Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

ISML 2021: Rikka Takanashi On The Money, Takes Ruby Necklace

ISML 2021: Rikka Takanashi On The Money, Takes Ruby Necklace

Longshot Sorata Kanda With Massive Upset, Wins Ruby Pendant

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam On Baltic Avenue

December 20, 2021

Match Day 6 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is history. An even money favorite, Rikka Takanashi defeated Kanade Tachibana 2687-2043 to win the Ruby Necklace. Mai Sakurajima was third with 1566 votes, Asuna Yuuki was fourth with 1170 votes, Emilia was fifth with 773 votes, Yui Yuigahama was sixth with 616 votes, Tsukasa Yuzaki was seventh with 482 votes and Utaha Kasumigaoka was last with 394 votes.

Our Upset of the Round (and it's one of the biggest this season) takes place in the Male Division. Sorata Kanda came into the Ruby Pendant match as a 70-1 longshot and delivered a 2158-2024 scalp over even money favorite Kazuto Kirigaya. Taki Tachibana was third with 1243 votes, Kazuma Satou was fourth with 1012 votes, Tomoya Okazaki was fifth with 815 votes, Archer was sixth with 640 votes, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji was seventh with 582 votes and Subaru Natsuki was last with 496 votes.

Another longshot, Megumin, took home the Ruby Bracelet with a 2559-2451 victory over Index Prohibitorum. Shiro was third with 1328 votes, favorite Kuroko Shirai was fourth with 1075 votes, Shouko Nishimiya was fifth with 800 votes, Misaku Shokuhou was sixth with 563 votes, Tooru was seventh with 507 votes and Schwi Dola was last with 390 votes. Vote splits between two sets of characters from different parties proved vital to this shock result.

Dark horse Shidou Itsuki won the Ruby Ring with a 1872-1596 win over another dark horse in Joutarou Kuujou. Ryuuji Takasu was third with 1169 votes, Kyoujurou Rengoku was fourth with 1012 votes, Saika Totsuka was fifth with 837 votes, Kousei Arima was sixth with 741 votes, Satoshi Fukube was seventh with 586 votes and Edward Elric was last with 506 votes.

With a score of 26068.1, Keke Tang is your Summer Seasonal champion, while Shiroha Naruse was right on the money to be namerd Visual Novel Champion with a 1951-1493 win over Atri. Ao Sorakado was third with a 1757-1438 win over Tsumugi Wenders.

The Fall Seasonal Tournament is coming up. Making the cut were Ran Mouri (2194), Unmei (1571), Touko Sakurai (1309), Shouko Komi (1751), Futaba Igarashi (1364), Miko Yotsuya (1449), Dia Viekone (1448), Tomoyo Sakagami (1602), Sonoko Suzuki (1258), Jolyne Kuujou (1220), Chisato Arashi (1333), Tarte (1061), Ruti (1040), Kukuru Misakino (1096), Yuuna Yuuki (1052), Doki-chan (1043) and Eris Boreas Greyrat (1518). Mouri is tipped by the Bedlam to win the Fall Diadem, but Koumi and Greyrat will prove to be stiff opposition.

Finally, the couples tournament kicked off. In Couples action, Touma Kamijou and Mikoto Misaka routed Kanon Shibuya and Keke Tang 3401-1886, Emilia and Subaru Natsuki defeated Nishikata and Takagi 2618-2410, Gilbert Bougainvillea and Violet Evergarden thumped Conan Edogawa and Ai Haibara 3632-2071, Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki rolled past Hiro and Zero Two 3380-1660, Eru Chitanda and Houtarou Oreki dismantled Kurisu Makise and Rintarou Okabe 3820-1585, Yuu Otosaka and Nao Tomori prevailed over Nagisa Furukawa and Tomoya Okazaki 2439-2235, Elaina and Saya pummeled Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana 3202-2521, Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita overpowered Haruka and Sora Kasugano 3254-1990, Taiga Aisaka and Ryuuji Takasu roared past Tomoya Aki and Megumin Katou 2606-2032, Yui Hirasawa and Azusa Nakano rocked Homura Akemi and Madoka Kaname 2727-1941 and Sorata Kanda and Mashiro Shiina smashed Tamako Kitashirakawa and Mochizou Ouji 2744-2170. Finally, in one other result, Iris crushed Maria Takayama 2725-1058.

With Yukino Yukinoshita's tenure as Saimoe Prime Minister concluding at midnight on January 1, 2022, Mikoto Misaka will be sworn in as interim Saimoe Prime Minister until the general election on January 25. The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue tips Misaka to win a historic reelection to the office. Should Misaka secure the ISML Heavenly Tiara, the interim tag will simply be dropped.

