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Mittens

Certifiably Surly
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Posts posted by Mittens

  1. On 8/7/2021 at 8:55 PM, Neonmoon said:

    I try to follow a pescatarian diet. But the wife gets tired of fish sometimes, so I eat a lot of fake meat products. I actually like them, Any recommendations?

    These are always delicious 

    image.png.04b88d42043f52ecaafec0759e2601cb.png

    I have become way too big of a fan of the MorningStar buffalo chicken nuggets.  Just too easy to make, and real chicken nuggets are just processed mystery meat anyway, right?  Probably eat these once a week, maybe 3x/month?

    https://www.morningstarfarms.com/en_US/products/veggitizers/morningstar-farms-buffalo-wings-product.html

    Use this w/ onions, garlic, green bell pepper and a jar of pasta sauce and veggie pasta: https://www.heb.com/product-detail/gardein-the-ultimate-beefless-ground/1762746

    This over rice.  I'll add the sauce directly to the pan and reduce it for a minute or two, otherwise it's just drowning. https://www.heb.com/product-detail/gardein-sweet-sour-porkless-bites-11-2-oz/1923142

    These aren't amazing or anything, but decent and a change of pace.  https://www.heb.com/product-detail/gardein-mini-crispy-crabless-cakes/1923141

  2. 52 minutes ago, skittlebrau said:

    Maybe Houston. If not, then Frisco. Would be badass to see him score his first goal in front of 1000 traveling Austin FC fans at Toyota Park.

    Why wouldn't he play immediately?  He's in Austin already.  (disclaimer: I have no clue how this works, but in baseball or hoops, he'd be playing next game)

     

    Looks like the crowd was a factor.  Hope they can keep killing it while the results catch up.

     

  3. 1 hour ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

    It appears we have two scholarship spots left

    Thanks.  That was what I was looking for.  

    1 hour ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

    Unless there is some exception for players using a Covid year not counting against the roster limit

    My understanding is that a player who would have exhausted eligibility if not for the additional year granted because of Covid, doesn't count against the 13. 
    Pretty sure that doesn't apply to Andrew Jones because he RS in 17/18, and Medical RS in 18/19.

  4. 59 minutes ago, Nueces River Rat said:

    I'm somewhat surprised Patterson has lasted as long as he has at TCU.  He's probably one of the longest tenured coaches in FBS football which in this day and age is remarkable.

    #2 behind Kirk Ferentz by a year.

    image.png.7d4f3894a1a9a0b73d17515f2a45417d.png

     

    • Like 1
  5. Not a lot of Texas news here.  https://theathletic.com/2565927/2021/05/20/college-football-transfer-portal-top-50-eric-gray-mckenzie-milton-and-the-most-impactful-movers-of-2021

    Spoiler

    College Football Transfer Portal Top 50: Cain Madden, Henry To’o To’o and the most impactful movers of 2021

     

    1. RB Eric Gray, Tennessee → Oklahoma

    Gray looks like Oklahoma’s next great offensive weapon after all the buzz he generated this spring.

    The No. 3 ranked all-purpose back in the 2019 class was good as a freshman (666 total yards, five touchdowns) before breaking out as Tennessee’s leading rusher in 2020, accounting for 1,061 total yards and six touchdowns on 192 touches. He’s a threat in the passing game, with 30 receptions last fall, and has experience returning punts. And now Gray gets to play in the Sooners’ attack, making a likely preseason top-five team even more dangerous.

    “This offense has been great,” he said after OU’s spring game. “That’s kinda why I ultimately chose to come here. Getting to learn this offense this spring has been an unbelievable opportunity.”

    Kennedy Brooks is back after opting out in 2020 and has produced two 1,000-yard seasons, but Oklahoma’s attrition at running back with Rhamondre Stevenson going pro, T.J. Pledger transferring to Utah and Seth McGowan entering the portal opens up plenty of room for Gray to make a big impact.

    His coaches praise how he trains and prepares like a pro, which has made his scheme transition very easy. The 5-foot-10, 206-pound rusher possesses great short-area quickness and elusiveness, has good hands and runs crisp routes, and he’s physical enough to gain tough yards and help in pass protection. Of the three Tennessee transfers who teamed up to play for Oklahoma, he was the most impressive this spring and is the most game-ready right now.

    “That kid scares the shit out of me,” one college assistant said. “He’s a hell of a player.”

