Tag: featured

Fade Fernando’s Picks from God (12/27/19)

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action

Howdy folks and welcome back to this week’s edition of Picks from God. Last week we went 0-4 (-4U) which brings our total to 2-6 (-5U) all time. Yes, you read that right. I did not pick a single game correctly. It was an embarrassing week to say the least. Now before you start calling me names and ready to call your lawyers to sue me for such terrible advice, I want you to read the title of this blog. “Fade Fernando’s Picks From God.” Fade them. You are supposed to go against these picks people. Read the title. Anyways, let’s put the past behind us. In the week of our Lord’s birth, we have been blessed with 4 more picks. Enjoy responsibly.

* Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

1. USC vs. Iowa -2.5. This whole season, I have yet to be impressed with this Trojan team. Even their A.D. was less than pleased with the direction of this football program and was reluctant to bring back head coach Clay Helton. However, they do have one of the better offenses in college football led by QB Kedon Slovis and a trio of star receivers in Michael Pittman, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyler Vaughns. Meanwhile, the Iowa Hawkeyes will be looking to get to 10 wins on the season and bring with them one of the best defenses in the country. This Iowa team has played great football all season long and has won 3 straight games. Further, their 3 losses were all to teams within the top 25 and were by a combined 14 points. Even though the game is in California, I like the Haweyes to cover thanks to a phenomenal defense and an offense that will make just enough plays to cover the spread.

2. Notre Dame -3.5 vs. Iowa State: Around 2 months ago after their embarrassing loss to Michigan at The Big House, everyone wrote the Irish off. Since then, Notre Dame has reeled off 5 straight wins in which the offense has clicked on all cylinders. QB Ian Book has looked like a completely new player in the 2nd half of the season and should have his way against a Cyclone secondary that has its fair share of holes. Look for WR Chase Claypool to have a big day as well. Defensively, the Irish have looked strong as well since the nightmare in Ann Arbor. Although they are coming off a loss on the road to Kansas State, Iowa State has a very good offense and overall is a very solid team. However, I like the way the Irish have played down the stretch and believe they have the playmakers necessary to cover the spread on Saturday.

3. LSU -13.5 vs. Oklahoma: 13.5 is a massive line, especially for a playoff game. Doesn’t matter to me. This LSU team has done nothing but dominate their competition this year. They absolutely destroyed a Georgia team in what was basically a road game on the same weekend the Sooners struggled immensely against Baylor. Offensively, Joe Burrow and Co. will have their way against a Sooner defense with far too many holes. To make matters worse, they will be without their DE Ronnie Perkins and Safety Delarrin Turner-Yell. Yes, star RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire may not play for the Tigers, but Burrow has so many options to choose from that I believe the injury is indifferent. I think the Tigers defense gets it done against QB Jalen Hurts who they are more than familiar with. Further, their experience covering star-studded receivers like Jerry Jeudy should help when they matchup with CeeDee Lamb, arguably the best receiver in football. I like Coach O and LSU on Saturday. Geaux Tigahs! A full preview of the game can be found here: http://gradschoolsports.net/2019/12/24/college-football-playoffs-1-lsu-vs-4-ou-preview/

4. THE Ohio State University +2 vs. Clemson: And now we finally arrive to the game on everyone’s mind. The biggest game of the year so far between 2 heavyweights should not disappoint. These teams are truly mirror images of each other on paper with stars on both sides of the ball. Clemson being favored is astonishing to the public. The Tigers have been overlooked this whole year due to a multitude of different reasons including poor play early on and a very weak schedule. However, this is relatively the same Clemson team that gave Alabama its biggest loss in the Saban era last January. They can beat you on offense with stars like Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne and defense with Isaiah Simmons. However, they have not faced a team like OSU nor a player as dominating as Chase Young. Contrary to Clemson, OSU has played a challenging schedule and has thoroughly handled their competition. I think the OSU defense makes enough stops and the offense delivers when it counts to get them the win Saturday. I have ridden the Buckeye train the whole year this year and I refuse to abandon ship now. O-H-I-O! For a full preview of the game click here.

