If You Were Xavi Simons...




This is based on a true story and a possible aftermath, which may or may not have happened.


Imagine, if you will, this situation. Here you are, an 18-year old boy who left Barcelona's academy, La Masia, for the green pastures of Paris Saint-Germain and to get an opportunity to play with one of the most famous Barcelona legends of all, the great Lionel Messi, as well as a made man of Paris, Kylian Mbappe, a World Cup winner and future star for Real Madrid. 


The opponent is OGC Nice. The venue: the Parc des Princes, a venue that has been a part of the team's history since 1970. With 10 minutes left in a Round of 16 match in the Coupe de France, in front of a small audience so much as to suggest you would be forgiven for thinking it was a friendly, and a chance to face storied rivals Olympique de Marseille, you are called up to enter the pitch to replace Colin Dagba, who is of the PSG Academy fold and lives and breathes the club he started in.


No score through 90 minutes. By competition rules, the match goes to a penalty shootout. The seventh round of spot kicks arrives. Dante, a Bayern Munich name of the past, delivers a panenka past Gianluigi Donnarumma, who denied Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka to win a European championship last year for Italy. At long last, you are called to convert a spot kick to continue the arm-wrestle at Le Parc against a side bound for European competition, managed by Christophe Galtier, who has a history of impressive victories against Paris in the past.


But therein lies the rub: the goalkeeper for Nice is a Pole named Marcin Bulka, who is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain because of having too many goalkeepers available. He is not as adept with stopping shots. Surely, with all the hype, all the fanfare, one swing will be routine as usual, right?





You take the shot. Bulka saves and is surrounded by his Nice teammates in white. As you walk back to the squad in their dark jerseys and shots, you are consoled by Presnel Kimpembe, another FIFA World Cup winner. Your mind is shattered. You are reduced to tears. You feel like you want to be executed in front of all those you loved because you let them down. You regret leaving La Masia. All those tears were in vain. A massive part of you wants to die on this pitch, alone, helpless, like those who perished on the football pitch in the past.





Time passes. You wake up, you wonder to yourself, did that nightmare just happen? Did all that just happen? You sit on your bed, deep in thought, your eyes still red from the tears you shed after all you went through. You choose to pick up your cleats and your ball and return to the Camp des Loges to do something. At the back of your head, you know that you will be watching Paris and Real Madrid face each other from your television set. You do not expect to be called up. The rest of the players on international assignment will return with one goal in mind: save Paris Saint-Germain from being trophyless and maybe spare their manager the long-awaited sacking.


You place a ball on the penalty spot near a practice goal, and you look straight at it, and you concentrate for the longest period of time. In the distance, PSG's first team are doing warmups and drills, but you are by yourself, concentrating, staring straight at the goal and the ball and the ball and the goal. The trees in the background look on, awaiting your decision.


In another part of the playing surface. Lionel looks over, confused at what he is seeing, and then he remembers that once upon a time, he was in this situation as well. When he started out, he took his lumps. He missed penalties. He failed as well. But he was young, and he chose to motivate himself to do better and be better. So he nods and returns to his drills with the rest of the team.





As for you, you continue to stare at the goal and the ball placed on the spot. You remember in the back of your head all the moments great players missed penalties and how they rebounded to be the heroes they were, of the sport. The pictures of heartbreak. The scenes of redemption. The montage, placed over the goal and the ball on the spot.


You see these scenes and realize that you have to make a choice. You can choose to let that scene in the Parc des Princes define who you are for the rest of your life: a nobody, an overhyped, overrated Dutchman who no longer has love for the sport and life and years on is found in a situation he does not want to be: dead. Or you can choose to let that scene be the springboard for a comeback story that will take time to develop but can happen, maybe culminating in scoring a winning penalty for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup.





You may not be at this club much longer. Your contract ends in the summer and depending on whether or not your club replaces its manager and personnel, you could be finding a new team to play or return home to Barcelona, figuring that your Parisian adventure did not work out. Other clubs from other competitions will figure that you need some confidence in taking spot kicks and getting playing time in a new country, perhaps the USA and MLS, could be the solution.


All these intangibles, and understanding why each and every one of these dynamics happen, cause you to finally declare your final answer, which you will speak loudly with actions, and not just words. 

ISML 2021: Rikka With A Statement Win



ISML 2021: Rikka With A Statement Win


By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

January 30, 2022


Match Day 2 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Eliminations Period is history. In the Female Division, Mikoto Misaka routed Tsukasa Yuzaki 4150-1766, Rikka Takanashi thumped Emilia 3457-2294, Kaguya Shinomiya demolished Ai Hayasaka 3190-1849 and Mai Sakurajima romped past Yui Yuigahama 3005-2262. In the Male Division, Sakuta Azusagawa slaughtered Tomoya Okazaki 3049-1654, Taki Tachibana took down Kazuma Satou 3037-1924, Kazuto Kirigaya defeated Shirou Emiya 2835-1793 and Yuu Ishigami toasted Saika Totsuka 2606-1922.


In seasonal action, Keke Tang got past Shouko Komi 3127-1648, Ram rammed Mileze Vladilena 3110-1591, Nezuko Kamado defeated Ran Mouri 2836-2675 and Siesta delivered the Upset of the Round, a 2531-2231 win over Eris Boreas Greyrat. 


In Female Division Consolation play, Shiro shook Kurisu Makise 2800-1998, Kamui Kanna prevailed over Megumin 2534-2428, Misaki Shouhou silenced Tooru 2840-2145 and Ruiko Saten blew past Schwi Dola 2772-2144. In Male Division Consolation play, Shidou Itsuka drove past Shouya Ishida 2420-1883, Yuu Otosaka drilled Joutarou Kuujou 2515-1928, Lelouch Lamperouge blew past Kyoujurou Rengoku 2440-2013 and Saitama punched Satoshi Fukube 2318-2144.


