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Sept. 11 - Sept. 17, 2020 Vol. 19, Issue 3 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE 2 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on @sportspagdfw.com Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 3 Sept. 11, 2020 - Sept.17, 2020 AROUND THE AREA Vol. 19, Issue 3 LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST sportspagedfw.com Established 2002 Globe Life Field to host Rodeo finals Cover Photo: 4 AROUND THE AREA rodeo coming in and us being able to get standout 2019 campaign. back to business, it’s a big boost not only In his first season on the Hilltop, Costa 5 RANGERS REPORT for Arlington but for the entire Metroplex picked up All-America honors from United BY DIC HUMPHREY and the state.” Soccer Coaches, Top Drawer Soccer and 6 , ETC. Fort Worth will play host to the rodeo’s College Soccer News, he was also tabbed a BY TOM WARD fan experience event. The city also touts first-team all-east region selection by PGA TOUR 2020-21 SCHEDULE the Stockyards as an attractive draw for United Soccer Coaches. 7 BY PGATOUR.COM rodeo fans -- and points to recent major He was named the American Athletic QUICK LOOK THE SAFEWAY sporting events during the pandemic. That Conference Co-Midfielder of the Year and OPEN includes the PGA’s return at the Colonial selected to the AAC first-team and all-tour- 9 BY PGATOUR.COM and NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 nament team. Costa was twice named the Globe Life Field to host 2020 Wrangler NFL WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS race in July at Texas Motor Speedway. league's offensive player of the week in 10 BY NFL.COM National Finals Rodeo “If we can do that, think what we can do 2019. The rodeo will be the first major non-base- SEASON with the National Finals Rodeo here in our Costa played in 18 games, making 17 11 PREVIEW ball event at the new Globe Life Field in area. Its proven we can do it safe and starts, and scored nine goals. His 11 total BY NFL.COM Arlington since its opening. BIG 12 FOOTBALL WEEK 1 healthy,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy assists ranked second on the team and 13 PREDICTIONS Price. fourth in the country, while his 0.61 assists ARLINGTON, Texas - A large event BY BIG12SPORTS.COM Seats will be sold in groups of four per game ranked third in the NCAA. could boost Arlington's struggling enter- NEWS AND with separation between the groups. Other Following the season, Costa was invited 14 tainment district. NOTES safety protocols such as mobile ticketing, to the MLS College Soccer Showcase. BY BO CARTER The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is masks requirements and a no-bag policy College Soccer News has the Mustangs moving to from Las Vegas to Arlington in AUTO REVIEW will be put into place. ranked No. 5 in its preseason poll after fin- 17 BY KBB.COM December. The rodeo will be the first Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and Fort ishing the 2019 season in the top 10 of all major non-baseball event at the new Globe Worth Mayor Betsy Price were joined by major polls, including a No. 3 ranking in THE TICKET WINDOW Life Field in Arlington since its opening. 18 rodeo executives and the CEO of the Texas the NCAA RPI and a No. 7 ranking in the A long tradition in Las Vegas, the finals Rangers for Wednesday’s announcement. United Soccer Coaches Poll. RESTAURANT REVIEW moved to North Texas amid pandemic 19 BY RICHARD POLLAK The event runs from Dec. 3 Ð 14. The Mustangs won their third consecu- related challenges in Sin City. tive AAC Tournament Title and advanced A partnership between Arlington, Fort to the NCAA Elite Eight. SMU's 18-2-1 Worth and the governor’s office moved to season produced the fourth most wins in quickly lasso the weeklong money-maker school history and the 63 goals scored for the new ballpark, which has seen were the most since a school-record 81 in Follow us on its own struggles with Major League 2000. Baseball’s abbreviated schedule and no Twitter & Facebook The Mustangs allowed just 17 goals in fans in the stands. The rodeo could mean 2019, giving the team the national lead in millions for the local economy. twitter.com/sportspagedfw goal differential at +46. “The pandemic has been very difficult Costa Named College Soccer News here on Arlington needless to say. One of facebook.com/sportspageweek- Preseason All-American our main revenues is tourism,” said Mustang junior Gabriel Costa was Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “Of Publisher Contact Us named to the College Soccer News presea- Sports Page Publishing Group, Main Number (214) 683-1469 course, now to have the national finals LLC P.O. Box 820813 son All-America first-team following a [email protected] Dallas, Tx. 75382 www.sportspagedfw.com NCAA Football - Preseason Top 25 Coaches AP Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo WEEKLY CALENDAR Carter, Richard Pollak, Robert 1. Clemson 1. Clemson Cortinez. James McAnally 2. State 2. Ohio State 3. 3. Alabama SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 4. Georgia 4. Georgia 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5. LSU 5. Oregon FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6. Oklahoma 6. LSU To advertise in The Sports Page Weekly 7. Penn State 7. NEXT 9/19 8. Florida 8. Oklahoma at call the contacts above or 214.683.1469 North Texas 9. 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4 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com MLB TEXAS RANGERS MLB season coming down to the wire

the division. They have the best record in leading 57.2 innings pitched. Aaron the A.L. and lead Houston by 6.5 games, Civale, Zach Plesac and Triston McKenzie but by eight in the loss column. back up Bieber. Brad Hand is 12 for 12 in The Astros return to Houston this save opportunities. With pitching like this, weekend coming off a 1-8 road trip. They the Tribe is basically in every game. have completed their season series with All three of these teams from the Central Oakland, so have no more head-to-head will be in the playoffs. It’ll be an exciting games with the A’s to close the gap. race to the finish to determine the order. The surprising Seattle Mariners have PLAYOFF NOTE: It has not been offi- crept to within two games of Houston, but cially announced, but it is almost a certain- just one in the loss column. The Mariners ty that MLB will go to the “bubble” con- and Astros have three games remaining cept for the playoffs, like the NBA and with each other in Seattle to start the final NHL. The would be based week of the season. in Texas, while the American League will The Rangers and Angels are fighting it play in Southern . The World out for fourth place. Series would be played at Globe Life Field. In the East, Tampa Bay is 12 games RANGER NOTES: over .500 with the second best record in ¥ Texas ended their six-game losing the A.L. They lead surprising Toronto by streak with a solid 7-1 victory over the Los 3.5 games with 16 games to play. Teoscar Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Lance Hernandez has spearheaded the Jays’ Lynn was not at his best as he hit three bat- offense with 14 home runs and 27 RBIs. ters, but he battled through seven innings Three young sons of former Major League of one-run ball for the win. Texas ended their six-game losing streak with a solid 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night players are also an integral part of the Jays’ ¥ Isiah Kiner-Falefa went 4-4 and extend- attack. They are Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Cavan ed his hitting streak to 12 games to lead the the worst teams in baseball, but they are Biggio (son of Craig), and Bo Bichette charge in a 7-3 Ranger win on Wednesday. just 1.5 games behind the Yankees (one in (son of Dante). Toronto has put together a The win was headlined by Ranger rookies the loss column). very good bullpen to shore up so-so start- that didn’t figure to be on the team when Injuries have caused the downturn. The ing pitching. The Rays and Jays have com- the season began. Eli White got his first gold-plated offense that was expected to pleted their season series, so Toronto must hit, driving in a run to tie the game and carry the Yankees in games not pitched by win and hope some other team beats later scored to put the Rangers in front for Cole have lost Giancarlo Stanton and Tampa in order to gain ground. They also good. John King was the winning pitcher, Aaron Judge for most of the season. That play the Yankees seven times over the final and Leody Taveras stole home. offense looks far less formidable without two weeks and will need to play well to ¥ The Angels finally beat the Rangers BY DIC HUMPHREY those two bats. The rest of the starting hang onto second place. Thursday afternoon 6-2. Dylan Bundy has [email protected] rotation after Cole is troublesome. Even In the Central Division, it’s almost a been one of the best pitchers in baseball Cole is not having the season he enjoyed tossup between the White Sox, Indians and this season and proved it Thursday. He may feel like it the last two years in Houston. Cole’s ERA Twins. The White Sox have a rock solid allowed two runs on four hits while strik- just got going, but there is only two weeks is 3.63 going into the weekend. Good, but offense with veterans like Jose Abreu and ing out 12 for his fifth win. Kyle Gibson plus this weekend remaining in the season. not Cy Young Award good. The bullpen Juan Encarnacion as well as rising stars was the Ranger starting pitcher that got hit When the trade deadline came and went, also has problems with closer Aroldis (perhaps even super stars) Tim Anderson, hard - literally. Twenty-two of the 28 bat- the American League races looked like Chapman not nearly as dominant as he Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez. Dallas ters he faced put the ball in play, and 12 of there would be no drama at all. The eight once was. It’s surprising that the Yankees Keuchel has anchored a good starting rota- the 22 (55%) had an exit velocity of at playoff spots appeared to be all but mathe- stood pat at the trade deadline with so tion. Little known Lucas Giolito and least 95 MPH. Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled matically set with Tampa Bay, New York many holes. Dylan Sease compliment Keuchel with in the seventh inning to extend his hitting and Toronto in the East, Cleveland, Another team that was thought to be a ERAs in the low threes. streak to 13 games. Chicago and Minnesota in the Central, and shoo-in for the playoffs when the season The Twins have an equally powerful ¥ The number two prospect in the Oakland and Houston from the West. That began, but is now scrambling to hold onto lineup led by former Ranger Nelson Cruz Rangers’ farm system, catcher Sam Huff, was then, this is now; and now is different. a spot, is Houston. Again, injuries account (.342 average, 15 home runs and 31 RBIs). was activated prior to Thursday’s game. When this season ends and the results for their demise. On the offensive side, Miguel Sano also has 10 home runs and 21 He was needed after Jose Trevino sprained are in, the central theme is going to be Jordan Alvarez is out for the season. Alex RBIs. Randy Dobnak leads the Twins with his left hand during an at bat in injuries. Last winter when the Yankees Bregman just came off the Injured List this six wins in nine starts. Jose Berrios was Wednesday’s game. Trevino will be signed free agent Gerrit Cole, the Las week, and Jose Altuve is still on the thought to be the staff ace, but he has unavailable for at least this weekend’s Vegas bookmakers made New York the Injured List. With those three top of the struggled with a 4.40 ERA, but has still games. overwhelming favorite to represent the order bats out of the lineup, the Astros’ given the Twins nine starts and won four ¥ The announced starting pitchers for American League in the World Series. The offense is far less imposing. games. Left-hander Taylor Rogers leads Texas in this weekend’s series against Yankees stopped a five-game losing streak On the pitching side, Houston went into the pen with eight saves. Oakland are Luis Garcia (0-1, 3.68 ERA) Wednesday that had sunk their record to an the season having lost Cole. Last year’s Cleveland continues to develop starting on Friday, Kolby Allard (0-4, 5.40 ERA) in even .500. New York goes into the week- Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander pitching. They traded Trevor Bauer last one of Saturday’s doubleheader games with end holding on to the eighth and final play- was lost to injury early. Collin McHugh year around the trade deadline and traded TBD in the other, and Lance Lynn (4-2, off spot in the A.L. The spot didn’t even was supposed to be the solid number three Mike Clevinger this year around the trade 2.67) on Sunday. Garcia will be opening exist last winter as MLB was planning on starter after Verlander and Zach Greinke, deadline, but still lead the A.L. in ERA, the game for Jordan Lyles. Game times five playoff teams from each league, and but he’s now on the Injured List. The about one-half of a run better than their (CDT) are: 7:05 PM on Friday night, 4:05 only expanded the playoffs to eight teams bullpen is so decimated that at one point, closest pursuer in ERA Ð Oakland. Sean PM on Saturday, and 1:35 PM on Sunday per league after the season began in late the Astros had 10 rookies on the staff. Bieber is a serious Cy Young Award candi- afternoon. Each game in Saturday’s dou- July. was predicted to be one of In the West, Oakland has run away with date with a 7-0 record, 1.25 ERA, and team bleheader will be seven innings.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 5 GOLF TOM WARD Tom’s Book Review: The Rating Game