Please remember, I am not a professional gambler. So please do yourself a favor and fade me at all costs. In addition, if you do not have the funds or live in an area where gambling is prohibited by law, please do not gamble. As we conclude this week’s picks, lets all remember Jeremiah 29:11. Good luck to everyone this weekend.

Ags vs. Pokes: 2019 Texas Bowl Preview

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in NCAA Football

Howdy Folks! Aggie gameday is upon us as our beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies will partake in the 2019 Texas Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys tomorrow afternoon. The Aggies come in with a 7-5 record on the year, but have lost their last 2 games. In the words of OK State coach Mike Gundy, the Aggies are the “best 7-5 team in the history of the NCAA.” I, personally, have never heard a more truthful statement in my life. The Ags have played arguably the hardest schedule of all time with all 5 losses against teams currently ranked in the top 12 in the playoff rankings. However, they have received criticism from many around the country for not having a win against a team with a winning record. The Aggies have their chance now against a Cowboys team who is 8-4 on the year and currently ranked 25th in the nation. The Aggies are currently favored by 5.5 points, a line that has went down by 1.5 points since Monday.

The Cowboys offense features one of the best RB’s in the country in Chuba Hubbard who led college football in rushing yards and also had 21 touchdowns. Hubbard has been an absolute workhorse this year and will cause some fits for an Aggie defense that has been liable to give up the occasional big play. QB Spencer Sanders had a solid year for the Pokes but missed the final 2 games after undergoing thumb surgery. Therefore, both he and backup Dru Brown will be receiving playing time. Further, the Cowboys will be without their top receiver, Tylan Wallace, who has been out with a torn ACL since November. This is good news for a much improved Aggie pass defense. However, the major key for the Aggie defense is whether or not they can contain Chuba Hubbard. If the Ags can prove they can stop the run early in the game and force the Cowboy’s offense to rely on their passing game, they will have a solid shot to walk out of Houston with a win.

While the OK State offense and the Aggie defense are both statistically solid, it is the total opposite for their respective defenses and offenses. Neither are very good. The Aggie offense is once again led by QB Kellen Mond who has been fairly good from a numbers standpoint, but has been subpar in the eyes of the average Aggie fan. While Mond has shown some growth this season, his play in the last two games of the season against Georgia and LSU have many calling for the QB to head to the sidelines. While Mond was unimpressive in both games, it is the offensive line play as a whole this season that has left me yelling at my flatscreen. The Aggies offensive line is abysmal to say the least and ranks near the bottom of the NCAA in almost every measurable statistic. Thankfully, they will be going up against an OK State defense that is unimpressive to say the least. Therefore, the Aggies should be able to establish the run with RB Isaiah Spiller which should open up the passing game for Mond. Look for receiver Jhamon Ausbon to have a big day against a brutal Cowboy’s secondary.

Sounds cliché, but for the Aggies to have a chance today they have to be able to stop Chuba Hubbard. The Cowboy defense is lackluster and will give Mond and Co. plenty of chances to score against them. In typical Big 12 fashion, I expect to see a shootout in NRG tomorrow and I like the Aggies to prevail. Good teams win. Great teams cover. Aggies 36 Cowboys 29.

Top 10 of 2019: #6

by colewest86, posted in 2019, Top 10

6. Kawhi Leonard’s Incredible Playoff Run

Coming in hot at #6 is Kawhi Leonard’s incredible postseason run with the Raptors that ultimately lead to an NBA championship. Now just to jog your memory, this 2019 Kawhi’s first season in Toronto. The year before Kawhi missed most of the season due to a mysterious quadricep injury, so many people did not know how well Kawhi would play in 2019 nearly missing almost a year of basketball. Well we got our answer for sure that postseason.

Kawhi lead the Toronto Raptors to become the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors went on to beat the #7 seed Orlando Magic 4-1.Next they beat the hyped up #3 seed Philadelphia 76ers in 7 games where Kawhi hit game-winning magical fade away shot at the buzzer like something you only see in NBA 2k.

Then, the Raptors went to play the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks with the leagues MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo (aka the Greek Freak). The Raptors would beat them in 6 games behind Kawhi. The Raptors last battle would be against the #1 seed of the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors. Even though, the Warriors were missing superstar Kevin Durant, this was still a Warriors team that had 3 championships, a two-time MVP, and the splash brothers. It turned out that the Warriors were no match for Kawhi as the Klaw dominated on offense and defense beating the Warriors in 6 games, and winning Finals MVP.

