring to San Diego State. son’s swing. Though the two laugh about often severely large and deep in equal By Jeff Babineau In fact, when Schauffele made it to his the conflicts that can arise because of their measure, can call for courageous shots,” PGATOUR.COM first TOUR Championship at the end of stubborn natures, especially during Stefan’s Peter Pugh and Henry Lord wrote. Author Earlier this year, Xander Schauffele was 2017, he had yet to even meet Spieth or short-lived career as his son’s caddie, the Keith Cutten called Alison’s bunkers somewhat lukewarm toward competing in Thomas. He was something of an interlop- elder Schauffele is quick to dole out father- “unusually grand in scale, frequently deep the Olympic Games. The 32nd Olympiad er, having reached East Lake on the tiniest ly wisdom and encouragement. and often downright intimidating.” would be contested in a busy window near thread after playing his final six holes of He once told Xander that confidence is When Alison saw Kasumigaseki, he was the finish of the PGA TOUR season, the previous week’s BMW Championship like a little plant; it takes forever to grow, impressed with its setting but said the wedged between the year’s final major and in 6 under to nail down the 30th and final and can be stomped out in seconds. course needed better greens and bunkers. a World Golf Championship, with the spot at East Lake. He left Atlanta with the Heeding those words, just imagine how Alison’s assistant, George Penlace, com- FedExCup Playoffs right around the corner. tournament trophy -- leaping to third in the empowered Xander felt four years ago menced the renovation work and Inoue COVID-19 still was in play, and Tokyo is a FedExCup standings -- and was voted upon finishing fifth at Erin Hills in his served as site assistant, giving him first- long, long way to travel. Rookie of the Year. national championship. “The plant grew hand experience executing Alison’s philos- Schauffele Ð measured, wise and Ask Schauffele, and he’ll tell you he pretty fast,” Xander said. “It almost turned ophy. mature beyond his 27 years Ð eventually should win more. He has four victories in into a tree, actually.” “(Alison’s) courses were often long and decided he would step back and seek the 114 PGA TOUR starts, but none since the With strict COVID-19 restrictions in difficult; which, again, was a legacy of his counsel of his father. Stefan Schauffele is 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions. place for Olympians in Tokyo, most family experience at Pine Valley (where he had the only swing coach Xander has ever had He can look across his record of the last members of the Olympic athletes are previously worked),” Cutten wrote. and once had Olympic aspirations of his two seasons and take pride in the consis- reduced to watching it on TV. There will be 5. UPDATING A CLASSIC: own, dreaming of representing Germany in tency, however. He has finished outside the no galleries allowed. As Xander’s coach, Kasumigaseki will measure approxi- the decathlon. top 25 just six times in his last 36 TOUR Stefan will be on the grounds, able to mately 7,500 yards for the Olympic com- Xander weighs all the big decisions in starts and has eight top-3s in that span, watch every shot. If the father could not petition. Tom Fazio was tasked with mod- life by taking the pragmatic, 30,000-foot though no wins. It’s been good enough to fulfill his own Olympic quest, having his ernizing Kasumigaseki and getting it ready view of the situation. He posed one blunt propel him to No. 5 in the world. With son compete beneath the iconic Olympic for another international competition. His question to himself: "If I don’t go to the eight U.S. players residing in the top 10 of rings is the next best thing. The dream lives renovation, along with his son, Logan, gave Olympics, will I regret my decision?" the world ranking, and only four spots on. the East Course a single green on each The more Xander sorted through all the available on the U.S. Olympic team, mak- “It’s sort of an opportunity that I didn’t hole, lengthened the layout and removed or pros and cons and sifted through the emo- ing this squad in itself was a tall accom- have,” Stefan said, “and now I get to live it moved some trees. The new putting surface tions swirling inside, the more he thought plishment. because he has it. It’s a little sad that … we was often placed between the two existing about being States-side and watching his Schauffele even gets credit for Phil can’t go anywhere (to see other sports). So greens, adjoining the putting surfaces to peers on television competing for gold. Mickelson’s record-setting win in this it’s harder to get the Olympic spirit, if you create a single green. From there, the answer came easily. He year’s PGA Championship, inspiring the will. But we’ll manage to get some of it “We kept the holes in the same loca- was headed to Japan. He needed to be now-51-year-old by beating him in matches once there.” tion, just tweaked them and adjusted the there. during the COVID-19 lockdown. After Golf at the Olympics? When Schauffele fairway bunkers for today’s distances,” “It’s a big deal to be an Olympian,” he winning at Kiawah Island, Mickelson started to make his way in the game a jun- Fazio told PGATOUR.COM. “We shaped said. recalled how Schauffele shot 64-63-62 in ior, it was yet to be a reality. Golf isn’t like the greens for modern standards. We kept Here we are, on the threshold of golf’s three successive matches. The last victory most of the more established Olympic the feel of the old course. We contoured the second consecutive appearance in the included an ace on the second-to-last hole sports. In terms of building Olympic tradi- entire course from tee to green to give it a Olympics after a hiatus that stretched more after Mickelson had hit it to 4 feet on the tion, it remains in the starting blocks. distinctive look and add a degree of fram- than a century, and there is little reason to 220-yard, par-3. “Deep down, I’m not going to lie,” ing and definition while keeping the holes think Schauffele will not find his way into “I went back and talked to Amy and I'm Schauffele said, “growing up it was all in the same corridors.” the mix. He tends to rise on the bigger like, ‘I don't know how I'm going to beat about watching major championships and Instead of two grasses for different sea- stages, ever since emerging on the weekend this guy. He's probably playing the best of in red on Sundays. When my sons, Kasumigaseki now has bentgrass leaderboard at the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin any player in the world right now,’” head hit the pillow at night, that’s what I greens and Zoysia on the rest of the course. Hills. That was his very first major, and his Mickelson said. “I saw what it looked like envisioned. It wasn’t being an Olympian. It The Olympics will be held during Japan’s tie for fifth would spark a memorable rook- to play at the highest level." wasn’t in the cards. “A gold medal? That’s hot and rainy summer, meaning course ie summer on the PGA TOUR. Olympic gold certainly would be a nice something I’ve dreamt of more recently. … conditions will be soft. Consider Schauffele’s record at the U.S. way to end his victory drought. Heck, I think it would be cool to say you have a Fazio said the course has the feel of a Open, an event that prides itself on its diffi- heading home with any medal would be gold medal Ð or any kind of medal Ð from northeast Donald Ross. PGA TOUR agron- culty: In five starts, he has finished no terrific. Schauffele will tee it up at the Olympics.” omist Dennis Ingram, who has been on-site worse than seventh. Pretty stout. Kasumigaseki Country Club outside Tokyo Very cool indeed. It certainly would since May, said the trees give it a Monterey Schauffele has been in the mix on Sunday perhaps as well-represented culturally as validate the decision he made to go all the Peninsula feel. Ingram called it a, “big, twice at the Masters, including this April’s any player in the field. His mother, Ping- way to Japan, and having the honor of rep- mainly wide open, in your face course of edition, and made a spirited run at the 2018 Wi Chen, is from Chinese Taipei, but was resenting his country, as a wise one. 7,600 yards with big, deep bunkers.” Open Championship at Carnoustie. In 18 raised in Japan. Her parents – Xander’s No regrets. major starts, he has been in the top 10 in grandparents Ð live in Japan, not far from