Finally, in exhibition action, Kyouko Hori routed Shuna 2940-1466, Miyuki Shiba defeated Sayu Ogiwara 2227-1931, Unmei got past Milim Nava 2051-1940 and Itsuki Nakano delivered a statement win over Dia Viekone 2336-1918.


Match Day 3 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Eliminations Period is scheduled for February 1, 2021. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Eliminations Match Day 2



ARENA 1 [[Misaka Mikoto]] Yuzaki Tsukasa

by >=500
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 2 [[Emilia]] Takanashi Rikka

by >=500
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 3 Hayasaka Ai [[Shinomiya Kaguya]]

by >=500
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 4 [[Sakurajima Mai]] Yuigahama Yui

by >=500
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 5 [[Azusagawa Sakuta]] Okazaki Tomoya

by <=800
Over/Under: 7000
Under

ARENA 6 [[Tachibana Taki]] Satō Kazuma

by <=800
Over/Under: 7000
Under

ARENA 7 [[Kirigaya Kazuto]] Emiya Shirō

by <=800
Over/Under: 7000
Under

ARENA 8 Totsuka Saika [[Ishigami Yū]]

by <=800
Over/Under: 7000
Under

ARENA 9 [[Tang Keke]] Komi Shōko

by >=300
Over/Under: 6500
Under

ARENA 10 Vladilena Milizé [[Ram]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 6500
Under

ARENA 11 [[Kamado Nezuko]] Mōri Ran

by >=300
Over/Under: 6500
Under

ARENA 12 Siesta [[Eris Boreas Greyrat]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 6500
Under

ARENA 13 Makise Kurisu [[Shiro]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 6200
Over

ARENA 14 [[Kanna Kamui]] Megumin

by >=200
Over/Under: 6200
Over

ARENA 15 Tōru [[Shokuhō Misaki]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 6200
Over

ARENA 16 Saten Ruiko [[Schwi Dola]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 6200
Over

ARENA 17 [[Saitama]] Fukube Satoshi

by <=800
Over/Under: 6700
Under

ARENA 18 [[Ishida Shōya]] Itsuka Shidō

by <=800
Over/Under: 6700
Under

ARENA 19 [[Otosaka Yū]] Kūjō Jōtarō

by <=800
Over/Under: 6700
Under

ARENA 20 Lelouch Lamperouge [[Rengoku Kyōjurō]]

by <=800
Over/Under: 6700
Under

ARENA 21 [[Hori Kyōko]] Shuna

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Over

ARENA 22 [[Shiba Miyuki]] Ogiwara Sayu

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Over

ARENA 23 Milim Nava [[Unmei]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Over

ARENA 24 [[Dia Viekone]] Nakano Itsuki

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Over


Voter Id: 07b867ca-945a-5563-8688-4f8cdfae3e31

FFXIV: Baby Kahori's Misadventures In The First

#FFXIV

ISML 2021: Eliminations Are Underway



ISML 2021: Eliminations Are Underway


By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

January 28, 2022


Match Day 1 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Eliminations Period is underway. In the Female Division, Elaina thumped Index Prohibitorum 2992-2347, Kanade Tachibana flew past Asuna Yuuki 2414-2362, Mashiro Shiina smashed Nao Tomori 2777-2220 and Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Chika Fujiwara 3092-2034. In the Male Division, Riku Dola rocked Rintarou Okabe 2380-1891, Subaru Natsuki drove past Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 2200-2042, Touma Kamijou broke Sorata Kanda 2598-1849 and Yuuta Togashi leveled Levi 2720-1969.


In seasonal action, Miku Nakano routed Ilulu 3204-1341, Ai Haibara eased past Madoka Kaname 2920-2194, Miku Iino defeated Roxy Migurdia 2311-1973 and Tomoyo Sakagami dusted off Kobayashi 2201-1990. 


In Female Division Consolation play, Taiga Aisaka roared past Kuroko Shirai 2347-2300, Iroha Isshiki got past Shouko Nishimiya 2457-2203, Kei Shirogane took down Utaha Kasumigaoka 2477-2076 and Rin Tohsaka prevailed over Mio Akiyama 2431-2324. In Male Division Consolation play, Archer dominated Edward Elric 2362-1624, Ryuunosuke Akasaka won the closest race of the roung, a 2016-1996 nailbiter over Nasa Yuzaki, Yuzuru Otonashi shot down Kousei Arima 2302-1816 and Ryuuji Takasu roared past Nagisa Shiota 2043-1796.


In other exhibition action, Natsumi got past Tatsumaki 2174-1662, Ruka Sarashina defeated Rui Tachibana 1822-1580, Latifa Fleuranza prevailed over Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin 1852-1786 and in a three-way race, Masuzu Natsukawa was first with a score of 18036.7.


Match Day 2 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Eliminations Period is scheduled for January 29, 2022. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Eliminations Match Day 1



ARENA 1 [[Elaina]] Index L. Prohibitorum

by >=300
Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 2 Yūki Asuna [[Tachibana Kanade]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 3 Tomori Nao [[Shiina Mashiro]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 4 Fujiwara Chika [[Tokisaki Kurumi]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 5 Okabe Rintarō [[Riku Dola]]

by <=400
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 6 Ayanokōji Kiyotaka [[Natsuki Subaru]]

by <=400
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 7 Kanda Sorata [[Kamijō Tōma]]

by <=400
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 8 Levi [[Togashi Yūta]]

by <=400
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 9 Ilulu [[Nakano Miku]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 10000
Under

ARENA 10 Haibara Ai [[Kaname Madoka]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 10000
Under