Kawhi brought Toronto their first NBA championship ever, did it dominant fashion, all while overthrowing the Warriors dynasty. Kawhi was so dominant, analysts started calling him “The Terminantor.” Leonard averaged 30.5 points, 9.11 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in the playoffs. NBA fans questioned if Kawhi would come back the same, and he definitely did not. He came back better proving he was a top-3 player in the NBA.

Top 10 of The Decade: #6

by Ethan Myers, posted in Decade, Top 10

6. Cavs 3-1 comeback against the 73-9 Warriors in the 2016 finals.

“It’s a man’s league. I guess his feelings just got hurt.”

These were the famous post-game words uttered by Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson after Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, referring to LeBron James reacting after Draymond Green swung at James’ groin. The Warriors were riding high after taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, just one game away from capping off their legendary 73-win season with a 2nd championship. The storylines were writing themselves: the 2016 Warriors were the greatest team of all time, and LeBron James couldn’t bring the big one home to the city of Cleveland.

Related image
Photo by Ball Memes

However, as every sports fan knows, it’s not over until it’s over. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving exploded in Game 5, with both players scoring 41 points apiece in a 112-97 Cavaliers victory that stunned the crowd at Oracle Arena. But it was just one game, right? After all, this Warriors team unstoppable, and LeBron just didn’t have what it takes. That is, until LeBron dropped 41 points again in a 115-101 victory, ending in Warriors point guard Stephen Curry fouling out and launching his mouthguard at a fan. It was all going back to Oracle Arena in California for Game 7, and there was a surprising lack of snide comments from Warriors players leading up to the game. Collars getting tight around their neck?

Game 7 was one for the ages. The match was a dogfight, with 20 lead changes between the teams. The Warriors seemed to start to pull away at halftime with a 49-42 lead, until Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith came into the second half with back-to-back 3’s to tighten the game up. The score went back and forth until the final 2 minutes, when the Cavaliers’s Big 3 of James, Irving, and forward Kevin Love each had a massive play that will forever go down in Cleveland lore.

Image result for lebron james block
Photo by NBA

Tied at 89-all, LeBron James had the greatest block in NBA history, chasing Andre Iguodala across the court and stuffing Iguodala’s fast-break layup attempt. Next, Kyrie Irving caught Curry with his hand down and splashed a 3 over Curry to take a 92-89 lead. Finally with 30 seconds left, Kevin Love got switched onto Curry and proceeded to lock him down, causing Curry to throw up a brick. The Cavaliers got the rebound, LeBron iced the game with a free throw, and when the clock hit zero, LeBron James and the city of Cleveland were champions once again. 52 years of heartbreak wiped out, toppling perhaps the most arrogant team of all time, and coming back from a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in the history of the NBA Finals. After that series, basketball fans around the country had no choice to agree that LeBron James was truly the King, and the city of Cleveland could finally celebrate once again.

Image result for lebron james nba finals cleveland trophy
Photo by the LA Times

Top 10 of 2019: #7

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in 2019, Top 10

#7. Dirk Nowitzki Retiring from the NBA

Video by NBA

*This article was written by a contributor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“At forward in his 21st season, the greatest Dallas Maverick in franchise history, the tall baller from the G, number 41, Diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirk Nowitzki!!” echoed in the American Airlines Center on April 9, 2019 in what would be Nowitzki’s last home game. In typical Dirk fashion, he waited until after his last game in the house he built to let the fans know he was calling it quits. No farewell tour. No year long celebration like Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and even baseball stars such as Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Even though many teams recognized the situation this past season like when Doc Rivers, coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, stopped the game to pay homage to to the legend, Dirk clearly never sought any special treatment. In his 21 seasons, Dirk was a professional who never sought unnecessary attention. It is because of this humility that I find it important to write this article. We must remember the retirement of the 2007 NBA MVP, the 2011 Finals MVP, the 14 time All-Star, and the 6th All-Time scorer in the history of the league.