    2. LB Henry To’o To’o, Tennessee → Alabama

    The most coveted undecided transfer on the market decided to join the defending national champs. To’o To’o came to Tennessee with massive expectations as a top-50 recruit and played up to them, starting 22 games in two seasons. He followed up earning freshman All-America honors in 2019 with a team-high 76 stops and 10 TFLs as a sophomore playing weakside linebacker. He checks all the boxes in terms of work ethic, leadership, football IQ, physical play and sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability.

    The 6-foot-2, 225-pound defender went into the portal after the Vols’ coaching change and stayed quiet about his intentions before ultimately picking Alabama over Ohio State, Washington and many other interested programs. The SEC has not yet permitted immediate eligibility for intraconference one-time transfers, but the Tide are clearly getting an instant-impact addition who’ll make their defense even better.

    3. DB Tyrique Stevenson, Georgia → Miami (Fla.)

    Stevenson came to Georgia wishing to be their next great corner but had to become a versatile defender in multiple DB positions while starting four games over two seasons. He became unhappy with his role but was projected to become a full-time starter in 2021. Instead, Stevenson went into the portal soon after the 2020 season ended to return home and play cornerback at Miami.

    He’s a unique talent for that spot, a big-bodied athlete at 6 feet and 214 pounds who still has the skill set, change of direction and speed (runs a 4.38 in the 40) to play outside. What impressed Miami’s coaching staff is his understanding of the game and the effusive confidence he has brought to their secondary. He’s having to compete hard to secure a starting job, but Stevenson has all the makings of a special player in the Hurricanes’ defense.

    4. DE Jermaine Johnson, Georgia → Florida State

    Johnson quickly emerged as the Seminoles’ best player on defense this spring. The former No. 1 junior college recruit started four games in two seasons at Georgia, collecting 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks, and chose to play his bonus senior season in Tallahassee.

    He’s an athletically gifted edge rusher who’s physical against the run, has been a leader so far for his new team and has earned a ton of praise from Mike Norvell and his assistants. They see sky-high potential and a lot of sacks coming from the 6-foot-5, 260-pound disruptor.

    5. DT Siaki Ika, LSU → Baylor

    At LSU, “Apu” Ika looked like he had an incredibly bright future as a true freshman rotation player on the defensive line of the 2019 national championship team. But the young nose tackle struggled with the Tigers’ switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front last year and went in the portal during the season.

    He reunited with his former LSU coaches at Baylor and looked downright unblockable at times this spring. One source called him an “absolute freak show” at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds who’s made everybody on their line better. Ika should quickly emerge as one of the Big 12’s best defensive linemen.

    6. DB Tykee Smith, West Virginia → Georgia

    Smith was so effective as West Virginia’s “Spear” nickel defender as a sophomore that his former coach Neal Brown argued he played as well as anybody in the country at his position. He was asked to do a lot — play the run, man and zone coverage, blitz and make plays on the ball — and put up 61 tackles, eight TFLs, five pass breakups and two interceptions to earn third-team AP All-America honors. Smith entered the portal in March and followed his position coach Jahmile Addae to Athens. As talented as Georgia’s secondary may be, Smith should be good enough to start at nickel on a defense that has College Football Playoff aspirations.

    7. QB Jack Coan, Wisconsin → Notre Dame

    Coan might not have been the most coveted QB transfer on this list, but he can be the most impactful if his steady play keeps Notre Dame in the playoff hunt in 2021. The 18-game starter at Wisconsin led the Badgers to a division title in 2019 with 3,278 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions but sat out last season after a preseason foot injury required surgery.

    It’s interesting that Coan wasn’t named the clear-cut winner over Drew Pyne coming out of spring ball and that Brian Kelly wants the competition to continue into August. Still, it would be a surprise if the veteran didn’t hold down the job this fall with his leadership and maturity.

    8. WR Wan’Dale Robinson, Nebraska → Kentucky

    Robinson is going to be Kentucky’s best weapon on offense with his ability to stretch the field and get the ball in a variety of ways. He’s an explosive athlete who produced 1,725 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons with the Huskers as a receiver, rusher and returner. Robinson opted to transfer back home in the hopes that new offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s system will better prepare him to play receiver in the NFL. His new coaches have been impressed by the football junkie’s smarts and dedication.

    9. WR Charleston Rambo, Oklahoma → Miami (Fla.)

    Rambo looked like one of the Big 12’s best young wideouts in 2019, turning 43 catches into 743 yards and five touchdowns as the Sooners’ No. 2 wideout behind CeeDee Lamb. Then he fell back into a lesser role in 2020, finishing third on the team in targets and only producing 312 yards and three scores on 25 catches. Rambo needed a reset and a new challenge and appears to be embracing it at Miami.