ARENA 11 [[Iino Miko]] Roxy Migurdia

by >=200
Over/Under: 10000
Under

ARENA 12 [[Sakagami Tomoyo]] Kobayashi

by >=200
Over/Under: 10000
Under

ARENA 13 [[Shirai Kuroko]] Aisaka Taiga

by >=100
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 14 [[Nishimiya Shōko]] Isshiki Iroha

by >=100
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 15 Kasumigaoka Utaha [[Shirogane Kei]]

by >=100
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 16 [[Tōsaka Rin]] Akiyama Mio

by >=100
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 17 [[Edward Elric]] Archer

by >=500
Over/Under: 9500
Under

ARENA 18 Yuzaki Nasa [[Akasaka Ryūnosuke]]

by >=500
Over/Under: 9500
Under

ARENA 19 Arima Kōsei [[Otonashi Yuzuru]]

by >=500
Over/Under: 9500
Under

ARENA 20 Takasu Ryūji [[Shiota Nagisa]]

by >=500
Over/Under: 9500
Under

ARENA 21 Tatsumaki [[Natsumi]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 8000
Over

ARENA 22 [[Sarashina Ruka]] Tachibana Rui

by >=300
Over/Under: 8000
Over

ARENA 23 [[Latifa Fleuranza]] Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin

by <=300
Over/Under: 20000
Under

ARENA 24 [[Iki Hiyori]] [[Natsukawa Masuzu]] [[Yue]]

Over/Under: 20000
Over


Voter Id: 2bfcde0a-bbe7-5edf-9cbf-77efd71a590d

FFXIV: Materia(l) Girl

#FFXIV #NewGame #Crossover

ISML 2021: Asuna Outduels Kanade, Wins Diamond Necklace



ISML 2021: Asuna Outduels Kanade, Wins Diamond Necklace

A SAO Sweep As Kazuto Takes Diamond Pendant


By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

January 12, 2022


For once, the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue was right on the money in their International Saimoe League necklace calls. The favored Asuna Yuuki dismatched of a former Saimoe Leader of the Free World in Kanade Tachibana, 1990-1787, to win the 2021 International Saimoe League Diamond Necklace, another piece to her collection of necklaces won in her years of participating in the ISML. Mai Sakurajima was third with 1256 votes, Emilia was fourth with 724 votes, Ai Hayasaka was fifth with 497 votes, Shouko Nishimiya was sixth with 467 votes, Yui Yuigahama was seventh with 356 votes and Chika Fujiwara was last with 278 votes.





Kazuto Kirigaya, as tipped by the Bedlam, won the Diamond Pendant but it was over a longshot: a 1820-1504 victory over 75-1 longshot Rintarou Okabe. Taki Tachibana was third with 970 votes, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji was fourth with 754 votes, Yuzuru Otonashi was fifth with 588 votes, Kazuma Satou was sixth with 491 votes, Shirou Emiya was seventh with 432 votes and Subaru Natsuki was last with 296 votes.





The Bedlam's Upset of the Round is in the race for the Diamond Bracelet. Second choice Index Prohibitorum delivered a 2339-1774 scalp of Tsukasa Yuzaki. Kuroko Shirai was third with 1223 votes, Shiro was fourth with 829 votes, Misaki Shokuhou was fifth with 670 votes, Kei Shirogane was sixth with 489 votes, Tooru was seventh with 356 votes and Schwi Dola was last with 327 votes.





While Tsukasa was not as fortunate, her husband Nasa Yuzaki benefitted from a Ring race with no To Aru opponents to deal with. Saika Totsuka was favored to win the ring, but it was Yuzaki that prevailed, 1632-1360. Ryuuji Takasu was third with 984 votes, Kyojurou Rengoku was fourth with 809 votes, Joutarou Kuujou was fifth with 686 votes, Edward Elric was sixth with 516 votes, Satoshi Fukube was seventh with 433 votes and Kousei Arima was last with 324 votes. As Nasa was eliminated from the Elimination rounds due to poor performances in the round robins, he ends his Saimoe campaign on a winning note.





Your Fall Seasonal champion is Ran Mouri, who scored a 232253.1 in a field of six. Mouri was tipped from the start as a first choice to win the diadem, and she was right on the money. Your Couples Tournament winner, no surprises, is Eru Chitanda and Houtarou Oreki, who defeated Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita 2404-1998. Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima finished third with a 2197-2173 nailbiter over Touma Kamijou and Mikoto Misaka. 





In addition to winning the bracelet, Index advanced to the Elimination round from the wild card with the highest score, 25414.8. Also advancing were Ai Hayasaka (20664.7), Nao Tomori (20417.2) and Tsukasa Yuzaki (20519). Advancing from the wild card on the Male Division side were Levi (16553.9), Rintarou Okabe (17160.2), Sorata Kanda (17581.3) and Tomoya Okazaki (16432.8).





In exhibition action, Tsukasa Shishou belted Yuujirou Hanma 1317-590, Seiya Ryuuguuin flexed past Goblin Slayer 1544-1026, Kyouka Izumi defeated Kohaku 1206-1088 and Kouga prevailed over Legoshi 1210-1140. In a Naruto four-way match, Jiraiya (14467.6) and Kakashi Hatake (18277.3) came out on top. And in another four-way match, Taihei Doma (14286.8) and Li Syaoran (15546.1) delivered.





Two other four way matches took place. Kaoru Nishimi and Tsumugi Kotobuki teamed up to win the closest race of the round, a 1197-1190 snoozer over Sentarou Kawabuchi and Ritsu Tainaka. Meanwhile, Clea and Polka got past Kirara and Lamp 1037-884. Finally, a showdown of redheads took place, with the top three being Stella Vermillion (1247), Stephanie Dola (1767) and Sakura Minamoto (1235). Three big names that start with S, a final three-way to be reckoned with.