TOM WARD [email protected]

I was really looking forward to reading author Johnathan Cummings new book The Rating Game as I thought I had pretty good overall knowledge of what went into rating golf courses. Needless, to say this book was surprising and opened my eyes to what actual goes into getting a rated. Early on in the introduction author Cummings states, “My hope is that the reader finds these pages both entertaining and informative. I’m under no delusion that there’s a massive audience for this topic. I know I’m speaking to the architectural geeks who read everything they can about golf courses and course design. My goal in writing The Rating Game is to provoke Perfect Rater which critiques the people conversations, and, as a longtime Golfweek that actually are doing the ratings. rater myself, to learn more about this Cummings wrote, "Golf traces its roots topic.” back some five hundred years, but ranking The author hit the nail on the head talk- courses only started about a hundred years ing about how humans love to compare ago. In 1907, John Low, a British magazine things. He writes, "We have always done it, editor, asked a small number of golfing and do it all the time—at work, at play, and luminaries to name their favorite British even in the locker room. The other thing courses. The Old Course at St. Andrews humans love to do is make lists. Put those topped his poll. The first formal magazine two powerful impulses together, and you rankings began in the mid-1960s. From the have the modern mania for rankings, the ’60s to ’90s, the “Big Three” magazines Yelp-ification of society.” for rankings—Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, As a golf professional, the book resonat- and Golfweek—established themselves as ed with me and thoroughly enjoyed it. I the most prominent list-makers. came away impressed with all the pertinent Perhaps, the author was correct in his information that was quite compelling. assessment that there isn’t a big audience There were a lot more intangibles involved for his type of book. However, I do believe than I realized. I know a lot of my serious that the golfers that purchase the book will golfer friends would enjoy reading this come to have a greater understanding and book as author Cummings has carefully appreciation of what goes into rating a golf constructed a terrific timeline detailing the course. Plus, they will be able to educate history of how rankings began. Also, I their fellow playing partners with lots of liked how the criteria used to rank and valuable knowledge and tidbits that are grade golf courses was explained in great sure to impress. detail. Renowned golf course architect/author All the major golf magazines are fea- Tom Doak wrote the foreword. The book is tured and discussed how they have their published by Post Hill Press and is 160 own set of panelists and what their ranking pages. I think this book delivers on many process is. Chapter 3: The Measurement levels so if you looking for the ideal gift to Game deals with a lot of statistics and give to a golfer go to www.amazon.com mathematics along with numerous graphs, today and order your copy. but it wasn’t difficult to follow and made a lot of sense and didn’t get bogged down by Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee- it. I particularly liked Chapter 6: The timewithtom.com

6 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR PGA TOUR full schedule for 2020-21

(April 19-25) and the (May 3-9). After the 40th playing of , the TOUR’s longest-running title sponsored event dating back to 1982 Ð an eight-week stretch begins that includes six tournaments that were canceled and not rescheduled during the 2019-20 season prior to the PGA Championship, beginning with the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (March 22-28) through the AT&T Byron Nelson (May 10-16), set to be con- tested for the first time at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Additional tournaments that return to the schedule include the RBC (June 7-13), (July 5-11), and the (both July 12-18). The men’s Olympic Golf competition (July 26-August 1) will be played the week after the (July 19-25) as a stand- alone event for the first time and will be followed by the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational and Barracuda Championship (both August 2-8), before the FedExCup The 2020-21 PGA TOUR season will begin at the Safeway Open. Regular Season concludes at the (August 9-15). By Staff Olympic Games. Building our schedule is 18) for 2020. The following week, Japan’s The FedExCup Playoffs will consist of PGATOUR.COM always complicated, but never more so as will be played at three events: The PGA TOUR announced last week over the past several months as we contin- Sherwood Country Club in Thousand returns to Liberty National Golf Club in the complete schedule for the 2020-21 ue to navigate challenges brought about by Oaks, California, and renamed the ZOZO Jersey City, , which will host PGA TOUR Season, featuring 50 official the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD the event for the fourth time; the BMW FedExCup tournaments Ð including 14 the extensive collaboration with our title (October 19-25) for 2020. Championship will be played for the first tournaments that were postponed or can- sponsors, tournament organizations and The final event of the traditional Asia time at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings celed as a result of the COVID-19 pandem- golf’s governing bodies that has brought us Swing and the season’s first World Golf Mills, , outside of Baltimore; and ic Ð culminating with the crowning of the here Ð to the exciting conclusion of an Championships event, the WGC-HSBC the season-ending at FedExCup champion Labor Day weekend extraordinary 2019-20 season this week, Champions has been canceled, with the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta will con- in 2021. and on the brink of a season of 50 events, (October 26- clude on September 5, the Sunday of Labor The schedule, which reflects a net beginning next week.” November 1) occupying the week on its Day weekend. increase of one tournament over the origi- As previously announced, the 2020-21 own and awarding full FedExCup points. In addition to Caves Valley Golf Club, nal 2019-20 schedule, features the most season will begin September 7-13 at the The moves a month later host of the 2021 BMW Championship, the tournaments in a season since 1975 (51). Safeway Open in Napa, California, which on the 2020-21 schedule (November 2-8) 2020-21 season features several new or Three events postponed in 2020 Ð U.S. will serve as the season-opening tourna- and precedes the Masters (November 9- familiar venues. As previously announced, Open, Corales Puntacana Resort & Club ment for the sixth time in seven years since 15). The fall portion of the schedule con- Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas Championship and Ð the TOUR went to a wraparound schedule. cludes with The RSM Classic (November and Sherwood Country Club in Thousand will be played in the fall portion of the The U.S. Open (September 14-20) at 16-22), the week prior to the Thanksgiving Oaks, California, will host tournaments for 2020-21 season and again in their tradition- Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, holiday, and the one year only. For the first time, the al dates during the 2021 calendar year, New York, follows, being played in the (November 30-December 6) the week after. Houston Open will be played at Memorial along with 11 tournaments that were can- month of September for the first time since The TOUR returns at the Sentry Park Golf Course in downtown Houston; celed and not rescheduled as a result of the 1913, as well as the rescheduled Corales Tournament of Champions (January 4-10) TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, will pandemic, including THE PLAYERS Puntacana Resort & Club Championship with the same sequencing as the 2019-20 host the AT&T Byron Nelson for the first Championship. In addition, with the post- (September 21-27), which will award full season until March, as there have been time; and St. George’s Golf and Country ponement of the Summer Olympic Games FedExCup points (500) for the first time. adjustments made to a number of Florida- Club in Toronto, Canada, will return as in Tokyo in 2020, the men’s Olympic Golf The Sanderson Farms Championship based tournaments. The host of the RBC Canadian Open for the competition will take place July 26-August (September 28-October 4) will precede a Invitational presented by Mastercard first time since 2010. 1, 2021, as a standalone event for the first three-event swing on the West Coast with (March 1-7) and THE PLAYERS Rotating major championship venues in time. the relocation of two of the TOUR’s Asia Championship (March 8-14) will follow 2021 include The Ocean Course at Kiawah “We are excited to present the full 2020- Swing events. Following the TOUR’s the WGC-Mexico Championship and Island Golf Resort at Kiawah Island, South 21 PGA TOUR schedule – a ‘super season’ annual stop in Las Vegas for the Shriners (both February 22-28), Carolina (PGA Championship), Torrey of 50 fully sponsored events and capped Hospitals for Children Open (October 5- while The Honda Classic (March 15-21) Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California off by the 15th edition of the FedExCup 11), THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES, moves to the week after THE PLAYERS. (U.S. Open), and Royal St. George’s Golf Playoffs,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner annually played in Jeju Island, Korea, will The (April 26-May Club in Sandwich, Kent, England (Open Jay Monahan. “If you’re a golf fan, this is be played at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2), traditionally played the week after THE Championship). Kasumigaseki Country a dream season with more significant Las Vegas, and will be renamed THE CJ PLAYERS, will now conclude on May 2, Club in Japan will host the men’s Olympic events than ever before, including the CUP @ SHADOW CREEK (October 12- between the Zurich Classic of Golf competition.