    The 6-foot-1, 185-pound speedster can stretch the field and has worked to get stronger this offseason. Coaches say he got better and better over their three spring scrimmages. D’Eriq King helped recruit Rambo to Miami and should make him his No. 1 target this fall when he’s back in action.

    10. OL Cain Madden, Marshall → ?

    Madden instantly became one of the most coveted transfers on the market, and for good reason. The offensive guard was a first-team All-America selection by The Athletic after a dominant senior season in which he recorded 64 knockdown blocks and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 guard and best run blocker among guards in the FBS.

    Madden is a 6-foot-3, 313-pound former walk-on with 31 career starts whom teammates nicknamed “Dump Truck” because of his physicality. He’ll have a ton of Power 5 offers and a tough decision ahead.

    11. QB McKenzie Milton, UCF → Florida State

    You can look at Milton as a risky take for Florida State, but he’s still one of the most accomplished quarterbacks and players in this portal cycle as a two-time AAC Offensive Player of the Year who finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2018. Milton has worked unbelievably hard to come back from the gruesome leg injury that forced him to miss two full seasons and easily could’ve been a career-ender.

    The concerns about his durability will persist, as will questions about whether he’s physically capable of playing at the elite level he once did. But Milton looked good this spring and is going to push hard this summer to try to close the gap with Jordan Travis, who started six games last fall and has a real advantage with his knowledge of the offense.

    12. DB Derion Kendrick, Clemson → ?

    The former five-star recruit was dismissed from Clemson at the end of February and arrested two weeks later. Kendrick is facing a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a handgun and was also cited for marijuana possession. He had some big-time programs interested up until his arrest, and he likely will again if he’s able to get his case reduced or dropped. Kendrick struggled at times with disciplinary and accountability issues at Clemson but became a two-year starter and a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020. Somebody will take a risk on him if they can.

    13. RB Ty Chandler, Tennessee → North Carolina

    No one player can replace what Javonte Williams and Michael Carter did for North Carolina’s offense in 2020, but the Tar Heels are glad they added one of the most experienced backs on the transfer market in Chandler. He produced 3,291 all-purpose yards (fifth in school history) and 17 touchdowns in four seasons with the Vols and looks like a great fit for Phil Longo’s offense as an explosive runner on inside zone and wide zone with good hands out of the backfield.

    14. TE Arik Gilbert, LSU → ?

    Gilbert was the highest-rated tight end prospect in modern recruiting history and the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle. He was considered a generational talent at his position when he arrived at LSU. After catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two scores as a true freshman, he opted to leave LSU and put his name in the portal. Now it’s very unclear what Gilbert plans to do in 2021, and that makes him tough to rank in this top 50. He committed to Florida in late January before backing out on those plans and has talked with Ed Orgeron about a potential return.

    15. DB Kenderick Duncan Jr., Georgia Southern → Louisville

    Duncan was a playmaker in practices this spring who quickly won over his Louisville coaches and teammates and flashed the potential to be an All-ACC performer. The grad transfer brings experience with 22 career starts and is a big, physical defender and a great tackler at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. His coaches have been amazed by his football IQ, understanding of concepts and how quickly he’s picked up their defense.

    16. DE Deandre Johnson, Tennessee → Miami (Fla.)

    Taking over for Miami’s NFL-bound defensive ends is a tall task. Johnson is already looking like a legit replacement, and he brought pressure while running with the No. 1 defense in the Hurricanes’ spring game. He got off to a slow start in the spring and needs to be more physical against the run, but Johnson came in with 41 games of playing experience and proved once he got reacclimated that he has real pass rush skills and will be a dynamic force off the edge.

    17. DE Keion White, Old Dominion → Georgia Tech

    White began his career as a tight end but quickly emerged as one of Conference USA’s best young players after he made the switch to defensive end. White put together a monster 2019 season with 62 tackles and 19 tackles for loss (three sacks) as a sophomore. His coaches believe his best football is still ahead of him. White will arrive this summer and give Georgia Tech an established pass rusher with excellent length and size.

    18. LB Mike Jones Jr., Clemson → LSU

    In his first year as a starter, Jones had an unenviable task of having to take over for an All-American in Isaiah Simmons as Clemson’s nickel linebacker. The redshirt sophomore put up 30 tackles and four TFLs and grabbed two interceptions in 10 games, but he moved on because he wants to play inside linebacker. Orgeron called him their No. 1 target among transfer linebackers and will give the 6-foot, 220-pounder every opportunity to earn a starting job when he arrives in the summer.