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 9 COLLEGES AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE AAC Football 2021 Predictions

13 through two seasons. The 2021 cam- paign is a good opportunity for Holgorsen to deliver a winning record, especially with the Cougars missing UCF and Cincinnati in conference action. Previewing the Offense Strength: The Cougars have the pieces in place to improve on last year’s production (30 ppg and 5.5 yards per play). Quarterback Clayton Tune is back after throwing for 2,048 yards and 15 touch- downs last fall, and there are plenty of intriguing options at running back and receiver, including transfers Ta’Zhawn Henry (RB) and KeSean Carter (WR). Louisiana Tech transfer Kody Russey is a big boost the line. Concern: Overall improvement is needed, and Houston has to cut down on the turnovers (16). More big plays are needed after generating just three of 40-plus yards. Incoming Transfers: WR/TE Seth Green; C Kody Russey; WR Jaylen Erwin; WR Cincinnatti has its sights set on the CFB Playoff KeSean Carter; OL Tank Jenkins; RB Ta’Zhawn Henry Complete preview of the American easily fill the void left behind by Gerrid in the AAC in most yards per play in four Previewing the Defense Athletic Conference for 2021 Doaks at running back. Tight end Josh consecutive years. Also, the Knights aver- Strength: New coordinator Doug Belk Whyle is a rising star. aged at least 40 points a game every season returns nine starters and added two key By Steven Lassan Concern: How well Cincinnati replaces from 2017-20. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel players through the transfer portal. The projected No. 1 team in the 2021 tackles James Hudson and Darius Harper is is among the best in the nation and will be Houston gave up 5.8 yards per play last American Athletic Conference predictions the biggest question mark surrounding this supported by an experienced line. season but that was an improvement off the shouldn’t come as a surprise. After winning team for 2021. The Bearcats could also Malzahn’s work in the transfer portal bol- 6.8 mark from 2019. A healthy Donavan the conference title and earning a trip to improve in the red zone after finishing stered the skill positions, which already Mutin will help the linebackers, while cor- the Peach Bowl, Cincinnati ranks as eighth in the AAC. included big-play threat Jaylon Robinson at nerback is one of the top Athlon’s team to beat in the AAC this fall. Incoming Transfers: OL James Tunstall receiver. defensive players in the Group of 5 ranks. The Bearcats are once again projected to Previewing the Defense Concern: How will Malzahn’s offense and Concern: Houston only forced six be the top Group of 5 team in the top 25. Strength: Everything. This is one of the Gabriel’s talent mesh in 2021? UCF has turnovers, ranked near the bottom of the UCF under coach checks in top defenses in college football. Cincinnati room to improve up front in pass protec- AAC in red-zone defense and gave up too at No. 2, while Houston leads a group of limited teams to 16.8 points a game and tion. many big plays. The Cougars also allowed teams that includes Tulane, SMU, Tulsa finished first in the AAC versus the run, Incoming Transfers: WR Jordan Johnson; 32 points a game, ranked eighth in the and Memphis in a tight battle in the middle fewest yards per play allowed (4.6) and in RB Isaiah Bowser; WR Nate Craig-Myers; AAC in pass efficiency defense and surren- of the conference. East Carolina and Navy pass efficiency defense. The cornerback RB Mark-Antony Richards; WR Brandon dered nearly 170 rushing yards a contest. should both improve in ’21, while USF and tandem of Ahmad Gardner and Coby Johnson There’s a lot of work ahead for Belk this Temple hope to show progress after a com- Bryant is one of the best in the nation. Previewing the Defense offseason. bined 2-14 record last year. Concern: Not much. Cincinnati gave up a Strength: UCF gave up 33.2 points a Incoming Transfers: DL Latrell Athlon Sports has released its preseason few big plays (10 of 40-plus) and lost both game last season but has the pieces in place Bankston; CB Alex Hogan magazine for 2021, and now it's time to starting safeties. Neither are huge concerns, to turn things around in 2021. The line Order a Copy of Athlon Sports' 2021 preview and predict the conferences. Below however. received a boost from the of trans- College Football National and SEC are Athlon's picks and projections for the Incoming Transfers: DL Jowon Briggs; fers Big Kat Bryant and Ricky Barber, and Preview Editions American Athletic Conference in '21: DL Harrison Hill the secondary should improve with an off- 4. SMU 1. Cincinnati Related: Athlon Sports' College Football season to gain experience. The Knights The Mustangs are 17-6 over the last The Bearcats are the top Group of 5 Top 25 for 2021 allowed only five plays of 40-plus yards in two years under coach Sonny Dykes, and team once again, but coach ’s 2. UCF Knights ’20. another bowl trip should be in the cards for program has its sights set on something Gus Malzahn’s arrival at UCF has Concern: The unusual nature of the 2020 2021. However, SMU needs a quick transi- bigger Ð the CFB Playoff. With a veteran added another layer of intrigue to one of season likely hurt the development of this tion under center to contend for a spot in and loaded roster, along with road games the top Group of 5 programs in college defense, so some improvement should be the conference title game. versus top-25 teams in Indiana and Notre football. Malzahn plans to keep the anticipated. However, how far can coordi- Previewing the Offense Dame, Cincinnati will have a chance to Knights’ high-powered offense on track, nator Travis Williams take it one offsea- Strength: SMU doesn’t lack for skill tal- state its case for the four-team playoff. while bringing needed improvement to a son? Both the rush and pass defense need ent. Receivers Reggie Roberson, Rashee Previewing the Offense defense that struggled in 2020. UCF will to show marked development. Rice and Danny Gray are back, while Strength: An offense that averaged 37.5 have plenty of fireworks to begin the Incoming Transfers: CB Marco Domio; transfer Grant Calcaterra should be an points a game and led the AAC in yards Malzahn era with Boise State coming to DL Ricky Barber; DL Big Kat Bryant impact addition at tight end in the passing per play (6.7) should be strong once again. Orlando in the opener. 3. game. On the ground, Ulyssess Bentley IV Quarterback Desmond Ridder is primed for Previewing the Offense High expectations surrounded the Dana headlines arguably the deepest backfield in a huge senior year, and Jerome Ford will Strength: UCF has ranked first or second Holgorsen hire at Houston, but he’s just 7- the conference. All five starters return up

10 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com losses to replace on offense this offseason and overall roster attrition is a concern going into 2021. Previewing the Offense Strength: Receiver Calvin Austin III is one of the AAC’s top returning playmakers after catching 63 passes for 1,053 yards and 11 scores last year. The top four rush- ers are back, and the Tigers have a couple of intriguing candidates to replace Brady White at quarterback. Also, a solid founda- tion is in place up front and help is on the way from the transfer portal. Concern: White won’t be easy to replace under center. Which quarterback claims the job? Memphis needs to do a better job at limiting turnovers (19 last season) and find more pop from the ground game (4.03 per carry). Also, the receiving corps needs more targets to emerge after Tahj Washington transferred to USC earlier this offseason. Incoming Transfers: QB Grant Gunnell; QB Peter Parrish; OL Jakari Robinson; OL Austin Myers; WR Shamar Nash; OL Devontae Dobbs SMU will have a new quarterback in 2021 Previewing the Defense Strength: Memphis ranked third in the front. Breaking in a new quarterback isn’t backfield featuring Cameron Carroll and of key cogs on defense, but the Golden AAC in fewest points allowed a game easy, but Dykes has two interesting options Tyjae Spears, to build around in 2021. The Hurricane’s offense should be enough to (27.9) and limited offenses to 5.7 yards a in Oklahoma transfer Tanner Mordecai and offensive line is poised to take a step for- keep this team in the mix for a repeat trip snap. The Tigers ranked fourth in the freshman Preston Stone. ward and nearly everyone who caught a to the conference championship. AAC against the run and third in pass effi- Concern: Can Mordecai or Stone quickly pass in ’20 is back. Previewing the Offense ciency defense. With nine starters back, claim the job and play close to the level Concern: The Green Wave need to Strength: The Golden Hurricane have a this unit should be even better in 2021. Buechele did to keep SMU’s offense firing improve in pass protection after giving up deep stable of running backs, which Also, cornerback La’Andre Thomas is back on all cylinders (38.6 ppg in 2020)? 