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 7 2020-21 FedExCup Regular Season Waste Management May 24-30 Nicholasville, Kentucky (50 events) TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) Charles Schwab Challenge July 19-25 Scottsdale, Colonial Country Club 3M Open September 7-13 February 8-14 Fort Worth, Texas TPC Twin Cities Safeway Open AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am June 31-6 Blaine, Minnesota (North Course) *Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill the August 26-1 Napa, California Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Country Muirfield Village Golf Club OFF (Men's Olympic Golf) September 14-20 Club (Shore Course) Dublin, Ohio Kasumigaseki Country Club U.S. Open Championship Pebble Beach, California June 7-13 Saitama, Kant?, Japan Winged Foot Golf Club February 15-21 RBC Canadian Open August 2-8 Mamaroneck, New York The Genesis Invitational St. George's Golf and Country Club WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational September 21-27 The Riviera Country Club Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada TPC Southwind Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Pacific Palisades, California June 14-20 Memphis, Tennessee Championship February 22-28 U.S. Open Championship August 2-8 Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales G.C) WGC-Mexico Championship Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) Barracuda Championship Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Club de Golf Chapultepec San Diego, California Old Greenwood Golf Course October 28-4 Mexico City, Mexico June 21-27 Truckee, California Sanderson Farms Championship February 22-28 August 9-15 Country Club of Jackson Puerto Rico Open TPC River Highlands Wyndham Championship Jackson, Mississippi Grand Reserve Country Club Cromwell, Connecticut Sedgefield Country Club October 5-11 Rio Grande, Puerto Rico July 28-4 Greensboro, North Carolina Shriners Hospitals for Children Open March 1-7 August 16-22 TPC Summerlin Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Golf Club THE NORTHERN TRUST Las Vegas, Nevada Mastercard Detroit, Michigan Liberty National Golf Club October 12-18 Bay Hill Club & Lodge July 5-11 Jersey City, New Jersey THE CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK Orlando, Florida John Deere Classic August 23-29 Shadow Creek Golf Course March 8-14 TPC Deere Run BMW Championship Las Vegas, Nevada Silvis, Illinois Caves Valley Golf Club October 19-25 TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium) July 12-18 Owings Mills, Maryland ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida The Open Championship September Sherwood Country Club March 15-21 Royal St. George's Golf Club August 30-5 Thousand Oaks, California The Honda Classic Sandwich, Kent, England TOUR Championship November 26-1 PGA National (Champion Course) July 12-18 East Lake Golf Club Bermuda Championship Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Barbasol Championship Atlanta, Georgia Port Royal Golf Course March 22-28 Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Trace) Southampton, Bermuda WGC -Dell Technologies Match Play November 2-8 Austin Country Club Houston Open Austin, Texas Memorial Park Golf Course March 22-28 Houston, Texas Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Champ. November 9-15 Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales) Masters Tournament Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Augusta National Golf Club April 29-4 Augusta, Georgia November 16-22 TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks Course) The RSM Classic San Antonio, Texas Sea Island Resort (*Seaside Course, April 5-11 Plantation Course) Masters Tournament St. Simons Island, Georgia Augusta National Golf Club November 23-29 Augusta, Georgia OFF April 12-18 December 30-6 RBC Heritage Mayakoba Golf Classic Harbour Town Golf Links El Camaleón Golf Club at the Mayakoba Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Resort April 19-25 Playa del Carmen, Mexico Zurich Classic of New Orleans BREAK TPC Louisiana January 4-10 New Orleans, Louisiana Sentry Tournament of Champions May 26-2 Kapalua Resort (The Plantation Course) Valspar Championship Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort January 11-17 (Copperhead) Palm Harbor, Florida Waialae Country Club May 3-9 Honolulu, Hawaii Wells Fargo Championship January 18-24 Quail Hollow Club The American Express Charlotte, North Carolina PGA WEST (*Stadium Course, Nicklaus May 10-16 Tournament Course); La Quinta C.C AT&T Byron Nelson La Quinta, California TPC Craig Ranch January 25-31 McKinney, Texas May 17-23 Torrey Pines Golf Course (*South&North) PGA Championship San Diego, California The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island February 1-7 Kiawah Island, South Carolina

8 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com GOLF PGA TOUR Super Season gets undeway at Silverado

Brandt Snedeker, Jordan Spieth, and and Phil Mickelson lead the field at Silverado Resort

TOUR since The Open Championship in Graham DeLaet will make his first start on the win. Champ’s father, Jeff, had Mack on 2017… returns to action TOUR since the Sony Open in Hawaii. speakerphone on the 72nd green. Mack at Silverado, also looking to break a multi- DeLaet, a former team would pass away a month later. The victory season win drought. His last win came in member, has been battling a longtime back marked the second for Champ in 33 PGA 2018 at the Wyndham Championship… injury that caused him to miss the whole of TOUR events. He shot a 3-under- 69 Phil Mickelson comes into Napa riding 2018-19… will look to Sunday while Hadwin made a spirited Safeway Open high off his first victory on PGA TOUR become the first three-time winner of the charge with a 5-under 67. Marc Leishman September 10 - September 13, 2020 Champions… Camilo Villegas will make event. Steele won in 2016 and 2017… (who, along with Corey Conners, shot the Silverado Country Club his first start on the PGA TOUR since The There will be no fans in attendance. round of the day with a 7-under 65) fin- Napa, California Honda Classic, and the first since the pass- 72-HOLE RECORD: 262, Cameron ished third. Charles Howell III, Zac Blair, Purse - $6,600,000 ing of his 22-month-old daughter, Mia… Beckman (2008 at Grayhawk GC), Kevin and rounded out the top Winners share: 1,188,000 Former Clemson star Bryson Nimmer is Sutherland (2008 at Grayhawk GC), Troy five. Defending Champ - amongst the sponsor invites. Nimmer cur- Matteson (2009 at Grayhawk GC), Rickie rently leads the PGA TOUR LocaliQ Fowler (2009 at Grayhawk GC), Jamie By Adam Stanley Series Points List with more than twice as Lovemark (2009 at Grayhawk GC). HOW TO FOLLOW PGATOUR.COM many points as the No. 2 player in the Silverado record: 270, Brendan Steele An unprecedented “super season” gets standings. Nimmer has two wins and a run- (2016). Television: Thursday-Friday, 4 p.m.-7 underway with the Safeway Open in Napa, ner-up in four starts. 18-HOLE RECORD: 61, p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Saturday-Sunday, California, from Sept. 10-13. The 2020-21 FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 (2nd round, 2007 at Grayhawk GC), Kevin 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (Golf Channel) season will feature 50 events, making it the FedExCup points. Stadler (2nd round, 2008 at Grayhawk largest TOUR schedule since 1975. The COURSE: Silverado Resort and Spa GC), (2rd & 3rd rounds, PGA TOUR LIVE: Thursday-Friday, 10 docket includes six majors and THE (North), 7,166 yards, par 72. This year 2009 at Grayhawk GC), (4th a.m.-7 p.m. (Featured Groups), Saturday- PLAYERS Championship. marks the fifth time the Safeway Open will round, 2009 at Grayhawk GC), Chesson Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Featured Groups) Past FedExCup champions Brandt be played at the North Course at Silverado. Hadley (2nd round, 2017 at Silverado). Snedeker, Jordan Spieth, and Jim Furyk The course opened in 1955 and was re- LAST TIME: It was a very emotional Radio: Thursday-Friday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. along with World Golf Hall of Famer Phil designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. a second PGA TOUR victory for Cameron Saturday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. (PGA Mickelson lead the field at Silverado decade later when the resort added the Champ, who won the 2019 Safeway Open TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA- Resort. South course. by one shot over . Champ’s TOUR.com/liveaudio). FIELD NOTES: Jordan Spieth kicks off a STORYLINES: This is the first event of grandfather, Mack, was fighting stomach new season looking for his first victory on the 2020-21 PGA TOUR schedule… cancer in nearby Sacramento at the time of

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 9 FOOTBALL BIG 12 CONFERENCE Big 12 football weekend - Week1

Bobby Petrino Ð yeah, that Bobby there really will be a ground game after Petrino Ð takes over a Missouri State team only coming up with more than 100 yards that could use a little tweaking after a 1-10 twice. West Virginia will run for over 200 season. So what do the Bears have for yards for the first time in the last 17 games. Oklahoma to worry about? The offensive Again, Eastern Kentucky is better than line is experienced and has enough size to whatever that was that showed up against at least bring a little bit of a push, and the Marshall Ð but it’s not going to show it receiving tandem of Damoriea Vick and against West Virginia. Lorenzo Thomas isn’t bad. It’ll take a few drives for the Oklahoma is breaking in a new starting Mountaineers to look like a whole new , the running back situation is a team under head coach Neal Brown in his massive question mark with a rotation of second year. It might be against an FCS backs looking to get going after losing top team, but after struggling so much through- backs Trey Sermon (Ohio State) and out last season Ð and after going 5-12 in Kennedy Brooks (opting out). But …this is the last 17 games Ð the West Virginia fans about as much of a scrimmage as it gets as will enjoy the moment. the Sooners give Spencer Rattler his shot to Prediction: WVU 45, E. Kentucky 6 should have all the time he needs to work behind the Texas line give the offense a run. There might be sev- eral question marks across OU, but the Kansas (0-0) vs Coastal Carolina (0-0) Texas Tech (0-0) vs Houston Baptist (0-1) Network: LHN receiving corps will be killer right away. Saturday, September 12, 8:00 Saturday, September 12, 7:00 Line: Texas -43, o/u: 48.5 Yeah, not having the main running Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX The Miners got in a game to get things backs around will be a problem at some Network: FS1 Network: ESPN+ working, beating Stephen F. Austin 24-14 point, and the lines aren’t going to be Line: Kansas -7, o/u: 56.5 Line: Tech -39.5, o/u: 74.5 in the opener. It took a little too much to smooth early on, but this is the tune-up. How did Coastal Carolina pull off the Just how quickly did Texas Tech tweak put the game away, but Deion Hankins Missouri State is breaking in several key 12-7 win over the Jayhawks last year in and improve the defense that finished pounded away for 113 yards and two parts, too, and even with Petrino taking Lawrence? It got more physical than the 127th in the nation? It gets back a whole runs including the game-sealer. over there won’t be a whole lot of offen- Power Five program. The Chanticleers lot of experience and main tacklers, but No, UTEP isn’t going to be crank up the sive efficiency. were miserable at moving the chains, but they didn’t exactly produce, especially in ground game against the Longhorns like it Oklahoma will be able to call its shot. they were able to slow things down and the secondary. The Red Raiders allowed did against the Lumberjacks, but the pass- Rattler will put up almost flawless num- pound away for a tough 172 yards while over 300 yards per game through the air, ing game should help a bit after Gavin bers, all the running backs will take turns holding the ball for almost 35 minutes. and now get to go against Houston Baptist Hardison came up with a good first per- ripping off big runs, and this will be over Now they get four starters back on the line QB Bailey Zappe, who hit North Texas for formance. He threw a pick, but he hit 17- within the first few minutes. to provide a push for star RB CJ Marable Ð 480 yards and three in last of-28 passes, was good on third downs, and Prediction: Oklahoma 63, Missouri St. 0 who ran for 148 yards and a score. They week’s 57-31 loss. The passing attack is in was poised enough to look ready for the didn’t turn the ball over, were +2 in turn place to keep up the pace in a shootout, but upgrade in competition coming. West Virginia (0-0) vs E. Kentucky (0-0) over margin, and KU couldn’t do much of the Tech passing game will fire at will. If UTEP can slow things down and con- Saturday, September 12, 11:00 am anything after taking an early 7-0 lead..and It took North Texas a little while to get trol the clock for close to 37 minutes like it Mountain Field Morgantown, WV this year’s Coastal Carolina team is better. going, but the offense finished with 721 did last week, it has a shot to keep this Network: FS1 The skill talent is good enough to be far yards with big play after big play. There from getting ugly..UTEP did just about Line: NL more explosive and far more effective than won’t be any problems pounding away everything right against SFA, and it still Making lemonade time out of a 59-0 last year’s version. RB Pooka Williams is with the running game, but this is all about took a late scoring drive to finally put it loss Ð Eastern Kentucky got a game under the star of the show, but the receivers are Alan Bowman getting back into a groove. away. its belt to work out the kinks. There wasn’t there, too, with three of the top four targets When the sophomore quarterback gets hot, The Longhorns should be able to get any luck defensively against Marshall Ð returning. Coastal Carolina DE Tarron he’s as dangerous as any passer in the Big the ground attack going right away with a and the offense couldn’t get anything going Jackson is magnificent, but the overall pass 12. Between a shoulder injury last year and good rotation of backs, and Sam Ehlinger Ð but this is a far better team than it rush shouldn’t be enough to bother the a collapsed lung as a true freshman, he’s should have all the time he needs to work Ð showed in Huntington. Jayhawk backfield. had a rough time. now he and Maverick UTEP’s pass rush will be non-existent for The hope has to be for the West Virginia Defensively, KU has an okay secondary, McIvor will get to have their fun against a stretches.The run defense should be a rock, offense that struggled throughout last year and head coach Les Miles has been able to secondary that allowed three UNT passers and UTEP doesn’t have the deep play abili- – to be kind to the Big 12’s worst O Ð to improve the talent over the last year, but combine for 361 yards and four scores. ty to open up the offense like it’ll need to. need a little while to get the offensive front Really, how healthy is Kansas? There was Houston Baptist put up a ton of yards Texas will get up early and coast from going, and it has to hope for the running reportedly a COVID-19 breakout on the and plenty of points last week against there. The running backs will take over for game that did next to nothing to continue football team, but a spokesman said the North Texas, but a whole lot of both came a ground attack that will blow past 250 to sputter. team should be fine and ready to go. in the fourth quarter when the game was yards Ð the offensive line will dominate. This should be a much, much better This is a dangerous Coastal Carolina well in hand. UTEP will move the ball just enough to Mountaineer team than last year’s version. team with a strong enough starting 22 to be Texas Tech will go off early, have this keep a few drives going, but the offense The defense shouldn’t have any problems a problem. Kansas will find more offense put away by halftime, and then will give up will stall too often to make this interesting. with a Colonel offense that managed just than it showed in last year’s loss, and moti- a few yards late to make the stats look bad. Prediction: Texas 48, UTEP 6 166 total yards and three first downs vation won’t be a problem. It won’t be The Red Raider offense will be awesome. against the Thundering Herd Ð the defen- pretty, and it won’t be easy, but the Prediction: Tech 58, HBU 17 Oklahoma (0-0) vs Missouri State (0-0) sive front will live behind the EKU line Ð Jayhawks will pull this out helped by a few Saturday, September 12, 6:00 but it’ll be the offense that wakes up. takeaways it wasn’t able to generate last Texas (0-0) vs. UTEP (1-0) Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK QB Jarret Doege will push the ball year. Saturday, September 12, 7:00 Network: Sooner Sports down the field to stretch things out a bit Ð Prediction: Kansas 27, Coastal 17 Royal Memorial Stadium, Aiustin, Texas Line: NL this was a big, big problem last year Ð and