    19. WR Jameson Williams, Ohio State → Alabama

    Williams is leaving Ohio State’s ridiculously loaded receiver room to join an Alabama receiving corps that’s plenty talented but fairly unproven beyond John Metchie III. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound junior brings great speed, agility and toughness but was stuck behind two likely first-rounders and caught just nine passes last season for 154 yards and two scores. Coincidentally, one of his finer plays as a Buckeye was making a great tackle on punt coverage in the national title game, taking down DeVonta Smith. Now he’ll try to replace Smith.

    20. QB Charlie Brewer, Baylor → Utah

    Brewer could’ve become a five-year starter at Baylor but preferred a change of scenery for his final college season. He left as the Bears’ all-time leader in completions, throwing for 9,700 yards and 65 touchdowns and rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 22 scores. Brewer helped lead Baylor to the Big 12 title game and the Sugar Bowl in 2019, but the Bears’ offensive issues last fall made for a frustrating senior season. The veteran passer’s decision making and command of the Utes’ offense impressed this spring, and he went 15-for-15 in his spring game debut. He’ll still have to compete with Cam Rising but is in good shape to win this starting job.

    21. QB Tyler Shough, Oregon → Texas Tech

    The circumstances here are a little unusual in the sense that Shough started all seven games for the Ducks in 2020, helped them win a Pac-12 title and play in the Fiesta Bowl, then put his name in the portal six weeks later. Shough did lead the Pac-12 in passer efficiency as a first-time starter but ended up getting benched for Boston College transfer Anthony Brown in the bowl game. So Oregon’s loss is Texas Tech’s gain. He believed in his abilities enough to make a change and should be able to put up big numbers in new OC Sonny Cumbie’s offense. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound grad transfer arrived in time for the Red Raiders’ third spring practice and caught up quickly with how intensely he’s studied film and prepared.

    22. OL Obinna Eze, Memphis → TCU

    A 6-foot-8, 315-pound left tackle with 25 career starts at the position? Yeah, an addition like that is going to help any team. Eze, the biggest lineman on the Horned Frogs’ roster, looked good in his spring game debut as the No. 1 left tackle against Khari Coleman, one of the Big 12’s best young pass rushers. He’s a big-time get for this O-line and for quarterback Max Duggan, solving a serious need.

    23. DT Antonio Shelton, Penn State → Florida

    Shelton, a sixth-year senior, played in 40 games at Penn State and started all nine games at defensive tackle in 2020. He decided to spend his final season in the SEC and didn’t need much time to emerge as the Gators’ projected starter at nose tackle this spring. The 6-foot-3, 318-pound lineman has brought strength (he bench-pressed 490 pounds this offseason) and leadership up front.

    24. DT Daquan Newkirk, Auburn → Florida

    Like Shelton, Newkirk showed up and took on a starting role right away on the Gators’ defensive line this spring. He played in 30 games at Auburn, starting all 10 games last season, and is looking to make the most of his super senior season.

    25. DE Arnold Ebiketie, Temple → Penn State

    The 6-foot-3, 244-pound end earned second-team All-AAC honors in 2020 after racking up 42 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, four sacks and three forced fumbles in six games. He can step in and fill a clear need for Penn State’s defense after Odafe Oweh and Shaka Toney moved on with his maturity, athleticism and pass rushing ability. The Nittany Lions were active in the portal this offseason, and Ebiketie looks like one of many additions who’ll play a meaningful role.

    26. OL Doug Nester, Virginia Tech → West Virginia

    The massive 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman decided to come home to West Virginia after starting 17 games at right guard in two seasons with the Hokies. Nester cross-trained at both guard and tackle in the spring and proved to be a hard worker. His coaches think he can become an upper-tier lineman in the Big 12. The Mountaineers also have high hopes for cornerback Charles Woods, an FCS transfer from Illinois State.

    27. DE Jordan Strachan, Georgia State → South Carolina

    Strachan is already quite a success story as a former walk-on safety who moved to linebacker, earned a scholarship, overcame a torn ACL and ended up tying for the FBS lead in sacks with 10.5 last season. The fifth-year senior has bulked up about 25 pounds to 245 to play an edge role for South Carolina’s front and is eager to prove he can be an SEC-level pass rusher.

    28. RB Kenneth Walker III, Wake Forest → Michigan State

    Walker rushed for 1,158 yards in his first two seasons at Wake Forest and scored 13 touchdowns last season. He has really impressed Michigan State’s coaching staff thus far with his quickness, balance and effort, and he makes the Spartans’ run game much more dynamic.