35 sacks last year. This offense can bump includes Shamari Brooks after he missed after opting out of ’20, which adds to one Incoming Transfers: TE Grant its per-play average a bit (5.7) and needs to 2020 due to a knee injury. Tulsa should of the top defensive backfields in the con- Calcaterra; QB Tanner Mordecai; OL be better on third downs (eighth in the have one of the top offensive lines in the ference. Thalen Robinson; K Blake Mazza; RB Tre AAC). The receiving corps could use more AAC. The top five wide receivers are back, Concern: The Tigers didn’t lose much in Siggers; TE Nolan Matthews; WR Jordan consistency. including all-conference candidates in the way of personnel on this side of the Kerley; TE Simon Gonzalez Incoming Transfers: RB Devin Keylon Stokes, JuanCarlos Santana and ball, but linemen Joseph Dorceus and Previewing the Defense Brumfield; TE Tyler Lamm; WR Cyron Josh Johnson. New quarterback Davis Brin O’Bryan Goodson leave big shoes to fill in Strength: Jim Leavitt was a strong hire as Sutton is promising. the trenches. This unit also gave up 12 defensive coordinator and has seven return- Previewing the Defense Concern: Tulsa averaged just 27.1 points plays of 40-plus yards last season. ing starters to deploy in 2021. The Strength: New play-caller Chris Hampton a game and 5.6 yards per play last year, so Incoming Transfers: P Joe Doyle; DL Mustangs did a good job at limiting big can build his defense around one of the top there’s room to improve. While Brin has Devon Robinson; CB Julian Barnett plays by opposing offenses, held teams to linebacker units in the AAC, and corner- showed plenty of promise, he has only 29 8. 5.64 yards a snap and finished fourth in the back Jaylon Monroe is back to anchor the career pass attempts. The offense generated The Pirates have made small improve- AAC in pass efficiency defense. secondary. Tulane needs to retool a bit up only seven plays of 40-plus yards in 2020. ments under coach Mike Houston over the Concern: Leavitt has work to do after front, but this unit ranked second in the The Golden Hurricane have to cut down on last two years and aim to breakthrough in SMU gave up 30.9 points a game and fin- conference in rush defense last season and the lost turnovers (18). 2021. ished sixth in the league in rush defense. returns all-conference candidate Jeffery Incoming Transfers: OL Will Farniok; Previewing the Offense Also, cornerback Brandon Stephens won’t Johnson in the middle. WR Ezra Taylor; RB Steven Anderson; OL Strength: Holton Ahlers is one of the top be easy to replace. The Mustangs finished Concern: Tulane gave up nearly 30 points Bryce Bray returning signal-callers in the AAC, and the ninth in the AAC in third-down defense (29.9) in AAC games last year. The defense Previewing the Defense Pirates don’t lack for weapons on the out- last season. also gave up the most plays of 40-plus Strength: Tulsa had one of the AAC’s top side with Tyler Snead, C.J. Johnson and Incoming Transfers: CB Jahari Rogers yards (19) in the conference. The Green defenses last year. This unit limited teams Audie Omotosho in the mix for 2021. The 5. Wave finished ninth in the AAC in pass to 4.7 yards per play and 21.6 points a con- Pirates also averaged 173.8 rushing yards Ð The Green Wave set a school record efficiency defense and surrendered 30 pass- test. Eight starters are back to form a the highest for the program since ’07 – with their third consecutive bowl trip last es of 30-plus yards. Replacing the produc- strong foundation at every level. behind a pair of promising backs in Rahjai season, and coach should have tion of Patrick Johnson and Cameron Concern: The starters departing this Harris and Keaton Mitchell last fall. this program back in the postseason for Sample in the trenches isn’t going to be defense were instrumental to its success. Concern: The line has to play better for 2021. The offense will rank among the best easy. Linebacker Zaven Collins and cornerbacks East Carolina’s offense to take the next in the AAC, but Tulane has holes to fill if it Incoming Transfers: DL Joseph Dorceus; Allie Green IV and Akayleb Evans won’t step. The Pirates allowed 23 sacks over wants to contend for a berth in the confer- CB Derrion Rakestraw; DB Lance be easy to replace. nine games and rushers managed only ence title game. Robinson Incoming Transfers: LB Jon-Michael three runs of 40-plus yards. The depth and Previewing the Offense Related: Athlon Sports' College Football Terry; DB Travon Fuller; DL Elijah Taylor talent is improving up front, so more pro- Strength: The Green Wave averaged 34.7 Top 25 for 2021 7. gression here should equal more points on points a game last season, which was the 6. Tulsa Golden Hurricaines had a solid debut last the scoreboard. The offense has to do a highest mark under Fritz. New play-caller Defense and a timely offense led Tulsa season by directing Memphis to an 8-3 better job of holding onto the ball after los- Chip Long inherits one of the AAC’s top to the AAC title game in 2020. Coach record and the program’s seventh consecu- ing 21 turnovers in 2020. quarterbacks in Michael Pratt, and a deep has to replace a couple tive bowl trip. The Tigers have a few key (continued on page 12)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 11 Incoming Transfers: WR Tyree Saunders; sacks in 2020. Navy also gave up 10 plays back. AAC 2021 Superlatives and RB G’Mone Wilson; WR Ray Rose; OL of 40-plus yards and ranked last in the Concern: The Owls need to find a spark season predictions Rob Vanderlaan; WR Jhari Patterson; TE AAC in red-zone defense. on offense after averaging only 19.9 points Aaron Jarman; TE Ryan Jones 10. USF Bulls a game and 4.65 yards a snap. Also, Offensive POY Previewing the Defense First-year coaches had a difficult task in Temple needs to find a way to generate Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati Strength: East Carolina lowered its per- 2020 with the limited offseason and unusu- more big plays. Defensive POY play average allowed from 7.3 in AAC al week-to-week nature of the regular sea- Incoming Transfers: QB D’Wan Mathis; Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati games in 2019 to 6.2 last year. Also, after son. Now with a full offseason to work OL Luke Foster; WR Amad Anderson; RB Coach of the Year giving up 41.6 points in conference action with the roster and develop schemes, USF Ra’Von Bonner; RB Iverson Clement; WR Luke Fickell, Cincinnati in ’19, the Pirates cut that total to 33.8 last should improve under second-year coach Nazir Burnett Top Freshman fall. With 10 starters back, more improve- . Previewing the Defense Preston Stone, QB, SMU ment should be a reasonable expectation. Previewing the Offense Strength: Temple allowed 25.9 points a Top Newcomer Xavier Smith and Bruce Bivens headline Strength: The numbers weren’t pretty last game in 2019, so last year’s jump to 37.1 Grant Calcaterra, TE, one of the better linebacker units in the year (23.1 ppg and 5.1 a play), but nearly could be due in part to the unusual nature Sleeper Team AAC, while cornerback Ja’Quan everyone is back to provide optimism. of the ’20 season. Every level of the Tulane McMillian is a second-team all-conference Scott has a couple of promising quarter- defense returns some experience and help Key Position to Watch selection for ’21 by Athlon Sports. Also, a backs in transfers Cade Fortin (North