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2021 College Hall of Fame Inductees

Jan. 15 - Jan. 21, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 21 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 3 Jan.15, 2020 - Jan. 21, 2021 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 21 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 SMU Men's Golf schedule released Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Fla., March 15-16. The final event of the 5 RANGER REPORT regular season is The Goodwin, which BY DIC HUMPHREY takes place March 25-27 at Stanford Golf 6 GOLF, ETC Course in Palo Alto, California. BY TOM WARD The American Athletic Conference SONY OPEN IN HAWAII SMU men's golf has scheduled several Championship takes place April 22-24 at 7 BY PGATOUR.COM of college golf's premier events, including Southern Hills Golf Club in Brooksville, West at Baylor Men’s hosting the Trinity Forest Invitational, in Fla. SMU's Mac Meissner won the indi- Game Postponed NFL PREDICTIONS the spring of 2021. vidual championship in 2019, the last time Irving, - In accordance with Big 8 BY MIKE MCFEE The Mustangs begin their spring cam- the event took place. NCAA Regionals 12 Conference men’s basketball interrup- 2021 HALL paign with a match against TCU at take place May 16-19 at six predetermined tion guidelines, the West Virginia at Baylor 9 OF FAME HONOREES BY NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION Vaquero Club in Westlake, Texas on sites. The NCAA Championships take game scheduled for January 12 has been place at Grayhawk Golf Club in COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS AND January 16 to open the season. After the postponed. The Conference will work with 12 NOTES season-opening match, the Mustangs make Scottsdale, Ariz. from May 28-June 2. the institutions to reschedule. BY BO CARTER the first of three trips to California to par- 2021 Men's Golf Schedule In addition, West Virginia’s games 17 AUTO REVIEW ticipate in the Southwestern Invitational, Jan. 16 Ð vs. TCU Ð Westlake, Texas Ð against TCU (Jan. 16) and Oklahoma State BY KBB.COM hosted by Pepperdine. The event at North Vaquero Club (Jan. 19) have been postponed. 18 THE TICKET WINDOW Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, Jan. 25-27 Ð Southwestern Invitational California is broadcast on the Golf (hosted by Pepperdine) Ð Westlake Village, 19 RESTAURANT REVIEW Channel. Calif. - North Ranch CC BY RICHARD POLLAK SMU returns to The Prestige, hosted by Feb. 15-17 Ð The Prestige (hosted by UC UC Davis at PGA West's Norman Course Davis) Ð Palm Desert, Calif. - PGA West in Palm Desert, California February 15-17. Norman Course In 2020, Ollie Osborne won American Mar. 7-9 Ð Trinity Forest Invitational (host- Athletic Conference Golfer of the Week ed by SMU) Ð Dallas Ð Trinity Forest Golf honors after tying for fourth at The Club returns to as Prestige, and teammate Jackson Markham Mar. 15-16 Ð Valspar Collegiate President/GM of the Roughriders set an SMU 54- individual scoring Invitational (hosted by Houston) Ð Palm The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double A record at the concurrent Prestige Individual City, Fla. - Floridian National Golf Club affiliate of the , announced Tournament. Mar. 25-27 Ð The Goodwin (hosted by today that Victor Rojas has agreed to terms Follow us on The fourth Trinity Forest Invitational Stanford) Ð Palo Alto, Calif. - Stanford GC on a multiyear deal to become the organi- takes place March 7-9 in Dallas at the Apr. 22-24 Ð American Athletic zation’s next President & General Twitter & Facebook Mustangs' home course, Trinity Forest Conference Championship Ð Brooksville, Manager. In his role, Rojas will oversee all Golf Club. SMU set a course record in the Fla. - Southern Hills GC aspects of the team’s day-to-day business twitter.com/sportspagedfw event in the 2019-20 season, firing a 16- May 16-19 Ð NCAA Regionals Ð & ballpark operations and will report under 268 in the second round to finish Albuquerque, N.M.; Nashville, Tenn.; directly to Managing Partner & CEO, facebook.com/sportspageweek- second in the event. Stillwater, Okla.; Cle Elum, Wash.; Chuck Greenberg. Rojas, 52, joins the SMU closes out the regular season with Noblesville, Ill.; Tallahassee, Fla. RoughRiders after spending the last 11 Publisher Contact Us May 28-June 2 Ð NCAA Championships Ð Sports Page Publishing Group, Main (214) 683-1469 two more prestigious tournaments, starting seasons as the television play-by-play LLC P.O. Box 820813 with the Valspar Collegiate Invitational at Scottsdale, Ariz. - Grayhawk Golf West voice of the Los Angeles Angels. [email protected] Dallas, Tx. 75382 www.sportspagedfw.com NCAA Basketball - Top 25 Coaches (Week 8) AP Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert 1. Gonzaga 1. Gonzaga Cortinez. James McAnally 2. Baylor 2. Baylor 3. Villanova 3. Villanova JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY 4. Texas 4. Texas 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5. Creighton 5. Iowa FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6. Kansas 6. Kansas To advertise in The Sports Page Weekly 7. Iowa 7. 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4 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY Victor Rojas new GM of the Roughriders

pitcher Justin Anderson to a minor league arrives, teams will have cost certainty for contract with an invitation to Spring the salaries of their arbitration eligible Training. Anderson underwent Tommy players. There is optimism that finalizing John surgery last July so will not figure in the arbitration component of their salary the Rangers on field plans until late this structure will bring more certainty to the season or perhaps not until 2022. He made situation and perhaps spark the free agent 111 relief appearances with the Angels in market. 2018-2019 with a 6-3 record and five One free agent of interest to Ranger saves. He averaged an impressive 11.2 fans is Corey Kluber. The Coppell native strikeouts per nine innings. threw a showcase bullpen session of 30 On the free agent front, there is still lit- pitches this week, and representatives from tle movement. Often in a sluggish market 25 teams showed up to watch. His fastball like this off season, one event can spark registered in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s, a activity. There was hope that the trade of good number for a pitcher going into Francisco Lindor last week would be such . It is still likely that he will Victor Rojas has been hired as the new GM for the Frisco Roughriders a spark. It has not happened yet. attract a contract with a low base and Financial uncertainty with the incentive clauses to compensate if he pitch- Coronavirus pandemic is the most promi- es to the level of his past performance. He Chuck Greenberg since last fall, but the nent reason for the lack of activity. One has after all won the Cy Young Award possibility of taking over this position with aspect of the uncertainty will come into twice and finished third in the Cy Young the Roughriders ramped up over the past focus this weekend. Friday at noon central Award voting twice. At one time, he was month. Victor’s wife Kim was diagnosed was the deadline for teams to work out a clearly one of the top two or three pitchers with Graves disease and thyroid cancer in deal with their arbitration eligible players, in , so there is high potential. 2019. This move will allow him more or exchange salary figures, and proceed to It is probably unlikely though that he family time than the announcing job with the arbitration hearing. The record for returns to the Rangers. He most likely the Angels demanded. arbitration hearings in a year is 35. As of wants to be with a contending team that Rojas may or may not prove to be a BY DIC HUMPHREY Thursday morning, there were 128 poten- can support him with a good offense and a good executive. He arrives with no previ- [email protected] tial arbitration cases. For sure, many of solid defense. He now seemingly has little ous experience, however, he knows base- MEMBER: USBWA those will get settled prior to Friday’s connection to the local area as he lives in having been part of professional base- deadline to exchange salary figures, and the greater Boston area and is more likely ball literally from childhood with his father The Frisco Roughriders surprisingly teams can still negotiate after Friday’s to sign with an East Coast team. playing, coaching, and managing. He has a announced this week that Victor Rojas is deadline up to the hearing date; but the NOTABLE: great personality and is very likeable. The their new President and General Manager. likelihood is, there will be a new record for ¥ The Rangers announced game times for bet here is that he will be very effective Rojas had a brief professional playing arbitration hearings this season. their home schedule this week. What a dif- managing people and should be a great hire career and is the son of noted Major A major problem is valuing players ference a retractable roof makes! Texas for the Riders. League Player and manager Cookie Rojas. coming off a 60 game season. Luke Vogt will play 29 day games, six more than in Meanwhile the Rangers have been busy Ranger fans may remember Victor as part is one of those players potentially going to any previous Ranger season. this week signing Drew Butera to a minor of the Rangers’ radio announcing team in an arbitration hearing. He led the Major ¥ Former Dallas Mustangs’ player Archie league contract with an invitation to Major 2004, replacing Vince Cotronio. He was Leagues with 22 home runs last year. Do Bradley, who became a free agent when the League Spring Training. Butera is an 11- paired with in the radio booth you value him as a player capable of hit- Cincinnati Reds non-tendered him, agreed year Major League veteran catcher with and occasionally filled in on the Rangers’ ting 22 home runs in a season? That home to a one-year, $6.0 million contract with five teams, spending the last two plus sea- television network for both play-by-play run total prorated over a 162 game season the this week. The sons with the Colorado Rockies. If he voice and color commentator comes out to 59 home runs. Do you value Phillies had one of if not THE worst makes the Rangers’ ballclub, his salary for . him as a player capable of hitting 59 home bullpens in baseball, so Bradley is a wel- the 2021 season will be $1,000,000 with an Rojas joined the MLB Network in 2009 runs? What kind of precedents for the come addition. additional $500,000 possible in incentives. as one of the first hosts on the newly future will this year’s arbitration decisions ¥ ’s top position player It seems likely that Butera will be the launched offseason show. He have? eligible for the 2021 Amateur Draft is Rangers’ back-up catcher behind Jose also appeared on the MLB Tonight and There are many questions and few , a shortstop at Jesuit High Trevino, which will allow the Rangers to called play-by-play for some of the net- answers. However, when the weekend School in Dallas. work’s Thursday Night Baseball telecasts. put top prospect in the minor He went on to join the Angels television leagues for badly needed minor league sea- team in 2010 and was partnered with for- soning. mer Major League pitcher . Butera, as a member of the Rockies, They stayed together as a team through the was part of the first games played at the 2020 season. new last July. He said Rojas interviewed for the Angels this week that he was impressed with the General Manager job last fall, which even- young talent the Rangers are bringing tually went to Perry Minasian. Recently, along and is excited to be part of the team. Rojas surprisingly announced that he was “Playing against them last year, you leaving the Angels’ television booth largely could tell the young talent that they had to be closer to family in the greater and the bright future moving forward.” Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Butera and Ranger manager Chris The chance to be general manager of Woodward were teammates on the 2015 the Angels whetted Victor’s interest in World Series winning Kansas City Royals being involved running a ball club. He had and know each other well. been in touch with Roughriders’ owner The Rangers also signed right-handed

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 5 MISC TOM WARD Puerta Vallarta Memories: The Finale