    29. QB Will Levis, Penn State → Kentucky

    Levis could end up being one of the more surprising transfer QBs in this cycle. He was put in a run-heavy role as Penn State’s backup and transferred to prove he can be much more than that. He is a bigger passer at 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds with a strong arm, and he’s ready to show it off in Coen’s offense. Though Levis didn’t go through spring ball with the Wildcats and is learning his third offense in three years, Kentucky needs him to be the guy.

    30. QB Ryan Hilinski, South Carolina → Northwestern

    Northwestern went to the portal for a starting quarterback once again following the success of Peyton Ramsey, and Hilinksi has done a nice job so far of making the transition. After starting 11 games as a true freshman, Hilinski had to spend the 2020 season on the bench. He’s ready to lead and make an impact again.

    31. DE Ryder Anderson, Ole Miss → Indiana

    Anderson has made a strong enough impression on the Hoosiers that he was named one of the team’s most outstanding defensive players this spring. Tom Allen has praised his buy-in, maturity and how hard he practices. The super senior played in 37 games (14 starts) at Ole Miss and looks like he’ll help upgrade Indiana’s pass rush.

    32. DB T.J. Carter, Memphis → TCU

    TCU lost two elite playmakers at safety to the draft but found an experienced replacement for one of those spots in Carter, a four-year starter at cornerback for the Tigers. The former AAC Rookie of the Year had a great spring while making the transition to safety for his super senior season and will make the Frogs’ deep secondary better.

    33. DB Jaiden Lars-Woodbey, Florida State → Boston College

    Lars-Woodbey earned a lot of praise this spring for his ability and leadership. The safety brings a unique skill set with his mix of size (6-foot, 225 pounds), speed and ability to cover and defend the run.

    34. DB Julius Brents, Iowa → Kansas State

    Brents was one of the breakout stars of spring ball for Kansas State, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound cornerback who can run and brings much-needed experience. Brents will start right away in the Wildcats’ secondary.

    35. DB Akayleb Evans, Tulsa → ?

    Evans picked up offers from a dozen Power 5 programs in his first week in the portal, including Notre Dame, Texas and TCU. He’s a long, fluid 6-foot-2, 195-pound cornerback who came back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2019 season and shined in 2020, playing at an all-conference level in his former coaches’ opinion. He has started 23 of his 30 career games and still has two seasons of eligibility.

    36. RB Keaontay Ingram, Texas → USC

    Ingram produced 1,095 total yards in 2019 and more than 2,300 yards over his three seasons at Texas. Injury issues and untimely fumbles made for a tough 2020 season, but he reemerged as a playmaker for the Trojans this spring.

    37. RB Zach Charbonnet, Michigan → UCLA

    After rushing for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman, Charbonnet touched the ball just 25 times last fall. The former top-50 recruit transferred closer to home and should fit nicely as a powerful back in Chip Kelly’s offense.

    38. WR Samori Toure, Montana → Nebraska

    Toure earned FCS All-America honors in 2019 after putting up a school-record 1,495 receiving yards on 87 catches. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound slot receiver gives the Huskers’ offense a much-needed veteran pass catcher and should be their No. 1 wideout.

    39. WR D.J. Matthews, Florida State → Indiana

    The grad transfer is quickly proving to be a great addition to an Indiana receiving corps that must replace Whop Philyor. Matthews’ ability to make plays in space will help him be a difference-maker in the slot and potentially on special teams, as well.

    40. TE Jelani Woods, Oklahoma State → Virginia

    Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall has offered rave reviews of Woods this spring, calling him “probably the brightest spot that I’ve seen in our program.” He’s big, fast and physical at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds and looks like the perfect replacement for Tony Poljan.

    41. DB Jammie Robinson, South Carolina → Florida State

    Robinson started all 10 games for the Gamecocks last fall and produced 136 stops, eight pass breakups and two picks over his first two college seasons. He should start right away for Florida State and represent a big upgrade at the nickel spot as a quick, tough tackler.

    42. DE Keir Thomas, South Carolina → Florida State

    Thomas is taking advantage of his bonus season of eligibility in Tallahassee after five years at South Carolina, where he started 32 games and accounted for 18.5 TFLs with 8.5 sacks. He missed the spring due to injury but gives Florida State’s D-line another veteran presence as a standup defensive end who can set the edge. The Seminoles’ starting lineup sure looks like it’ll be full of new transfers in 2021 to help the program get rolling in Year 2 under Mike Norvell.