is coming through the transfer portal. Memphis QBs full offseason to develop under coordinator Carolina) and Jarren Williams (Miami). Concern: Everything. While last season’s Best Coordinator Hire Blake Harrell should help this group. The backfield also has potential, while dip in production could be due to the cir- Jim Leavitt, DC, SMU Concern: How far can the Pirates improve most of the receiving corps returns with cumstances surrounding 2020, the Owls Hardest Team to Evaluate on this side of the ball in 2021? Improving added help through the transfer portal. All still ranked last in the AAC in pass effi- SMU against the run is a must after allowing five starters return along the offensive line. ciency defense and gave up 208.6 rushing Coach on the Rise 201.3 rushing yards a game last fall. Also, Concern: Can the pieces fall into place for yards a game. The pass rush was sluggish Luke Fickell, HC, Cincinnati the defense has to find more of a pass rush a jump on the scoreboard? Getting consis- (13 sacks) and key contributors in end Must-See Game (14 sacks in ’20). tent play from Fortin or Williams would be Arnold Ebiketie, linebacker Isaiah Graham- Cincinnati at Notre Dame Incoming Transfers: LB Bryant Pirtle; S a good first step. The line has to protect Mobley and tackle Khris Banks all trans- Breakout Player Devon King; S D.J. Ford better (30 sacks allowed), while more ferred to Power 5 programs. Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati Related: AAC 2021 All-Conference Team punch (3.97 per carry) is needed from the Incoming Transfers: CB Cameron Ruiz; Comeback Player 9. Navy Midshipman ground game. USF also lost 17 turnovers in DL Lancine Turay; DL Xach Gill; DL Will Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU Losing seasons are rare for Navy under nine games last fall and ranked last in the Rodgers III; DL Jerquavion Mahone; CB coach , which is why this AAC in third-down offense and inside the Keyshawn Paul program is poised to after last red zone. AAC Championship: Cincinnati over UCF year’s 3-7 mark. After a 3-10 record in ’18, Incoming Transfers: RB Jaren Mangham; the Midshipmen finished 11-2 the follow- WR Yusuf Terry; WR Demarcus Gregory; ing year. In other words, don’t be surprised QB Jarren Williams if this is one of the most-improved teams at Previewing the Defense the Group of 5 level in ’21. Strength: After allowing 39.9 points a Previewing the Offense contest and 6.1 yards per play last season, Strength: Track record. Even though USF can only go up in 2021. A normal off- Navy struggled on this side of the ball last season to jell under the new staff will help year, coordinator Ivin Jasper should be able right away, and Scott added help through to get this unit back on track in 2021. the transfer portal. The defense did a nice Xavier Arline is the favorite to start under job of limiting big plays (nine of 40-plus center, but Tai Lavatai also showed promise yards) last year. The linebacker unit fea- in the spring. Receiver Mychal Cooper is tures a couple of all-conference candidates underrated. in Antonio Grier and Dwayne Boyles. Concern: After averaging 6.8 yards per Concern: How far can USF’s defense play in 2019, the offense regressed to 4.5 a improve in one offseason? The Bulls have snap last fall. Also, the scoring average to do a better job of getting stops on third dipped from 37.2 to 16.6. Improvement is downs and must generate a better pass rush expected, but how big of a jump can this after recording only seven sacks in 2020. group deliver? Navy averaged only 3.9 Incoming Transfers:CB Timarcus Simpson; yards per rush in league games last fall, DL Xander Yarberough; CB Will Jones; and the top four rushers departed after DL Jamari Stewart; CB Christian Williams; Jamale Carothers was dismissed after DB T.J. Robinson; DB Matthew Hill spring ball. The line was a weak spot last 11. year and returns just two starters. Unusual might be an understatement Incoming Transfers: None when reviewing Temple’s 2020 season. The Previewing the Defense Owls didn’t start until Oct. 10 and dealt Strength: The Midshipmen held each of with COVID-19 issues on and off all year. their last three opponents to 19 points or After winning at least six games for six less in 2020. With eight starters back, this consecutive seasons, last year’s 1-6 mark group is expected to improve in ’21. might be an aberration. Linebacker Diego Fagot is one of the top Previewing the Offense defenders in the AAC, and the secondary Strength: Georgia transfer D’Wan Mathis brings back three starters after finishing is a big boost to an offense that lost starting fifth in the conference in pass efficiency quarterback Anthony Russo to Michigan defense. State. Transfers at running back and receiv- Concern: The Midshipmen need to get er will help to fortify the skill positions, better versus the run after giving up 204.7 while Jadan Blue and Randle Jones are two yards a contest last fall. Also, an improved proven options on the outside for Mathis. pass rush is needed after generating just six The line should be solid with four starters

12 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 13 COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

County, Iowa; (1902) Herbert Sturhahn, State baseball had a special MSU Baseball Far Rockaway, N.Y.; July 30 (1894) Carl etching in the middle of the MSU Snavely, Omaha, Neb.; July 30 (1903) Vic Agricultural Extension and Research main Hanson, Sacramento, Calif.; (1924) Dr. fields in Brooksville, Mississippi…The , New York City; (1945) Capital One College Bowl hosted by NFF Lloyd Carr, Hawkins Co., Tenn.; (1948) College Hall of Fame QB Jim Mandich, Cleveland, Ohio; July 31 of Tennessee and his older brother Cooper (1918) Gene Goodreault, Haverhill, Mass.; of Ole Miss will resume Tuesday, Aug. 10, (1919) Forrest Behm, Lincoln, Neb.; after the Olympics on NBC-TV with (1968) Andre Ware, Galveston, Texas; Alabama-Michigan and UCLA-Southern (1974) , Washington, D.C.; California competing for the final two Aug. 1 (1929) Joe Palumbo, Beaver, Pa.; semifinal berths against Columbia and (1985) Glenn Dorsey, Baton Rouge, La.; Auburn…Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the Aug. 2 (1901) Charley Caldwell, Bristol, University of Arkansas were voted as the Va.; (1905) Billy Nicks, Griffin, Ga.; No. 4 Best Places to live in the U.S. by a (1933) Matt Hazeltine, Ross, Calif.; (1937) national survey. Dr. , Philadelphia, Miss. Head coaches of Middle Notable anniversary death dates for Tennessee, Charlotte’s and Hall of Famers are July 27 (1941) Howard Florida Atlantic’s were cited Jones, Toluca Lake, Calif.; (1964) Willie for their continued success and bowl treks. 10 seasons with NFL squads. Gallimore, Rensselaer, Ind.; (2010) Jack Stockstill is among the leaders among Oklahoma and Texas gave written Tatum, Pittsburg, Calif.; July 28 (1979) active coaches with 94 total victories and notice that they are leaving the Big 12 Four Horseman Don Miller, Cleveland, eight bowl contests since taking over at Conference after 27 years to the Big 12 Ohio; (2010) Bob Fenimore. Stillwater, MT in 2005…Clemson head coach Dabo Executive Committee earlier this week. Okla.; July 29 (1986) Nello Falaschi, Swinney noted that Tigers players and They have applied for membership in the Oakland, Calif.; (1989) Wes Fesler, Laguna coaches would not like playing the addi- by the 2025-26 Hills, Calif.; (1993) Darrell Lester, Temple, tional games required in a 12-school academic year to bring SEC membership Texas; Aug. 1 (2013) Dick Kazmaier, and that in some up to 16 Ð the most by any Power Five cir- Boston, Mass.; Aug. 2 (1992) Jim years there may not be enough deserving cuit. Texas State Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst Weatherall, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. teams to complete the 12-team bracket.... (R-Brenham) is one of four members of the Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall …Alabama head coach state legislature working on possible bills of Fame members July 27 Reggie McKenzie, acknowledged that NIL engagement is to slow or eradicate the process of the BO CARTER Hugh Green, July 28 Larry Elkins (a spry unprecedented in both college athletics and move to the SEC. The Texas A&M Board [email protected] 78), Charles