So here we are, the Elimination Rounds leading to the general election for  the Saimoe Prime Minister and Deputy Saimoe Prime Minister seats. Here at the Bedlam, we thought that this Tiara race would be Mikoto Misaka's reelection to lose. Then Kaguya's upset win over the Railgun happened. And suddenly it's a whole new ballgame. Will we see a second term from those who were at the helm years ago? Or will we see a new face rise up to lead Japan's finest anime legends and heroes in 2022? The final race to glory begins later this month.





Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. And keep it right here on the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue for continuing coverage of the best anime character competition in the world, the one and only International Saimoe League, in the service of anime fans worldwide since 2008!

Georgia: 2021 College Football Playoff National Champions



INDIANAPOLIS -- No. 3 Georgia exorcised myriad demons Monday night, overcoming No. 1 Alabama, coach Nick Saban and decades of close calls to win the 2022 College Football National Championship and claim its first crown since 1980. What started as a field goal fest opened up in the second half with the Bulldogs creating big plays on both sides of the ball and ultimately stemming the defending champion Crimson Tide, 33-18.


After being clearly rattled in the first half, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett played poised and confident over the final 30 minutes, throwing the final two offensive touchdowns of the game while completing 17 of 26 passes for 224 yards. Alabama QB Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, coughed up a deep interception -- his second turnover of the night -- that defensive back Kelee Ringo returned 79 yards for a touchdown to ice the game with less than a minute to play.


The Dawgs scored the game's final three touchdowns. Bennett found star freshman tight end Brock Bowers for a 15-yard score with 3:33 to play. On Georgia's prior possession, Bennett hooked up with Adoni Mitchell for an astounding 40-yard touchdown on a free play created by an offsides penalty on the Tide.


Alabama went with a pass-heavy attack despite leading most of the game as Young finished 35 of 57 for 369 yards with a touchdown and two picks. It's the first time in his career that Young finished a game with more interceptions thrown than touchdowns. However, Young was without his top two pass catchers for most of the game due to another significant injury suffered in this second Alabama-Georgia meeting of the season.


Bama booted field goals of 37, 45 and 37 yards in the first half. The Tide hit on two big plays with Young finding Jameson Williams for 40 yards and later Cameron Latu for 61 yards. However, Williams -- Bama's leading receiver -- suffered a non-contact knee injury on his catch, leaving the Tide shorthanded for the duration of the contest.


Georgia connected on kicks of 24 and 49 yards to trail 9-6 at halftime. Bennett linked up with George Pickens on a deep post for 52 yards to create their team's first field goal and its best play of the opening 20 minutes.


Young committed the game's first major miscue early in the third quarter as he sailed a pass intercepted by Georgia's Christopher Smith at the Bama 43. He responded by driving the Tide down the field on the next possession only for Georgia's defense to come up big again by blocking a 48-yard field goal attempt.


A 67-yard run by James Cook, the longest allowed by the Tide since 2015, put the Dawgs into the red zone. They found paydirt later for the first touchdown – and their first lead -- of the game as Zamir White rumbled into the end zone to give Georgia a 13-9 lead. On the next possession, Young found Agiye Hall, who dropped a key pass on the prior drive, for 28 yards down to the UGA 5; however, Alabama stalled again and kicked its fourth field goal of the game from 21 yards out.


Bennett gave the Tide the ball back a couple plays later in the fourth quarter as he fumbled while being sacked on third down. Defensive back Brian Branch, scooping up a ball he thought was an incomplete pass, lucked into a fumble recovery with Alabama taking over at the UGA 16. Young hooked up with Latu for a 3-yard TD reception, putting the Tide back on top 18-13 after a failed two-point conversion.


"I just knew there was going to be no way we were going to let a turnover like that stop us from winning a national championship," Bennett told ESPN after the game. "I wasn't going to be the reason we lost."


The Dawgs took off from there, responding with Mitchell's touchdown, extending their lead to eight points on the back of Bowers' score and then clinching their national championship win with the game-ending pick six.


Let's take a look at our five major takeaways from Georgia's national championship win.


1. Recruiting matters: At least, it does when you want to win national titles. Georgia winning its crown Monday didn't happen by accident. There's one thing Kirby Smart learned coaching under Saban that was more important than any schematic advantage: The most brilliant coach on the planet can't win a national title with good players. You need great ones. That's why recruiting has been a priority at Georgia since Smart took over.


Smart's first season at Georgia in 2016 saw him bring in a class ranked sixth nationally in the 247Sports Composite. He's never hauled in a group ranked lower than fourth in the five classes since. The depth of the Dawgs' talent was evident throughout the night as Georgia's defense flew all over the field and stopped an Alabama offense few teams could even slow. Georgia is a team that is so talented, it somehow managed to win a national title using a former walk-on at quarterback.


2. Georgia's pass rush was helped by its run defense: One of the reasons Georgia could get so much pressure on Young was that it could blitz from anywhere it wanted because it knew Alabama couldn't run the ball consistently. The Tide tried to do so in plenty of different ways but only had inconsistent success. Early in the game, Alabama tried to get Brian Robinson on the edge with tosses and sweeps. Those didn't work. Georgia loaded the box with defenders, playing only one high safety. Later in the game, the Tide tried to run at the heart of the Dawgs defense and outmuscle it. That didn't work then, either.


Alabama finished with only 30 yards rushing on 28 carries, but even if we take away sack yardage (Young finished with -43 yards), it managed only 73 yards on 24 carries (3.04 yards per touch). Robinson was held to 68 yards on 22 totes a week after tearing Cincinnati's defense apart for 204 yards and 7.85 yards per carry.