    43. LB Palaie Gaoteote IV, USC → ?

    The former five-star recruit has been productive when healthy and started 14 games for the Trojans. Too many injuries have prevented him from playing to his big-time potential. Trojans head coach Clay Helton has said the door is still open for his return. Texas desperately needs help at linebacker and reportedly landed a silent commitment from him, but now Ohio State is making a push after missing out on To’o To’o.

    44. OL Wanya Morris, Tennessee → Oklahoma

    Morris was thrown into the starting lineup right away for the Vols, starting 17 games over his first two college seasons. The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder is competing to be the Sooners’ No. 1 left tackle and will have to beat out a returning two-year starter. There are concerns about his focus, but he’s a massive, athletic lineman who can take his game to another level under O-line coach Bill Bedenbaugh if he puts in the work.

    45. DB Tre Webb, San Jose State → ?

    Here’s another highly experienced defensive back who recently entered the portal and should contribute wherever he goes. Webb was a three-year starting safety for the defending Mountain West champs and earned honorable mention all-conference recognition this fall after producing 49 tackles, five pass breakups and 3.5 TFLs. He’ll be a sixth-year senior this fall and has an offer from Notre Dame.

    46. DB Key Lawrence, Tennessee → Oklahoma

    Lawrence only spent one season at Tennessee before moving on but demonstrated an ability to play several roles in the secondary. The top-rated player in Tennessee’s 2020 class practiced at safety this spring and should play nickel and special teams. With his length and speed, he’ll develop into a key piece for Oklahoma’s future on defense.

    47. TE Grant Calcaterra, Oklahoma → SMU

    Concussion issues forced Calcaterra to medically retire at Oklahoma, but he’s making a comeback this spring and will make an impact in SMU’s offensive attack as Kylen Granson’s replacement. Calcaterra earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 and averaged 15.5 yards per catch with the Sooners.

    48. QB Bailey Zappe, Houston Baptist → Western Kentucky

    College football’s leading passer in 2020 is going to try to replicate his monster numbers at Western Kentucky. In just four games last fall, the FCS transfer threw for 1,833 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception. That’s nearly 460 yards per game. Three of their opponents were FBS teams, and his 567 yards against Texas Tech were nearly enough to pull off an upset. Zappe followed his OC Zach Kittley to play in Conference USA and put together a fantastic spring before struggling with turnovers in the Hilltoppers’ spring game. He’ll benefit from the arrival of speedy Oregon transfer Daewood Davis as well as his HBU receivers Jerreth Sterns, Josh Sterns and Ben Ratzlaff, all of whom joined him at Western Kentucky.

    49. DB Jaquan Amos, Villanova → Iowa State

    The FCS grad transfer had lots of Power 5 offers and chose Iowa State, where he’ll have a shot to start at safety right away for a team with big expectations. He’s a versatile defender who has grabbed eight interceptions in 33 career games.

    50. Bydarrius Knighten, Southeast Missouri State → Auburn

    Knighten is another great FCS-to-FBS transfer in this portal cycle. The 6-foot, 190-pound safety was a four-year starter at SEMO who produced 255 tackles, six interceptions and 18 pass breakups and twice earned all-conference honors. After playing in eight games this spring, Knighten made his move and went with Auburn over seven other Power 5 offers. He’ll be a versatile defender at safety and nickel who, along with Vanderbilt transfer Donovan Kaufman, should provide a nice boost to the Tigers’ secondary.

    Previously ranked

    RB Demarkcus Bowman, Clemson → Florida

    The No. 3 running back in the 2020 class was hyped as the next C.J. Spiller when he signed with Clemson, but he didn’t stick around long enough to make that come true. The five-star freshman entered the portal last October in the hopes of finding a better fit and quickly decided going home to play at Florida was the move. We’ll see if he can benefit from his fresh start and compete in the Gators’ crowded running back room, but a knee strain kept him sidelined for most of the spring.

    WR Puka Nacua, Washington → BYU

    After catching 16 passes for 319 yards and three scores in two seasons with the Huskies, Nucua joined his brother Samson Nacua in transferring back home to BYU this offseason. The former top-150 recruit will have a chance to make good on his potential and break out as BYU’s No. 1 wideout.

    QB Alan Bowman, Texas Tech → Michigan

    Bowman didn’t go through spring with the Wolverines, so he’ll have some catching up to do as he pushes Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. He has thrown for 5,260 yards and 33 TDs in 19 career games and can be a very accurate passer when he’s able to stay healthy.