Alexander, Anthony football specifically…Mississippi State of Regents has scheduled a Zoom call on Poindexter, July 30 Lloyd Carr (a spry 76), head coach Mike Leach told media that he Monday afternoon to discuss contractual National Football Foundation execu- July 31 Andre Ware, Jonathan Ogden, Aug. did want to the NIL program to become a and governance issues concerning Texas tives will be speaking at several upcoming 1 Glenn Dorsey… bidding war for recruiting by various A&M and the SEC. Oklahoma and Texas conference football media days, and please Eastern Michigan has added a game schools …Rick Willis has retired after 21 may be notifying the check official NCAA FBS Conference with Howard in 2023 and St. Francis (N.Y.) seasons as head football coach at Wartburg officially as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday websites for the remainder of the schedule. in 2024…Michigan State will host Eastern and will become a vice president at the col- that they will request membership in the The Southeastern Conference held its Michigan in 2026…FIU will travel to lege. Chris Winter has replaced Willis as SEC. It is believed that the two schools media days in Hoover, Alabama, last Indiana in 2026…WKU will have a visit to head coach…NFF College Hall of Fame will remain in the Big 12 until current tele- Monday-Thursday, and Conference USA Alabama on Aug. 31, 2024…Troy is host- DB of Florida State and vision agreements close after the 2024-25 held its media days virtually last ing NC State in a 2028 contest…Interest is now head coach at Jackson State told academic year, and both schools will be Wednesday and Thursday. building with ticket sales and social media media he would like to be treated with the subject to departure penalties per Big 12 2006 NFF co-Gold Medal recipient discussions for the Colorado-Texas A&M same respect as future NFF College Hall of bylaws. has been placed on Pac 12 -SEC matchup of old Big 12 rivals Fame coach Nick Saban of Alabama The NFF has highlighted 2020 NFF Hospice in Tallahassee, Florida, after a on Sept. 11 at Empower Field at Mile High .....Kansas’ head coach Lane Leipold prom- College Hall of Fame inductees in a sum- brief bout with cancer. Bowden, who is 91 Stadium in Denver at 1:30 p.m. (MDT) ises no quick fixes for the Jayhawks but a mer biographies’ series. The NFF also is and also a member of the NFF College with a FOX national telecast…Sept. 3-4 hard-earned return to gridiron basics…New preparing the dates for the On-Campus Hall of Fame, overcame a rugged bout with will be an active weekend for the Ole Miss assistant coach and offensive Salutes to 2020 and 2021 College Hall of COVID-19 last fall and has been hospital- McCaffrey family Ð father Ed makes his coordinator Jeff Lebby was complimented Fame inductees, and those will be denoted ized early in 2021 for an infection and has debut as head coach at Northern Colorado for reviving the Rebels passing offense in in coming weeks. been in the prayers and thoughts of mil- with son Dylan at Colorado on Friday, ’20…Washington State head coach Nick NFF College Hall of Fame Facts lions of football friends and fans over the Sept. 3. Rice transfer QB (via Nebraska) Rolovich will not attend this week’s Pac-12 Some notable birthdates in NFF last few weeks. Luke McCaffrey travels to Arkansas to tan- Conference Football Media Days because College Hall of Fame annals in the July 27- Iowa will name the field at Nile gle with its old rival he has not been vaccinated for COVID-19 Aug. 2 are July 27 (1910) Fred Crawford, Kinnick Stadium (named in memory the on Sept. 4. …Iowa confirmed that assistant football Waynesville, N.C.; (1950) Reggie McKenzie, NFF College Hall of Fame Hawkeye and The Top 10 college athletics’ programs coaches accepted salary reductions of Detroit, Mich.; (1959) Hugh Green, World War II hero) Duke Slater Field after by student and team success and academic $431,333 to help alleviate department Natchez, Miss.; July 28 (1893) John “Jack” fellow NFF College Hall of Fame tackle standards from the NCSA Group survey for budget shortages in 2020-21 due to O’Hearn, Brookline, Mass.; (1943) Larry standout and pioneering gridiron integra- the 2020-21 academic year are Stanford, COVID-19 reductions. Elkins, Brownwood, Texas; (1957) Charles tion figure Duke Slater who starred with Princeton, Florida, Harvard, UCLA, North Alexander, Galveston, Texas; (1976) the Hawkeyes from 1918-21 and later was Carolina, California, Michigan, Yale, and Anthony Poindexter, Lynchburg, Va.; July a Pro Football Hall of Fame member after Georgia…NCAA champion Mississippi 29 (1879) Dan McGugin, Ringgold

14 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Hometowns of more 2021 college head Radcliffe as head softball coach…Trent softball head coach Krista Wood received a Conference named Jill Redmond executive coaches Ð Georgia State: Shawn Elliott, Jackson is the new sports information contract extension through the 2025 season senior associate commissioner…Atlantic Camden, S.C.; Georgia Tech: Geoff director at Wisconsin-River Falls while his …There have been 257 colleges and uni- Sun members Kennesaw State and North Collins, Conyers, Georgia.; Grambling: former assistant Andrew Streitel has been versities posting jobs on D1.jobs.com since Alabama will be in the Big South Broderick Fobbs, Monroe, La.; Grinnell: named interim sports information director January, and some of the most recent open- Conference for the 2021 season, and cur- Brent Barnes, Houston, Texas; Hampden- at Wartburg…East Carolina added David ings have been at Babson, Wisconsin, the rent WAC member New State will Sydney: Marty Favret, Washington, D.C. Macias as assistant baseball coach.... SEC office, Florida State, Maryland, compete as an FBS independent. UTRGV North Alabama named former Missouri …Nicholls made Brock Erickson its new Western Carolina, Navy, Xavier, Arizona will start a NCAA FCS program starting Western director of athletics Dr. Josh men’s basketball coach…USF president Dr. State, Northern , UTSA, Denver, with the 2024 season…Jostens has been Looney as its new AD…Creighton director Steven C. Currall is leaving his post Aug. 2 Akron, and Middle Tennessee. selected as the official rings’ and awards’ of athletics Bruce Rasmussen is retiring to tend to family matters…Georgetown New Pac-12 Conference commissioner provider for Conference USA…The Metro after 27 years in that position, 41 years in (D.C.) chose Sugar Rodgers as women’s George Kliavkoff had the quote of the Atlantic Athletic Conference has joined the CU athletics and 50 years in coaching or assistant basketball coach…Cal State week about possible major conference NCAA I Men’s Basketball sports administration. He also has been on Northridge has delegated Trent Johnson as reorganization: “Just when I thought my Officiating Alliance, and MAAC interim the NCAA Division I Baseball World interim head men’s basketball coach, and first month on the job could not get more deputy commissioner Lauren Eads has Series Organizing Committee for 40-plus head coach Mark Gottfried is on paid interesting…” Mid-Eastern Athletic become the loop’s new COO…The seasons in Omaha, Nebraska.