it was my pleasure. He insisted and would- n’t except no for an answer. He said thank you and wished me luck in my career and said that I was an excellent teacher and communicated my points very concisely which he appreciated. While heading to the locker room to get cleaned up I counted the money...it added up to about $200.00. I was thinking that TOM WARD this was surreal. A year ago at this time, I [email protected] was snowbound in freezing cold weather in I headed over to the golf shop to pick and now I am in sunny, tropical up a bucket of balls for the impromptu golf Mexico giving a golf lesson to one of the lesson with Richard Burton and grabbed greatest actors in the world. I would say I some clubs as he didn’t have his clubs with could check it off my bucket list, but I did- him. n’t even think something like this was While setting up in a shady area of the within the realm of possibilities. range I could see him walking over with As my time in Vallarta was winding his friends all laughing. I had played with a I spent it at the course and the beach few well known professional athletes in the enjoying the final few days. My left shoul- past, but have never given any of them a der was still giving me problems so I limit- lesson. ed my practice to short irons, chipping and As Burton was loosening up I asked if putting. I could play, but it inhibited my had any particular questions that I could ability to make the swings I had been dili- answer. He said he would like to hit the gently practicing. I knew when I got back ball further and more solid. I checked his to the U.S. a visit with an orthopedic doc- grip and alignment and adjusted his stance. tor was in order to find out how bad it was He started making better contact with the injured. ball which immediately seemed to please The night before my departure a friend him. I demonstrated a few shots which that owned a new bar nearby threw a going really helped him visualize what I was away party for me. I played pool and had a talking about. His skills as an actor were few beers before heading back to the beach quite useful because he could mirror what I house. I sat outside under the palapa hut was doing and then replicate it. and watched the lights of downtown PV off After hitting a few dozen balls I noticed in the distance. I remember thinking how Me Burton was sweating profusely so we fast time had gone by since I first arrived took a break. As we were resting, he told there. I was planning on leaving early the me that he first came to Puerto Vallarta to next morning to get a head start on the film a movie called “Night of the Iguana.” long ride back to the Texas border and was Sadly, at that time I hadn’t seen the film restless. One thing I never got used to liv- and knew nothing about it. He also men- ing so close to the ocean was the loud tioned that he had purchased a home in crash of waves on the beach throughout , with his former wife Elizabeth night. Taylor, called “Casa Kimberly.” After loading up the car, I paid my Between frequent breaks he mentioned respects to the couple next door that a few more tidbits about his career and life watched over the house during my stay. I which was interesting. I kept the lesson came to really appreciate them and how light and fun and high fived him a few kind they were to me. I walked out to the PGA qualifiers by the slimmest of margins. lot of the wonderful locals and times when he hit a good shot. His friends, water’s edge and took one long last look at I continued to play through 1981 with Americans.....and Canadians (we called who stayed in the shade, would periodical- the place that was my home for the past an injured shoulder with mixed results. I snowbirds) who called PV home during the ly clap on a well stuck shot. few months. Outside of getting injured I was able to rebound in the late summer by winter months. As we wrapped up the lesson I was sur- felt that the gamble to get away from cold qualifying for two tour events and two state As the first American golf pro there, I prised to see that more than an hour had weather and work on my game was a suc- opens. This happened before shutting down would have the opportunity to meet and passed. Burton commented on that too say- cess. everything because my shoulder required teach people from all over the world as ing he couldn’t believe how the time flew As I headed out of town towards surgery. well as numerous celebrities. Throughout by. He waved his friends over and told Guadalajara I could see PV in my rear Fortunately, I was able to secure spon- my travels I helped to promote Vallarta and them that this was the best golf lesson he view mirror. Looking back I didn’t know if sorship during this time that would allow Mexico as an international golf destination ever had which was satisfying. One of the or when I would ever return. My mind was me to continue playing once the shoulder when former Mexican President Miguel men took a photo of us and said he would now focused on the task at hand which was healed. It was because of my contacts in Aleman designated me as an honorary send a copy (which I never received.) a long arduous 17 hour drive through Vallarta that led to new sponsors. ambassador. I reached out to shake hands with Mr. Mexico to get to the U.S. border at Nuevo I would up returning to Vallarta in My years in Puerto Vallarta were unfor- Burton telling him that I was surprised, but Laredo. Upon my arrival in Texas the next January of 1982 for a month before head- gettable and the town and the people will happy he accepted my offer. He grabbed stop would be Houston where I would ing to play on the Asian Golf Tour. It was- always have a special place in my heart. my hand and gave me a wad of cash mixed attempt to open qualify for the PGA Tour’s n’t until December of 1983 that I would with denominations in pesos and dollars. I Houston Open. start spending my winters there again. Over Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- explained that he didn’t have to pay me as P.S. I started out missing the first two the years living in Vallarta I got to know a timewithtom.com

6 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR The First Look: Sony Open in Hawaii

year it was a team event) with a birdie on the 72nd hole and a matching birdie on the first playoff hole. Steele was 2 over for his final six holes and opened the door for Smith, who had offered to donate $500 for every birdie and $1,000 for every eagle on the week to his home country’s effort against the raging Australian bushfire cri- sis. On the 72nd hole, Steele misjudged his approach shot and had to take a drop, but he still nearly dropped a snaking 30-foot birdie try for the win. He missed, and couldn’t get it done in the playoff, either. Simpson finished third (missing a 14-foot birdie try on the final hole to get into the playoff) while Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, and Kevin Kisner rounded out the top five. HOW TO FOLLOW Television: Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Sunday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Golf Channel) Radio: Thursday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. ET. Sunday, 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. ET (PGA Cameron Smith won the 2020 Sony Hawaii Open TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA- TOUR.com/liveaudio) By Adam Stanley FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 points PGATOUR.COM Follow COURSE: Waialae Country Club, par-70, Cameron Smith returns to defend last 7,044 yards (yardage subject to change). season’s Sony Open in Hawaii victory, The Seth Raynor design, founded 94 years while past THE PLAYERS champion ago, has hosted the Sony Open ever year Webb Simpson and 10 of the top-25 since 1965. The narrower, flatter layout is a golfers in the world tee it up at Waialae contrast to last week’s venue, Kapalua. Country Club. STORYLINES: University of San Diego In its longtime on the schedule, the golfer and former Hawaii state champion Sony Open marks the first full-field event Evan Kawai will make his PGA TOUR of the calendar year. debut this week after winning a qualifier in FIELD NOTES: Collin Morikawa looks November. His college coach is TOUR to build off his two victories in 2020, winner Chris Riley… Can Charles Howell including his first major championship, III continue his impressive effort at with his second Hawaii start in a row. Waialae? He has 13 top-25s, including 10 Morikawa finished T21 at least year’s Sony top-10s, in 19 starts at Waialae. That Open after holding the first-round lead… includes two runners-up and two third- Thirty-two of the 42 golfers who teed it up place finishes… Smith’s 11-under score at the Tournament of Champions was the highest winning total at the Sony will make the jump over to the Sony Open Open since 2012. He was 4 over par on his and complete in both events of the Hawaii first two holes of the tournament… Smith swing… Sponsor exemptions include is looking to become the first golfer to major winners Y.E. Yang and Mike Weir, defend his title at the Sony Open since along with Ryo Ishikawa and Takumi Jimmy Walker in 2014-15. There have been Kanaya, who turned pro last year after just four golfers to go back-to-back at reaching No. 1 in the world amateur rank- Waialae… Morikawa has a lot of family ings. Kanaya recently won on the Japan that lives on Maui and Oahu and visited the Tour and is already ranked 120th in the island many times growing up. Although world… Five of the top 10 golfers in the there will be no spectators allowed on site, FedExCup standings (as of the weekend at he’ll have plenty of good vibes on the the Sentry Tournament of Champions) will island. be teeing it up at the Sony Open, the high- 72-HOLE RECORD: 253, Justin Thomas est-ranked being Viktor Hovland at No. (2017) 3… Simpson was just one shot out of a 18-HOLE RECORD: 59, Justin Thomas playoff between Smith and Brendan Steele (1st round, 2017) a year ago. Steele, who started Sunday LAST TIME: Smith defeated Steele in a with a three-shot lead, returns to try to earn playoff to capture his first PGA TOUR title the title that eluded him, while Simpson is as an individual (he and Jonas won on the hunt for his eighth PGA TOUR title. the Zurich Classic of the first

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 7 NFL 2021 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round

offense didn’t blink. They didn’t have the to be all Chiefs early and in control ball all that much, but when they did, they throughout. were explosive. Pick: Kansas City 34, Cleveland 23 Here’s Buffalo’s problem Ð third downs. It lives off of them offensively Ð leading Tampa Bay (11-5) at New Orleans (11-5) the league in third down conversions Ð but Sunday, 5:40 / FOX Baltimore is second in the NFL in third Line: Saints -3 / 52 down stops and Lamar and that attack are There’s no way New Orleans can make fourth in the league at keeping the chains it a threezie that easy, can it? moving. It had few problems in 34-23 Week 1 The Ravens have the defense that’s win and dominated 38-3 in early humming, and they have , November, but this is a stronger, sharper, JK Dobbins, and a running game that better Buccaneer team now. should rip through a Buffalo run defense appears to be in sync with that gives up way too many yards per carry. all of his high-end fantasy targets, he’s get- Pick: Baltimore 34, Buffalo 30 ting a whole lot of time to work, and he’s getting help from a running game that was Cleveland (11-5) at Kansas City (14-2) without Ronald Jones, but got a huge day Saturday, 2:05 / CBS against Washington from Leonard Line: Chiefs -10 / 57 Fournette. Kansas City isn’t going to start the And the defense couldn’t seem to do game by snapping the ball over Patrick much to hold down Taylor Heinecke. Mahomes’ head. The Football Team was never going to Give Cleveland all the credit in the beat the Bucs, but Heinecke and company world for coming out sharp, roaring, and made it very, very interesting. focused after a rough run, no , Blow it off. and with an offensive line that got banged Tampa Bay got the free space game up throughout the win over . against the NFC East team with the losing However, it’s not going to be +5 in record, New Orleans got its own free space turnover margin again and a rested Kansas matchup against an overmatched Chicago, By Mike McFee Saturday, 3:35 / FOX City will come up with a much, much bet- and now the two get what they wanted in Line: Packers -6.5 / 45.5 ter first quarter. Round 3. The massive expanded NFL The Rams were able to pull it off It won’t be 28-0 Cleveland. Tampa Bay will start out hot Ð jacked to weekend was outstanding from beginning against a Seattle team that Ð for some That’s not to say the Browns can’t pull prove that this will be a very, very different to end. Even when there was a bit of a dud bizarre reason Ð thought the answer to not this off as long as plays as game this time around Ð but New Orleans Ð (cough) Chicago - New Orleans (cough) being able to hit third down plays was to well as he did in Pittsburgh. He didn’t take will slowly and steadily keep producing, Ð it was still relatively entertaining in the keep chucking it deep. Green Bay will be any chances, he spread the ball around and then everything will come together glut of all those games that matter. sharper all the way around. well, and the offensive design that negated early in the fourth. And now we get even more fun. That LA D....No. 1 in the NFL....is the Steeler pass can absolutely work Michael Thomas is starting to come Two games Saturday, two games obviously amazing, but is against this Chief D. back. Alvin Kamara is fine. The Saint D Sunday, and they’re going to be loaded. banged up, and as good as that perform- As good as the Cleveland pass rush is, appears to have its groove back. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen headline ance against the Seahawks was, that’s not and as strong as the offense will be to keep The ride isn’t ending quite Saturday night when Baltimore goes to going to be enough to overcome a still- making this a ball game, Mahomes will be yet. Buffalo, and we get Round 3 of Brady vs. injured . too fantastic. Expect a shootout, expect this Pick: New Orleans 31, Tampa Bay 26 Brees when Tampa Bay goes to New Green Bay doesn’t turn the ball over Orleans to end Sunday night. enough to matter here, but there’s a bigger Oh yeah, and the Rams going to Green problem … Green Bay. Bay on Saturday and Cleveland taking its It’s still almost a week away, but it’s show to Kansas City on Sunday isn’t bad expected to be around 20ish degrees at either. game time. So what’s going to happen? Pick: Green Bay 26, Los Angeles 16 As we do this for the college side, we go with the first-guess picks and then work Baltimore (11-5) at Buffalo (13-3 from there. Like they tell you in third Saturday, 7:15 / NBC grade, always go with your first answer. I Line: Bills -2.5 / 49.5 don’t look at the lines, guess at what they Baltimore is playing its best football of are, and then add them at the end. the season at the exact right time. By the way … went 6-0 straight up and Lamar Jackson was brilliant against 5-1 against the spread when doing this for Tennessee, the defense stuffed Derrick the Wild Card round. Henry, and this was the confident, tough However, when our game previews team that rolled through the end of the reg- come out Ð after the news of the week hap- ular season with five straight wins. pens and there’s even more of a deep dive The Colts were always going to be a happening Ð these can and might change, tough matchup for the Bills Ð they control but … the clock and have the great lines and vet- L.A Rams (10-6) at Green Bay (13-3) eran QB Ð but Josh Allen and the Bill

8 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME College Football HoF Class announced