    LB Justin Rice, Arkansas State → Utah State

    Rice was one of the more unique transfer stories of the wild 2020 season. The linebacker left Fresno State in the middle of August as a grad transfer after being named preseason defensive player of the year in the Mountain West. He joined Arkansas State and was on the field two weeks later. Rice had another terrific season there with 76 tackles and a nation-leading 18.5 tackles for loss.

    He then opted to follow coach Blake Anderson to Utah State for his super senior season and performed well this spring. Texas transfer Byron Vaughns also had an excellent spring and is a long, twitchy athlete with a high motor and three years to play. Between those two, the Aggies have added some serious talent at linebacker.


     

  6. https://theathletic.com/2597988/2021/05/19/fired-up-chelsea-play-angry-to-punish-amarteys-insult-and-get-revenge-on-leicester

     

    ‘Fired up’ Chelsea play angry to ‘punish’ Amartey’s insult and get revenge on Leicester

    In the space of a few days, Chelsea went from being calm in adversity to playing angry.

    Having two high-profile games against Leicester City so close together — one to decide the FA Cup final, the other to potentially determine the top-four race — was always going to increase the possibility of some friction.

    Yet losing to Brendan Rodgers’ side 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday wasn’t the main inspiration for Chelsea’s vital 2-1 league victory in the rematch at Stamford Bridge or the cause of the altercation between the teams near the end.

    The boardrooms share a genuine warmth towards each other, as was shown before the showpiece occasion at the weekend when, out of their own volition, Chelsea presented Leicester with a commemorative silver copy of the match-day programme behind the scenes and Leicester gave their counterparts a silver fox.

    Yes, there had been a few eyebrows raised in the build-up as Rodgers declared his side as the “people’s club” in the final but that didn’t cause any real harm. While naturally disappointed following the contest, the feeling among Chelsea personnel was that, if they were to lose to anybody, they were happy it was Leicester and were genuinely pleased for them.

    Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel wasn’t bitter towards their opponents either. When he addressed the players after the final whistle, his tone was similar to that in the press conference, talking about luck being against them on the day and insisting they had done well.

    In the team meeting held before training on Sunday as part of their preparations for the second encounter, the theme was similar. The group was shown clips of the match and where they could have made better decisions in the final third. But this wasn’t delivered in a furious or negative fashion. It was measured and uplifting.

    He didn’t resort to the cliche of getting revenge. Nor did the 47-year-old make any reference to the footage, which had emerged the night before, of defender Daniel Amartey throwing a Chelsea pennant dismissively to the ground during Leicester City’s post-match celebrations.

    But that didn’t stop the players from using it as a tool to give themselves a greater competitive edge. They were seething at the contemptuous gesture. It was the talk of the dressing room in the build-up. Sources suggest the whole squad had seen the clip and “it fired them up”.

    It didn’t matter that Leicester privately reached out to Chelsea on the Sunday to say sorry on Amartey’s behalf, an apology that was accepted and appreciated by their counterparts.

    With Champions League qualification at stake, the Chelsea players were already in a determined mood. Seeing those images just drove them to get the victory even more.

    Defender Antonio Rudiger confirmed it when speaking to the club’s 5th Stand app. He said: “We wanted to show to them because top four was on the line and unfortunately some people from them don’t know how to celebrate. We had to punish them for this.

    “After we lost the final, we talked with each other, that it’s a massive game coming up and we are (going to have to be) on it. Some people from them gave us a bit more motivation. Congratulations to them, they won (the final), celebrate and everything. But don’t disrespect club history. This is a bit bigger than you.”

    Being roared on by 8,000 fans was another factor, but this was a Chelsea outfit performing with bite in the tackle and aggression at every 50-50, an intensity that was missing at Wembley.

    The statistics didn’t necessarily reflect this. Chelsea won 61 duels to Leicester’s 58. The visitors made one more foul (16) to Tuchel’s men (15). But for anyone inside the stadium, the disparity felt a lot greater.

    No one gave the impression they were playing with controlled wrath more than centre back Rudiger. He relished the opportunity to engage in physical contact, snapping at the Leicester players’ heels even if he didn’t win the ball. The Germany international must have been a constant source of irritation. Academy graduate Reece James didn’t shy away from sending opponents flying to the ground either.

    There was another reason for Chelsea’s angst. As Tuchel admitted afterwards, they felt VAR decisions went against them in the 1-0 loss to Arsenal last week as well as the FA Cup final.