…Texas administrative leave…BYU selected Conference commissioner Dr. Dennis America East Conference has tabbed A&M AD Ross Bjork reiterated Texas Diljeet Taylor as women’s cross country Thomas will retire Dec. 31…Atlantic Michael Stephens as men’s basketball offi- A&M;s desire when it joined the SEC in head coach…UTRGV named Shareese Coast Conference commissioner Jim ciating coordinator…North Carolina A&T 2012 to be only SEC member from Texas Hicks as track and field and cross country Phillips noted that Comcast may be joining athletics reported conversations with the …Winthrop AD Ken Halpin has accepted a head coach…Colorado State men’s basket- the ACC Network as a broadcast carrier in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference about position as deputy AD and chief operating ball head coach Niko Medved signed a per- 2021 and urged all ACC varsity teams to questions regarding testing methods for officer at Purdue…Kansas State AD Gene sonal pact extension through 2027 with become vaccinated against COVID-19. He COVID-19 and why A&T had to leave the Taylor has been chosen for the search com- extension financial guarantees and incen- also addressed the possibility of Notre MEAC postseason men’s basketball tourna- mittee for K-State’s next president…East tives…Iowa State wrestling head coach Dame becoming a permanent member of ment…Sports Illustrated interviewed SEC Carolina tabbed Jon Gilbert as executive Kevin Dresser received a contract addition the circuit and NIL initiatives within his commissioner about the solid associate AD for revenue generation... through June 30, 2026…Maryland baseball circuit…Late Conference USA assistant financial state of the conference and possi- …Loyola Marymount athletics added head coach Rob Vaughn had his contract commissioner Russ Anderson has been ble future models for the NCAA to follow. Jasmine Cannady as senior associate AD extended through June 2026…Coastal named to the prestigious C-USA Hall of The SEC reported that six of the league’s for administration and strategic initiatives Carolina women’s lacrosse head coach Fame…Media covering Conference USA 14 football teams had reached the 80 per- …Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick spoke Kristen Selvage has finished her tenure selected 2020 divisional champs Ð cent or higher threshold for COVID-19 of the state of Notre Dame basketball, early with the Chanticleers…Tennessee tabbed Marshall (East) and UAB (West, overall vaccinations through July 22…The Sun NIL challenges and recovery from COVID- Kristin Clounch women’s assistant basket- winner) – to repeat in their sectors in ‘21... Belt Conference inaugurated the Sun Belt 19 during the coming season…Alabama ball coach...Evangel added Preston Beverly … commissioner Studio to allow the conference to produce AD Greg Byrne mentioned that the as women’s basketball head coach.... mentioned that he had dis- in-house videos starting with the SBC Crimson Tide football squad was in solid ....Nebraska named Dr. Lawrence Chatters cussed the recent possible Power Five con- Football Media Day…The Big East shape to start practice and working hard senior associate AD for diversity, equity ference realignments with special Big Ten Conference will update its streaming serv- toward the SEC goal of 80 percent team and inclusion…Washington added Jamaal special football consultant and NFF ices with FloSports to broadcast 500-plus COVID-19 vaccinations’ rates…New Walton as senior associate AD for College Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez Olympic sports’ events on the Big East Hampshire’s deputy AD finalists were nar- administration and strategic initiatives and (retired as AD at Wisconsin). Both agreed Digital Network…Mid-American rowed down to Army West Point senior Jay Hilbrands senior associate AD for the timing caught many other conferences Conference commissioner Dr. Jon associate AD for internal operations Brad external relations…Tarleton chose Michael by surprise…Southwestern Athletic Steinbrecher reflected on a possible lack of Brown, Holy Cross senior associate AD for Gilstorf as senior associate AD for devel- Conference student-athletes will be strategic direction and execution when var- external operations Nick Smith and former opment…Milwaukee updated Mike Winan required to get COVID-19 vaccinations or ious states passed legislation prior to the general manager of Wildcat Sports as director of men’s basketball operations... go through testing protocols again. The NCAA’s established starting date of Jan. 1, Properties Jenna Raizes…Army West Point …Eastern Illinois tabbed Ross Sons as new SWAC will assess forfeits for teams unable 2023, for NIL rewards. The commissioner named Tangela Cheatham associate AD of women's tennis head coach…St. Rose to compete due to COVID-19 results, and also mentioned extensive COVID-19 test- administration…St. John’s (N.Y.) added named Alex Williams head men’s lacrosse there will not be postponements as there ing for MAC student-athletes and quaran- Greg Vetrone as men’s basketball assistant coach…Siena chose Marcus King as men’s were during the 2020-21 campaigns…The tines for those affected by the virus..... coach…Tennessee Tech tabbed Accaiya assistant basketball coach…Kansas men’s late, great Southeastern Conference … commission- Evans as associate head coach for track and basketball head coach Bill Self, who had Skywriters Tour for preseason football cov- er Craig Thompson remarked on the possi- field and cross country…FIU has added COVID-19 vaccinations, tested positively erage from 1966-84 was recalled in a bility that Boise State might seek to Mike Larabee as its new softball head for COVID-19, cancelled recruiting trips media post last week. Stories about that become the 12th member of the American coach…Chicago State named Gerald and is in quarantine…Syracuse selected tour and the old Southwest Conference Athletic Conference and was staying in Gillion as men’s basketball head coach... Claudia Kepler as assistant women’s ice Football Media Tour from 1962-95 were touch with BSU administrators…Former …Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh spoke of head coach…Total compensation for legendary…Four Southeastern Conference Big 12 Conference commissioner Den the landscape of NIL compensation and Virginia baseball head baseball coach schools and Notre Dame were among the Beebe is pushing for reforms in the NCAA leadership expectations for Badgers head Brian O'Connor was approved with several Top 10 in total football season ticket sales as an educational consultant and expressed coaches…The Rice Presidential Search bonus incentives…Alumna and famed through July 15…The Western Athletic a bit of surprise over the possible upcom- Committee held an open meeting last entrepreneur Brandy Hays Morrison has Conference is holding football media days ing conference reconfigurations…One Monday for all alumni groups to receive been named to Rice University’s Board of Wednesday at the Woodlands Waterway media report lists West Virginia as a possi- suggestions and feedback on the position.. Trustees…Oklahoma State president Dr. Marriott in The Woodlands, Texas, after ble member of a 16-team Atlantic Coast …UC Davis chancellor Dr. Gary S. May is Kayse Shrum expressed disappointment renewing conference sponsorship of the Conference if the Big 12 is not able to add contemplating the next steps after suspend- about the lack of engagement by Oklahoma sport for the first time since 2012. Head members…Other reports have Baylor, TCU ing the UC Davis baseball program for off- administrators and the university’s desire to coaches and top players from Abilene and Texas Tech as possible expansion can- campus behavior issues. 2022 incoming leave the Big 12. Dr. Shrum’s husband Christian, Dixie State, Lamar, Sam didates for the Pac-12 Conference, and signees and transfer are awaiting further Darren Shrum has been designated First Houston, Stephen F. Auston, and Tarleton Kansas and Kansas State moving to the instructions…Illinois selected Roger Cowboy by OSU…Tennessee Tech named will be on hand with live interviews on the Big Ten Conference to give current Big Denny as executive senior associate AD Mario Hernandez assistant softball coach.. WAC Digital Network…The Big West Ten member and former Big Eight/12 and chief operating officer…Providence …Texas Tech added Deedee Brown- Conference has updated its brand identity Conference member Nebraska natural named Leslie Smith assistant field hockey Campbell as senior associate AD for aca- and logos along with a redesigned website rivals. The Rose Bowl presented by coach…Culver-Stockton selected Rod demic excellence…South Dakota State from SIDEARM Sports…The Atlantic 10 (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 15 Capital One has been in discussions with 2018-20…North Carolina’s Tomon Fox is Carolina athletics and The Brandr Group …Arizona State has sold 22,000-plus foot- College Football Playoff representatives the NCAA FBS active No. 1 defenseman are working together in a licensing pro- ball season tickets, which already is 1,000 about wishing to keep its traditional New with 21.5 career sacks…Ole Miss QB Matt gram for current student-athletes..Nebraska more than 2019 and nearing the record of Year’s afternoon playing date and other Corral is the returning 2020 season leader athletics is using a reserve fund to make up 30,000 season tickets during the 2014 