10 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com NFL NFL - WEEK 1 NFL Picks and Predictions: Week 1

much time to integrate the QB who was for an offense that was making strides signed just before training camp, which before he got hurt last season. would be an issue for anybody but Bill Pick: Lions 27, Bears 17 Belichick and Josh McDaniels. Pick: Patriots 24, Dolphins 13 New York (0-0) at Buffalo (0-0) Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS (0-0) at Washington (0-0) Line: Bills -6.5 / 39.5 Sunday, 12 p.m, Fox After reaching the playoffs as a wild Line: Eagles -6 / 42 card last year, the Bills noticed what was The Week 1 NFL schedule was final- happening around them in the AFC East ized so long ago that one of these teams and did everything they could to pad what went by a different name when it was was already a solid roster. They'll be good announced. Washington has been fortunate enough defensively to win their first divi- to have new coach Ron Rivera guide the sion title since the Clinton administration, team through a turbulent offseason, but he and they hope the addition of Stefon Diggs won't be able to steer his players to many will be enough to lift to a Pro wins in 2020. The slate begins with the Bowl level. The Jets, meanwhile, are not NFC East rival that won the division last yet ready to contend. year and has a solid chance to repeat. Pick: Bills 27, Jets 10 Pick: Eagles 28, Washington 17 (0-0) at Jacksonville (0-0) Seattle (0-0) at Atlanta (0-0) Sunday, 1 p.m, CBS Sunday, 12 p.m., Fox Line: Colts -8 / 45 Line: Seahawks -2 / 49 now lives in Florida, not This is a tough spot for the Seahawks, too far from where he will make his debut the team we like to win the NFC this sea- as the Colts' new quarterback. Indianapolis son. It's a long road trip for an early kick- signed the veteran hoping his savvy will off, but at least Seattle has the cushion of help get the team back to the playoffs a the offseason rather than having to deal year after Andrew Luck's sudden retire- with such a challenge in the middle of their ment. While the Colts are in win-now By Mike McFee hoped it would be with only about 20 per- schedule. The Falcons are a tough team to mode, the Jaguars appear to be in ... what- NFL picks and predictions are difficult cent of Arrowhead Stadium's capacity filled read going into Week 1. We feel more con- ever the opposite of win-now mode is. This enough in Week 1 of a given season when with Kansas City faithful. But it should fident about what we'll get from Russell spread is big for good reasons. we know so little about how offseason ros- still come with the desired result. The Wilson and Co. Pick: Colts 31, Jaguars 13 ter changes will manifest on the field. Now Chiefs lost almost nothing from their Super Pick: Seahawks 30, Falcons 20 we're picking NFL games to open a season Bowl-winning roster, and while the Texans Las Vegas (0-0) at Carolina (0-0) defined by changes amid the COVID-19 remain competive on the strength of Cleveland (0-0) at Baltimore (0-0) Sunday, 12 p.m, CBS pandemic. Welcome to 2020. 's brilliance, they still don't Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS Line: Raiders - 3 / 47.5 Only two of the 16 games on the Week stack up. There's a reason we like Patrick Line: Seahawks -2 / 49 We have absolutely no idea what to 1 NFL schedule will feature fans in the Mahomes' crew to repeat as champions. Weird, inexplicable upsets in Week 1 expect from the Panthers, a team with a stands, as the Chiefs and Jaguars will allow Pick: Chiefs 30, Texans 17 are relatively common, especially when new coaching staff, a new quarterback and a small percentage of their stadiums' capac- division opponents collide to begin a sea- an overhauled defense that no longer fea- ities to be filled. So the typical home-field Green Bay (0-0) at Minnesota (0-0) son. Which makes this a dangerous game tures Luke Kuechly. The Raiders can't advantage attached to the odds for each Sunday, 12 p.m., Fox for the Ravens, who speaking of inexplica- know what to expect, either, which is why game is not as much of a factor. Line: Vikings -2 1/2 / 45.5 ble upsets got blown out by the Browns as a team that flirted with the postseason last However, team travel for away games Many were bothered by how the one of their two regular-season losses last year is barely favored over a team that had during the coronavirus pandemic is extra Packers handled their roster in the offsea- year. Cleveland has new, offensive-minded no shot. stressful, so the teams scheduled to make son. But even with in the pic- coach Kevin Stefanski and hopes of con- Pick: Raiders 27, Panthers 24 lengthy trips in Week 1 will be the first to ture, as long as is playing tending in the AFC North (for real this deal with the NFL's extensive health and quarterback, Green Bay's offense will be a time). This game is the perfect opportunity L.A Chargers (0-0) at Cincinnati (0-0) safety protocols for teams on the road. problem for opposing teams. Of course, the for the Browns to prove themselves worthy Sunday, 3:05 p.m, CBS Per tradition, the Week 1 NFL schedule Vikings are uniquely equipped to give the of the optimism. Line: Chargers -3.5 / 43 begins with the defending Packers issues, too. This one will be as Pick: Browns 33, Ravens 28 The Chargers are starting Tyrod Taylor champions — this year the Chiefs — host- close as the odds suggest. over at quarterback, so this ing the Thursday night season-opener, and Pick: Packers 27, Vikings 23 Chicago (0-0) at Detroit (0-0) will not be a matchup featuring QBs who it ends with a "" Sunday, 12 p.m, Fox were selected in the top six picks of the doubleheader. Miami (0-0) at New England (0-0) Line: Lions -3 / 43.5 2020 NFL Draft. If comes out Here are our Week1 NFL picks straight Sunday, 12 p.m., CBS The Lions are getting a at of the gate as well as the Bengals expect, up, all the way through that pair of Line: Patriots -6.5 / 43 home, which basically makes this game a though, a Chargers loss to open the season Monday night games. This would be a lot more fun if Tua toss-up. The Bears recently announced against last year's worst team might push Tagovailoa were starting over Ryan won the starting quarter- them to think more about playing the rook- Houston (0-0) at Kansas City (0-0) Fitzpatrick for the Dolphins, but we'll take back job over , which probably ie. The fact that Burrow no longer has to Thursday, 7:20 p.m., NBC what we can get with Cam Newton starting matters very little to their Week 1 oppo- deal with the injured Derwin James in this Line: Chiefs -9 / 54.5 for the Patriots in their first post-Tom nent. Detroit is simply focused on the game is notable. This won't be the party the Chiefs Brady era game. New England hasn't had return of its own QB and what that will do Pick: Bengals 28, Chargers 21

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 11 Tampa Bay (0-0) at New Orleans (0-0) Sunday, 3:25 p.m, Fox Line: Saints -3.5 / 48.5 Cowboys will be contenders This is Sunday's game of the day, if not the game of the week, thanks to 's move from New England to Tampa Bay in free agency. The Bucs hype is real, and for good reason. This team flirted with the playoffs last year on the strength of an underrated defense despite seemingly endless turnovers from former passer Jameis Winston. Brady won't make the same mistakes, which gives Tampa Bay a legitimate chance to steal the division from New Orleans. Pick: Buccaneers 30, Saints 27

Arizona (0-0) at San Francisco (0-0) Sunday, 3:25 p.m, Fox Line: 49ers -7 / 48 The Cardinals are excited about what the DeAndre Hopkins addition will mean for their offense around rising star quar- terback Kyler Murray, and they should expect to win many more games than they did last year. Arizona probably is not yet on the level of San Francisco and Seattle in the division. That might not matter in Week 1, though, when the 49ers are so thin at wide receiver. Pick: Cardinals 28, 49ers 27