¥ 5 winners of college football major awards (Morgan Ð Butkus, Bednarik, Nagurski; Palmer Ð Heisman; Romo Ð ; Sims Ð Lombardi; Taylor Ð Lombardi) ¥ 1 member of a national championship team (Wilson) ¥ 5 conference players of the year (Barton, Morgan, Palmer, Romo (3), Spiller) ¥ 6 members of conference championship teams (Morgan, Palmer, Romo (2), Sproles, Tippett, Wilson (2)) ¥ 8 players who still hold school records (Morgan, Palmer, Romo, Sims, Spiller, Sproles, Tippett, Wilson) ¥ 5 played for College Football Hall of Fame coaches (Fulcher Ð John Cooper, Sproles Ð , Taylor Ð , Tippett Ð , Wilson Ð ) ¥ 7 first-round NFL draft picks (Barton, Morgan, Palmer, Sims, Spiller, Taylor, Wilson) ¥ 6 offensive players (Barton, Palmer, Romo, Spiller, Sproles, Taylor) ¥ 5 defensive players (Fulcher, Morgan, Sims, Tippett, Wilson) ¥ 3 decades represented: 1980s (4) Ð Barton, Fulcher, Sims, Tippett; 1990s (3) Ð Morgan, Taylor, Wilson; 2000s (4) Ð Palmer, Romo, Spiller, Sproles ¥ 1 school with its first-ever Hall of Fame By Mike McFee ¥ Ð 83-48-3 (63.1%); exclusive supplier of NFF rings and awards. player (Eastern Illinois Ð Romo) [email protected] Florida A&M (1974-85) “With two College Football Hall of COACHES: ¥ Ð 190-48-0 (79.8%); Fame classes, the NFF Annual Awards ¥ 2 national championships (Hubbard Ð 11 All-America players and two coaches Oklahoma (1999-2016) Dinner will prove to be one of the biggest 1, Stoops Ð 1) will be inducted during the 63rd NFF The 11 First Team All-America players events in the NFF’s history when it returns ¥ 2 Black national championships Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 7. and two standout coaches in the 2021 Class this December,” said NFF President & (Hubbard) The National Football Foundation (NFF) were selected from the national ballot of 78 CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are beyond ¥ 12 conference championships (Hubbard & College Hall of Fame announced the players and seven coaches from the Football excited to announce the 2021 electees and Ð 2, Stoops Ð 10) 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Bowl Subdivision and the 99 players and look forward to making induction worth ¥ Most wins in school history (Stoops) during “SportsCenter” on ESPN. 33 coaches from the divisional ranks. the wait for the 2020 class.” ¥ 23 Bowl/postseason appearances 2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL “We are extremely proud to announce the The announcement of the 2021 Class (Hubbard Ð 5, Stoops Ð 18) OF FAME CLASS 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” was made during the Noon edition of ¥ 36 First Team All-Americans coached PLAYERS: said , NFF Chairman and a “SportsCenter” on ESPN. (Stoops) ¥ Harris Barton Ð OT, 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from “We want to thank ESPN for the oppor- ¥ 8 national coach of the year honors (1983-86) Mississippi. “Each of these men has estab- tunity to announce the 2021 College (Stoops) ¥ David Fulcher Ð DB, Arizona State lished himself among the absolute best to Football Hall of Fame Class during ¥ 6 conference coach of the year honors (1983-85) have ever played or coached the game, and ‘SportsCenter,’” said Hatchell. “Today’s (Stoops) ¥ Ð LB, [FL] (1997- we look forward to immortalizing their announcement shines a light on the accom- SELECTION CRITERIA 2000) incredible accomplishments.” plishments of some of college football's 1. First and foremost, a player must have ¥ Ð QB, Southern The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame greatest legends." received First Team All-America recogni- California (1998-2002) Class will officially be inducted during the 2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL tion by a selector recognized by the NCAA ¥ Ð QB, Eastern Illinois 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 7 OF FAME CLASS NOTES and utilized to comprise its consensus All- (1999-2002) alongside the 2020 Hall of Fame Class (the PLAYERS: America teams. ¥ Ð DT, Texas (1978-81) 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19). ¥ 1 NFF National Scholar-Athlete 2. A player becomes eligible for considera- ¥ C.J. Spiller Ð RB/KR, Clemson (2006- The inductees will also be recognized at (Barton) tion by the NFF’s Honors Court 10 full 09) their respective collegiate institutions with ¥ 1 winner (Palmer) seasons after his final year of intercolle- ¥ Ð RB, Kansas State NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, ¥ 4 unanimous First Team All-Americans giate football played. (2001-04) presented by Fidelity Investments, during (Morgan, Sims, Spiller, Taylor) 3. While each nominee's football achieve- ¥ Aaron Taylor Ð OT, Notre Dame (1990- the fall. Their accomplishments will be for- ¥ 6 consensus First Team All-Americans ments in college are of prime considera- 93) ever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A (Fulcher (2), Palmer, Sims, Taylor, Tippett, tion, his post football record as a citizen is ¥ Andre Tippett Ð DE, Iowa (1979-81) College Football Hall of Fame in , Wilson) also weighed. He must have proven himself ¥ Ð LB, Tennessee (1995-98) and each inductee will receive a custom ¥ 3 multi-year First Team All-Americans worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of COACHES: ring created by Jostens, the official and (Fulcher (2), Sims (2), Taylor (2)) (continued on page 10)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 9 football forward into his relations with his A First Team All-American in 1986, collegiate game in 1983, he posted 15 tack- he became a Second Team Freshman All- community. Consideration may also be Barton was named the ACC’s Most les and returned an 40 yards American and was a finalist for the Butkus given for academic honors and whether or Outstanding Offensive Lineman after help- against UCLA. Named Arizona State’s and Nagurski Awards as a junior. The 2011 not the candidate earned a college degree. ing the Tar Heels finish sixth in the nation Most Outstanding Defensive Back in 1985, Sports Hall of Fame 4. Players must have played their last year and first in the conference with 436 yards Fulcher guided the Sun Devils to a berth in inductee played alongside College Football of intercollegiate football within the last 50 of per game. The 1986 First the . Hall of Famer during his time in years*. For example, to be eligible for the Team All-ACC selection was also part of A 1996 inductee into the Arizona State Coral Gables. 2021 ballot, the player must have played an offensive unit that finished 10th in the University Sports Hall of Fame, Fulcher The 11th overall pick by the Carolina his last year in 1971 or thereafter. In addi- nation with 252.5 rushing yards per game. finished his career with 293 tackles and 12 Panthers in the 2001 NFL Draft, Morgan tion, current professional players and/or A four-year starter, Barton began his career . During his time in Tempe, played for the franchise from 2001-07. The coaches are not eligible until retirement. at before being switched to as "Fo-Rock" played for College Football All-Rookie Team and 2004 5. A coach becomes eligible three full sea- a sophomore to take better advantage of his Hall of Fame Coach John Cooper and selection led the Panthers to an appearance sons after retirement or immediately fol- skills. After leading UNC to berths in the alongside Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel. in XXXVIII following the lowing retirement provided he is at least 70 1983 and the 1986 Aloha A third-round pick by the Cincinnati 2003 season. years old. Active coaches become eligible Bowl, he concluded his stellar collegiate Bengals in the 1986 NFL Draft, Fulcher While with the Panthers, Morgan volun- at 75 years of age. He must have been a career in the Japan Bowl all-star game. spent eight years in the league with the teered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. head football coach for a minimum of 10 In addition to being an NFF National Bengals (1986-92) and the Los Angeles The Coral Springs, Florida, native has con- years and coached at least 100 games with Scholar-Athlete, Barton was an Academic Raiders (1993). The three-time Pro Bowl tributed time during his post-NFL career a .600 winning percentage. All-ACC selection, and he received the selection guided the Bengals to an appear- working with FEAT (Families for Effective 6. Nominations may only be submitted by 1987 Award as the conference’s ance in Super Bowl XXIII following the Autism Treatment) and Ben’s Fund, which the current athletics director, head coach or top football scholar-athlete. A member of 1988 season. raises money for families with autistic chil- sports information director (SID) of a the 2007 ACC Legends Class, he is one of The founder and director of the David dren. Morgan currently serves as the direc- potential candidate’s collegiate institution. 27 players to have his jersey honored at Fulcher Foundation, he is active in tor of player personnel for the . Nominations may also be submitted by the Kenan . During his freshman year, fundraising and awareness for multiple CARSON PALMER president/executive director of a dues-pay- Barton played alongside College Football sclerosis. Fulcher has also operated his University of Southern California ing chapter of the National Football Hall of Famer William Fuller. Mentoring Against Negative Actions pro- , 1998-2002 Foundation. Selected in the first round of the 1987 gram for 15 years, working in prisons to The winner of the 2002 Heisman * Players that do not comply with the 50- NFL Draft by the 49ers, help inmates learn life skills. In 2016, he Trophy, Carson Palmer helped usher in a year rule may still be eligible for consider- Barton spent his entire career with the fran- helped launch Cincinnati Christian new era of dominance at USC and finished ation by the Football Bowl Subdivision and chise from 1987-98. A 1993 Pro Bowler, University’s football program, serving as his career as the Pac-10’s all-time leading Divisional Veterans Committees. Veterans he led the team to victories in Super Bowls the head coach for two seasons. Fulcher passer. The Rancho Santa Margarita, Committee candidates must still meet First XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. also previously coached at Cincinnati California, native becomes the 33rd Trojan Team All-America requirement. Christian High School. Decades after leav- player to be inducted into the College COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF After both of his parents passed away ing college early for the NFL, he garduated Football Hall of Fame. FAME QUICK FACTS from brain tumors, Barton founded from Arizona State in May 2020. A consensus First Team All-American in ¥ Including the 2021 Hall of Fame class, Champion Charities in 2004 with fellow DAN MORGAN 2002, Palmer was the first USC quarterback only 1,038 players and 223 coaches have College Football Hall of Famer and former University of Miami to win the Heisman, and he also received been inducted into the College Football 49ers teammate . The non- , 1997-2000 the Golden Arm Award, Pop Hall of Fame from the nearly 5.47 million profit has contributed significantly to treat- The first player in history to sweep the Warner Award and Sporting News National who have played or coached the game dur- ing and researching brain tumors while three major defensive awards in one sea- Player of the Year. The Pac-10 Co-Offensive ing the past 151 years. In other words, less helping those afflicted with the disease. son, Dan Morgan is Miami’s all-time lead- Player of the Year as a senior, he guided than two one-hundredths of a percent Barton is also a board member of the ing tackler. Part of the Hurricanes’ reemer- the 2002 USC squad to its first 11-win sea- (.02%) of the individuals who have played Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, a gence in the late 90s, he becomes the son since 1979, a share of the conference the game have earned this distinction. venture philanthropy that invests exclusive- eighth player in school history to enter the title and a No. 4 national ranking. The ¥ Founded in 1947, The National ly in social enterprises that employ and College Football Hall of Fame. 2002 co-captain and team MVP capped his Football Foundation & College Hall of empower people overcoming barriers to A unanimous First Team All-American stellar career earning MVP honors in the Fame inducted its first class of inductees in work. He is the founder and managing in 2000, Morgan took home the Bednarik, Trojans’ 2003 victory. 1951. The first class included 32 players director of H. Barton Asset Management, Butkus and Nagurski Awards after leading The USC record holder with 1,569 and 22 coaches, including Illinois’ Red where he specializes in providing invest- the Hurricanes to the Big East title, an 11-1 career pass attempts, Palmer finished his Grange, Notre Dame’s , ment capital to up-and-coming VC-backed record and a No. 2 final ranking. The 2000 time in Los Angeles as the Trojans’ all- and Carlisle (PA)’s technology startups. Big East Defensive Player of the Year led time in career passing yards and . DAVID FULCHER Miami in tackles three times, and he holds career total offense, and he currently ranks ¥ 314 schools are represented with at the school record with 532 career tackles second in both categories. His 11,818 pass- least one College Football Hall of Famer. Defensive Back, 1983-85 (also a Big East record). A four-time All- ing yards and 11,621 yards of total offense ¥ Induction for the 2021 Class will take Referred to as “a safety in a line- Big East selection, Morgan garnered first Ð both also Pac-10 career records at the place Dec. 7 during the 63rd NFF Annual backer’s body” for his rare combination of team honors in 1997, 1999 and 2000 while time Ð currently rank sixth and eighth in Awards Dinner. The event will also feature size and speed, David Fulcher is one of claiming second team laurels in 1998. The conference history, respectively. A two- the induction of the 2020 Hall of Fame only three Sun Devils to twice earn con- 2000 Football News National Defensive time recipient of the Marv Goux Award for Class. sensus All-America honors. The L.A native Player of the Year was a four-year starter efforts in the annual USC-UCLA rivalry 2021 College Football Hall of Fame is the ninth Arizona State player to join the and a three-time captain, becoming the first game, Palmer ranks second all-time in - Class Bios College Football Hall of Fame. sophomore in school history to receive the gle-season passing at USC with 309 com- A consensus First Team All-American honor. pletions for 3,942 yards in 2002. A team- HARRIS BARTON in 1984 and 1985, Fulcher also earned The standout linebacker led Miami to mate of College Football Hall of Famer University of North Carolina Second Team All-America laurels as a three top 20 finishes and three consecutive at USC, Palmer is a mem- Offensive Tackle, 1983-86 freshman. The three-time First Team All- postseason wins in the 1998 Micron PC ber of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, An NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Pac-10 selection twice led the Sun Devils Bowl, 2000 and 2001 Sugar and his No. 3 jersey has been retired. 1986, Barton matched his success in the in tackles (1983, 1984) and interceptions Bowl. Morgan’s 45 consecutive starts were The first overall pick in the 2004 NFL classroom by becoming one of the most (1983, 1985). A three-year starter, Fulcher’s a school record at the time, and he was the Draft by the , Palmer dominant offensive linemen in North established himself as a star early Ð record- first player in Hurricane annals to post 100 played 15 seasons with the Bengals (2003- Carolina history. The Atlanta native ing 53 tackles, three interceptions, six or more tackles every season of his career. 10), Oakland Raiders (2011-12) and becomes the sixth Tar Heel to enter the sacks and six pass deflections just four Despite making the switch to linebacker (2013-17). A three-time College Football Hall of Fame. games into his college career. In his second just days prior to the 1997 season opener, Pro Bowler, he was named the 2005 AFC