3. Stetson Bennett was Stetson Bennett, and for Georgia, that's enough: It wasn't a great game by Bennett. He was not overly efficient and held onto the ball for a second longer than he should have before releasing it across multiple plays. That includes the aforementioned fumble that occurred as he was sacked from behind, a mistake that led to Alabama's lone touchdown of the night. It was a moment that immediately brought to mind Bennett's turnovers in the SEC title game that ultimately led to Georgia's downfall.


They didn't this time. Instead, Bennett kept his cool and atoned for fumble with two touchdown drives. One ended with a beautiful throw to Mitchell, who made a spectacular grab to secure the six points, while the other was more methodical. Ironically, it was a drive reminiscent of the one Young led late in the Iron Bowl to lead Alabama to victory over Auburn and keep the Tide in the playoff race.


4. The Jameson Williams injury was massive: It's hard to say whether the outcome would've been different, but you can't ignore what Williams' loss meant to the Alabama offense. Latu stepped up to fill the void, catching five passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, but he doesn't provide the kind of home-run threat Williams offers. Hall tried to play that role, but he caught only two of the eight passes thrown his way, and his third-quarter drop led to a series of events that turned the game around.


Williams' injury was the second straight suffered by one of Alabama's top two wide receivers against Georgia. John Metchie III, the team's second-leading pass catcher, tore his ACL in the SEC title game. Once Williams was hurt, Young was down his two best game breakers. Coupled with the absences of two key defensive backs on the other side of the ball, it's only fair to note that the Tide were hardly at full strength in the game.


5. Like it or not, you may see this game plenty more: This is already the second time we've seen Alabama and Georgia play in the CFP National Championship. I don't think it'll be the last. These are two teams built to win national titles, and they weren't even the best versions of themselves this season. While Alabama had a tremendous year, few will tell you that this was one of Saban's best teams. As for Georgia, while its defense is elite in every sense of the word, there are still holes on offense. Bennett played capably well, but he's not a five-star game-changer type, and the Dawgs hardly had elite receivers.


So not only are these two great teams, but they're two great teams that can get better. As I said, we're going to see them in this game again. At least in more SEC Championship Games. Probably in the CFP, too. It might even be next season. If that doesn't help speed up playoff expansion, nothing will.

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 6



ARENA 1 [[Yūki Asuna - 1]] [[Tachibana Kanade - 2]] [[Fujiwara Chika - 3]] [[Sakurajima Mai - 4]] [[Emilia - 5]] [[Yuigahama Yui - 6]] [[Hayasaka Ai - 7]] [[Nishimiya Shōko - 8]]

Over/Under: 24000
Over

ARENA 2 [[Kirigaya Kazuto - 1]] [[Tachibana Taki - 2]] [[Natsuki Subaru - 3]] [[Otonashi Yuzuru - 4]] [[Ayanokōji Kiyotaka - 5]] [[Satō Kazuma - 6]] [[Okabe Rintarō - 7]] [[Emiya Shirō - 8]]

Over/Under: 24000
Over

ARENA 3 [[Tōru - 8]] [[Shokuhō Misaki - 4]] [[Shiro - 3]] [[Yuzaki Tsukasa - 1]] [[Index L. Prohibitorum - 2]] [[Shirai Kuroko - 7]] [[Schwi Dola - 6]] [[Shirogane Kei - 5]]

Over/Under: 27000
Under

ARENA 4 [[Takasu Ryūji - 3]] [[Rengoku Kyōjurō - 4]] [[Arima Kōsei - 5]] [[Fukube Satoshi - 6]] [[Edward Elric - 8]] [[Kūjō Jōtarō - 7]] [[Totsuka Saika - 1]] [[Yuzaki Nasa - 2]]

Over/Under: 27000
Under

ARENA 5 [[Mōri Ran]] [[Dia Viekone]] [[Eris Boreas Greyrat]] [[Komi Shōko]] [[Unmei]] [[Sakagami Tomoyo]]

Over/Under: 50000
Over

ARENA 6 Hikigaya Hachiman [[Chitanda Eru]] Yukinoshita Yukino [[Oreki Hōtarō]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 3300
Over

ARENA 7 [[Kamijō Tōma]] Azusagawa Sakuta [[Misaka Mikoto]] Sakurajima Mai

by >=700
Over/Under: 3600
Over

ARENA 8 [[Index L. Prohibitorum]] [[Tomori Nao]] [[Hayasaka Ai]] [[Shirai Kuroko]] [[Yuzaki Tsukasa]] [[Shokuhō Misaki]] [[Shiro]] [[Kasumigaoka Utaha]] [[Tōsaka Rin]] [[Schwi Dola]]

Over/Under: 200000
Over

ARENA 9 [[Levi]] [[Saitama]] [[Otosaka Yū]] [[Okabe Rintarō]] [[Kanda Sorata]] [[Archer]] [[Otonashi Yuzuru]] [[Okazaki Tomoya]] [[Takasu Ryūji]] [[Lelouch Lamperouge]]

Over/Under: 200000
Over

ARENA 10 [[Shishiō Tsukasa]] Hanma Yūjirō

by >=300
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 11 Goblin Slayer [[Ryūgūin Seiya]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 12 Kohaku [[Izumi Kyōka]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 13 [[Kōga]] Legoshi

by >=300
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 14 [[Orochimaru]] [[Jiraiya]] [[Hatake Kakashi]] [[Gaara]]

Over/Under: 30000
Under

ARENA 15 [[Yoshida]] [[Diablo]] [[Doma Taihei]] [[Li Syaoran]]

Over/Under: 30000
Under

ARENA 16 [[Nishimi Kaoru]] Kawabuchi Sentarō [[Kotobuki Tsumugi]] Tainaka Ritsu

by <=800
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 17 [[Kirara]] Clea [[Lamp]] Polka

by <=800
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 18 Sakurai Aoi Suō Amane [[Erza Scarlet]] [[Amano Miu]] [[Stella Vermillion]] Asami Lilith Rias Gremory [[Stephanie Dola]] [[Yoko Littner]] [[Minamoto Sakura]]