Match Day 1 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for December 22, 2021. 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 International Saimoe League, the world's premier anime character competition!

Morningside: 2021 NAIA Football National Champions

DURHAM, N.C.—Morningside overcame two different seven-point deficits and three turnovers to score the final 17 points of the NAIA Football National Championship to win its third title in four years.

The Mustangs finished the year with a perfect 14-0 record after defeating Grand View 38-28.

“It was tough, but the guys kept playing,” said coach Steve Ryan. “We struggled with turnovers in the first half and our defense came out and played lights-out in the second half.”

Grand View (14-1) forced a three-and-out to start the third quarter, then blocked the punt to take over at the Morningside 5-yard line. Ali Scott’s second touchdown run of the game put the Vikings up 28-21 with 12:25 left in the third.

Morningside used a 15-play, 82-yard drive that chewed up 6:25 of the third quarter to tie the game at 28 on Anthony Sims’ third touchdown run of the game from four yards out.

Sims was the Offensive Player of the Game finishing with 145 rushing yards on 27 carries.

A Drew Bessey interception with 12:31 left in the fourth which set up a 34-yard touchdown pass from Joe Dolincheck to Reid Jurgensmeier.

Jurgensmeier had a monster game in the second half, finishing with 216 yards on 13 catches.

“He always played big in big games, and he did today,” said Ryan of Jurgensmeier. “He made critical catches and his last touchdown was phenomenal.”

Both teams scored on their first possessions, going 75 yards each on six plays each. A 30-yard pass from Johnny Sullivan to Anthony Turner got Grand View on the board first just 2:27 into the game and Sims scored from three yards out for Morningside to tie the game with 11:11 left in the first. A two-yard run by Sims at the 6:52 mark of the quarter gave the Mustangs their first lead.

The Vikings took advantage of a pair of turnovers to regain the lead with a one-yard run by Ali Scott to tie it.

Morningside was able to keep points off the board once on a missed field goal following an interception and nearly regained momentum on a long pass to Austin Johnson, but the ball was punched loose by Jianni Angulo after a 57-yard gain.

Grand View answered with a 10-yard reception by Bennett Spry from Sullivan with 3:03 left in the second to go up 21-14.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of them,” said coach Joe Woodley of his Grand View team. “They showed the same guts and fight and execution today as they have all year. Sometimes it’s not enough.”

The Mustangs answered with a 13-play drive to tie the game with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Joe Dolincheck to Austin Johnson with 20 seconds left in the second.

“Joe just puts the ball in the right spot every play,” said Jurgensmeier. “That’s what we’ve been doing all year, and our coaches had good calls and put us in the right spots.”

Jalen Portis was named the Defensive Player of the Game after making five tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, leading a defense that limited the Vikings to 324 total yards.

Ferris State: 2021 NCAA Division II Football National Champions

MCKINNEY, Texas -- Quarterback Jared Bernhardt had three touchdown runs in the first half as undefeated Ferris State built a big lead and cruised to its first Division II football championship with a 58-17 rout of Valdosta State on Saturday night.

It was the most points scored in a D-II title game since Delta State beat Bloomsburg 63-34 in 2000. It was also the largest margin of victory since Northern Colorado's 51-0 win against New Haven in 1997.

Ferris State (14-0) finished with 581 yards of offense, 459 yards on the ground, to cap its dominate season. Twelve of the Bulldogs' 14 wins were by double digits.

Bernhardt, a graduate transfer from Maryland playing in his only collegiate football season, was one of the nation's top lacrosse players in his four seasons with the Terrapins. He finished with 148 yards rushing on 14 carries, didn't throw a pass and sat out most of the second half.

Bernhardt scored on a 56-yard run on Ferris State's first play from scrimmage. He added a 78-yard TD run and later a 2-yard score that stretched the lead to 27-17. The Bulldogs broke the game open when Mylik Mitchell threw a strike to a wide-open Tyrese Hunt-Thompson, who ran untouched into the end zone for a 47-yard score with 11 seconds to play in the first half.

The Bulldogs racked up 365 yards rushing and had just two pass attempts for a 41-17 halftime advantage. Mitchell threw both passes with Bernhardt on the sideline resting a sore ankle. Bernhardt had 12 carries for 145 yards in the half. Jeremy Burrell added 95 yards rushing and Tyler Minor had 45 and each ran for a score.