10 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Player of the Year after leading the Bengals the … despite being side- honorable mention laurels in 2007. Despite in the 2002 Holiday Bowl, and two top-15 to their first winning season and playoff lined following the ninth game of the sea- losing the 2009 ACC Championship Game finishes in 2002 (No. 7) and 2003 (No. 14). appearance in 15 years. A member of the son due to injury. The Groesbeck, Texas, to , he earned MVP honors in Playing for College Football Hall of Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor, Palmer native becomes the 20th Longhorn player the game after setting an ACC title game Fame Coach Bill Snyder, Sproles finished ranked 12th all-time in both passing yards to enter the College Football Hall of Fame record with 233 rushing yards. his career 11th all-time in rushing and sixth and passing when he retired A two-time First Team All-American, The NCAA record holder with seven all-time in all-purpose yards in NCAA his- from the NFL. Sims earned unanimous honors as a senior career kickoff returns for touchdowns, tory. A member of the K-State Football Off the field, he established the Carson and consensus laurels as a junior. The 1981 Spiller ranks third all-time in FBS history Ring of Honor, he left Manhattan with 28 Palmer Foundation to assist abused and UPI Lineman of the Year finished eighth with 7,588 career all-purpose yards. He -game, single-season or career records, abandoned children. Palmer has provided for the Heisman Trophy, receiving three joined USC’s as the only 21 of which are still standing. The senior aid and support to organizations like the first-place votes. Sims’ 23 tackles for loss players in college football history with team captain boasts program career records Boys and Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish that season were a then-school record. He 3,000 rushing yards, 1,500 kickoff-return for rushing yards (4,979), all-purpose yards Foundation and Phoenix Children’s also led Texas to four wins over top 15 yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 500 - (6,812), rushing attempts (815), rushing Hospital. He and his wife recently pledged teams during stellar senior campaign, in a career. Spiller set 31 yards per carry (6.11), 100-yard rushing to make a challenge gift of $300,000 for including a 12-tackle performance in a Clemson records by career’s end, including games (24) and consecutive 100-yard rush- Compassion International’s “Fill the decisive 34-14 win over No. 10 Oklahoma. career all-purpose yards (7,588), kickoff ing games (10). Sproles still holds three of Stadium” initiative, which seeks to provide The two-time consensus First Team All- return yards (2,052) and kickoffs returned the top five single-season rushing perform- essential food, medical care and support Southwest Conference selection led the for a TD (seven). He led the Tigers to four ances in school history, including the top for children and their families during the Longhorns to four consecutive postseason bowl games, earning MVP honors at the mark of 1,986 in 2003. His 2,735 all-pur- Coronavirus pandemic. berths, including wins in the 1978 Sun 2007 Chick-fil-A and 2009 Music City pose yards in 2003 are a Big 12 and K- TONY ROMO Bowl and the 1982 . The 1981 bowls. Spiller twice led the ACC in all-pur- State single-season record, and he also Eastern Illinois University team captain guided Texas to three top 25 pose yards, and he helped Clemson finish holds conference records for career 100- Quarterback, 1999-2002 finishes: No. 9 in 1978, No. 12 in 1979 and in the top 25 in 2007 (No. 21) and 2009 yard games and career all-purpose yards. The winner of the 2002 Walter Payton No. 2 in 1981. The two-time team MVP (No. 24). A member of both the Clemson A fourth-round pick by the Chargers in Award as the top player in the Football boasts the Longhorn record with 15 career Athletics and State of South Carolina the 2005 NFL Draft, Sproles played 15 Championship Subdivision (FCS), Tony forced . On the Texas career charts, Athletic halls of fame, Spiller’s No. 28 jer- seasons in the league with the Chargers Romo goes down as one of the greatest Sims ranks fourth in sacks (29), fifth in sey was retired by the Tigers. (2005-10), Saints (2011-13) and Eagles players in Eastern Illinois history. He recoveries (seven) and ninth in The ninth overall pick by the Buffalo (2014-19). The three-time Pro Bowl selec- deservedly becomes the first Panther player tackles for loss (50). His other honors Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft (2010-14), tion was a member of the Eagles team that to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. include the 1981 Houston Post SWC Spiller also played for the Saints (2015), won Super Bowl LII. Currently ranked A First Team All-American in 2002, Romo Defensive MVP Trophy and a 1982 NCAA (2016), N.Y Jets (2016) sixth in NFL history with 19,696 all-pur- became the first three-time Ohio Valley Today’s Top V Award. Sims was inducted and (2017). pose yards, Sproles set the single-season Conference Offensive Player of the year into the University of Texas Athletics Hall Off the field, Spiller was a First Team league record with 2,696 in 2011. in league history. The of Honor in 1997. Academic All-ACC selection at Clemson. Giving back to the community, Sproles winner led the Panthers to consecutive con- The first overall pick in the 1982 NFL A regular visitor to hospitals and convales- has funded football and life skills camps ference titles (2001,2002) and threestraight Draft by the , Sims cent homes, he also hosts the annual C.J. for at-risk youth in Kansas and San Diego. FCS Playoff berths. EIU was 25-10 overall spent his entire pro career with the fran- Spiller Football & Life Skills Camp. In He also helped a family in New Orleans and 17-2 in OVC games with Romo start- chise from 1982-89. He helped guide the 2020, Spiller returned to Clemson to get rebuild their home. Sproles currently works ing, and the team was nationally ranked team to an appearance in Super Bowl XX his master’s in athletic leadership, and he as a personnel consultant for the Eagles. during his final three seasons. A three-time following the 1985 season. joined former coach ’s foot- AARON TAYLOR First Team All-OVC selection, Romo set A dedicated supporter of UT Athletics, ball staff as an unpaid graduate intern. He conference and school records for single- Sims has participated in numerous letter- is also a board member of IPTAY, the fund Offensive Tackle, 1990-93 season (34 in 2002) and career (85) touch- man functions. He is also an annual volun- raising organization for Clemson Athletics. At a school with a long history of stel- down passes, which remained unbroken for teer for the Grays Harbor Football Camp, a DARREN SPROLES lar offensive lineman, Aaron Taylor was more than a decade. The 2001 Third Team free youth event. Now retired, Sims resides Kansas State University one of the best to ever suit up at Notre All-American owns the school record with in Round Rock, Texas. Running Back, 2001-04 Dame. A monster in the trenches, is the a 157.5 career passing efficiency, and he C.J. SPILLER One of the most electric and prolific 48th Fighting Irish player to enter the ranks third in career passing yards with runners in college football history, Darren College Football Hall of Fame, the most of 8,212. In 2009, Romo was inducted into Running Back/Kick Returner, 2006-09 Sproles ranks as Kansas State’s all-time any school. the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame; the same When he had the ball in his hands, C.J. leading rusher holding more than 20 school A two-time First Team All-American, day, he became the first player to have his Spiller was one of the most exciting all- and conference records. The Olathe,Kansas Taylor earned unanimous honors in 1993 number retired by the Panthers. purpose players to ever step foot on the native becomes the third Wildcat player in and consensus recognition in 1992. The After going undrafted in 2003, Romo college gridiron. The Lake Butler, Florida, the College Football Hall of Fame. anchor for one of the best stretches of would put together a standout NFL career native becomes the fourth Tiger player in A First Team All-American in 2003, Notre Dame football in the last thirty years with the from 2003-16. the College Football Hall of Fame. Sproles finished fifth in the Heisman the Irish went 40-8-1 and won three major The four-time Pro Bowl selection holds A unanimous First Team All-America Trophy voting after leading the nation with bowl games (1992 and the Cowboy records for career passing yards kick returner in 2009, Spiller finished sixth 1,986 rushing yards. A three-time All-Big 1993 and 1994 Cotton Bowls) during his and passing touchdowns. in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a 12 performer, he earned first team honors career. The 1993 Lombardi Award recipi- Off the field, Romo has annually hosted finalist for the Award. He was in 2003 and 2004 and second team acco- ent, Taylor also won the Jim Parker Award youth football camps in his hometown of named a Second Team All-America run- lades in 2002. In 2003, Sproles led K-State from the Club of Columbus, Burlington, Wisconsin. He is also heavily ning back by in 2009, mak- to the Big 12 title, its first conference title and he was a finalist for the Outland involved with the United Way, Make-A- ing him the first player in the organiza- since 1934, after posting 345 all-purpose Trophy. The senior team captain guided the Wish Foundation and the Society for the tion’s history to earn All-America honors at yards, catching a 60-yd Fighting Irish to top-15 finishes every year Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Since two positions in the same season. The 2009 and rushing for a Big 12 Championship of his career: No. 6 in 1990, No. 13 in retiring, Romo has served as the lead color ACC Player of the Year set a single-season Game record 235 yards in an upset win 1991, No. 4 in 1992 and No. 2 in 1993. analyst for CBS’ NFL telecasts, working conference and school record with 2,680 over No. 1 Oklahoma. One of three final- The 1993 Lineman of the alongside Jim Nantz. all-purpose yards while also becoming the ists for the 2003 AP Player of the Year, he Year, Taylor blocked for consecutive 1,000- KENNETH SIMS first player in conference history to gain earned Honorable Mention All-America yard rushers in Reggie Brooks (1992) and University of Texas 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiv- honors in 2002, and he led the FBS in all- Lee Becton (1993). He burst onto the scene Defensive Tackle, 1978-81 ing in the same season. A three-time All- purpose yards (2,067) in 2004. The 2003 in Notre Dame’s upset of Florida in the Kenneth Sims was so dominant in 1981 ACC selection, Spiller garnered first team finalist led the Wildcats 1992 Sugar Bowl when that he became Texas’ first-ever winner of honors in 2008 and 2009 while receiving to three postseason berths, including a win scored two of his three touchdowns behind