When asked to discuss the top sports moments of 2019, Dirk Nowtizki retiring without a doubt must make the list. Not only did Dirk transform the game for big men shooters, he revolutionized the game for Europeans. Nowadays, it is not hard to find big men who can shoot such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Vucevic, Nikola Jokic, Karl Anthony-Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, and Anthony Davis. Kids growing up watching those stars today don’t see anything crazy about a seven-footer who can knock down the three. Yet, it was a rare skill in 1998 when Dirk was drafted out of Würzburg, Germany. No longer was a big man just a bully in the paint, it was now necessary to give them respect beyond the arc.

Video by Bleacher Report

Dirk was an example of the benefits that could come when drafting European talent. He created a serious interest for players in the EuroLeague and ironically paved the way for future Mavericks Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Without his incredible success, the respect to the European talent pool may not be there.

Dallas Mavericks Basketball GIF by NBA - Find & Share on GIPHY
Courtsey of Giphy

Lastly, Dirk did all of this with class and respect. Don’t get me wrong, he annoyed players. The fadeaway was tough to guard and Dirk knew how to sell the foul. He was also a bit of a liability on the defensive end of the court. But he never had a problem with a teammate. He was a likeable player and as a young kid from Germany, he handled becoming a celebrity in Dallas-Fort Worth well. He engaged with the community and most importantly, he remained loyal (tough to find and you may never find it again). He wanted to win with Dallas and towards the end of his career, Dirk routinely took pay cuts to try and get it done with the team who drafted him. As a kid myself born in 1996 and raised in Dallas, Dirk was a role model and I always found myself in the driveway trying to recreate his fade away. At a certain point, I even wanted him to leave the Mavericks to try and win 1 more. But he stayed. I can only hope the Mavericks provide their two big Europeans more support than Dirk had in his 21 seasons. As of right now, it looks like they have. 

CFB Playoffs: #2 Ohio St. vs. #3 Clemson

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Football, NCAA Football

Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Whichever holiday you celebrate, we can all come together and rejoice in College Football Playoff season. The playoffs are finally upon us and let us rejoice and be glad. Grad School’s Cole West did a preview of the 1st semifinal game which can be found here: http://gradschoolsports.net/2019/12/24/college-football-playoffs-1-lsu-vs-4-ou-preview/

I will be previewing the primetime matchup between the Clemson Tigers and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Neither team is short of playoff appearances with the Buckeyes making their 3rd playoff appearance, winning it all 2014. Meanwhile, the Tigers will be playing in their record-tying 5th CFB playoff and will hoping to win back to back championships and their 3rd title in the last 4 years. Let’s dive into the matchups in this highly anticipated affair which has Clemson narrowly favored by 2.5 points

Clemson Offense:

This Clemson offense is very similar to last year’s team and is once again led by QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne. After some early season troubles, Lawrence has really rebounded in the 2nd half of the season and enters the game with the 7th best QBR in the nation. Lawrence has homerun targets in receivers Tee Higgins, who comes into the game with over 1,000 receiving yards, and Justyn Ross, the 13th best receiver in the ACC. Etienne has been magnificent on the ground for the Tigers as they have the 9th best rushing attack in all of college football. The Tigers offensive line has been stellar all season as well as they are 5th in the country in sacks allowed. Overall, this offense has been absolutely phenomenal and is clicking on all cylinders heading into the semifinal.

Ohio State Defense:

Two words: Chase Young. Lining up to defend against Lawrence and Co. will be arguably the best player in all of college football and a prospective number one pick in next year’s draft. Young is 1st in the country in both tackles for loss and sacks, and 2nd in forced fumbles. While Young has been a force to be reckoned with, this OSU defense is incredibly well-rounded. Statistically, they have the 2nd best passing defense and 7th best rushing defense in the nation. LB Malik Harrison has also enjoyed a great season and will team with Young to put pressure on the Tigers offense.

Ohio State Offense:

Offensively, the Buckeyes have a 3-headed monster in QB Justin Fields, RB J.K. Dobbins, and WR Chris Olave that Columbus has not seen since the 06 season. They have arguably the best offensive line in college football and the unit was a semi-finalist for the Joe Moore award. Playing in the very competitive Big 10, this offense has been battle-tested against some of the better defensive units in the nation. However, they have not faced a defense like the Tigers and could face some challenges moving the ball on Saturday.