Minor finished with 125 yards on eight carries. Burrell ran four times for 103 yards. Liam Daly had a 37-yard pick-6 late in the third quarter.

Ferris State coach Tony Annese, in his ninth season with the Bulldogs, is 41-2 in the past three seasons.

Ivory Durham was 14-of-34 passing for 158 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Valdosta State (12-2).

The teams also played in the 2018 championship at McKinney ISD Stadium, with the Blazers collecting their fourth title since 2002 in a 49-47 victory.

Louisiana: 2021 New Orleans Bowl Champions

NEW ORLEANS -- — Levi Lewis passed for 270 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another 74 yards, and No. 16 Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Marshall 36-21 in the New Orleans Bowl on Saturday night to end its season on a program-record 13-game winning streak.

The Ragin' Cajuns (13-1), who had to rally from behind twice in the game, took the lead for good on Emani Bailey's first of two TD runs he had in the final 8:20.

Lewis' 54-yard pass to Michael Jefferson set up Montrell Johnson's 3-yard TD run to widen the lead with 3:54 to go and Bailey scored again late for the final margin in the first game for Michael Desormeaux as Cajuns head coach. He took over after the ULL won the Sun Belt Championship game under Billy Napier, who left after that to become the Florida Gators' head coach.

Rasheen Ali rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns for Marshall (7-6). His final touchdown on a 9-yard run put Marshall in front 21-16 late in the third quarter.

Lewis finished 19 of 31 passing without a turnover. He had three completions of 42 or more yards and also had a 55-yard run. Bailey finished with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.

Marshall QB Grant Wells was 15 of 26 for 99 yards and was intercepted once by Bralen Trahan.

Early on, Louisiana-Lafayette looked poised to take control, driving 81 yards for a touchdown on the game's first series. Lewis' 9-yard scoring pass to Kyren Lacy made it 7-0.

The Cajuns led 10-0 after Nate Snyder's 42-yard field goal.

But Marshall found its footing when Ali burst up the middle for a 63-yard score.

Two series later, the Herd drove 58 yards in three plays, highlighted by Ali's 32-yard run to start the drive and his 14-yard score two plays later to put Marshall in front 14-10 in the second quarter.

Lewis gained 55 yards on a read-option keeper to set up Snyder's 25-yard field goal to cut it to 14-13.

Trahan's interception and 26-yard return to the Marshall 44 set up Snyder's third field goal of the half to put the Cajuns back in front 16-14. ULL parlayed that turnover into points after Lewis' deep heave on a rollout was caught by Jacob Bernard on the Marshall 4.

THE TAKEAWAY

Marshall: The Thundering Herd collapsed after taking a five-point lead into the fourth quarter. Marshall gave itself a chance by frustrating Lewis on several drives and sacking him twice. But Marshall's offense netted just 15 yards and no points in the fourth quarter.

Louisiana-Lafayette: The Desormeaux era is off to a strong start. Bailey, Lewis and Johnson, who rushed for 54 yards, combined for 222 yards on the ground. Lewis finished his career at QB with a performance that earned him bowl MVP honors and the defense completely shut down the Herd in the pivotal fourth quarter. Lewis finished with 9.191 career yards passing, just short of Jake Delhomme's ULL career record of 9,216 yards passing.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Louisiana-Lafayette's highest ever ranking was No. 15 at the end of last season. The Cajuns could finish even higher this year.

UP NEXT

Marshall: The Thundering Herd will have Wells and Ali back to help lead the offense when Marshall begins its 2022 season on Sept. 3 at home against Norfolk State.

Louisiana-Lafayette: Must find a successor at QB to Lewis, the Cajuns' all-time leader in touchdowns passing with 74, as they prepare to begin the Desormeaux era in earnest when they open the 2022 season on Sept. 3 at home against Southeastern Louisiana.

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Utah State: 2021 LA Bowl Champions

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Since last offseason, the mindset for the 2021 Utah State Aggies has been “get one degree better” every day.

That’s head coach Blake Anderson’s philosophy, and to say the players bought into that philosophy this season would be an understatement.

They never talked about winning championships or winning bowl games in NFL stadiums, they just set their vision to one day, one degree at a time.

After so many days and so many degrees, the end of the season approached, and the Aggies reached a temperature that can only be described as white-hot.

The philosophy scored the program its first Mountain West Conference championship, and on Saturday evening, under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium, scored the team a 24-13 victory over the Oregon State Beavers in the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, giving the Aggies their 11th win of the season and capping off what has been the best season in school history.