cam- rationale for participation in an expanded in FBS total offense with 384.3 yards per for a deficit of approximately $30 million paign. CFP…Goodyear Cotton Bowl officials game…Oklahoma State wideouts Tay and projects another $24 million in dona- NFF College Hall of Fame TE and bas- began presale of tickets for the Allstate Martin and Brennan Presley are hoping to tions to alleviate a portion of the shortfall ketball star of California Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Sept. 4, at have breakout numbers after serving as key by the end of 2021-22…College student- and Pro Football Hall of Fame member AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, down the line receivers in ’20…Portland athletes and fans are finding that a backlog of Texas Southern were at between Kansas State and Stanford on July State stalwarts Tyson Pauling and Nicolas of U.S. State Department overseas’ travel the launch and landing sites of the Blue 22 with general public ducats going on sale Ah Sam have taped commercials for the requests and personnel shortages are caus- Origin spaceship last Tuesday in Van Horn, last Friday. Eastbay Co. as part of NIL objectives.... ing passport applications as many as 18 Texas, for greetings of the astronauts and Several key 2021 preseason watch list …Syracuse men’s basketball stalwart weeks to process…Canada on Aug. 9 will ABC-TV interviews…NFF National standouts mentioned last week are Dave Buddy Boeheim will donate a week's worth allow U.S. citizens and permanent resi- Scholar-Athletes and brothers Eli and Rimington Center possibilities Boston of his Cameo earnings to the Make-A-Wish dents who are fully vaccinated with Peyton Manning will serve as analysts on College’s Alec Lindstrom; Duke’s Jack Foundation…GreenPrint Real Estate Group Canadian-authorized vaccines to enter the 10 NFL MegaCast broadcasts for Monday Wohlabaugh; Louisville’s Cole Bentley; paid Texas A&M football standouts Isaiah country for non-essential travel without Night Football… and former NC State’s Grant Gibson; Virginia’s Spiller and Demani Richardson received quarantining. This will have a positive Purdue great QB David Blough will be Olusegun Oluwatimi; Houston’s Kody $10,000 each for exclusive interviews on effect on many U.S. students returning to cheering on long-distance Olympic 400- Russey; Temple’s C.J. Perez; and Tulane’s the fan site TexAgs.com before SEC Media Canada for fall semester classes…Dish has meter hurdler and his wife Melissa Sincere Haynesworth; along with Bednarik Days last week…Purdue men’s basketball arranged a 10-year agreement to use AT&T Gonzales Blough who is competing for Award (top defensive player) stars safety student-athlete Sasha Stefanovic will be as its primary communication network in the Tokyo Olympics. Mr. and Jaquan Brisker of Penn State, LB Olakunle featured in a weekly podcast on Sports provider rather than T-Mobile…Boise State Mrs. Blough were high school sweethearts Fatukasi of Rutgers, DT Haskell Garrett of Illustrated’s FanNation participate in a football will begin public alcohol sales dur- at Carrollton (Texas) HS before Melissa Ohio State; and LB Jake Hansen of Illinois weekly 30-minute podcast with NIL com- ing the coming all season…Montana State became a standout track student-athlete at …Some standouts projected for NCAA pensation of undisclosed sums…The 2021 will have the grand opening of its new Texas, and David starred at Purdue..Several FCS in 2021 from the Western Athletic Conference USA Academic Watch List Bobcat Athletic Complex on Sept. 11...Oak friends and teammates attended a special Conference are Abilene Christian WR includes football standouts TE Ryan View Group will use Ticketmaster for tech- Celebration of Life memorial for late Rice Kobe Clark and DT Quent Titre, Dixie Carriere, Charlotte; LB Daniel Jackson, nology for its six venues Ð notably the new and NFL star Courtney Hall last Saturday State QB Kody Wilstead and LB Malaki FIU; WR John Mitchell, Florida Atlantic; Moody Center in Austin, Texas, Climate in Houston. Among the honored guests Malaki and Lamar TE Jeremy Davis and OL Abraham Delfin, Louisiana Tech; kick- Pledge Arena in Seattle and UBS Arena in were Sten Gustafson, Donald Bowers, DB Anthony Ruffin…Georgia QB JT er Shane Ciucci, Marshall; WR Jaylin New York City…Eastern Michigan athlet- Sofia Adrogue, Larry Stuppy, and Will Daniels has made a long-term commitment Lane, Middle Tennessee; and TE Jake ics added years to its agreement with McClay…Carol Frost, mother of Nebraska to stay with the Bulldogs through the 2022 Roberts, North Texas…Sports Illustrated Aspire for numerous local events..INFLCR head coach Scott Frost and a 1968 U.S. season after transferring from Southern has compiled a list of top college football is the title sponsor for today’s Hashtag Olympian, set American records for the 75- California…Alabama QB Bryce Young is prospects for the 2022 signing period and Sports' NIL x Athlete Brand virtual event 79 age group in the shot put and discus nearing or has passed the $1 million mark the initial Top 10 cornerbacks are: Denver for student-athletes, ADs, marketers, and during the Husker State Games last week.. in NIL endorsements…Middle Tennessee Harris, Houston (Texas) North Shore HS, potential sponsors…Toyota North America …Former Missouri and Arizona State and WR CJ Windham and safety Reed uncommitted; Jaheim Singletary, headquartered in Plano, Texas, is working MLB standout Ian Kinsler is competing in Blankenship, Charlotte WR Victor Tucker Jacksonville (Fla.) Robert E. Lee, uncom- with Stadion Sports for NIL consultation the Olympics in baseball for Team Israel... and LB Tyler Murray, and Florida Atlantic mitted; Domani Jackson, Santa Ana (Calif.) between its local dealers and student-ath- …Former Arkansas DL Jake Bequette and OL Desmond Noel and DB Zyon Gilbert Mater Dei, committed to Southern letes…Texas athletics will utilize Houston- former Razorbacks OL Sen. John Boozman have been highlighted in several preseason California; Daylen Everette, Bradenton based consultant Brad Deutser to help in the 2022 Arkansas Republican primary publications as probable All-Conference (Fla.) IMG Academy, uncommitted; Will revamp the image of the Eyes of Texas for the U.S. Senate. Bequette’s brother, USA choice this fall…Candy Digital has Johnson, Grosse Point (Mich.) High alma mater along with new communication Academic All-Southwest Conference line- launched its Sweet Futures NIL campaign School, committed to Michigan; and engagement strategies. Observers also man and prominent attorney Chris with standout quarterbacks Clemson's DJ Khamauri Rogers, Lexington (Miss.) note that part of the Texas A&M War Bequette once performed ably as public Uiagalelei, North Carolina's Sam Howell, Holmes County, committed to Miami Hymn contains the lines 'the address announcer for Arkansas baseball... Cincinnati's Ridder, and Georgia's JT (Fla.); Earl Little Jr., Plantation (Fla.) Eyes of Texas are upon you, That is the …USA flag bearer in last Friday’s Tokyo Daniels…Conference USA pre-2021 American Heritage, uncommitted; Jeadyn song they sing so well’ Ð it is not known if Olympics Eddy Alvarez is one of just 11 Players of the Year are UTSA RB Sincere Lukus, Mauldin (S.C.), uncommitted; Deutser will consult with the Aggies on the Americans to compete in both the winter McCormick, Offensive Player; WKU DE Toriano Pride, St. Louis (Mo.) Lutheran origins of those well-known song verses... (speed skater) and summer Olympics (he DeAngelo Malone, Defensive Player; and North; Marquis Groves-Killebrew, …Learfield has named former Alaska- plays shortstop for the Class AAA UTSA punter Lucas Dean, Special Teams Snellville (Ga.) Brookwood, committed to Anchorage athletics general manager Jacksonville, Florida, Jumbo Shrimp in the Player…The AFCA has released its early Georgia…Tulane received a verbal com- Logan Davis to the same post at Little Miami Marlins organization). Alvarez nominees for the 30th annual Allstate mitment from safety Ahmaad Moses for Rock athletics to replace former UALR accepted a baseball grant-in-aid to St. AFCA Good Works team, and some of the the 2022 signing period last week…WR employee Greg Lynch who has taken the Thomas (Fla.) before going into fulltime key nominees are Anders Carlson of Jay Fair offered