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 11 Taylor’s blocks. Starting the final 30- A football coach for seven During his tenure at Florida A&M from Coaching at Oklahoma from 1999-2016, straight games of his career, he helped pave years, Tippett also served on the organiza- 1974-85, Hubbard compiled an 83-48-3 Stoops never had a losing record en route the way for an Irish run game that averaged tion’s board of directors. A certified sixth overall record, the third most wins in to a school record 190 career wins, includ- 275 yards per game and tallied 71 rushing degree black belt in Uechi-ryu karate, he school history behind fellow College ing 14 seasons of 10-plus victories (the touchdowns from 1992-93. During his time has studied martial arts for over three Football Hall of Fame Coaches Jake most of an FBS coach from 2000-16). He at Notre Dame, the Bay Area native played decades. Involved in community outreach Gaither (203) and Billy Joe (86). The led the Sooners to four BCS National for College Football Hall of Fame Coach throughout the region since Rattlers went 6-5, 9-2 and 6-3-2 in his first Championship Game appearances, winning Lou Holtz and alongside Hall of Famers his NFL career began, Tippett currently three seasons. Hubbard’s most successful the 2000 national title after a perfect 13-0 Raghib “Rocket” Ismail and . serves as the executive director of commu- stretch occurred from 1977-79 as the season that culminated with a win over A first-round pick by the Green Bay in nity affairs for the New England Patriots. Rattlers compiled a 30-5 record, including Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Leading the 1994 NFL Draft, Taylor played for the AL WILSON a perfect 11-0 mark in 1977. The team won OU to a in each of his 18 sea- franchise from 1994-97 and helped them University of Tennessee back-to-back Black College Football sons (a school record), Stoops claimed nine win Super Bowl XXXI. He finished his pro Linebacker, 1995-98 National Championships and conference postseason victories, including wins in the career with the Chargers from 1998-99. Acting as the quarterback of Tennessee’s titles in 1977 and 1978. Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, and Sugar Taylor spent five months volunteering for defense, Al Wilson capped his career as In 1978, Hubbard guided Florida A&M bowls. The sixth-fastest coach to ever reach Teaching and Projects Abroad, teaching one of the Vols’ greatest by to a 12-1 record and wrapped up the season 150 wins (187 games), he guided the English to high school students in South leading them to the 1998 national champi- winning the inaugural NCAA Division I- Sooners to top 25 finishes in all but three America. He also funded a project in Sri onship. The Jackson, Tennessee, native AA Football Championship as the Rattlers seasons, including seven top five rankings. Lanka that built a community center and becomes the 21st player in school history defeated UMass, 35-28. Although a mem- A two-time national coach of the year 40 temporary houses in the village of to join the College Football Hall of Fame. ber of NCAA Division II’s Southern and six-time Big 12 Coach of the Year, Kosgoda after a tsunami. Taylor helped A consensus First Team All-America in Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, FAMU Stoops led Oklahoma to 10 Big 12 titles establish The Joe Moore Foundation for 1998, Wilson was the only All-America successfully petitioned the NCAA for while posting an impressive 121-29 (.807) Teamwork in honor of his offensive line selection from the perfect 13-0 Vols squad Division I-AA classification, which took conference record during his career. His coach at Notre Dame, and he created the that won the inaugural BCS National effect right before the 1978 season began. teams averaged 10.6 wins per season, and , which is given annually Championship at the against One year after winning the national he owned a 101-9 home record, with wins to college football’s most outstanding Florida State. He also guided Tennessee to title, Hubbard's Rattlers claimed another in each of his first 37 games at Gaylord offensive line. In 2007, he received the three other bowl games, including consecu- milestone when they defeated Miami (FL), Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Harvey G. Foster Award from the Notre tive wins at the in 1996 and 16-13. From 1974-78, Hubbard won five Stoops' 2008 team went down as the high- Dame Alumni Association for distin- 1997. During his career in Knoxville, straight Orange Blossom Classics, which est scoring team in college football history, guished civic service. The founder of the Wilson led the Vols to back-to-back SEC annually pitted Florida A&M against scoring a total of 716 points and averaging Aaron Taylor IMPACT Fund, he can be titles and four top 10 finishes (No. 3 in another HBCU. The numerous standout 51 points per game. A combined 25-11 seen during the fall as a college football 1995, No. 9 in 1996, No. 7 in 1997 and players he coached included College against the Sooners’ biggest rivals analyst for CBS Sports. No. 1 in 1998). Football Hall of Famer and three-time All- Oklahoma State and Texas, he also posted ANDRE TIPPETT A finalist for the 1998 Nagurski Trophy, America offensive guard Tyrone McGriff. a 66.7 winning percentage vs. AP Top 25 Wilson earned First Team All-SEC honors Hubbard was inducted into the Florida teams, the best in the country during his Defensive End, 1979-81 as a senior and second team all-conference A&M University Sports Hall of Fame in reign at OU. A terror to offensive backfields, Andre laurels as a junior while losing only three 1990. Stoops coached 38 First Team All- Tippett guided Iowa to its first Big Ten title conference games in four years. The 1998 A native of Hubbard, Ohio, he played Americans at Oklahoma, including seven in over two decades. The Newark, New team captain posted 12 tackles and a running back at Ohio State from 1965-67. Heisman Trophy finalists and two winners Jersey, native becomes the 10th school-record three forced fumbles in the Hubbard then made history as the first in Jason White (2003) and player elected to the College Football Hall Vols’ win over No. 6 Florida that season, Black assistant coach at Ohio State, where (2008). He also coached three NFF of Fame. which ended Tennessee’s five-game losing he served six seasons and was part of the National Scholar-Athletes, including 2015 A consensus First Team All-American in streak to the Gators. A 1999 1968 and 1970 national championship Campbell Trophy¨ recipient Ty 1981, Tippett led Iowa to a share of the Big participant, Wilson played for College staffs under College Football Hall of Fame Darlington. In 2019, Stoops was inducted Ten title and a berth in the 1982 Rose Football Hall of Fame Coach Phillip Coach . into the OU Sports Hall of Fame. Bowl, the program’s in the Fulmer and alongside Hall of Famer and Hubbard ended his collegiate coaching A four-year starter at Iowa under game since 1958. The two-time First Team 1997 Campbell Trophy¨ recipient Peyton career in 1985, but he returned to the side- College Football Hall of Fame Coach All-Big Ten selection (1980 and 1981) led Manning. Finishing his stellar career with lines as head coach at James S. Rickards Hayden Fry, Stoops excelled in 1982 as a the conference with 20 tackles for loss dur- 272 total tackles, he is enshrined in both High School in Tallahassee, Florida, from team captain, First Team All-Big Ten selec- ing his junior season. the University of Tennessee Athletics and 2008-11. Now retired, he is collaborating tion and Iowa’s MVP. The Youngstown, A senior team captain, Tippett holds the the State of Tennessee Sports halls of fame. with his son to write a how-to-book on Ohio, native began his coaching career as Iowa single-season record for tackles for A first-round pick by the Denver winning, and he is involved with potential- an assistant under Fry at Iowa, followed by loss yardage with 153 yards on 20 TFL in Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft, Wilson ly staging an HBCU game in 2021 between a stint at Kent State. After coaching under 1980. Part of the Hawkeyes’ initial success was a five-time Pro Bowl selection while rivals Kentucky State and Central State in Hall of Famer Bill Snyder at Kansas State, under College Football Hall of Fame playing for the team from 1999-2006. his native Ohio. he joined Hall of Famer ’s Coach Hayden Fry, he helped the 1981 Wilson co-founded Project FANchise, BOB STOOPS staff and helped the Gators win the 1996 team finish with a No. 18 ranking and an which previously established the first-ever (1999-2016) national title as defensive coordinator. 8-4 record, ending a streak of 20 consecu- fan-controlled professional sports fran- Head Coach, 190-48-0 (79.8%) In 2001, he started the Bob Stoops tive losing seasons. A member of Iowa’s chise, the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, and Oklahoma’s all-time winningest coach, Champions Foundation to provide support All-Time Team, Tippett was also elected to operated the Colorado Crush to play in the Bob Stoops is the only coach in history to to children and families in the Norman and the National Iowa Varsity Club Hall of . Off the field, he win a national championship and all four Oklahoma City areas. In 2018, Stoops Fame. has annually hosted children’s football BCS bowl games. He posted a 79.8 win- joined with current OU head coach Lincoln A second-round selection in the 1982 camps and resides in Atlanta. ning percentage during his remarkable 18- Riley and College Football Hall of Fame NFL Draft by the Patriots, Tippett played RUDY HUBBARD year tenure, returning the Sooners to one of Coach to create the HBC his entire pro career with the franchise Florida A&M University (1974-85) the elite programs in college football. Champions Foundation to supply financial from 1982-93. The five-time Pro Bowler Head Coach, 83-48-3 (63.1%) Stoops is the sixth Oklahoma coach to be contributions, positive experiences and and 1985 NFL Defensive Player of the The only HBCU head coach to win the inducted into the College Football Hall of support to ill or disadvantaged children in Year is the Patriots’ all-time sacks leader Division I-AA (now FCS) national title, Fame. Oklahoma. After briefly coming out of and guided the team to an appearance in Rudy Hubbard posted 83 wins in his 12 Prior to his arrival at Oklahoma, the retirement in 2020 to coach the Dallas Super Bowl XX. Tippett is a member of seasons at Florida A&M. He becomes the proud Sooner program was five years Renegades in the XFL, he now serves as a the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the New fourth coach to enter the College removed from a winning record and hadn’t special assistant to the athletics director at England Patriots Hall of Fame. Football Hall of Fame. produced double-digit victories since 1987. OU.

12 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes

is the Tigers' all-time leading passer with - (California, 2008 - NFL Player) 10,690 career yards, a total that also ranks - (Florida, 2009 - Non-Profit second all-time in American Athletic Chairman, TV Broadcaster & Baseball Conference history. He also holds the Player) Memphis and conference record for career - (Texas, 2010 - Humanitarian, passing touchdowns (90). White's 28 wins Author & Broadcaster) as a starting quarterback are the most in - Andrew Rodriguez (Army West Point, Tigers history while his 769 completions 2011 - U.S. Army Captain & Graduate are second in school annals. Student) The centerpiece to the NFF's scholar- - (, 2012 - Financial athlete program, the William V. Campbell Advisor & Broadcaster) Trophy¨ Presented by Mazda was first - (Penn State, 2013 - Ph.D. awarded in 1990. It is named in honor of Candidate, Speaker & Author) the late Bill Campbell, the former chairman - David Helton (Duke, 2014 - Finance & of Intuit, former player and head coach at Business Operations) Columbia University and the 2004 recipi- - (Oklahoma, 2015 - ent of the NFF's Gold Medal. College Football Assistant Coach) An All- player and the cap- - (Western Michigan, 2016 - tain of Columbia's 1961 Ivy League cham- Executive Development Associate) pionship team, Bill Campbell found his - (Virginia, 2017 - NFL Player) true calling after an unlikely career change - (Clemson, 2018 - NFL Campbell Trophy¨ in September 2019. at age 39 from Columbia football coach to Player) A total of $223,000 was awarded in 2020 advertising executive. His ability to recruit, - (Oregon, 2019 - NFL to White and the 11 other members of the develop and manage talented executives Ð Player Ð set NFL rookie record for touch- NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class all lessons learned on the gridiron Ð proved down passes with 28 for the Los Angeles Presented by Fidelity Investments, who to be a critical component of his ability to Chargers) comprised the list of finalists for the inspire his business teams to the highest Finalists for the 2020 NFF Campbell Campbell Trophy¨ Presented by Mazda. levels of success. Trophy¨ Presented by Mazda and 2020 Each member of the class (listed below) Past Recipients of The William V. NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class claimed an $18,000 scholarship for their Campbell Trophy¨ Presented by Mazda Presented by Fidelity Investments postgraduate educations. have been: - Tyler Bradfield, LB - Grand Valley State The personification of success on and - Chris Howard (Air Force, 1990 - [MI] (3.99 GPA - Finance) off the field, White became Memphis' all- University President) - Sam Ehlinger, QB - Texas (3.42 GPA - BO CARTER time leading passer this season while pur- - (Florida, 1991 - Attorney) Marketing) [email protected] suing a doctorate. A grad transfer, White - Jim Hansen (Colorado, 1992- Climatologist) - Jack Gibbens, LB - Abilene Christian graduated cum laude with a 3.58 GPA in - Thomas Burns (Virginia, 1993 - (4.00 GPA - Accounting & Financial Memphis QB is the 31st business from Arizona State in 3.5 years. Engineering Executive) Mgmt.) recipient of the prestigious NFF William V. After completing his master's in sports - Robert Zatechka(Nebraska,1994 -Physician) - Ezra Gray, RB - Alabama State (4.00 Campbell Award¨ Presented by Mazda. "A administration at Memphis in just over a - (Ohio State, 1995 - Real GPA - Computer Information Systems) doctoral student who ranks as Memphis' year, he is currently pursuing a doctorate in Estate Executive) - Tyriq Harris, DE - Charlotte (3.68 GPA - all-time leading passer, Brady White is the liberal studies. - (Florida, 1996 - Non- Biology) epitome of what the Campbell Trophy¨ A 2019 First Team Academic All- Profit Executive Director) - Drew Himmelman, OT - Illinois State Presented by Mazda represents," said NFF District selection, White is a two-time - (Tennessee, 1997 - TV (3.82 GPA - Exercise Science) Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons, American Athletic Conference All- Personality & Philanthropist) - Tyler Howerton, OL - Hampden-Sydney Peyton (Campbell Trophy¨ recipient) and Academic Team honoree and a member of - (Georgia, 1998 - [VA] (4.00 GPA - Physics) Eli, were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in Memphis' Tiger 3.0 Club and the Dean's Insurance Executive & TV Broadcaster) - Kekaula Kaniho, DB - Boise State (3.94 1997 and 2003, respectively. "Working List. While at Arizona State, the Santa - (Marshall, 1999 - Non- GPA - Health Science) towards one's PhD is a daunting challenge Clarita, California, native was a First Team Profit President & - Brandon Kennedy, OL - Tennessee (3.55 by itself. To do it while excelling at the Academic All-Pac-12 selection. Coach) GPA - Sport Management) highest level of college football is truly This season, White led Memphis to an - (Nebraska, 2000 - - Cameron Kinley, CB - Navy (3.32 GPA - exceptional. Brady embodies the scholar- 8-3 record. He capped his stellar collegiate Retired NFL Player) Political Science) athlete ideal, and we are proud to have him career earning 2020 - Joaquin Gonzalez (Miami [FL], 2001 - - Elijah Molden, DB - Washington (3.56 as a member of this elite fraternity." MVP honors after completing 22 passes for Corporate Executive) GPA - Communications) The Campbell Trophy¨ Presented by 284 yards and three touchdowns in the - Brandon Roberts (Washington University - Brady White, QB - Memphis (3.58 GPA Mazda ranks as one of college football's Tigers' win over Florida Atlantic. in St. Louis [MO], 2002 - Physician) - Business) most sought after and competitive awards, His 3,380 passing yards this season - (Ohio State, 2003 - Alabama’s DeVonta Smith became the recognizing an individual as the absolute rank second in the American Athletic Insurance Executive) first to capture the 2020 best in the country for his combined aca- Conference and fifth nationally. The game - Michael Munoz (Tennessee, 2004 - Heisman Trophy since NFF College Hall demic success, football performance and captain is also second in the conference Football Executive) of Fame member and Michigan WR exemplary leadership. The 24-inch, 25- and fifth nationally with 31 passing touch- - (LSU, 2005 - Corporate in 1991. He was joined pound bronze trophy, which is prominently downs while his 202 points responsible for Executive) by teammates QB (3rd in displayed at its official home inside the are second in the American and tied for - (Rutgers, 2006 - Real Heisman voting) and RB (5th New York Athletic Club, comes with a fifth nationally. Estate Executive) in voting) as the first three student-athletes $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. Mazda Just the second Memphis quarterback to - Dallas (Texas, 2007 - Corporate from the same school to close in Heisman became the presenting sponsor of the reach the 10,000-yard passing mark, White Executive) Top Five voting since NFF College Hall of