Clemson Defense:

Statistically, the Tigers have the best defense in all of college football. They are at the top in both total defense and passing defense, 5th in turnover margin, and have the 9th best rushing defense. Brent Venables is a defensive mastermind and has one of the best defensive players in all of football in LB Isiah Simmons. The All-American Simmons has been remarkable this year and is an absolute unit at 6’4, 230 lbs. The Tigers also have one of the best scoring defenses in the country. Therefore, pressuring OSU QB Justin Fields and forcing him to make miscues could give Clemson the advantage it needs on Saturday.

Now the last time these 2 teams met in the 2016 semifinal, Clemson manhandled the Buckeyes 31-0 en route to their title win over Alabama. I, along with the rest of the country, expect a much closer game this year.

Who wins this game? I honestly think this is a coin flip game. Clemson has steamrolled their competition this year. However, there is an argument to be made that the teams they played don’t deserve to be properly identified as “competition.” Throughout the season, analysts have been underestimating this Tigers group however, everyone knows head coach Dabo Swinney will use that as fuel to have his team properly prepared and motivated for Saturday.

On the other hand, Ohio State has also dominated their competition and have played one of the more challenging schedules in the country. Ryan Day has done a great job in his 1st year as head coach and there were many around the country who believed OSU deserved the number one overall seed in the playoff.

I will have an official prediction on Friday when I release my Picks from God, however as of publishing I like the Buckeyes to prevail.

Top 10 of The Decade: #7

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Decade, Top 10

7. Dee Gordon’s home run against the New York Mets in 2016, one day after the death of teammate Jose Fernandez.

On September 25, 2016, Jose Fernandez, an MLB All-Star and one of the games most well-liked players, passed away due to a boating accident. Players and fans alike around the league were devastated. Fernandez was only 24 years old but had established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league.

On Monday September 26, 2016, the Miami Marlins played their first game since Fernandez’s passing against the New York Mets. Dee Gordon, the 2B of the Marlins and one of Fernandez’s closest friends, was the leadoff hitter that day. Gordon, typically a left-handed hitter, stepped into the right-handed batters box wearing Fernandez’s helmet. After seeing the first pitch from Mets’ pitcher Bartolo Colon, Gordon proceeded to switch to the left-hand side of the plate. On a 2-0 fastball from Colon, Gordon promptly smacked a homerun to the right-field bleachers and began to weep uncontrollably as he rounded the bases. As he crossed home plate, he pointed to the sky in remembrance of his good friend. It was a moment that will be forever be remembered by baseball fans around the world.

Video by MLB

In the postgame interview, Gordon told a reporter “I don’t have kids, so hitting a homerun for Jose Fernandez is the best moment of my life.” It is in these moments where sports can truly bring everyone together. Dee Gordon’s homerun is one, as a baseball fan, I will never forget.

The Jerry Problem

by Clayton Neider, posted in Football, NFL

Jerry Jones is the worst owner in all of sports. He has built the most valuable sports franchise in the world, but inappropriately talks to the press, oversteps his role, and even turns his back on the cowboys and leaves games early. He is a disgrace to the team and is a disease that needs to be cured. This is not the man I want to own and manage The Dallas Cowboys.

Time and time again I hear Dallas fans look for problems in the organization saying its the coaching staff, the quarterback, the defense, or anything else. It is a different “problem” every week. One thing that has been consistent over the last 30 years is, The Jerry Problem. Dallas rightfully so wants Jason Garrett gone, but lets take a look at The Jerry Problem.

The Dallas Cowboys get off to a hot start at 3-0. The fans are beginning to believe once again that this is “our year.” A phrase that I have heard all my life. The Cowboys were #4 in the power rankings per ESPN coming into week 4. Kellen Moore had reshaped the Cowboys offense to a pass first attack that was shredding offenses. Dak Prescott threw for over 900 yards in his first 3 games. The Cowboys are on track for it to be “our year.”

Fast Forward 3 weeks and we are reminded that greatness can only last so long, especially considering the records of the three teams we beat. This three game stretch reminds us that it once again is not “our year.”