Dallas (0-0) at L.A. Rams (0-0) Sunday, 7:20 p.m, NBC Line: Cowboys -3 / 51.5 After an 8-8 record in 2019, Dallas overhauled its coaching staff this offseason, providing hope for 2020 This was supposed to be the grand opening for the brand-new SoFi Stadium The Dallas Cowboys entered 2019 with Aldon Smith, one of the biggest risk- ity on the offensive line. As for Randall in Los Angeles, and it technically still is grand expectations and fell far short once reward moves in the NFL this offseason. Cobb and Jason Witten’s departures, they even though there will be no fans in again under . Following a As for the secondary, McCarthy will hope were easily replaced. attendance. That crowd would have been promising 5-3 start to the season, fans a reunion with safety Ha-Ha Clinton Dix 2020 NFL Draft cluttered with Cowboys fans, anyway, so could only watch as the team let the NFC works out nicely for both sides. Everyone loved cracking jokes when the change might actually be advanta- East crown slip away with an 8-8 record. Dallas didn’t forget to keep its elite we learned Jerry Jones would run the geous for the Rams. Regardless, Dallas is Dallas overhauled its coaching staff this offense together for years to come. Jones team’s draft on his own. Many expected the more loaded team. offseason, providing hope for 2020. Will made Amari Cooper one of the NFL’s him to fail miserably, setting this team Pick: Cowboys 23, Rams 20 the Cowboys finally live up to their poten- highest-paid receivers with a massive deal. back and missing out on great talent. tial in the NFC and could they even He also re-signed Blake Jarwin with a deal Instead, Jones walked out with a draft haul Pittsburgh (0-0) at N.Y Giants (0-0) become a contender for Super Bowl LV? that signaled he will be the No. 1 that had NFL executives applauding him. Monday, 6:10 p.m, ESPN Pressure is mounting on America’s Team for years to come. The Cowboys also While the draft board certainly fell in Line: Steelers -6./ 47.5 to live up to the hype. Mike McCarthy signed kicker Greg Zuerlein, hoping he can Dallas’ favor plenty of times, the front This is a tricky spot for the Steelers, on could finally be the missing piece that puts rediscover his All-Pro form in a new city. office executed and came out with an out- the road to open the season in a strange this team over the top. But will his demons Now they just need to offer , standing class. From the first round "Monday Night Football" window. But from Green Bay come back to haunt him? set to play under the franchise tag, a record through the fifth round, the Cowboys came Pittsburgh is back in contention mode Windows for contending close quickly in -breaking extension. out as winners of the 2020 NFL Draft. with returning to the the NFL and MrJones recognizes how des- 2020 free-agent losses Let’s take a look at why we loved the lineup and such a stingy defense ready to perately Texas wants to support a winner. In an offseason that saw the Cowboys Cowboys’ 2020 draft haul. get the offensive support it deserves. Let’s take a look at the moves this off- open up the checkbook, the organization First round: Pick: Steelers 26, Giants 14 season that will define the Cowboys’ sea- also watched plenty of talent walk away. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma son before previewing what could happen The loss of Byron Jones is a Dallas didn’t need to draft a receiver Tennessee (0-0) at Denver (0-0) to Dallas in 2020. Finally, we’ll provide significant blow to this secondary. Shut- early. It easily could have selected an edge Monday, 9:20 p.m, ESPN you with our prediction for the Cowboys in down corners are difficult to find and los- rusher with the No. 17 pick and rolled with Line: Titans -2.5 / 41 the 2020 NFL season. ing Jones will hurt this team against great the same passing offense that ranked sec- The Titans are probably looking at this 2020 free-agent signings offenses. If Smith and Randy Gregory can ond in the NFL this past season. Instead, line and playing the disrespect card even The Cowboys knew they needed to find avoid off-field trouble, which isn’t a given, the organization recognized the absurd though they're opening the season on the help on the defensive side this offseason. both will make up for Quinn’s departure. value of Lamb falling right into its lap. The road in a weird time slot. We can't blame Dallas brought in Gerald McCoy, signing On the offensive side, center Travis Cowboys added a DeAndre Hopkins clone, them, because even though their run to the six-time selection to a three- Frederick’s sudden retirement created a a receiver with the same ability to make last season's AFC championship game year deal to boost their interior defensive massive hole in a critical spot. Joe Looney absurd catches and dangerous ability in the came with a series of upsets, they're a line. New defensive coordinator Mike does have experience as a starter after fill- open field. Lamb rounds out the NFL’s legitimately solid team and much more Nolan wanted more beef up front, so the ing in for Frederick during the 2018 season. best trio of receivers, and we wouldn’t be proven than the Broncos. The disrespect team also added the 346-pound Dontari Poe. While the organization might be confident shocked if he develops into an All-Pro card should work, at least for Week 1. To make up for the loss of edge rusher in him, he represents a significant down- talent. Pick: Titans 24, Broncos 20 Robert Quinn, Dallas took a chance on grade and the team will also lose continu-

12 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com Second round: might not be on the same tier as Patrick Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama Mahomes or , there aren’t The Cowboys likely considered using many other better than their first-round pick on Diggs. When he Prescott. Coming off a season with nearly fell to them at 51, the decision to grab him 5,000 passing yards, a 99.7 quarterback rat- took a matter of seconds. He can start ing and 33 total touchdowns, he proved he immediately in this secondary thanks to his can play at an MVP-caliber level. Now athleticism, length and instincts. The 6- with an even greater supporting cast, he foot-2 corner might start immediately and might win the NFL MVP this year. we expect defensive backs coach Al Harris Running back: Even after spending a little to get even more out of him. While there too much time on vacation this past season, will be some rough patches,which happens Elliott still came back and dominated. to all rookie , finding an imme- While he fell short of 2,000 scrimmage diate starter in Round 2 is always nice. yards, Dallas couldn’t complain about Third round: 1,777 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle, Elliott remains an outstanding all-purpose Oklahoma back, and Tony Pollard also deserves some We saw this offseason how much Dallas love. Look for the Cowboys to get Pollard values depth on the defensive line. The more involved this season and he will ability to bring in fresh bodies to pressure reward them with some big plays. the opposing quarterback is crucial and Wide receiver: This is the group to get that’s the exact role Gallimore will play most excited about. Amari Cooper and this season. A one-gap penetrator with the Michael Gallup both posted 1,100-yard quickness and motor to cause problems in seasons in 2019 and cause headaches for the backfield, this was an easy choice in defensive coordinators. The Cowboys the third round. Plus, he’ll get to learn replaced Cobb with Lamb, the top receiver from McCoy and defensive line coaches in the 2020 draft class, rounding out an Jim Tomsula and Leon Lett. incredible receiving corps. We could be Fourth round: looking at three No. 1 receivers all taking Reggie Robinson II, cornerback, Tulsa the field at the same time. Good luck to The Cowboys needed to find more defenses attempting to stop that. depth in the secondary, so they jumped up Tight end: Jason Witten’s departure does- Jaylon Smith, this could be a dominant wasn’t the only problem in Dallas. in the fourth round to grab Tulsa’s top n’t mean much for this team. Jarwin is far front-seven in 2020. McCarthy’s offense gives Prescott the same cover man. After high school, the 6-foot-1 more explosive and in an era where athleti- Secondary: This is the area where we are frustrations Aaron Rodgers experienced in defensive back transitioned from safety to cism is everything, the 25-year-old is most concerned. Anthony Brown struggled Green Bay. This unit will put up great corner and quickly made his mark in col- poised to make a significant impact. He in the slot this past year, numbers, but they’ll fall short when it mat- lege. Robinson brings the prototypical size will be the fourth option when Prescott could be moved to safety and Jourdan ters. and length for the position, but he needs a throws, but he’ll also take advantage of Lewis dealt with inconsistency. Meanwhile, The risk of the offseason moves comes lot of refinement. He won’t contribute plenty of mismatches. Diggs will likely go through lapses as a to fruition. Gregory and Smith stumble in immediately, but we expect him to start Offensive line: We can’t discount the loss rookie. There isn’t a single great player in their return to football and prove to be non- opposite of Diggs in 2021. of Frederick, who brought leadership and this secondary and if they don’t find the factors for a team that desperately needs Fourth round: dependability to this offensive line. Due to right matchups, this will be a problem for edge rushers. The Cowboys give great Tyler Biadasz, center, Wisconsin his retirement, a top-three offensive line the Cowboys all season. quarterbacks all day to throw and they pick While Dallas might have confidence in will certainly take a step back this season. Best-case scenario this secondary apart. For the fans, it means Looney, Biadasz is the caliber of player Fortunately, All-Pro guard Zack Martin and The Dallas Cowboys finally live up to watching the Cowboys keep putting up that can take his job this season. Wisconsin two outstanding tackles in Tyron Smith and their potential. Mike McCarthy proves to points only for the defense to give them knows how to produce offensive linemen La’el Collins return. The Cowboys will be the voice this team desperately needed right back. for the NFL and Biadasz was crucial to the continue to dominate at the line of scrim- and under his tutelage, Prescott takes the This team is still good enough to make Badgers’ success. If he stays healthy and mage and that’s outstanding news for next step in his career. Prescott leads the the playoffs, but history repeats itself. The fully develops, the Cowboys will have a Prescott and Elliott. NFL’s best offense and rides the wave of Cowboys get knocked out in the first round Pro Bowl center for the next five seasons. Defensive line: DeMarcus Lawrence is a momentum to the playoffs and is named at home by the , the Fifth round: stud coming off the edge, but this pass rush the NFL’s MVP. ultimate moment of humiliation. Stuck Bradlee Anaea, edge rusher, Utah hasn’t always delivered for Dallas. The On defense, a ferocious pass rush takes with McCarthy and little cap room for It took longer than we expected for the Cowboys ranked 12th in hurry rate (9.6%), the pressure off the secondary. Smith and years to come, fans realize that this is their front office to draft an edge rusher. Finally, ninth in quarterback knockdowns (49) and Gregory make the most of their final new normal. in the fifth round, Dallas found someone 16th in pressure rate (23.5%) this past sea- chances in the NFL, rounding out a group Dallas Cowboys: 2020 season final who can help chase after the quarterback son, per Pro Football Reference. It leaves of edge rushers that leads the league in prediction: 12-4 and cause terror around the corner. He isn’t room to improve, especially given the quarterback hurries and sacks. The an impressive athlete for the position, but issues in the secondary. Randy Gregory Everything comes together for the Cowboys won’t have the best defense in Cowboys on offense. Prescott becomes an his motor and size will help him produce. and Aldon Smith could help generate an the NFL, but sacks and turnovers make all This was a solid pick for Dallas. elite pass rush, but they also come with a elite quarterback, stepping up in some the difference. clutch moments, with the rest of this Cowboys positional preview lot of risks. If they can stay on the field Everything comes together with a 12-4 The Cowboys will head into the 2020 and Gerald McCoy eats on the interior, this offense thriving. McCarthy gets praised for record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. his work with this team, winning Coach of season with one of the NFL’s best offenses. can be a great group. Coming out of a first-round bye, AT&T It’s a unit that is strong at every level with Linebacker: It all comes down to durabili- the Year as the Cowboys win the NFC East. Stadium is rocking with a playoff atmos- Unfortunately for Dallas, it isn’t enough. elite talent along the offensive line, in the ty at linebacker. Sean Lee is returning, but phere like we haven’t seen before. The backfield and out wide. Dallas’s offense is he is on the wrong side of 30 and has While they make it to the NFC Cowboys are crowned NFC champions for Championship Game in San Francisco, capable of winning a Super Bowl, but struggled to stay on the field. Meanwhile, the first time since 1995 and bring the some questions on defense are what might Leighton Vander Esch is recovering from their rivals send them home. It’s a scenario Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas. that fans are eerily hold this team back. neck surgery, which will remain a concern Worst-case scenario familiar with. Quarterback: Dak Prescott is going to be even when he returns. If they both can stay The Cowboys do what they always do, paid like an elite quarterback. While he healthy, pairing with standout linebacker fall flat on their face. It turns out, Garrett