Over/Under: 30000
Over


Voter Id: 37d6457d-88d1-5212-a7dc-3a55eb02ea5e

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Diamond Necklace and Pendant Odds


 

BEDLAM ON BALTIC AVENUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE

DIAMOND NECKLACE ODDS


Asuna Yuuki EVEN

Kanade Tachibana 3-1

Chika Fujiwara 6-1

Mai Sakurajima 10-1

Emilia 15-1

Yui Yuigahama 30-1

Ai Hayasaka 50-1

Shouko Nishimiya 75-1


BEDLAM ON BALTIC AVENUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE

DIAMOND PENDANT ODDS


Kazuto Kirigaya EVEN

Taki Tachibana 5-1

Subaru Natsuki 9-1

Yuzuru Otonashi 15-1

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 30-1

Kazuma Satou 50-1

Rintarou Okabe 75-1

Shiro Emiya 90-1

ISML 2021: Kaguya With A Shocker Over Mikoto



ISML 2021: Kaguya With A Shocker Over Mikoto


By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

January 8, 2022


In one of the biggest Upsets of the Round, Mikoto Misaka's chances of securing a second Saimoe Prime Minister term for good took a major hit as she was stunned by Kaguya Shinomiya, 1868-1684, meaning that the race for the office is effectively back to being wide open on Match Day 5 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Diamond Period. Also in the Female Division, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Rikka Takanashi 2093-1273, Chika Fujiwara defeated Rin Tohsaka 1708-1362, Yui Yuigahama hammered Taiga Aisaka 1718-1193, Kuroko Shirai took down Schwi Dola 1599-1265, Ai Hyasaka clobbered Iroha Isshiki 1662-1284, Tsukasa Yuzaki slayed Ruiko Saten 1500-1398 and Kamui Kanna roared past Tooru 1559-1148.


Wrapping up Female Division action, Elaina blew past Mai Sakurajima 1887-1524, Mashiro Shiina smashed Emilia 1804-1500, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Mio Akiyama 1891-1242, Nao Tomori throttled Kurisu Makise 1634-1354, Kanade Tachibana flew past Kei Shirogane 1684-1400, Shiro thumped Index Prohibitorum 1807-1340, Misaki Shokuhou shined past Megumin 1584-1292 and Shouko Nishimiya won the closest race of the round, a 1548-1531 decision over Utaha Kasumigaoka.


In the Male Division, Sakuta Azusagawa slammed Kazuto Kirigaya 1563-1403, Touma Kamijou broke Subaru Natsuki 1654-1222, Levi leveled Nagisa Shiota 1538-1130, Saitama punched Edward Elric 1497-1058, Saika Totsuka toasted Satoshi Fukube 1562-1040, Rintarou Okabe prevailed over Shidou Itsuka 1449-1400, Shiro Emiya defeated Tomoya Okazaki 1388-1253 and Yuzuru Otonashi shot down Shouya Ishida 1415-1217.


Wrapping up Male Division action, Yuu Ishigami got past Yuuta Togashi 1517-1479, Riku Dola rocked Taki Tachibana 1603-1407, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji bowled past Lelouch Lamperouge 1494-1286, Kazuma Satou cruised past Joutarou Kuujou 1537-1210, Yuu Otosaka pummeled Kousei Arima 1468-1226, Nasa Yuzaki defeated Ryuunosuke Akasaka 1442-1226, Sorata Kanda thumped Kyoujurou Rengoku 1452-1246 and Archer won a 1351-1304 barnburner over Ryuuji Takasu.


In Fall Seasonal action, Ran Mouri routed Fubuki Shirakami 1807-1109, Dia Viekone crushed Miko Yotsuya 1604-1184, Ruti rolled past Jolyne Kuujou 1559-1089, Shouko Komi drubbed Kukuru Misakino 1583-1128, Futaba Igarashi delivered a 1394-1304 statement win over Eris Boreas Greyrat, Doki-chan defeated Sonoko Suzuki 1414-1182, Tomoya Sakagami thumped Tarte 1458-1194, Unmei destroyed Chisato Arashi 1527-1128 and Touko Sakura defeated Yuuna Yuuki 1352-1235. In Male Division play, Kogorou Mouri hammered Bojji 1572-1060, Red eased past Hitohito Tadano 1267-1080 and Lugh Tuatha De impaled Takt Asahina 1354-1047.


A classic matchup of couples will form the Couples Tournament Final. Eru Chitanda and Houtarou Oreki took down Touma Kamijou and Mikoto Misaka 1763-1449 and will face Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita, who edged Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima 1532-1494. Chitanda and Oreki are tipped as favorites to win the final by at least 200 votes, with at least over 3300 total votes cast. Finally in other exhibition action, Chihaya Kisaragi routed Sheryl Nome 1529-702, while Keke Tang and Kanon Shibuya defeated Nico Yazawa and Maki Nishikino 1542-1388.


Match Day 6 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for January 9, 2022. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

North Dakota State: 2021 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions



North Dakota State made it look easy against Montana State.


The Bison won their ninth FCS title in 11 years on Saturday in a 38-10 win over the Bobcats in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State scored the first 35 points of the game and had a 28-0 lead at halftime. 


NDSU (14-1) just ran all over Montana State's defense. The Bison averaged over seven yards a carry and rushed for over 300 yards as three different players ran for over 75 yards. Kobe Johnson had a 76-yard TD run and Hunter Luepke rushed for three first-half touchdowns as Montana State found itself helpless to mount a comeback attempt in the second half.