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 13 Fame members the late FB , Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M Ð 2011); lead in eight series games with Notre sive coordinator at Texas…Former RB , and QB Chicago - Manti Te'o (Notre Dame Ð 2012); Dame and played for its sixth national Michigan defensive coordinator will take from the 1945 Army West Point national New Orleans -Drew Brees (Purdue Ð 2000); football championship under head coach the same position for the Arizona Wildcats champions. Smith was Alabama’s third Taysom Hill (BYU Ð 2016); Jason Vander against Ohio State Jan. 11 in after working at UM for 45 years…Penn Heisman winner Ð all in the last 12 years Laan (Ferris State [Mich,] Ð 2015) on the the CFP finals…Tulsa’s State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich along with RB Mark Ingram in 2009 and Saints roster but opted out of 2020 season; rankings for six weeks in succession to has started his 2021 duties with the Nittany RB Derrick Henry in 2015. Kansas City - Stefen Wisniewski (Penn close the regular season were the most in Lions…Auburn named Jeff Pittman The seventh annual College Football State Ð 2010); Green Bay Packers Ð one year since the 1945 Golden Hurricane strength and conditioning coach for foot- Playoff will be played Monday night at Chandon Sullivan (Georgia State Ð 2017). was in the AP national ratings for eight ball…Auburn defensive coordinator and as Alabama meets Former Baylor football standout and polls …Mississippi State had the most acting bowl head coach is Ohio State at 7 p.m. (CST) on ESPN and NFL performer Texas U.S. Rep. Colin first-time starters in NCAA FBS in 2020 expected to have a chance to remain on the multiple ESPN bandwidths. ‘Bama (five Allred, Stanford’s Cory Booker (U.S. with 26.The entire 2020 Utah football Tigers ’21 coaching staff...Marcus Freeman times) and OSU (twice) have captured Senator representing ), Ohio squad and hundreds of family and friends has left the Cincinnati coaching staff to seven of the CFP or BCS crowns since the U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio State gave a final salute at a memorial service join Notre Dame as linebackers coach.... playoffs were initiated after the 1998 regu- all were uninjured in the recent infiltration for late Utes football Pac-12 2020 ....Baylor has added BYU offensive coordi- lar season, and of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6…South Newcomer of the Year Ty Jordan at AT&T nator Jeff Grimes in a similar position for squads have won 12 of the 22 title games Carolina men’s basketball head coach Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 8. the ’21 Bears along with Vic Viloria as contested since the ’98 campaign prior to Frank Martin offered a unique perspective Jordan starred at West Mesquite (Texas) director of athletics performance and Monday’s bout. on freedom after the events of Jan. 6 as HS before signing with Utah for the ’20 Chansi Stuckey as wide receivers coach. The previous teams won CFP titles: both his parents fled Havana, Cuba, in season…Three years to the day of his Ryan Pugh had accepted an assignment as 2014 - Ohio State; 2015 Ð Alabama; 2016 1959 during the Communist Revolution led leukemia diagnosis, Texas men’s basketball Baylor’s new offensive line coach but Ð Clemson; 2017 Ð Alabama; 2018 Ð by the late Fidel Castro. player Andrew Jones hit a game-winning, decided to decline the final offer.. Clemson; 2019 Ð LSU. NFF College Hall of Fame Facts three-point to help the ‘horns -Monroe has named former Boise State champions: Some notable birthdates in NFF edge West Virginia 72-70 on Jan. 9…Texas outside linebackers coach and special 1998 Ð Tennessee; 1999 Ð Florida State; College Hall of Fame annals in the Jan. 12- Woman’s U. received several doses of teams coordinator Zac Alley as its defen- 2000 Ð Oklahoma; 2001 Ð Miami (Fla.); 18 time period are Jan. 12 (1895) Bo Moderna anti-COVID-19 vaccine because sive coordinator under new ULM head 2002 Ð Ohio State; 2003 Ð LSU; 2004 Ð McMillin, Prairie Hill, Texas; (1899) Fritz many of the university’s nursing students coach and 30-year college coaching veteran Southern California (vacated); 2005 Ð Crisler, Earlville, Ill.; (1943) Tucker and graduates in Denton, Dallas and …South Carolina has select- Texas; 2006 Ð Florida; 2007 Ð LSU; 2008 Ð Frederickson, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; (1977) Houston, Texas, are in the frontline health- ed former NFL assistant Florida; 2009 Ð Alabama; 2010 Ð Auburn; Cade McNown, Portland, Ore.; Jan. 13 care areas. TWU’s student-athletes also offensive line coach as 2011 Ð Alabama; 2012 Ð Alabama; 2013 Ð (1907) Gerald Mann, Sulphur Springs, added to their school record of consecutive the Gamecocks offensive coordinator and Florida State. Texas; (1947) Bill Stanfill, Cairo, Ga.; 3.0 or higher composite grade point aver- Will Friend as offensive line coach.... 247- Besides White and DeVonta Smith, (1958) Tyrone McGriff, Vero Beach, Fla.; ages (4.0) scale for 77 consecutive semes- Sports director of scouting Barton other major FBS individual awards on the Jan. 14 (1908) Vernon Smith, Macon, Ga.; ters over 38-plus years…AT&T Stadium in Simmons has been tapped as general man- ESPN Awards Show presented by Home (1929) Darrell Mudra, Omaha, Neb.; Arlington, Texas, is placing tickets for the ager for new Vanderbilt football head Depot were: (1892) Hobey Baker, Bala-Cynwyd, Pa.; Monster Energy AMA Supercross FIM coach Clark Lea’s squad. VU also named FWAA : Alex Jan. 15 (1898) Dutch Meyer, Ellinger, World Championship Ð scheduled for former Wake Forest strength and condition- Leatherwood, Alabama; Texas; (1953) Randy White, Wilmington, March 13, 16 and 20 Ð on public sale ing coach Brandon Hourigan as its new Rimington Award: , Del.; (1957) Marty Lyons, Takoma Park, Tuesday through its usual outlets and at the S&C mentor…Florida defensive secondary Alabama; Md.; (1959) Ken Easley, Chesapeake, Va.; stadium’s main ticket office. coaches Ron English and Torrian Gray will National Place-Kicker Award: Jan. 16 (1882) Henry Phillips, Philadelphia Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey not return for the 2021 season…UF athlet- Jose Borregales, Miami (Fla.); Pa.; (1894) , Blue Springs, Chadwell nabbed Football Writers ics also is working to keep head coach Dan Award: , Neb.; (1914) Monk Simons, New Orleans, Association of America Eddie Robinson Mullen from entertaining possible NFL Tulsa; La.; (1953) Dave Brown, Akron, Ohio; and Associated Press 2020 Coach of the head coaching offers…Florida Atlantic co- Biletnikoff and Maxwell Awards: (1977) Mark Simoneau, Phillipsburg, Kan.; Year laurels…Boise State chose Oregon offensive coordinator and DeVonta Smith, Alabama; Jan. 17 (1933) J.C. Caroline, Warrenton, defensive coordinator Andy Avalos as its special teams/tight ends coach Jaron Award: Pressley Harvin III, Ga.; (1937) Buddy Dial, Ponca City, Okla.; new head coach…Michigan head coach Fairman are seeking new assignments for Georgia Tech; Jan. 18 (1897) Eddie Kaw, Houston, Texas; has received a four-year the 2021 season…Miami (Fla.) co-defen- Davey O’Brien National Quarterback (1950) Pat Sullivan, Birmingham, Ala. contract extension through 2025…Southern sive coordinator Ephraim Banda is moving Award: Mac Jones, Alabama; Notable anniversary death dates for U. (Baton Rouge) head coach Dawson to Utah State in the same position, Former Paycom : Trevon Hall of Famers are Jan. 12 (1965) John Odums has signed a one-year contract Hurricanes senior quality control analyst Moehrig, TCU; Tigert, Gainesville, Fla.; (1980) Lawrence extension…Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Mike Zuckerman is the Aggies new inside Doak Walker Award: Najee Harris, “Biff” Jones, Washington, D.C.; Jan. 13 Fisher was reminded that in his fourth year linebackers coach while Miami assistant Alabama; (1985) Brud Holland, New York City; at Florida State when the Seminoles won director of player development Alex : , Florida; (1987) Matt Hazeltine, San Francisco, the Bowl Championship Series crown in Devine is making a move to the USU staff Danny for Community Calif.; Jan. 17 (1974) Bill Shakespeare, 2013. Fisher is 26-10 in three seasons with as well…Illinois added former Army West Service: , New Mexico. Cincinnati, Ohio; Jan. 18 (1991) Hamilton the Aggies and has taken 10 of his 11 FSU Point defensive line coach Tank Wright as There are 17 former NFF National Fish, Cold Spring, N.Y. and A&M teams to postseason tussles with UI’s director of football strength and con- Scholar-Athletes on rosters of NFL play- Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall a 8-2 mark over those skirmishes..Marshall ditioning…Former Colorado State head offs teams, and these include: Indianapolis of Fame members Jan. 12 Cade McNown, head coach Doc Holliday has left the pro- coach and 2020 South Carolina offensive Colts - (Georgia Ð Jan. 13 Bill Stanfill, Tyrone McGriff, Jan. gram after 11 seasons, a 85-54 overall coordinator was selected as 2019); Anthony Castonzo ( 15 Randy White, Marty Lyons, Ken Easley, record and 6-2 mark in eight bowl tus- Auburn’s new offensive coordinator. Ð 2010); Buffalo - (Southern Jan. 16 Mark Simoneau… sles…Former Texas head coach Tom Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek California Ð 2012); Ð Georgia Tech and Louisville will meet Herman thanked his coaches, student-ath- Mason is one of the leading candidates for (Ohio State Ð 2019); Micah in the 2023 Chick-fil-A Classic at Atlanta’s letes and football staffers for their support the Tigers defensive coordinator’s post.. Kiser (Virginia Ð 2017 Campbell Trophy¨ Mercedes-Benz Stadium…Alabama State during his four seasons with the Longhorns …South Carolina has added former WKU recipient); Seattle - (Kansas and Miles (Ala.) will play in the 2021 …Former Missouri head coach and Tigers defensive coordinator Clayton White for State Ð 2014); Brad Lundblade (Oklahoma Labor Day HBCU Classic at standout linebacker Barry Odom is staying the ’21 season…Former Texas student-ath- State Ð 2017); Washington Ð Casey Toohill Montgomery’s on Sept. 4 at Arkansas as a top defensive assistant lete and 2020 Ole Miss special teams’ (Stanford Ð 2019); Baltimore - Trace …Gardner-Webb and Presbyterian have coach despite other offers….Mississippi coordinator Blake Gideon has joined his McSorley (Penn State Ð 2018); Jordan added a March 6 contest at Boiling State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has alma mater as ’21 special teams coordina- Richards (Stanford Ð 2014); Tennessee - Springs, N.C….Alabama has taken a 6-2 been mentioned as a possible new defen- tor…Illinois has selected former Missouri