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 13 COLLEGES WITH BO CARTER College Football News and Notes bers, the digit “0” is added as a legal num- out of bounds. In addition, the expectation ber. Any number to be preceded by “0” is that the Instant Replay Official will not such as “07” or “00” remains illegal. exceed two minutes to complete any Targeting - Disqualified Player review. The exception is if the review has There were no changes to the Targeting end of game impact or has multiple aspects rule from an on-field officiating perspective as a part of the review, it should be com- and the rule continues to serve the game pleted efficiently but will have no stated well and is changing player behavior in time limit. terms of use of the helmet. The change for Other Changes: 2020 is that now a player disqualified for ¥ A second jersey meeting all require- Targeting will be declared ineligible for ments of the jersey rule worn concurrently further participation in the game, but the is allowed. player may remain in the team area. ¥ The penalty for a team not complying All other disqualifying fouls such as with the jersey rule (i.e., legal and contrast- Fighting, two Unsportsmanlike Conduct ing numbers or a colored jersey in viola- fouls, Flagrant Personal fouls, etc. will be tion of the rule) will be a 15-yard penalty reclassified as fouls requiring ejection. after the kickoff of each half and the loss Players ejected will be required to leave the of a timeout in each quarter that illegal jer- playing enclosure and must remain out of seys are worn. view of the field of play under team super- ¥ Defensive Team Substitution The SMU at TCU contest Saturday has been postponed until further notice vision. Infractions will now be treated as a live Pregame Warmup / Officials Jurisdiction ball foul. teams separated by 94 miles from Mobile, The Rules Committee address issues of ¥ All fouls that have an option to carry Ala., to Hattiesburg, Miss. Ð the game site. Unsportsmanlike behavior in the pregame over to the succeeding kickoff will also Jags quarterback Desmond Trotter keyed and took steps to clean this action up. The contain an option to carry over to the suc- he road triumph with a 16-for-27 passing officials’ jurisdiction will now begin at 90 ceeding spot in extra periods. night with 299 yards and two touchdowns. minutes before kickoff (previously 60 min- Note: virtually every team in college foot- Since 2011, the NFF has partnered with utes). Additionally, when any Squad ball will have a player wearing the 0 num- College Football Officiating, led by Steve Member enters the playing enclosure prior ber in 2020. Shaw and chaired by Mid-American to the game, the head coach or an assistant NFF College Hall of Fame Facts Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon coach from that team must be present on Some notable birthdates in NFF Steinbrecher, to help generate awareness the field. Furthermore, when any Squad College Hall of Fame annals in the Sept. 8- for the rule changes in college football. Member is present within the playing 14 time period are Sept. 8 (1904) Bud The CFO functions as the national profes- enclosure after the officials’ jurisdiction, Sprague, Dallas, Texas; (1912) Bob BO CARTER sional organization for all football officials they must be wearing their jersey or have Hamilton, Sewickley, Pa.; (1915) Duffy [email protected] who work games at the collegiate level, their numeral readily visible. Players with- Daugherty, Emeigh, Pa.; (1952) Anthony and the organization held its annual winter out their numeral readily visible must leave Davis, San Fernando, Calif.; Sept. 9 (1878) In a tussle of American Athletic meeting of conference coordinators for the playing enclosure. Willie Heston, Galesburg, Ill.; (1908) Bill Conference (Navy) and NCAA FBS inde- football officials in late January for the Defensive Linemen on Scrimmage Kick Murray, Rocky Mount, N.C.; (1941) Pat pendent (BYU) teams, the Cougars downed eighth consecutive year at the NFF head- Plays Richter, Madison, Wis.; (1944) Jim the Midshipmen on ESPN Monday night. quarters in Irving, Texas. Shaw, who To further enhance the protection of the Grabowski, Chicago, Ill.; (1949) Joe The teams were meeting for just the third became the CFO National Coordinator of snapper on scrimmage kicks, if the offense Theismann, New Brunswick, N.J.; Sept. 10 time on the gridiron after splitting a pair of Football Officials in March while replacing is in a scrimmage kick formation at the (1883) Andy Smith, DuBois, Pa.; (1902) games in 1978 and ’89. Navy had an earli- venerable and retiring Georgia Tech and snap, any defensive player within one yard Jim Crowley, Chicago, Ill.; (1936) Ron er test with Notre Dame in Dublin, Ireland, Vanderbilt alumnus Dr. Rogers Redding, of the line of scrimmage must be aligned Harms, Houston, Texas; (1940) Buck originally rescheduled for Labor Day previously served the Southeastern completely outside the frame of the body Buchanan, Gainesville, Ala.; (1945) Marlin evening before the Fighting Irish had to Conference and Sun Belt Conference as of the snapper at the snap. This change Briscoe, Oakland, Calif.; Sept. 11 (1897) cancel due to new Atlantic Coast coordinator of officials. He also is the paired with the current rule that does not Stan Keck, Greensburg, Pa.; (1908) Biggie Conference scheduling measures. Secretary-Rules Editor of the NCAA allow the defense to initiate contact with Munn, Grow Township, Minn.; (1913) Paul Overnight ratings for this tussle were not Football Rules Committee, a position criti- the snapper until one second has elapsed “Bear” Bryant, Moro Bottom, Ark.; (1978) available, but there were some first-game cal to the development of competition rules on these type plays will further protect the Ed Reed, St. Rose, La.; Sept. 12 (1891) ratings’ records for the Sept. 3 UAB- and policies. Shaw excelled as a head ref- snapper on kick downs. John Brown, Canton, Pa.; (1964) Lynn Central Arkansas contest on ESPN from eree for 15 years in the Southeastern Instant Replay / Clock Adjustment and Thomsen, Sioux City, Iowa; Sept. 13 Birmingham, Ala. Conference, earning 14 postseason assign- Review Time (1898) Glenn Killinger, Harrisburg, Pa.; And breaking Labor Day news, the ments, including two national champi- If the clock expires at the end of a half, (1904) Joe Aillet, ; (1906) Oklahoma State-Tulsa game originally on onship games. He has been a leader in and replay determines that there was time Chuck Carroll, Seattle, Wash.; (1915) Clint Saturday, has been moved back one week revamping the sport’s officiating mechanics remaining on the clock, and the clock Frank, St. Louis, Mo.; (1922) Ziggy to Sept. 19 due to health concerns and and advancing the use of technology to would start on the Referee’s signal after Czarobski, Chicago, Ill.; Sept. 14 (1907) recent practice stoppages. assist officials. review, there must be at least 3 seconds John Baker, Denison, Iowa; (1934) Dicky The South Alabama at Southern Miss 2020 initial rules changes are: remaining when the ball should have been Maegle, Taylor, Texas; (1948) Rich contest last Thursday was the first matchup Players Numbering declared dead to restore time to the clock. McGeorge, Roanoke, Va.; (1975) Troy of two FBS teams since LSU’s win over No more than two Squad Members may With 2 seconds or 1 second remaining on Davis, Miami, Fla. Clemson in the College Football Playoff be assigned or wear the same jersey num- the clock, the half is over. This change will Notable anniversary death dates for championship contest in January. The visit- ber. There were no limits to duplicate num- not impact situations when the clock is Hall of Famers are Sept. 8 (1935) Ted Coy, ing USA Jaguars of the Sun Belt bers in previous seasons. With the recog- stopped and will remain stopped until the New York, N.Y.; Sept. 9 (1963) Willie Conference prevailed 32-21 in this bout of nized popularity of the single digit num- snap such as incomplete passes and runners Heston, Traverse City, Mich.; Sept. 11