an oral commitment to same post in Louisiana-Monroe athletics... training as a winter Olympics speed skater.. Auburn, Byron Hanspard Jr. of Baylor, Auburn. …Notre Dame athletics fans have respond- …Head coach Bruce Arians of Virginia Donte Harrington of Boise State, James The M Den of Michigan is offering ed in large numbers to Fighting Irish TV Tech and his NFL Empey of BYU, Darien Rencher of Michigan football jerseys with student-ath- streaming service with 58,000-plus minutes celebrated their crown with Clemson, CJ Brewer of Coastal Carolina, letes’ names and numbers for the first time of viewer content in 2020-21…Learfield U.S. President Joe Biden in Rose Garden Jake Bobo of Duke, Tariq Speights of in school annals and 50 members of the IMG College has returned to its roots and ceremonies…Though North Texas dropped Eastern Michigan, Camren McDonald of ’21 squad receiving NIL compensation for corporate name as Learfield. The company its varsity baseball program in 1988, 2010 Florida State, Juanyeh Thomas of Georgia portions of the sales…The $55 million to also has named John Brody as chief rev- UNT alumna Kathy Cagle has remained Tech, Brock Purdy of Iowa State, Ali Gaye West Virginia athletics’ Puskar Center is enue officer…Rutgers football is moving involved on the diamond while designing of LSU, Alex Mollette of Marshall, Reed nearly complete with its new Hall of ahead with plans for a new indoor practice the new clubhouses for the Texas Rangers Blankenship of Middle Tennessee, and Traditions, offices, meeting rooms, facility…East Carolina has formed Pirate stadium Globe Life Field in Arlington, Austin Williams of Mississippi State, lounges, and locker rooms…Oklahoma ath- Creative to spearhead department develop- Texas …FYI: the oldest two living NFL among others…Texas Tech’s Colin letics is nearing the goal of 50 percent ment digital and social media for ECU’s 18 alumni are former Ohio State standout Cy Schooler leads all active NCAA FBS before summer ends for the $25 million varsity sports…Slinger Bag Co. has spread Souders (born Jan. 3, 1921) and former defenders with 375 career tackles from goal for new facilities’ construction…North its operations and distribution to Macau Santa Clara QB Ken Casenega (born Feb.

16 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com 18, 1921) – both centenarians…Undrafted dent Dr. Mark Emmert and major execu- NFL free agent defensive back tives in the NCAA office through 2019 of Ouachita Baptist was featured in a story federal tax records…Sports Business about his rise to the Pro Football Hall of Journal’s Eric Prisbell has joined the new Fame with the NFL for On3 Group as a sports business reporter 10 seasons. His younger brother Tommy …ESPN college football analyst Joey Harris also starred as a DB for the Galloway of Ohio State had his contract Arkansas Razorbacks from 1972-75. extended with the network…Sportico Maria Taylor officially joined NBC explored the NCAA’s Student Assistance Sports after a seven-year tenure at ESPN. Fund to student-athletes during fami- For several years she served as moderator ly and personal emergencies and other for major CoSIDA workshop national times of major stress…Orangebloods.com media conferences in addition to her has a new agreement with Texas athletics ESPN daily reporter’s duties. Taylor was a for exclusive interview content with two volleyball student-athlete at Georgia as an Longhorns student-athletes for the next 12 undergraduate and has reported to the months. NBC Summer Olympics set in Tokyo, The FWAA Outland Trophy memo- Japan…Netflix continues to explore the rable standout last week was 2013 recipi- possibly of live sports webcasts or internet ent defensive tackle of telecasts and has added personnel familiar Pittsburgh…Chuck Gallina of Memphis, with college athletics’ broadcasting... Chuck Walsh of Florida State, Josh …Popular broadcaster Joe Trahan (not Underwood of Jacksonville State, Craig related to the NFL Dallas Cowboys vice Pinkerton of the Southeastern Conference, president for communications Joe Trahan) and Shelly Poe of Auburn were featured will become sports director for WFAA-TV subjects and opinion makers in the in Dallas when award-winning retiring CoSIDA Open Forum online newsletter sports director Dale Hansen finishes his and magazine…Arizona State, Cal State 38-year tenure on Sept. 4. Hansen is work- Northridge, Georgia Tech, Kansas, LSU, ing his 40th consecutive NFL Dallas Michigan, Michigan State, Seton Hall, and Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, UCLA are working with NCAA enforce- California .…Football Scoop noted that ment and compliance officials concerning the NFL salary cap for 2021 is $208.2 mil- possible issues and probes at their respec- lion with each team beginning with $100 tive schools…The Tokyo Olympics record- million in funding over its expenses. Each ed its first COVID-19 cases in the NFL team also made $309.2 million from Olympic Village, six days before Opening the NFL office in league disbursements.. Ceremonies last Friday. All cases have …The Nebraska Huskers Radio Network been isolated for at least 10 days per unveiled a snappy, new logo…Business of World Health Organization guidelines, and College Sports updated her NIL Market- there were 71 cases confirmed and quaran- place Tracker with 34 marketplaces repre- tined from July 13-20 prior to the games... senting student-athletes’ compensation …Former NCAA chief legal officer/COO through July 20… HBCU Gameday relat- Donald Remy has been confirmed as the ed updates about the transition of Bethune- deputy secretary of the Department of Cookman from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Veterans Affairs…The MLB Cleveland Conference to the Southwestern Athletic Indians will be changing their nickname to Conference…The New York Times related the Cleveland Guardians after 121 seasons about the multiple uses of the $500 million as the Tribe…LEAD1 CEO and former philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donat- U.S. Rep. Tom McMillen explained that in ed to 20-plus historically Black colleges his opinion the NCAA needs an immediate since the start of 2021…Former Auburn, revamping and reimaging to be more NBA, USA Olympic Team, and award- effective …NFL telecasts averaged 17.2 winning broadcaster Charles Barkley had million viewers in 2020 in Nielsen Ratings an inspiring Zoom call with sound advice in comparison with the 5.1 million prime- for the Arkansas State football team.... time viewers’ average for the four major …AthleticDirectorU conducted a survey of U.S. television networks…The NHL first-time and first-year men’s basketball Florida Panthers discussed their logic in coaches in NCAA Division I since 2014 working with Florida Atlantic athletics and with average age (42.6 years), total aver- other Miami area college student-athletes age experience (15.6 years), their paths to on NIL opportunities…For the first time the head coaching assignments (30.6 per- since the official opening day at the 1972 cent of mid-major head coaches had expe- Munich Summer Olympics, the United rience at lower-mid-major schools as head States teams did not medal on July 24 in coaches)…Sportico noted that there may the Tokyo Olympics. The USA began the be a major impact on current college ath- 2020-21 Olympics with the most summer letics’ rulings when U.S. Supreme Court medals in history with 2,523, including Justice Stephen Breyer potentially retires 1,022 golds and captured its first six in coming months…ESPN has signed a medals in Tokyo on July 25…Michigan three-year contract extension through 2024 men's became the first U.S. with talk show host Paul Finebaum who college program to have three players cho- has been aired on as many as four ESPN sen in the 2021 NHL Draft… regular programs…USA Today reported the total compensation for NCAA presi-

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 17 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

18 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com TICKET WINDOW

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 49 | July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 19 20 July 30, 2021 - August 5, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 49 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com