The Dallas Cowboys face a tough decision in deciding to extend Garrett or look elsewhere. Jerry Jones has loved Garrett for many seasons shown by the following statement, “We have a lot invested in Jason. Jason is certainly, in my mind, the coach that could turn this thing around and cause us to have a great year.” Throughout the season he has reminded the Cowboys that he is the guy, “I wouldn’t make a change & give us a chance to do what I want to dream about doing.” and “There will be no coaching change.” Jerry Jones believed in Garrett until he didn’t.

Jerry Jones flips his opinion of Garrett overnight and states, “we’d have zero chance” to win a Super Bowl with the current head coach. This couldn’t be the same man that believed in Jason Garrett just a little over a month ago. At 6-6 leading the NFC East, Jerry Jones idiotically goes to the media once again to publicly indicate that Jason Garrett will be fired after the season is over unless he wins a Super bowl. This is incredibly inappropriate for a team atop of the division controlling their own destiny.

Imagine your boss giving you an impossible task. Now imagine the pressure of this task knowing if you don’t finish you would be fired. This is the scenario that Jason was put under and is down right idiotic of Jerry Jones to say. If I knew I was going to be fired within the next two months, I would have no incentive to work and the team showed it on the field. In the next few games you saw a flat Cowboys team that had no energy trying to rally behind Dak Prescott. The issues on the field have one explanation, The Jerry Problem.

Jerry Jones only option with a team 6-6 vying for the playoffs was to fire Jason Garrett mid-season and promote Kris Richard as the Interim Head Coach. Richard played football at USC under Pete Carroll and joined him on his coaching staff at Seattle where he was the secondary coach and helped develop talent that included Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. AKA “The legion of boom.” Dallas hired him as the defensive backs coach in 2018 and he has done a phenomenal job helping the Dallas defense turn into a top 10 defense. In the offseason after his first year there was much speculation about him being promoted or even becoming a defensive coordinator somewhere else.

At 6-6, who would you rather have, a lackluster, hand clapper, emotionless Jason Garrett who has no reason to fight to win the division? Or would you rather have a fiery Kris Richard with a lot to prove with the capability of winning the division and doing some damage in the playoffs.

A team that has top 5 talent in almost every area on the field is now #14 in the power rankings (Per ESPN). This seems to have always been the case for the Cowboys in the past 20 years, a talented team that grossly continues to underperform.

The choice was simple, the choice was obvious, the choice was necessary. Jerry Jones has been the problem, is the problem, and will always be the problem for The Dallas Cowboys.

CFB Playoffs: #1 LSU vs #4 OU Preview

by colewest86, posted in NCAA Football

It is almost that time of year: The College Football Playoffs. The playoffs start this Saturday at 3:00 CT. The undefeated LSU Tigers take on the 12-1 Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick- Fil- A Peach bowl. This will be the 4th appearance in the playoffs for the Sooners, while this is the first postseason appearance for the Tigers. Regardless, both teams are looking for their first playoff win as the Sooners are 0-3.

The Sooners may be 0-3 in the playoffs, so far but their transfer QB, Jalen Hurts, has nothing but wins and experience. Before transferring to OU in the 2019 season, Hurts played QB at Alabama where he led the Rolling Tide to the playoffs in 2016 and 2017 (he was the backup in the 2018 season). Hurts is 3-1 as a starter in the College Football Playoffs. Hurts also has experience beating the LSU Tigers, beating them two years in a row as a starter. That type of experience can go a long way for the Sooners.

On the other side is the LSU Tigers who have stormed through the regular season. Posting wins against Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Auburn, it is no question that LSU has looked like the best team in the country. Now the Tigers are looking for their first win in the College Football Playoffs to send them to the national championship.