    The sensation of things not going their way only increased in the first half when referee Mike Dean and VAR failed to award a spot kick despite Youri Tielemans kicking the back of Timo Werner’s leg in the area. Remarkably a free kick was awarded to Leicester instead.

    Instead of dropping their heads and becoming resigned to their fate, Chelsea just kept driving forward. Despite missing a host of chances in the first half, Tuchel’s message at the interval was one of reassurance and encouragement to perform in the same manner again.

    With time running out and Chelsea leading 2-1, Leicester lost their cool. Ricardo Pereira fouled Ben Chilwell and suddenly it felt like the clock had been rewound five years to the “Battle of Stamford Bridge” between Chelsea and Tottenham.

    Players from both sides, backroom staff and substitutes all got involved. Of all people, Amartey sprinted from his seat in the East Stand to join in the fray. He soon regretted it as Chelsea players recognised the 26-year-old and made it clear exactly what they thought of him. He was pulled away for his own good by Leicester team-mates and was shown a yellow card.

    It is understood Chelsea were not impressed with Amartey’s behaviour. One insider suggests how it was a sign of “his ego being out of control” after what he’d done a few days earlier and “lacks class”, although insisted the actions of one individual wouldn’t damage the rapport with Leicester.

    Tuchel didn’t talk too much about the incident afterwards yet there must have been part of him that loved what he saw: Rudiger, Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mount all united in showing their displeasure. It’s this kind of fight and unity that will be required on Sunday against Aston Villa, plus in the Champions League final versus Manchester City.

    Tuchel thought the bust-up exposed what was at stake and the frustration Leicester experienced on being second best this time. “It’s not so easy to lose in difficult games,” he said. “We had to swallow it, we showed respect in the cup final. It got a bit heated up but it’s like this. It’s hard to lose big matches.”

    Chelsea’s mood has been lifted. Even if Liverpool don’t drop points against Burnley in their penultimate fixture tonight, Tuchel’s outfit know a win at Villa will guarantee third spot and Champions League football.

    Tuchel revealed he was told that was the club’s main priority when given the job in January. Now he is just 90 minutes away from accomplishing it. If Chelsea succeed, Amartey will have played a little part in helping them get there.

    • Like 1
  7. 35 minutes ago, gsoda3 said:

    you gotta take it seriously when a guy named mittens worries about being too warm.

    Ha!  Never got around to the avatar when I set up the account.  Although now I'm a black cat complaining about black shirts...

  8. Apologies if this has been discussed previously, but does anyone know what the reasoning is behind pushing so much black for a summer league in a city that exists on the surface of the sun?  The entire seating is some form of green, but they only offer 3 tshirts in green (1ea shortsleeve for M/W and a longsleeve) vs 23 in black.  Plenty of cool looking designs in Black/White/Grey, but nothing I'd buy in green.  And before anyone points out the shaded overhang at the stadium: that's great for the 2 hrs of the match, but getting to the stadium or wearing it any other time during the season seems crazy uncomfortable.  Just seems really odd for a team that wants to be known as Los Verdes.

  9. This is what is pretty depressing for me, as someone who wants Mo to be awesome, and wishes bad things upon all aggy:

    Same draft, #6 vs #27, really sharp kid vs total knucklehead...

    image.thumb.png.dd696efbc005a67b8dda284760d12e3e.png

     

    Honestly never thought these two would be comparable in any way at this level.

  10. My mother's cousin was brutally murdered a couple years ago.  Apparently the murderer conned him into letting him stay in his condo for a while before tying him up and killing him w/ a samurai sword.

    Quote

    A man wanted as the prime suspect in the mutilation murder of a 77-year-old Miami Beach man was being held in New York City on Monday after a scuffle with a transit officer, Miami Beach police said Monday.

    Nicholas Brent Gibson, a 32-year-old convicted sex offender, was wanted for the murder last month of Erik Stocker, 77. Police have released few details about the crime, but said Stocker’s body was in his apartment at 1508 Michigan Avenue for at least 10 days before neighbors notified police of a bad odor.

    A source familiar with the investigation said it was an unusually gory scene and that Stocker was killed by some type of sword.

    Quote

    When asked if he killed Stocker, Gibson replied "with my bare hands." When he was asked if he used a sword, Gibson said "yes, a big one."

    Quote

    Neighbors told us that a samurai sword might have been involved and there might have been writing on a wall in blood.

    Not his first time, apparently:

    Quote

    “Mr. Gibson also made additional statement about his involvement in six other murders doing earlier times in his life,” the statement read. “He said these occurred in Florida, Georgia and California.”

     

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