14 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com (2010) , Fenton, Mich.; Sept. classes and subjects where several student- sooner than expected with a new partner- Saturday…Conference USA preseason 13 (2000) Thurman “Fum” McGraw, Ft. athletes may be taking particular classes ship with Quidel Corporation, a major players of the year as selected by C-USA Collins, Colo.; Sept. 14 (1950) John …Alabama football student-athletes joined COVID-19 testing company and lab. Pac- head coaches are Marshall junior RB Maulbetsch, Ann Arbor, Mich.; (1983) Ike others in a peaceful protest across campus 12 commissioner Larry Scott noted that Brenden Knox (Offense), WKU senior DE Armstrong, Flagship, Conn.; (2019) John to the building (Foster Auditorium) where Quidel’s rapid and accurate testing meth- DeAngelo Malone (Defense) and WKU Ralston, Sunnyvale, Calif. late Gov. George Wallace fulfilled his ods could be a “game changer” for the cir- senior punter John Haggerty (Special Happy birthdays to NFF College Hall promise to “stand in the schoolhouse door” cuit…The Big Ten Conference and com- Teams)…The 2020 Earl Campbell Tyler of Fame members Sept. 8 Anthony Davis, to prevent integration at UA in 1963. The missioner Kevin Warren were contacted by Rose watch list includes such standouts Sept. 9 (a spry 76), Joe Black students Vivian Malone (the aunt of U.S. President Donald Trump last week from Texas or playing college football in Theismann, Sept. 10 Marlin Briscoe (a former Mississippi State and NBA standout about the possibility of playing the 2020 the Lone Star State, among others, as Texas spry 75), Sept. 11 Ed Reed, Sept. 12 Lynn Jeff Malone) and James Hood enrolled and season. Both parties agreed there were sev- State TE Blake Aragon, TCU wideout Taye Thomsen, Sept. 14 Dicky Maegle (a spry went to illustrious careers at the university eral positive points in the conversation Barber; Oregon State RB B.J. Baylor; 86), Rich McGeorge… …Vanderbilt’s political science department …Conference USA will follow these pro- Arkansas State QB Logan Bonner; Texas The SMU at TCU contest Saturday has is hosting several online and virtual semi- tocols throughout the 2020 football season: Tech QB Alan Bowman; Arkansas RB been postponed until further notice. TCU nars with discussion about the 2020 region- test football student-athletes three times a Rakeem Boyd; Baylor QB Charlie Brewer; has had a recent surge in COVID-19 cases al and national elections. Some of these week (PCR+Antigen); all support and SMU QB Shane Buechele; New Mexico on campus in recent days…Notre Dame topics will deal with the future of college game day operations staff will meet NCAA RB Bryson Carroll; North Carolina WR will travel to Wake Forest on Sept. 26 athletics and political overtones. and C-USA policy guidelines for testing, Beau Corrales; North Texas WR Jaelon instead of playing at neutral site Bank of NC State head coach was and constantly will evaluate of the latest Darden; West Virginia WR Jarret Doege; America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., as recognized for keeping football and team medical updates and consult with C-USA TCU QB Max Duggan; Texas QB Sam previously scheduled…FIU and safety in perspective as he starts his 10th medical advisors regarding the COVID-19 Ehlinger; Colorado RB Alex Fontenot; Jacksonville State have reset their original season as a head coach (two at Northern pandemic, which may be result in some Troy WR Kaylon Geiger; SMU TE Kylen opening game date to Oct. 23 in Miami, Illinois and eight at NCSU)…New changes to the policies. The C-USA Granson; Tulane RB Amare Jones; Miami Fla ….Abilene Christian will host Arizona Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee is (Fla.) QB D’Eriq King; Kansas State WR Christian in the schools’ first-ever meeting had a solid profile story in the summer edi- co-chaired by North Texas team physician Malik Knowles; and Utah’s Brant Kuithe on Nov. 14…The Campbell-Coastal tion of the MSU Alumnus magazine while Michael D. Shaffer, DO, Wise Health …UAB running back Spencer Brown post- Carolina game has been moved up from highlighting his 139-90 head coaching Systems Family & Sports Medicine; and ed a workmanlike 24 carries for 127 yards Sept. 19 to Friday, Sept. 18…The Sun Belt record at Texas Tech and Washington State Rice assistant AD for Sports Medicine and and one TD in the Blazers 45-35 opening Conference will feature five ESPN national and 15 bowl appearances over 20 years head athletics trainer Dean Miller MS, victory over Central Arkansas. UAB is now telecasts Saturday with Louisiana at Iowa …New Baylor head coach Dave Aranda SCT, LAT, with representatives of team 21-8 overall during the last three seasons State on ESPN, Charlotte at Appalachian walked with his team during a recent physicians, athletic trainers, ADs, and stu- …North Texas quarterbacks Austin Aune State on ESPN2, Campbell at Georgia march for equal rights and inclusion dent-athletes…UAB is looking for its third and Jacob Bean both saw action against Southern on ESPNU, UTSA at Texas State …Jackson State athletics will not renew consecutive Conference USA West Houston Baptist in the Eagles 2020 opener on ESPN2, and Tulane at South Alabama the contract of head coach John Hendrick Division crown in ’20 and started the sea- last Saturday and continue to vie for solo on ESPN2…Rhode Island and Temple will for the 2021 season. JSU is not participat- son with a home win last Thursday over top spot on the UNT depth chart. The face off in a single game in 2026.. ing in football this autumn because of Central Arkansas.....The Big East Mean Green also named as team captains Louisiana and Rice have a two-game series COVID-19…New North Texas coordina- Conference is moving its women’s basket- WR Jordan Darden, DT Dion Novil, LB ready to be played in 2022 and ’26..Buffalo tors (defense) Clint Bowen and (co- ball tourney to Uncasville, Conn. KD Davis, deep snapper Nat Durham, OL and Connecticut will play four times over a offense) Mike Bloesch have made an The Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Jacob Brammer, and OL Manase Mose. six-season span from 2024-29…Army immediate impact on players and attitudes Stadium in Orlando, Fla., will celebrate its Former cornerback Cam Johnson of UNT West Point played textbook, prior to the ’20 season. 30-year anniversary in December. was moved to a starter at safety against football in a 42-0 opening home victory Hometowns of more 2020 college head Originally known as the Sunshine Classic, HBU in the opener…Texas DB John over Middle Tennessee. The Black Knights coaches Ð Louisville: Scott Safferfield, the bowl has hosted such college power- Thompson was commended for his leader- notched 340 net yards rushing and had a Hillsborough, N.C.; Maine: Nick Charlton, houses and previous winners as Florida ship in several critical areas of UT campus time of possession advantage of 35:29 to Virginia Beach, Va.; Marshall: Doc State, Alabama, Stanford, North Carolina, life and diversity areas…Texas A&M DB 24:31 over the visiting Blue Raiders Holliday, Hurricane, W.Va.; Maryland: and Miami (Fla.)…The Goodyear Cotton Derrick Tucker will not play in 2020 for …North Texas enjoyed its first-ever 300- Mike Lockley, Washington, D.C.; Bowl Foundation will be accepting dona- personal reasons…Drake transfer Liam yard rushing and 30-yard passing contest in Maryville: Shaun Hayes, Rutledge, Tenn. tions for college scholarships and various Robbins has gained immediate eligibility last week’s win over Houston Baptist. The Former Lone Star and Sooner Athletic area charities on North Texas Giving Day for 2020 at Minnesota…Due center Jack Mean Green Eagles had a school-record Conferences commissioner Stan Wagnon Sept. 17. SMU, North Texas, TCU, UT Wohlabaugh is out for the season with a 721 yards in the home tri- has taken over as director of athletics at Dallas, the University of Dallas, Dallas knee injury while CB Ken Torain has been umph …Memphis has won 12 of its last 13 Central Oklahoma…Mississippi State Baptist, Dallas Christian, Texas Wesleyan sidelined with a shoulder ailment. regular-season contests since August 2019 director of athletics John Cohen was fea- U., and Southwestern Assemblies of God Late NFF College Hall of Fame player …SMU is 11-2 over its last 13 regular- tured in the MSU Alumnus magazine for U. also will have campaigns for scholar- (and later national championship head campaign clashes for the best skein since his rapid adaptations to COVID-19 condi- ships and university charities that day. coach) Johnny Majors of Tennessee and his the 1984 and ’85 Mustangs were 12-2 over tions starting last February…Rachel Caton Marshall QB Grant Wells established first- late great-niece and former Barnard student a 14-tilt span…Central Oklahoma has post- is the new director of football communica- start school records with 307 passing yards Tessa Majors were remembered in a recent poned its scheduled Oct. 3 Homecoming tions at Army West Point… and four TD tosses (tied record) in the online feature …NFF College Hall of Fame game opener against Emporia State until American Athletic Conference commis- Thundering Herd’s 59-0 win over Eastern coach Dr. Tom Osborne was recalled in a spring or next fall 2021. sioner Mike Aresco plans to have conversa- Kentucky. Wells completed his first eight 1970 photo and interview when he was Former college football student-athlete tions weekly with ADs of schools compet- pass attempts to open the skirmish offensive coordinator under fellow NFF Richard Foster, the executive director of ing in football to determine health and …Oklahoma tabbed Spencer Rattler as College Hall of Fame coach Bob Devaney Skill and Faith Athletes - a non-profit safety concerns as well as home team game starting quarterback for the season opener (whom he succeeded in 1973 as head organization located in Irving, Texas Ð con- protocols…The Atlantic Coast Conference Saturday against Missouri State. Tanner coach)……Former Miami (Fla.) standout, tinues to focus on offering an after-school season opens with an almost-full slate of Mordecai will be a key backup at that posi- award-winning actor and humanitarian mentoring program to youth from grades 1- ACC encounters including Miami (Fla.)- tion for the Sooners…Georgia’s scheduled Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has tested 8 and ages 6-12. The program started in UAB Thursday and Saturday spectaculars starting QB Jamie Newman has opted out positively and is recovering from COVID- 2011 and has featured NFF Football Club North Carolina-Syracuse, Duke-Notre of the 2020 season due to health concerns 19 along with his wife and two young of Dallas guest speakers in recent years Dame, Florida State- Georgia Tech, and will prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft daughters…Longtime (retired) Mississippi …The University of Nebraska has been Pittsburgh-Austin Peay, Clemson-Wake …James Blackman has received the start- State assistant AD and head athletics train- taking special care to create six-foot social Forest, and Louisville-WKU…The Pac-12 ing nod for Florida State against Atlantic er Straton Karatassos has been selected as distancing Ð especially in larger lecture hall Conference could return to competition Coast Conference opponent Georgia Tech (continued on page 14)

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 15 North Mississippi District 3 representative cancelled the ’20 fall campaign…Sports com website indicates Nos. 16-20 nation- online newsletter. The 2020 CoSIDA by the MSU Alumni Association…2018 Tech plans several versions of baseball and ally in its Top 20 Countdown to Kickoff as Summer magazine will be distributed to NFF William V. Campbell Award¨ recipi- football playoffs in eSports live and virtual No. 16 Tennessee, No. 17 Cincinnati, No. members digitally in coming days ent Christian Wilkins of Clemson has been venues in coming weeks…Nebraska- 18 Virginia Tech, No. 19 TCU, and No. 20 …Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas, noted as an aspiring young team leader and Kearney has delayed its 2020 football sea- Iowa State. This site will continue its daily Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, NC community service champion for the NFL son until spring 2021 but will compete in Top 20 ratings’ countdown through Sept. State, and UCLA are working with NCAA …The 21-21 Nebraska- several other fall sports…Texas will not 12 …Texas State football took extra media enforcement and compliance officials con- USC tie at the Los Angeles Coliseum in allow tailgating, the Bevo Boulevard area area precautions with plastic barriers in the cerning possible issues and reports at their 1970 was recalled in a recent book excerpt or the Longhorns marching band during the SMU radio booth last week between play- respective schools…PGA.com has updated as one of the most competitive meetings of UT-UTEP home opener…Nebraska athlet- by-play broadcaster Rich Phillips and ana- its Professional Golfers Association web- Top 10 teams that year Ð No. 3 USC and ics has furloughed 51 employees for four lyst Scott Garner…The Athletics composed site with pertinent information on several No. 5 NU. Nebraska linebacker Jerry months as a cost-saving measure…Texas an analysis and comparison of the 53-man pros, many of whom played college or high Murtaugh paced both physical squads with athletics also hopes to offset a $54 million rosters of all NFL teams through last school football along with the links’ game 25 total tackles…Retired Southern Miss projected budget deficit with individual Sunday. …The NCAA office in Indianapolis will coach and administrator Corky Palmer is in compensation reductions, furloughs, lay- The 2021 Coaches furlough its 600-plus employees in inter- a rehabilitation facility in Hattiesburg, offs, and reductions to Olympic sports Association convention in January will be vals of 3-8 weeks in coming months as a Miss., while recovering from a recent budgets…Iowa State will play Louisiana held virtually with no on-site attendees for cost-cutting measure…OZ, a digital inno- stroke…The and Saturday without fans after the recent, the first time in history. The 100th conven- vation company, has partnered with the Jostens had the Chiefs Super Bowl LIV rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in Iowa tion of the AFCA originally was slated to American 7s Football League for the A7FL Championship Ring ceremony on Sept. 2 at …Virginia Tech football reports an uptick be held in Nashville, Tenn….The FWAA 2020 Back in Motion Tournament as a Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to in COVID-19 cases since the Hokies presented the inaugural 2019 Edward mobile solution is designed to bring back receive their rings. returned to classroom and hybrid teaching Aschoff Rising Star Award to The sports, entertainment, conferences, and South Alabama will open its on-campus courses in recent days. Team practices have Athletic's David Ubben. The FWAA also education…The USBWA September issue Hancock Whitney Bank Stadium against not been altered, however…Texas Tech cautioned members to wear masks and fol- of Basketball Times has been emailed to all Tulane Saturday after upsetting Southern football reported 11 additional positive low all stadium and pressbox safety guide- members…The International Ticketing Miss last week. The stadium actually is a COVID-19 tests in the past nine days lines in 2020 coverage...Jason Knavel of Association will have its national INTIX legacy to former late Mississippi State …Northeastern U’s Office of Student Life Bowling Green, Ryan Koslen of Live! digital conference from Jan. 25-29, football student-athlete Leo P. Seal who dismissed 11 first-year students last week Cincinnati, Greg Steiner of Eastern 2021, instead of in-person as the last 41 was one of the founders and CEO of the for unauthorized parties and non-mainte- Michigan, Derek Inouchi of Hawai’i, years for that organization…The Colorado previous Hancock Bank in Gulfport, Miss. nance of social distancing at recent gather- Daniel Bork of Arizona, Jon Fuller of Fitness Coalition is working with several Seal also is the namesake of the famed Leo ings. Buffalo, Jerry Emig of Ohio State, Brandie area universities to fight the spread of Seal Building inside Davis Wade Stadium NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Davidson of TCU, and Annabelle Myers of COVID-19 through state safety protocols on the MSU campus…The Robert A. Contribution to College Football Award NC State were featured subjects and opin- and public health orders in gymnasiums, Welch Foundation has made the largest recipient and Texas Radio Hall of Fame ion makers in the CoSIDA Open Forum health clubs and on college campuses. donation to Rice in history with a $100 member Norm Hitzges is battling early million gift…West Virginia football is stages of bladder cancer while maintaining studying ways to replicate fans in the his daily sports talk show routines…Texas stands with possible portable cutouts or Radio Hall of Fame member and co- virtual images for telecasts. The founder of KTCK-AM Radio (The Ticket) Mountaineers meet Eastern Kentucky in in Dallas Mike Rhyner has introduced a the opener Saturday and hope to have per- new podcast entitled Square One…The centages of fans on hand for future home website Collegepressbox.com has started dates per state attendance regulations its 16th season as the key processing web- …North Texas game day safety measures site for the FWAA, NCBWA, USBWA, and included 25 percent stadium seating capac- important college football and bowl official ity, health screenings at entry gates, masks sites. The personable Ted Gangi is web- worn by all spectators, and no on-site tail- master…The College Baseball Hall of gating by order of the Texas Governor’s Fame held a virtual Night of Champions’ office…Michigan athletics is eliminating induction ceremony online for the first time 21 positions from its staff and is facing a in the group’s 16-year history on Aug. 27 possible $100 million deficit for the 2020- and celebrated a class of 12 newcomers for 21 competitive year. Michigan athletics ’20…The NFL Minnesota Vikings will uti- also earlier announced that capacity would lize the Selligent Marketing Cloud to deliv- have reduced or games played without fans er fan messages and online updates for the in Ann if the Big Ten Conference had not Vikings supporters’ base…The Hornfm.