Utah State hadn’t beaten a Power Five opponent in over 10 years before the season began but picked up its second Power Five victory this year on Saturday, something that’s never been done at Utah State before.

“This journey started over a year ago in less than ideal circumstances,” Anderson said after the bowl win.

“We traveled into the season with most the football community across the country not expecting much of us, but the group never bought into that, worked hard…and learned how to overcome the odds in almost every situation.”

When quarterback Logan Bonner, who set the Utah State single season passing yardage record early in the game, came up with a knee injury toward the end of the first quarter, the Aggies once again were presented with an interesting challenge to overcome.

With normal backup Andrew Peasley out with a shoulder injury, it was redshirt sophomore Cooper Legas’ turn to contribute not only for the first time this season, but the first time in his career.

Legas was thrust into action on a stage that will house the Super Bowl in February, with his team trailing by seven points. Not exactly the most secure of circumstances for a young signal-caller to see his first game action but, just like his team had done all year, Legas stepped in and exceeded everyone’s expectations.

On his first snap from scrimmage, Legas tossed a bomb downfield to Deven Thompkins who caught it and ran 62 yards for the game’s first touchdown.

The sophomore then went on to lead yet another touchdown drive on Utah State’s next possession to give the Aggies a 14-10 lead over the Beavers with 4:24 left in the first half.

The Aggies never gave up that lead.

3 takeaways from Utah State’s 24-13 win over Oregon State in the LA Bowl

The young quarterback finished the night 11-for-20 for 171 yards and two touchdowns, and even added a 34-yard catch on double pass play that Anderson said was in the gameplan for Bonner, but turned out much better since it ended up being drawn up for the much quicker Legas.

None of the Aggies were surprised by Legas’ perfomance. In fact, it’s what they expected.

“On the sideline when I found out that Logan went down, I went over and grabbed Coop and just told him, ‘It’s time to step up,’” Thompkins said. “Honestly, he didn’t even need (the pep talk). He was ready to go, and that just showed the future he’s going to have here as an Aggie. I’m definitely proud of him.”

Thompkins certainly did his part to help the young quarterback make plays. The senior wide receiver — who has the option to return next season if he chooses to do so — ended up being named offensive MVP after his six catch, 115-yard (his ninth 100-yard game of the year) and one touchdown performance.

As pleasantly surprising as Legas’ game was, the true story of the game was a Utah State defense that found new life over the final two games of the season.

Utah State found itself a 6.5-point underdog heading into the game, supposedly because Oregon State and its star running back, BJ Baylor, seemed like a bad matchup for an Aggie squad that had severely struggled to contain opposing lead backs throughout the season.

It appeared that the oddsmakers might be onto something early, as the Beavers marched down the field in three plays (two run plays) and 58 seconds to score the first touchdown on the game’s opening possession.

Maybe the defensive magic had worn off?

Nope, it didn’t.

The opening touchdown would end up being the only time the Beavers found their way into the end zone the whole night.

The Utah State front held Baylor to just 80 yards on 18 carries for a 4.3 average — well below his season average of 5.9 — and held the Beavers to 4.2 yards per carry overall.

One of the head-turning statistics of the night was how former Oregon State-turned-Utah State running back Calvin Tyler Jr. outgained Baylor on the ground.

Tyler, whom Anderson said played with a chip on his shoulder, finished with 26 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The lack of chunk run plays for the Beavers allowed the Utah State pass rush to get after quarterback Chance Nolan. Suddenly, an Oregon State offensive line that had only given up 10 sacks all season allowed four on Saturday.

Three of the four sacks were notched by senior Nick Heninger, who was named defensive MVP of the game. The three-sack performance was a career best for the defensive end, who also finished with a career-high five tackles for loss.

Heninger was understandably emotional after the game knowing that this would be his final time taking the field as a collegiate football player, but he was also incredibly happy with the way he was able to make his way out the door.

“We’ve got a relentless, aggressive defensive front,” Heninger said when asked what allowed the defense to exploit an Oregon State offensive line that had been non-exploitable for most of the season.

“We as a defense were able to capitalize on those opportunities, and it was 100% a team effort. I’m super proud of the defense.”

Up 24-13 with 2:31 left in the game, Tyler fumbled what could’ve been a game-icing touchdown run into the end zone, which was recovered for a touchback by the Beavers.

Heninger admitted after the game —much to Anderson’s disdain — that he was somewhat happy when that fumble occurred because it meant the defense could get the chance to seal the win.

The unit did just that when Hunter Reynolds picked off Nolan four plays later.