The Bobcats’ chances took a huge hit on the first drive of the game. QB Tommy Mellott injured his right ankle on the first drive and was unable to play the rest of the way. Mellott emerged as Montana State’s starter at the beginning of the playoffs and his rushing ability powered the Bobcats to the title game.


Mellott was replaced by Tucker Rovig, who ended up averaging more yards per rushing attempt than he did per passing attempt.


NDSU QB Cam Miller had to throw just 13 passes thanks to the excellence of the ground game. Miller was 9-of-13 passing for 126 yards and a TD.


North Dakota State played 24 games in 11 months

North Dakota State’s nine titles since the 2010 season have come in nine title games. The Bison are undefeated in Frisco — they were knocked out before the title game in 2020 and 2016.


That 2020 season was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many teams in the division pushed their seasons to the spring; North Dakota State went 7-3 in that 2020-21 season. The Bison played one game in the fall before playing a full season from February to early May. The 2020 season ended in May of 2021 with a loss to eventual champion Sam Houston State.


That spring season means that North Dakota state played 24 games from Feb. 21 to Saturday. Coach Matt Entz referenced the duration of that long season in his postgame interview as numerous players on the team played in all 24 of those games in a single calendar year.


The title is Entz’s second in three seasons with the school. He replaced Kansas State coach Chris Klieman ahead of the 2019 season. Klieman won four titles with North Dakota State after taking over for Wyoming coach Craig Bohl after the 2013 season. Bohl was in charge for the first three titles in school history.


BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 5



ARENA 1 Shinomiya Kaguya [[Misaka Mikoto]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 2 Takanashi Rikka [[Tokisaki Kurumi]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 3 Fujiwara Chika [[Tōsaka Rin]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 4 Aisaka Taiga [[Yuigahama Yui]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 5 Schwi Dola [[Shirai Kuroko]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 6 Hayasaka Ai [[Isshiki Iroha]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 7 Saten Ruiko [[Yuzaki Tsukasa]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 8 Tōru [[Kanna Kamui]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 9 [[Elaina]] Sakurajima Mai

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 10 [[Shiina Mashiro]] Emilia

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 11 [[Yūki Asuna]] Akiyama Mio

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 12 [[Tomori Nao]] Makise Kurisu

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 13 [[Tachibana Kanade]] Shirogane Kei

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 14 Shiro [[Index L. Prohibitorum]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 15 [[Megumin]] Shokuhō Misaki

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 16 Kasumigaoka Utaha [[Nishimiya Shōko]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 17 [[Azusagawa Sakuta]] Kirigaya Kazuto

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 18 [[Kamijō Tōma]] Natsuki Subaru

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 19 Levi [[Shiota Nagisa]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 20 [[Saitama]] Edward Elric

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 21 [[Totsuka Saika]] Fukube Satoshi

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 22 Okabe Rintarō [[Itsuka Shidō]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 23 Okazaki Tomoya [[Emiya Shirō]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 24 Ishida Shōya [[Otonashi Yuzuru]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 25 Ishigami Yū [[Togashi Yūta]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 26 [[Riku Dola]] Tachibana Taki

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 27 [[Ayanokōji Kiyotaka]] Lelouch Lamperouge

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 28 Kūjō Jōtarō [[Satō Kazuma]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 29 Arima Kōsei [[Otosaka Yū]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 30 [[Yuzaki Nasa]] Akasaka Ryūnosuke

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 31 Rengoku Kyōjurō [[Kanda Sorata]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 32 [[Takasu Ryūji]] Archer

by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 33 Shirakami Fubuki [[Mōri Ran]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 34 [[Dia Viekone]] Yotsuya Miko

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 35 Kūjō Jolyne [[Ruti]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 36 Misakino Kukuru [[Komi Shōko]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 37 [[Eris Boreas Greyrat]] Igarashi Futaba

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 38 [[Dōki-chan]] Suzuki Sonoko

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 39 [[Sakagami Tomoyo]] Tarte

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 40 Arashi Chisato [[Unmei]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 41 [[Sakurai Tōko]] Yūki Yūna

by >=200
Over/Under: 2900
Over

ARENA 42 Bojji [[Mōri Kogorō]]

by <=700
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 43 Tadano Hitohito [[Red]]

by <=700
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 44 Asahina Takt [[Lugh Tuatha Dé]]

by <=700
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 45 [[Kamijō Tōma]] Chitanda Eru [[Misaka Mikoto]] Oreki Hōtarō

by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 46 [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Azusagawa Sakuta [[Yukinoshita Yukino]] Sakurajima Mai

by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 47 [[Kisaragi Chihaya]] Sheryl Nome

by <=600
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 48 [[Yazawa Nico]] Tang Keke [[Nishikino Maki]] Shibuya Kanon

by <=600
Over/Under: 3100
Under


Voter Id: 7e2fa34b-53f7-5fad-9f5e-00172bed9941

FFXIV: VIdeo Killed The Radio Star

#FFXIV #Endwalker

FFXIV: Endwalking With You, Day 8.

#FFXIV #Endwalker #Pandaemonium

ISML 2021: Diamond Picture Gets Crystal Clear



ISML 2021: Diamond Picture Gets Crystal Clear


By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

January 5, 2022


Match Day 4 of the 2022 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is history. In the Female Division, Kanade Tachibana delivered a 1447-1399 statement win over Mai Sakurajima, Mashiro Shiina smashed Nao Tomori 1638-1067, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Emilia 1542-1168, Index Prohibotorum thumped Kurisu Makise 1705-1165, Misaki Shokuhou defeated Kei Shirogane 1393-1209, Shouko Nishimiya got past Mio Akiyama 1410-1356, Megumin exploded past Shiro 1397-1268 and Elaina routed Utaha Kasumigaoka 1719-1152.