16 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com AUTO MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GLC Coupe Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

active cruise control, active brake assist with cross-traffic detection and active steer- ing assist. The Multimedia package adds the COMAND hard-drive-based navigation with a big 8.4-inch screen, touch-pad con- troller and SiriusXM Traffic and Weather for five years (subscription required). You can opt between regular or premium Nappa leather, and audiophiles will want the Burmester surround-sound system. You can also add heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display and more. An AMG-specific exhaust system adds a sporty tone, and you can even add a back- light to the huge Mercedes logo in the grille. Oddly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are extra-cost options. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that routes its 362 horsepower to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic trans- mission. It’s a solidly powerful engine, and even offers up to 24 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad. However, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 is where you’ll find the most power. The standard version puts out 469 By Matt Degen the larger price tag and noticeable horse- sloping hatch. horsepower, while the S model adds even power increase of the V8-powered models Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC more: 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of When it comes to wordplay, the might have one thinking they’re the ones to Exterior styling of the Mercedes-AMG torque. All that power and torque goes Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe has it all covet, we found the twin-turbo V6 GLC Coupe is why folks will buy it over through a 9-speed automatic to all four going on. This 4-door hatchback isn’t a extremely satisfying, with a nice balance of the GLC SUV, and it’s hard to argue wheels and, in a nod to the environment, coupe at all, although its sleek profile and power, fuel economy and price. against it. It’s a good-looking car for the start/stop is standard, too. high beltline give it a somewhat coupe-like At the entrance resides a twin-turbo most part, although the idea of a "coupe" 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (AMG GLC appearance. Quibble all you want with charged V6 engine with a stout 362 horse- profile on a high-riding SUV still takes 43) Mercedes-AMG’s designation for its SUV- power, standard all-wheel drive and a 9- some getting used to. The AMG GLC 43 362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm based coupe, because none of that matters speed automatic transmission. This setup uses a diamond-pattern grille treatment 384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm once you look beneath the skin. Be it the moves the GLC Coupe with some authori- bisected with "wings" extending from the EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg twin-turbo V6 in the AMG GLC 43 Coupe ty, but the twin-turbo V8 in the GLC 63 enormous 3-pointed star logo. The GLC 63 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC or the twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLC 63 and 63 S turn a scintillating performer into and GLC 63 S borrow their grille design 63) Coupe and S Coupe, there is no shortage of a stunning machine that will literally take from the AMG GT sports car, with bold 469 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm power. Designed to tango with the BMW your breath away. vertical bars across its width, and a deeper 479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm X4 M40i and Porsche Macan Turbo, these While Dynamic Select is not foreign to spoiler and larger air inlets. Both share a EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg Mercedes variants place luxury and per- most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, on the rear end styled to look more like the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC formance in the same league, but the price Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe, the system Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, but with 63 S) one must pay for admittance is a steep one. gets additional duty in the form of more different exhaust outlets and a few other 503 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm Whether you call it a coupe, a hatch- aggressive settings. With changes to steer- details distinguishing the models. 516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm back or an SUV, nothing changes the fact ing input, suspension tuning, throttle Every Mercedes-AMG GLC-Class EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe triplets response and shift points, AMG Dynamic Coupe starts with the push of a button, and The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe are a force to be reckoned with. From an Select offers noticeably different settings all come with an AMG-enhanced version has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail enthusiast’s point of view, these machines for Sport, Sport+, Eco and Comfort, plus of the Mercedes-Benz Air Body Control Price (MSRP) starting just over $62,000, are a blast to drive and while the high pro- an Individual mode for custom settings. springs. Also on the standard-equipment including the $995 destination charge. Yet file and limited visibility preclude them The interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC list are a power liftgate and power-folding despite the standard-equipment list, there’s from running with the best performance Coupe blends organic curves with carbon- side mirrors, heated front seats that adjust a lot left on the options list, and it adds up sedans and wagons, there is no arguing fiber and aluminum accents in a way we 14 ways, and dual-zone automatic climate quickly. Any color except black or white their ability. The Coupe’s lightweight body rarely see outside of science fiction control. There’s a 7-inch color infotainment costs more; leather will add nearly $2,000, takes full advantage of the 362 horsepower movies. Real wood trim and leathers keep display, plus Bluetooth and dual USB ports or almost $4,000 if you want Nappa in the GLC 43 or the insane 503 horsepow- it from feeling cold and distant, and make for the audio system. Safety features leather; the Burmester sound system is er in the AMG GLC 63 S. Teamed with an it feel a cut above others in its class, even include collision prevention, attention $850, and so on. It’s easy to add on enough excellent suspension, quick steering and considering its asking price. The front seats assist, a rearview camera, and even cross- options to push the price well over the firm brakes, the AMG GLC Coupe is great offer plenty of room, too, although the rear wind assist. Leather upholstery is an option $70,000 mark. Then again, the same is true fun in twisting turns, yet when its adaptive seat loses a good chunk of headroom however, with the standard MB-Tex uphol- of the similarly sized and priced BMW X4 suspension is set to Comfort, returns a very because of the plunging roofline. By far, stery covering the seats and doors. M40i. The V8-powered AMG GLC 63 civilized ride. Switch to Sport or Sport+, the biggest difference between the Coupe When adding options, Mercedes bundles Coupe starts just north of $75,000, and the however, and all attached components and the standard GLC SUV is the cargo most into simple packages. The Driver S pushes that price to nearly $83,000. sharpen their pace, providing a very coupe- area behind the rear seats. Cargo space suf- Assistance package brings blind-spot and like driving experience. Ironically, while fers, as does rear visibility thanks to the lane-keeping assist, speed-limit assist,

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 17 TICKET WINDOW

18 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com FOOD REVIEW By RICHARD POLLAK New discoveries worth writing about

By Richard Pollak The Traveling Gourmet [email protected]

Hudson House brings East Coast seafood to the neighbor- There are more Restaurants per capita in hood Dallas than in New York City. We don't have a pudding, peanut butter or cereal The menu is extensive from breakfast only store but we have exceptional new specialties such as Pancakes, Bagels and discoveries to share! The Dallas dining Lox, Avacado Toast and Eggs Benedict to Oven roasted, slow-cooked Brisket Tacos at Mesero scene expands the globe and yet makes lunch and dinner. Seafood, Salads to grilled find is Deviled Eggs topped with Bacon, an array of Mexican dishes such as Redfish good for the local yokels like me! Entrees. The weekly Happy Hour is fan- Relish or Plain. En La Media Concha, Pollo La Brasa, tastic and offers half price Oysters and the Meat Point is a gourmet kosher steak- Carne Asada and familiar Mexican Worlds Coldest Martinis. The ‘Big house created by an Isreali chef featuring favorites such as Enchiladas, Tacos, combi- Israeli-American fusion of flavors. The nation plates, Caldos, Ensaladas and menu is extensive featuring dishes such as Nachos. If not in the mood for Mexican lamb chops, rib eye steaks, grilled chicken food, Masero also serves a double Cheese and wonderful Angus rib eye burgers. A Cheeseburger, quarter pound Wagu Beef wide variety that includes wings, grilled Hot Dog and oven roasted Chicken. bone marrow pasta and salads as well. Mesero now has five locations in the Mesero continental Mexico City cuisine Dallas area.

Sumo Shack made the American Hot Dog a Japanese import

Lobster Roll at Hudson House Sumo Shack has made the American Hot Dog a Japanese import. It's really fun to dress a dog with Japanese tastes and tra- Brother’ Lobster Roll at Hudson House is a ditions. There is no Ketchup or Yellow quarter pound of fresh Atlantic lobster Mustard and they use a different roll, made served New England style and a must try. from Potatoes, then sprinkle it with all things you don't want to ask about only enjoy. The off campus SMU hangout has an exceptional Bar atmosphere as well.

The Ribeye at Nelson’s

Nelson’s is a full service casual dining restaurant specializing in grilled seafood and steaks. But it doesn’t stop there, they also offer fantastic fried seafood baskets such as Fried Catfish and Fried Shrimp. Sumo Shack also offers bao Sandwiches The Ribeye at Nelsons adds an upscale experience to the menu, along with grilled Redfish and Salmon. Sandwiches and The second half of the Sumo Shack Salads are available as well. A unique fea- menu is bao sandwiches. Bao is a white, ture to the Appetizer menu that you rarely warm soft bun....also known as steamed buns...and can be packed away with just about anything. Sumo Shack offers nine different options such as Philly Cheese Steak, Fried Chicken, Pork Belly, Shitake Mushroom, Fish or Soft Shell Crab. There is even a Tofu option. You have to be skeptical that the fresh- est New England seafood can land in Addison Texas but it has at Hudson House! Meat Point is a gourmet kosher steakhouse

Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 3 | September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 19 20 September 11, 2020 - September 17, 2020 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 3 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com