The biggest story this past week regarding these teams is the news that Oklahoma will be playing without three of their players. Oklahoma’s DE- Ronnie Perkins, RB- Rhamondre Stevenson, and WR- Trejan Bridges are suspended for the Peach Bowl. While it is still unclear what provoked the suspension, The Athletic’s, Jason Kersey, reported it as a “rules violation.” The biggest loss is DE, Ronnie Perkins. Perkins is considered the Sooners best pass rusher with six sacks, and 38 total tackles. This is now a major disadvantage for the Sooners as they try to stop Heisman winner, Joe Burrow, and his high-powered offense

The LSU Tigers have some bad news as well as running back Clyde Edwards- Helaire suffered a hamstring injury during practice last week. Edwards- Helaire is LSU’s leading rusher with 1,290 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. LSU coach, Ed Orgeron, said Edwards- Helaire is questionable for the Peach Bowl. However if anyone knows hamstring injuries, they know how hard they are to recover from in football. If Edwards- Helaire does not play, running backs, Tyrion Davis-Price, John Emery Jr., and Chris Curry would assume the workload. Those three running backs have a combine 118 attempts and nine rushing touchdowns on the season. The replacements have some experience; however, it would still be a major blow if the Tigers were without their starting running back.

Keys to the Game

Oklahoma

1.Run the Football

This is arguably the most important factor for the Sooners on Saturday: the ability to run the football. OU comes into this football game 11th in the nation in rushing yards per game with over 240 yards a game. This would be huge for OU as it wears down the LSU defense, open up the passing game, and keep LSU’s high-powered offense off the field.

2. Win the Turnover Battle

Oklahoma comes into the game as 13.5 point underdogs. Something underdogs cannot do in a football game if they want to win is have turnovers; therefore, OU needs to win the turnover battle. Jalen Hurts has shown this season that he struggles to hold on to the football. That cannot be the case Saturday, or else LSU will take advantage and make OU pay for it. If OU’s defense can force turnovers, that will give the OU defense a lot of confidence, momentum, and maybe some points on the board for OU.

LSU

1.Convert on 3rd Downs

One of the keys to the game for LSU is to convert on 3rd downs. LSU currently converts on 3rd downs 49.67% of the time which ranks 7th in the nation. Converting on 3rd downs will allow LSU’s offense to stay on the field and wear and tear the OU defense. This will allow receivers such as JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson to get involved early as well as boost the confidence for the LSU offense. OU’s defense currently is 48th in the country on opponents points per game with allowing 25.4 points per game. For LSU’s offense who averages 46.3 points per game (ranked 3rd), they should be more than capable converting on 3rd downs to put up points on the scoreboard.

2. Stop/Limit the Run

I mentioned this earlier, but LSU must be able to stop or limit the run for the Sooners. The Sooners average over 240 rushing yards a game. They run a power-style run offense that can wear down defenses. OU can run it with Jalen Hurts who has 1,255 rushing yards or RB, Kennedy Brooks, who has 976 yards on the season. This is worst case scenario for LSU: that Oklahoma is able to run all over the LSU defense to extend drives, and more importantly keep Joe Burrow and LSU off the field.

This will be a big opportunity for OU and the Big-12 to make a statement if they were to pull off the upset because the College Football Playoff committee has traditionally not shown as much respect to Big-12 teams over the years compared to teams in the SEC or Big-10.

The SEC and Big-12 champions will meet in Atlanta on December, 28th at 3:00 CT on ESPN. Both teams will be competing for a chance to play in the national championship.

Top 10 of The Decade: #8

by brandonwayman, posted in Decade, Moments

8. Marshawn Lynch’s Beastmode run against the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Trying to milk the clock while holding onto a 34-30 lead in the 2010 NFC Wild Card Round, the Seahawks faced a 2nd and 10 on their own 33-yard line versus the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Not many pundits had given the 7-9 Seahawks a chance in the game due to them being the first team with a losing record to make the postseason in NFL history. With nothing to lose and respect to gain, the Seahawks elected to hand off the ball to their midseason acquisition Marshawn Lynch on a power run. Lynch then activated his now infamous “Beast Mode” running style, and he broke eight attempted tackles by the Saints’ defenders. The run peaked when Lynch threw a stiff arm that sent Roman Harper flying to the grown, and Lynch added an exclamation mark by diving into the endzone to extend the Seahawks lead to double digits with 3 minutes and 22 seconds left in the game. The run left the crowd in such a frenzy that the roar registered on Seismograph readings.

Video by NFL

The Seahawks would go on to win the game 41-36. However, the great run had a greater impact than just propelling the Seahawks to the divisional round. The victory set the tone for the Pete Carroll era where the Seahawks went on to make the playoffs 8 times, the Super Bowl twice, and win Super Bowl XLVIII in the decade.