A few victory formations later, and the Aggies found themselves as the first ever LA Bowl champions and looked on as Anderson hoisted the wrestling-style championship belt (the bowl game’s unique trophy) over his head like a true WWE superstar.

“It has been an unbelievable ride,” Anderson said. “Start with a Power Five win, finish with a Power Five win, conference title, 11-3. The best season in Utah State history, and I could not be more proud of the guys that get to leave that legacy behind.”

Liberty: 2021 LendingTree Bowl Champions

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- For the first time, the LendingTree Bowl made its way to Hancock Whitney Stadium as Liberty University Flames and Eastern Michigan University Eagles squared off Saturday ending in a solid win for Liberty.

A lightning delay that pushed kickoff back by about 15 minutes but things got going fast.

A lot of eyes were on Liberty quarterback Malik Willis and it’s safe to say Willis gave everyone their money's worth.

Eastern Michigan and Liberty both looked to cap off their seasons with a post-season win.

After an opening drive field goal by Eastern Michigan, Liberty answered back in a big way.

Willis went way up and a wide open D.J. Stubbs hauled it in for a 54-yard touchdown. Flames led 7-3.

On the next possession for Eastern Michigan, Ben Bryant's pass was tipped at the line and picked off by Skylar Thomas. Thomas for the 27-yard pick 6 and the Flames led by two scores.

The Eagles answered back on their next drive. Samson Evans got in for the two-yard touchdown. The Eagles pull within one score, but the momentum wouldn’t last long.

Back-to-back pass interference calls put Liberty deep into Eagle territory and that’s when T.J. Green took the handoff, cut outside and went 34 yards for the touchdown.

Liberty had the ball again and it’s back to the passing game. This time, Willis found Johnny Huntley up the seam. Huntley Brooks through two tackles and he was in for the touchdown. Liberty was up by 16 midway through the second quarter.

And with time winding down, Malik Willis got it done on the ground. Willis walked in from two yards out and the Flames took a 23-point lead into halftime.

Liberty poured it on in the second half and they walked away with a 56-20 win.

That’s the third straight bowl win for Liberty since moving up to the FBS level and Malik Willis was your MVP with five total touchdowns.

Fresno State: 2021 New Mexico Bowl Champions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- — Jordan Mims ran for 165 yards and two touchdown and caught five passes for 71 yards and another score to help Fresno State beat UTEP 31-24 on Saturday in the New Mexico Bowl.

Fresno State (10-3) won the bowl game for the first time in three tries.

Jake Haener was 26 of 41 for 286 yards and a touchdown. His status had been somewhat in doubt when he briefly entered the transfer portal after coach Kalen DeBoer took the job at Washington.

Mims' 22-yard catch and run late in third quarter gave the Bulldogs a 26-17 lead. But it was setting the tone with the ground game that was important, he said.

"The offensive line, we preached running the ball hard all this week," Mims said. "Even though they have a good defense, it's all about us and what we do and I think we showed that (Saturday) by running the ball."

Taking advantage of Mims was a key part of the game plan, said Bulldogs interim head coach Lee Marks.

"We knew we were going to be able to rely on Jordan," he said. "To be honest, he's such a good player. One cut, get vertical, just downhill. He told me coach, 'I'm not going to get tired. And he did not. That's tremendous for him."

The Miners (7-6) pulled to 26-24 early in the fourth quarter on Calvin Brownholtz's 51-yard touchdown pass to Trent Thompson.

But Fresno State got a field goal, followed by a UTEP safety, before the Bulldogs ran out the clock.

UTEP's Gavin Hardison threw for 252 yards and a touchdown. But one play after completing a 27-yard pass on fourth and five, Hardison fumbled at the end of a 10-yard scramble and the Miners never saw the ball again.

"Fresno has a really good defense and Gavin did a lot of positive things," UTEP coach Dana Dimel. "He threw for 200 yards in their first half alone. He did so many positive things. He just keeps getting better and better and better."

UTEP has lost the New Mexico Bowl in all three of its appearances and has a seven-game bowl losing streak dating to 1967.

It is the third time in the past five years that Fresno State has reached he 10-win mark.

"For any program, getting 10 wins is a big deal," Marks said. "It hasn't happened a lot in our program."

MILESTONE

With his second completion of the game, a 53-yarder to Reynaldo Flores, UTEP quarterback Gavin Hardison surpassed the 3,000-yard mark on the season, the first Miners quarterback to do so since 2009.

TURNOVERS

For only the second time this season, the Bulldogs did not commit a turnover.