14 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com defensive coordinator Ryan Walters for its ship roles and the brave new worlds of for 2021 only…SEC commissioner Greg a Monday game night decision about his opening with those duties for 2021..Arizona social media and college athletics... Sankey addressed the awareness that status. H broke his ankle in the Alabama- State senior associate AD Scottie Graham …Mississippi State AD John Cohen administrators and coaches had to have Tennessee game Oct. 24…Alabama QB is return ing to on-field duties as running addressed major concern about the recent with daily-changing national health proto- Mac Jones captured the 34th annual 2020 backs coach at Arizona…Memphis named dustups among student-athletes from MSU cols as well as individual team and staff Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He is Drew Svoboda special teams coach…New and Tulsa before and after the Lockheed testing for football. Retiring ACC commis- third Crimson Tide signal caller to win this LSU offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and Martin and core values sioner John Swofford mentioned his opin- honor…Georgia soph kicker Jack Podlesny passing game coordinator DJ Mangas have that need to be followed…Texas A&M sen- ion that the selec- kicked the second-longest field goal in finalized their contracts for’21..Chattanooga ior office associate for communications tion system and protocols worked in that Bulldogs postseason annals with a 53-yard assistant coach Chris Malone has left the Jackie Thornton has retired after 30 years teams with fewer games (i.e., Big Ten and at the gun to down previously-unbeaten program…Tennessee football is awaiting of assisting with Aggies athletics..Southland Pac-12 Conferences) were evaluated for Cincinnati 24-21 in the Chick-fil-A Peach finalizing assistant coaches’ 2021 contracts Conference commissioner Tom Burnett quality wins and strength of schedule. The Bowl…Tulsa All-American Athletic and adding two new coaches because of now will serve as the committee’s vice ACC actually produced 12 teams with 10 Conference DT Jaxon Player had 4.5 sacks current financial conditions…Stories chair to replace incoming Atlantic Coast or more games, including bowls, in 2020 against Navy and ended the year with 7.5 rumored about Texas seeking Alabama’s Conference commissioner and former while the SEC managed to have 13 of its total sacks....Texas Tech CB Zach Nick Saban and College Football Playoff Northwestern AD Jim Phillips in that 14 members with at least 10 contests in McPherson has declared for the 2021 NFL winner as head coaches in capacity…Longtime TCU associate AD for spite of massive COVID-19 challenges... Draft…Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey, recent years were denied by UT athletics as operations Ross Bailey has retired official- … commission- OL Adrian Ealy and CB Tre’ Norwood possible wishes only by Longhorns boost- ly and is consulting for Horned Frogs ath- er Craig Thompson and American Athletic played in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl ers…Wake Forest selected Chad Bari as letics. He worked fulltime at TCU for 48 Conference commissioner Mike Aresco against Florida but have declared for the chief coach and director of football sport years as assistant AD for sports medicine have repeated their calls for expansion of NFL draft instead of competing in ’21 performance…Several media sources have and multiple roles…Long Beach State the College Football Playoff’s current field …Miami (Fla.) QB D’Eriq King has had noted that 2020 Coach Deputy AD and senior women administra- of four teams…Both VCU's Siegel Center knee surgery and hope to be back in time of the Year Matt Campbell is not interview- tor Cindy Masner announced her retire- and Richmond (Va.) Robins Center are for the Hurricanes 2021 season opener ing for the vacant NFL head ment as of Dec. 31, 2020. She served possible Atlantic-10 Conference men’s bas- Sept. 4 against Alabama in the Chick-fil-A coaching position. LBSU athletics for 37 years…There are ketball tournament sites if the Barclays College Classic in Atlanta…Texas rising Hometowns of more 2021 college head reports in Idaho that Boise State senior Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The A-10 sophomore Bijan Robinson is coming off a coaches Ð Temple: Rod Carey, Madison, associate AD for football and chief of staff women’s tourney is set at the Siegel Center 703-yard season rushing performance and Wis.; Tennessee: Jeremy Pruitt, Rainsville, Brad Larrondo may be joining head coach …Saint Francis (Pa.) has decided to table four touchdowns after taking over as a Ala.; Tennessee State: Rod Reed, Marshall, 's new staff at Auburn…UCF all its rescheduled spring events from the starting running back at midseason…Texas Texas; Tennessee Tech: Dewayne has chosen former Pittsburgh executive fall semester will not participate in the A&M QB Kellen Mond reflected on his Alexander, Cookeville, Tenn.; Chattanooga: associate AD for philanthropy and engage- rescheduled fall seasons this spring in the four seasons as a stating signal caller in an Rusty Wright, Aiken, S.C. ment Janice McFarlane as its new deputy Northeast Conference due to COVID-19 interview with TexAgs.com…Florida QB Le Moyne (N.Y.) tabbed former Army AD for competitive excellence…Women’s concerns. and Heisman Trophy finalist West Point senior associate AD for strate- Basketball and CoSIDA Academic Halls of There was a bit of discussion about has declared for the ’21 NFL Draft... OU gic initiatives Bob Beretta as its new direc- Fame member Baylor head women’s bas- alternative dates when Ohio State had a QB is a semifinalist for the tor of athletics. Beretta is also a member of ketball coach had a positive minor outbreak of COVID-19 in the days 2020 Davey O’Brien Award and was ’20 the College Sports Information Directors of test for COVID-19 and is continuing her prior to Monday’s College Football Playoff CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year. America Hall of Fame…Former Georgia quarantine this week…Northern Illinois championship encounter…Mississippi All-Big 12 Conference senior deputy and interim AD Josh Brooks head men’s basketball coach Mark State’s historic 52-14 win over Michigan to selection and co-Big 12 Newcomer of the is the new fulltime AD at UGa. Darrice Montgomery has been released from his complete the 2010 season was remembered Year passed for 2,784 yards on 200-of-294 Griffin now is senior deputy for Georgia duties and replaced by interim head coach on the 10-year anniversary of the landmark completions with 25 touchdowns and seven athletics as well…New Boise State director Lamar Chapman…Carleton College inter- triumph…The COVID-19 regulated atten- interceptions…Georgia standout QB JT of athletics Jeremiah Dickey held a virtual im women’s soccer head coach Jessica dance of 17,323 for the 2020 Goodyear Daniels, RB James Cook and DL Devonte news conference after his appointment and Mueller will guide the team in 2021... Cotton Bowl represented the smallest West all are returning for the upcoming spoke of the importance of servant leader- ....Oregon women’s basketball head coach turnout since Jan. 1, 1944, Texas-San campaign. Bulldogs DE Malik Herring and ship throughout his career and now at Kelly Graves will receive $1.5 million Antonio Randolph Field game with 15,000 center Trey Hill are ending their college BSU. Dickey and Boise State administra- salary boost over the course of his new on hand due to World War II travel restric- careers to prepare for the NFL Draft... tors also reaffirmed their membership in contract that runs through the 2028-29 sea- tions and rationing..The Dallas-Fort Worth, Former Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker the Mountain West Conference…Alaska son…Kevin Hart is the new assistant direc- Texas, had the largest local community Tulsa RB Corey Taylor II led all rushers in Fairbanks School of Management faculty tor of sports information at Thiel..Southern concentration of bowls for 2020-21: the the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl member Peggy Keiper has been appointed Miss woman’s basketball head coach Joye in Frisco, the SERV- with 20 carries for 85 yards.. …Kentucky interim AD at UAF…UC Riverside AD Lee-McNelis has been diagnosed with PRO in Dallas, the QB Terry Wilson is entering the NCAA Tamica Smith Jones is leaving to become stage 4 lung cancer after she overcame an Goodyear Cotton Bowl in Arlington, the transfer portal…Mississippi State RB Jo’ the COO for Kennesaw State athletics.. initial bout with lung cancer in 2017. She presented by Capital One in quavious Marks had the Bulldogs longest …Purdue AD Mike Bobinski has been has been the head women’s basketball Arlington, and the Lockheed Martin Armed rush of the season with a 28-yard TD jaunt appointed to the 2020-21 NCAA Men’s coach at Memphis from 1991-2004 and at Forces Bowl in Fort Worth. The area against Tulsa in the season finale. State Division I Basketball Committee…New USM since ’04 – a total of 30 seasons. almost had a sixth postseason game, but averaged 30 net yards rushing as a team Louisiana Tech AD Eric Wood chatted with Multiple sources have confirmed that the SMU-UTSA Tropical Smoothie Café through its first 10 outings...Texas QB Sam media about his first 50 days as AD, aca- the Western Athletic Conference will hold was cancelled Dec. 19 due to Ehlinger will pass up an extra year of eligi- demic staffing, health and safety concerns, a news conference at NRG Stadium on excessive COVID-19 cases in the SMU bility and is preparing for the ’21 Draft and establishing a continued winning cul- Houston Thursday to announce the addi- football program. Florida had eight differ- Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders ture at Tech…Ohio State AD and 2006 tion of seven NCAA FCS members to ent bowls scheduled in post-2020 before garnered MVP honors win the Cheez-It NFF John L. Toner Award recipient Gene resume WAC football competition in 2022. the pandemic forced cancellation of 16 dif- Bowl with 305 passing yards and four aeri- Smith had some fancy celebratory dance The projected new members are Abilene ferent bowls. al TDs …Tennessee CB Bryce Thompson moves on social media after the Buckeyes Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Ohio State QB Justin Fields competed in (eight career interceptions) will leave the downed Clemson in the CFP semifinals.. Austin. Southern Utah, Tarleton State, and the CFP championship contest after taking team for the ’21 NFL Draft…West Virginia …Washington AD Jennifer Cohen and Dixie State. The WAC last competed in several hard hits and some various injuries QB has entered the transfer SMU's Rick Hart gave a review for football during the 2012 season in NCAA while facing Clemson in the CFP semifi- portal after coming to WVU earlier from AthleticDirectorU about the new book FBS… League will begin its nals…Alabama’s Percy Waddle practiced Oklahoma…Wisconsin backup QB Jack Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday with spring football schedule in early March and and was set to return to the field of play Coan is transferring to Notre Dame.... focus on the book’s applications of leader- is deciding whether to split into divisions against Ohio State in the CFP title clash in (continued on page 16)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 15 ...Kentucky RB A.J. Rose motored for 148 and Atlanta franchises...Former North Texas NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and several col- 2011. The Huskers are 78-59 overall under yards in a 23-21 upset of No. 23 NC State standout QB Mason Fine signed with the lege departments are using Armored Things three head coaches with three bowl victo- in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl…Texas A&M CFL …NFF Crowd Intelligence Solution as they ramp ries since the 2010 season while UT is 78- DT Jayden Peevy, safety Leon O’Neal Jr. College Hall of Fame QB has up the 2021 portions of multiple seasons 60 with six bowl victories under four head and WR Cameron Buckley will return for retired from his general manager’s post …The BoiseDev Group has revealed some coaches…SportsGrid's Mike Blewitt has the 2021 season after entertaining NFL with the NFL but will Boise State athletics documents with a been chosen as Collegiate Sports Management Draft possibilities. Aggies center Ryan retain other team executive duties…Army timeline for possible Group’s senior vice president of property McCollum made his declaration to enter West Point QB Kelvin Hopkins Jr. retained renovations in the 2022-24 range…Texas acquisition and media…MarketCast senior the ’21 draft…Texas A&M CB Myles his Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl State and St. Edward’s were commended vice president and general manager of Jones hopes to be back at full strength for record for individual rushing touchdowns for their efforts to alleviate possible COVID sports and live events Haynes Hendrickson spring workouts after missing the final two with five in 2018 against Houston…St. -19 cases this semester on their campuses is now with PlayFly Sports as senior vice games of the ’20 campaign with a leg John’s (N.Y.) men’s basketball student-ath- as student returned for live and virtual president of business development. injury…Coastal Carolina WR Jaivon lete David Caraher has been granted a classes…Snodgrass Partners hired Richard The FWAA presented the annual Volney Heiligh paced all postseason receivers in leave of absence for the remainder of the C. Coiro to oversee its financial affairs for Meece Scholarship to Sara Shatel, daughter yards gained on catches with 178 in the season because of COVID-19 and family professional and collegiate sports clients of Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald columnist FBC Mortgage against Liberty concerns...Mississippi high school (Richland) …MarketCast senior vice president and Tom Shatel and a freshman at Missouri, as …Southern California safety Talanoa head coach J.J. Plummer spoke of the 56- general manager of sports and live events the 24th annual winner. The scholarship is Hufanaga will forgo his senior season and year year coaching career of his father and Haynes Hendrickson is now with PlayFly awarded annually by the Football Writers enter the 2021 NFL Draft…Clemson QB former Delta State head coach Johnny Sports as senior vice president of business Association of America and named for the and Florida QB Kyle Plummer…Nebraska athletics’ first Black development…A new sports agency with late Volney Meece. Meece served 22 years Trask, both Heisman Trophy finalists, will student-athlete in any sport Ð Dr. George several former NFL, NBA and Kansas area as the FWAA's executive director and was declare for the 2021 NFL draft and skip Flippin Ð on the 1892-94 football squads business people has been formed and named the organization's president in 1971. The their senior seasons…Ohio State RB Trey was remembered fondly prior to the Dr. Par-Lay Sports and Entertainment...Auburn scholarship is a $1,000 annual grant for Sermon like former Oklahoma teammate Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday has completed the initial design phase for four years. It is awarded to a deserving son and NFL standout of OU and Jan. 18…Some of the top vote recipients its new $60 million Football Performance or daughter of an FWAA member…Hillary Alabama, had the rare privilege of playing on the 2020 Associated Press NFL All-Pro Center with numerous state-of-the-art Fisher of Anne Arundel CC, Phylicia Short for two schools in the College Football Team were Kansas City TE Travis Kelce of amenities…The Arkansas Razorback of Queens (N.C.), John Vu of Utah, Sam Playoff. Sermon starred for the Sooners Cincinnati, Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers Foundation is working with court authori- Schwartz of the America East Conference, from 2017-19 and had a solid season with of California, Kansas City QB Patrick ties to settle a case with former UA head and John Paquette of the Big East Conference OSU while racking up 868 rushing yards in Mahomes of Texas Tech, and Tennessee coach Bret Bielema who has taken over as were featured subjects and opinion makers seven games with a career-best 331 infantry Titans RB Derrick Henry of Alabama.... head coach at Illinois. in the CoSIDA Open Forum online news- yards in the Big Ten Championship Game Southlake (Texas) Carroll HS head coach ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit was letter..The NCAA will play the 2021 Men’s against Northwestern…Mississippi State missed last Saturday’s Class equipped with nine screens in his home Basketball Championships at six venues in Freshman All-America CB Emmanual 6A state semifinal against Duncanville HS studio to cover the Clemson-Ohio State and around the Indianapolis area: Indy’s Forbes had a bowl-record, 90-yard inter- due to COVID-19 concerns. Dodge led CFP semifinal because he had COVID-19 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indy’s Bankers Life ception return for a TD in the Lockheed Southlake Carroll to the 2006 Texas 6A symptoms. Ironically, Herbstreit had to Fieldhouse, Butler’s historic Hinkle Field- Martin Armed Forces Bowl during the state crown while quarterbacking the employ iPhone Facetime the following day house (home of the final scene of the Bulldogs win over Tulsa Ð it was his team- Dragons and later starred at North Texas. for a breaking news story...Sports Business movie Hoosiers), Indy’s Indiana Farmers high fifth interception of the year.... Riley Dodge will face his father and former Journal examined the often changing land- Coliseum, Purdue’s Mackey Arena, and …Wisconsin DB Noah Burks had a key SLCHS and North Texas head coach Todd scape of college athletics Ð especially in Indiana’s Assembly Hall in Bloomington. turnaround interception in the Badgers Dodge and Austin Westlake HS Saturday at 2020-21 Ð and the College Athletes Bill of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball coordi- Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over Wake AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the Texas Rights, which may make it to the halls of nator Dan Gavitt also is working with Forest and closed the campaign with two 6A title…All-time good guy, father of the U.S. Congress…Sports Ventures NCAA basketball committee members to pass pilfers and 60 total tackles..... North- nine, positive religion activist, former altar Acquisition Corporation had an initial pub- set the proposed dates’ and tentative times’ western QB Payton Ramsey passed for 291 boy, and community servant QB Philip lic stock offering of $200…ESPN’s John schedule for March Madness¨. There will yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats Rivers of NC State ended the 2020 NFL “Boog” Sciambi will continue calling vari- be no back-to-back playing dates at the win over Auburn in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl season with an 11-5 record, 134 career vic- ous and college various Indiana sites…NCAA Women’s …North Carolina WR Dazz Newsome tories as a starting QB, 63,440 career pass- sports events for the network as he begins Basketball Division I chair Nina King of made his sixth TD catch of the season ing yards, and 421 touchdown passes in 18 his 2021 association as the MLB Chicago Duke indicated in December that the 2021 against Texas A&M in the Capital One NFL seasons. Cubs’ play-by-play radio broadcaster women’s championship will be played with Orange Bowl and ended his senior year Tennessee athletics has employed Bond, …Learfield IMG College president/CEO 64 teams in a close geographical site Ð pos- with 54 receptions for 864 yards...OU WR Schoeneck and King attorneys Mike Glazier Cole Gahagan is helping transform the sibly the area wherethe NCAA Charleston Rambo has entered the 2021 and Kyle Skillman to help address an inter- longstanding primarily sponsorship and women’s semis and championship tussles NCAA transfer portal along with teammate nal investigation into possible NCAA foot- sales organization to a national collegiate are scheduled tentatively for late March or RB T.J. Pledger. Sooners RB Kennedy ball rules’ challenges…There have been 22 digital, data and content business. Learfield early April. Both NCAA men’s and women’s Brooks will return to play in fall ’21 as men’s and women’s basketball teams and IMG lenders and investors also have assist- committees also formalized COVID-19 well as OU teammate DL Jalen Redmond other winter sports squads involved in ed with a $125 million cash infusion in protocols for the bubble tourney locales …North Texas kicker Zac Williams also game/event postponements, cancellations 2020 to cover sponsorship setbacks due to …LEAD1 inaugurated the Actionable entered the ’21 transfer portal…SMU QB or pauses in the last seven days. Villanova’s the COVID-19 pandemic…...USA Today Recommendations to Create More Diverse Shane Buechele will not return to the 2020-21 men’s basketball program has had pointed out several challenges facing Senior Leadership in NCAA Division I Mustangs in ’21 and is getting ready for three different pauses for COVID-19 issues NCAA FBS in coming months such as Football Bowl Subdivision College Sports the upcoming NFL Draft.... …Memphis …Vanderbilt alumni, many former student- continuing COVID-19 protocols, logistics white paper created by a committee of (Tenn.) Christian Brothers HS standout RB athletes and parents of current VU stu- of COVID-19 vaccinations, spring football leading ADs and administrators…NET Dallan Hayden has narrowed his list of dents, will be going on a July 9-16 special practice schedules, and NCAA transfer released its first NCAA Division I men’s 2022 possibilities for signing to Notre Alumni Association jaunt for Southeast Asia rules’ adjustments…The Omaha (Neb.) and women’s basketball ratings Monday, Dame, Ohio State, Oregon and, …Alabama’s famed Million Dollar Band World-Herald newspaper compiled some and they will be updated regularly on D1 Tennessee…South Carolina QB Ryan performed the 2020 Goodyear Cotton Bowl fast facts about the state of Nebraska and Ticker.com…UCF’s Institute for Diversity Hilinski has entered the ‘21 transfer portal. National Anthem virtually with a stirring Texas football programs since they met in and Ethics in Sport concluded a study of Northwestern head coach and NFF musical rendition…Massachusetts and the 2009 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football FBS hiring practices and saw a slight College Hall of Fame member Pat George Washington postponed their men’s Championship Ð the next-to-last before improvement over past years. Fitzgerald may be a possible head coaching basketball game Jan. 6 because of condi- Colorado, NU, Missouri, and Texas A&M interviewee or replacement for NFL Detroit tions in the Washington, D.C. area…The left the Big 12 for other conferences in