Wrapping up Female Division action, Kaguya Shinomiya crushed Kuroko Shirai 1634-1214, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Yui Yuigahama 1636-1035, Rikka Takanashi rocked Chika Fujiwara 1517-1163, Ai Hayasaka roared past Taiga Aisaka 1387-1199, Tsukasa Yuzaki defeated Schwi Dola 1408-1149, Rin Tohsaka eased past Kamui Kanna 1380-1254, Ruiko Saten got past Iroha Isshiki 1295-1260 and Mikoto Misaka drilled Tooru 2057-869.


In the Male Division, Yuu Ishigami defeated Yuu Otosaka in a 1318-1084 battle of the Yuus, Taki Tachibana took down Kazuma Satou 1306-1238, Riku Dola rocked Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 1277-1085, Nasa Yuzaki dismissed Joutarou Kuujou 1285-1082, Sorata Kanda slammed Kousei Arima 1320-907, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Lelouch Lamperouge 1123-1037, Kyoujurou Rengoku defeated Ryuunosuke Akasaka 1209-1108 and Yuuta Togashi drove past Archer 1460-1040.


Wrapping up Female Division play, Kazuto Kirigaya slashed past Saika Totsuka 1373-1046, Touma Kamijou broke Saitama 1493-1071, Subaru Natsuki leveled Levi 1285-1167, Shidou Itsuka stormed past Edward Elric 1314-917, Shirou Emiya pummweled Satoshi Fukube 1445-917, Yuzuru Otonashi shot down Nagisa Shiota 1289-993, Rintarou Okabe defeated Tomoya Okazaki 1293-1123 and Sakuta Azusagawa blindsided Shouya Ishida 1604-891.


In Fall Seasonal action, Ran Mouri got past Miko Yotsuya 1586-1212, Dia Viekona dominated Joylne Kuujou 1491-934, Ruti routed Fubuki Shirakami 1308-985, Eris Boreas Greyrat flexed past Shouko Komi 1337-1136, Doki-chan defeated Kukuru Misakino 1087-934, Tomoyo Sakagami prevailed over Unmei 1317-1241, Touko Sakurai thumped Chisato Arashi 1146-976 and Tarte won the closest race of the round, a 1061-1039 thriller over Yuuna Yuuki. In the Male Division, Lugh Tuatha De impaled Bojji 1533-758, Kogorou Mouri delivered the Upset of the Round, a 1421-1029 scalp of Red and Takt Asahina took down Hitohito Tadano 1224-807.


Finally, in Couples Tournament action, Touma Kamijou and Mikoto Misaka broke Gilbert Bougainvillea and Violet Evergarden 1585-1331, Eru Chitanda and Houtarou Oreki defeated Elaina and Saya 1561-1423, Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita thumped Sorata Kanda and Mashiro Shiina 1499-1149 and Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima romped past Rikka Takanashi and Yuuta Togashi 1444-1317.


Match Day 5 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for January 6, 2022. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

FFXIV: Heavensturn 2022. 5 January 2022

#FFXIV #Heavensturn

Kansas State: 2022 Texas Bowl Champions



HOUSTON (AP) — Deuce Vaughn and the Kansas State Wildcats finished a streaky season on a positive note Tuesday night with a dominant 42-20 win over short-handed LSU in the Texas Bowl.


Vaughn, a sophomore running back and first-team All-American as an all-purpose player, rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries. He scored four touchdowns — three rushing and one receiving.


Kansas State (8-5) also got a strong performance from quarterback Skylar Thompson, who returned to make his final collegiate start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury.


Thompson completed 21 of 28 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Malik Knowles had two touchdown catches and 42 yards receiving.


While LSU (6-7) had a tough time slowing Vaughn and Thompson, the Tigers had another uphill battle on offense.


With starting quarterback Max Johnson having transferred to Texas A&M, backup Myles Brennan recovering from surgery and a third-string freshman that would have had to burn his redshirt to play, LSU entered the game with a big question mark under center.


The Tigers turned to senior receiver Jontre Kirklin, who hadn’t played quarterback since high school in 2016. Kirklin had only played in 25 games over five seasons, including his first two years as a cornerback.


The Tigers didn’t get a first down until late in the second quarter. By that time, Kansas State already had 12 first downs and a 21-0 lead. LSU later scored on that drive, though, a 23-yard touchdown catch by Jaray Jenkins.


Kirklin was 7-of-11 passing for 138 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also rushing for 61 yards on 11 carries. He delivered an 81-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hilton Jr. as time expired.


The Tigers were led by interim coach Brad Davis, the offensive line coach who was filling in between the transition from Ed Orgeron to former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. LSU announced in December that Davis would be returning to Kelly’s staff as the offensive line coach.


Kansas State appeared to have a slight edge in the makeup of the crowd, despite Baton Rouge, Louisiana, being nearly 500 miles closer to Houston than Manhattan, Kansas.


The Wildcats led 21-7 at halftime.


Kansas State enjoyed its most lopsided win over an SEC opponent in school history, improving to 5-17 against the conference.


THE TAKEAWAY


Kansas State looked strong on both sides of the ball, with big performances from graduating seniors and players returning next season, en route to the Wildcats’ first bowl win since the Cactus Bowl in 2017.


LSU had hoped to carry on the positive momentum from an upset win over Texas A&M in the regular-season finale, but transfers and injuries got the best of the Tigers. They’ll look to quickly reload next season under the new regime.


UP NEXT


Kansas State will have a new quarterback in 2022, but the offense will likely continue to flow through Vaughn. The Wildcats open against South Dakota.


LSU has an important offseason with the transition to Kelly, who has more victories than any active coach in major college football. The Tigers open against Florida State.


___


More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

Live Wire



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