16 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO REVIEW MERCEDES BENZ G CLASS The desirability of G-Class holds strong

add a back-to-basics feel, and even though the new G550 is a larger vehicle, it doesn’t look that much bigger. A high-mounted tubular grille guard, unique to the G550, adds to the rugged look. Mercedes-Benz G-Class standard twin- turbo V8, 9-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system with three locking differentials aren’t enough, consider that the Mercedes-Benz G550 is also equipped with LED head- lights and taillights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a sunroof and a handy 360-degree camera that helps a bunch when parking the G in tight lots. Also standard: Brake Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Dynamic Select with five driv- ing modes (Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport +). The G550 is available with a $12,200 Exclusive Interior Package that includes diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a Designo headliner and front seats with active bol- sters and built-in massagers. You can also get a $3,470 AMG kit that includes AMG body styling, flared wheel arches, a sport exhaust and brake calipers emblazoned with the words “Mercedes-Benz.” If you’re looking for a blacked-out G550, the $1,990 Night Package should satisfy with exterior mirrors, spare tire cover, grille, brush guard and wheels all done in black, plus black- tinted headlights and directional signals. The Mercedes-Benz G550 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 416 There’s an all-new Mercedes-Benz G- speeds, firms up nicely on the highway, meet driver preference. horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. That’s Class, available as a G550 and an AMG where there’s none of the wander you The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior good for a 0-60-mph sprint of 5.6 seconds. G63, the latter a substantially more power- might expect from such a large truck. Even Luxury has been heightened considerably Of note, the powerplant is a bit unusual in ful model that we cover elsewhere. While though the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a in the 2019 G550, thanks largely to the use that its turbochargers are atop the engine, the rugged new 2019 G550 retains a boxy high-riding vehicle, body roll is kept in of top-quality leather and attractive wood in the vee of the aluminum block as profile and looks much the same as before, check by its well-damped suspension with veneers. We’re glad Mercedes retained the opposed to outside of it. One transmission Mercedes says only three parts are carry- anti-roll bars. The -plane glass wind- prominent grab bar for the front passenger, is available, a 9-speed automatic that occa- over: the door handles, spare-tire cover and shield, so much a part of the G’s character, and we also like how the traditional instru- sionally skips ratios for added efficiency headlight washers. More significant, this makes it easy to see the road ahead, and ments have been replaced by an attractive during acceleration. go-anywhere Mercedes SUV, still built in the prominent fenders, topped by large and easy-to-read digital screen. The dash- 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 Graz, Austria, has a stronger and all-new directional signals, help the driver sense board, with four prominent circular air 416 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm body-on-frame chassis with independent the front corners of the G550. One down- vents, also features a push-button starter 450 lb-ft of torque @ 6,175 rpm front suspension replacing the former G’s side of driving such a blocky-shaped vehi- and an integral analog clock, this last item EPA city/highway fuel economy:13/17 mpg live front axle. Three locking differentials cle on the highway is a fair amount of wind adding a touch of traditional ambience. The The Mercedes-Benz G550, which takes (center, rear, front) ensure that the new G noise. Off-road, the G550 unquestionably new G550 is 2.8 inches longer and rides on 100 hours to hand-assemble at the factory can still tackle legitimately tough terrain. is one of the most capable SUVs. With a wheelbase also increased by 2.8 in. As a in Austria, has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Moreover, the new G550 has lost about three locking differentials, excellent power result, Mercedes has found nearly six inch- Retail Price (MSRP) of $124,500, plus a 375 pounds, thanks to revised materials and stout suspension, it makes light work es more rear legroom than before, plus an destination charge of $995. Ordered with and a lighter body. Much of the new body of tough trails and climbs that would be extra 1.5 inches up front. There’s also 4.8 several options such as the Exclusive is steel, but the fenders, and doors are impossible in a crossover SUV. inches more shoulder room inside the new Interior Package, a G550 can touch aluminum. Varied competitors include the Three locking differentials via three G. All this extra space is much appreciated, $150,000. Take note: That exceeds the base Land Rover Range Rover, the Jeep buttons on the dash, the G550’s center, rear as is a new rear bench seat that folds and price of the almighty 577-horsepower Wrangler, the Lexus LX 570 and the and front differentials can be locked, but splits 60/40. Mercedes-AMG G63, which starts at Toyota Land Cruiser. only in that order. This gives the G550 an The Mercedes-Benz G-Class exterior $147,500. Rest easy, though, because the The Mercedes-Benz G550 cruises com- ability to climb hills like a mountain goat. has succeeded with the look of the new desirability of a G-Class (and therefore its fortably down the highway, with plenty of The dynamic select drive system has five G550. This new Mercedes SUV remains as resale value) holds strong and steady over power for easy passing. At light throttle, modes: Slippery, Individual, Comfort, boxy and upright as ever, still military in time. Before buying, check the KBB.com the 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Sport and Sport+. Basically, the response appearance and not mistaken for any other Fair Purchase Price to see what others in With more throttle, the shifts get crisper. of the G550’s engine, transmission, steer- vehicle. Items such as the flat glass, your area are paying for their new truck. Electric-assist steering, light at parking-lot ing and stability control can be tailored to exposed door hinges and external spare tire

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK Shabu Shabu: A boiling pot of soup bliss

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

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

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

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

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

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 19 20 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com