TAKEAWAY

Fresno State: The Bulldogs will be spending the offseason readjusting to new/old coach Jeff Tedford, who returns following a two-year, health-related absence after coaching the team from 2017-19.

UTEP: With Hardison having at least two seasons of eligibility remaining, as well top running back Ronald Awatt and top receiver Jacob Cowing, also scheduled to return, UTEP is well positioned for next season.

UAB: 2021 Independence Bowl Champions

Dylan Hopkins threw three touchdown passes, including a 14-yard strike to Trea Shropshire in the fourth quarter to give UAB a 31-28 upset of No. 13 BYU on Saturday in the Independence Bowl at Shreveport, La.

Hopkins’ game-winning toss came on fourth-and-7 with 6:17 left. It was the second fourth down UAB (9-4) converted on the drive as it won a bowl game for the second time in the program’s 31-year history. BYU was the highest-ranked opponent the Blazers have ever beaten.

Hopkins completed 19 of 23 passes for 189 yards. DeWayne McBride carried 28 times for 183 yards and scored on a 64-yard sprint in the first quarter.

BYU (10-3) was led by Tyler Allgeier, who carried 27 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns in breaking the Cougars’ single-season rushing record. Allgeier topped the mark of Luke Staley who ran for 1,582 yards in 2001. Allgeier finished the year with 1,601 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.

Allgeier’s third score of the game came early in the fourth quarter after Masen Wake ran 29 yards with a shovel pass to the 1-yard line. Allgeier’s touchdown carry gave BYU a 28-24 lead.

But UAB retaliated with a 75-yard drive. McBride carried for 44 yards in the march which milked 8:16 from the fourth-quarter clock.

BYU moved to midfield on its ensuing possession but at the end of a 22-yard reception, Samson Nacua fumbled and UAB’s Mac McWilliams recovered with 3:36 left. The Blazers then ran out the clock as McBride rushed for a pair of first downs and Jermaine Brown (8 carries, 47 yards) carried for another.

The Cougars were without injured starting quarterback Jaren Hall. Baylor Romney completed 15 of 23 passes for 195 yards.

UAB took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Hopkins capped a 60-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Gerrit Prince.

On the Blazers’ next possession, McBride broke into the clear on off tackle run, stiff-armed a defender to the ground and outran two other defenders to the end zone on his 64-yard touchdown run.

But BYU responded with touchdowns on its next two possessions. On a 72-yard drive on which he accounted for all the yards on seven carries, Allgeier capped it with a 1-yard scoring run. Then Nacua scored on a 2-yard end around to tie it.

UAB regained the lead before the half ended as Hopkins capped a 78-yard march with a 23-yard strike to Prince on a wheel route.

–Field Level Media

South Carolina State: 2021 Celebration Bowl Champions

Coach Buddy Pough's South Carolina State Bulldogs' Celebration Bowl upset ended the magical season of head coach Deion Sanders and the Jackson State Tigers.

Coach Deion Sanders preached to his team before the Celebration Bowl that they should be focused on finishing in Atlanta. It seemed as though the South Carolina State Bulldogs players received his message instead.

The Bulldogs defense dominated and the offensive was opportunistic to end the Tigers' magical run by a final score, 31-10.Jackson State's offense hasn't been sharp since the win over Alcorn. The Tigers' lackadaisical first-half action and poor execution caught up with them in the Celebration Bowl.

Shedeur Sanders marched the Tigers offense in nine plays on its second possession score an early touchdown with 7:24 on the clock in the first quarter.

Jackson State took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter and had an opportunity to extend its lead by 10. However, the Bulldogs defense stuffed Sanders and forced JSU to turn over the football on downs.

Bulldogs' quarterback Corey Fields and the offense were inept in the first quarter and relied on Buddy Pough's defense, a problem for Sanders the entire afternoon.

The Bulldogs' offense received instant life when Shedeur Sanders coughed up the football on a strip-sack inside the SCSU ten-yard line.

Fields connected with Shaquan Davis for a six-yard touchdown pass to tie the Tigers at 7-7 with 2:06 in the second quarter.

After that series, Corey Fields settled into the game, caught fire, and never looked back in the contest. The Bulldogs quarterback finished the day completing 12-of-31 passes for four touchdowns, one interception, and a 119.8 QBR.

Jackson State's defensive backs had no answer for Celebration Bowl MVP wide receiver Shaquan Davis who scored three touchdowns.

Shedeur Sanders had one of the worst days of his young collegiate career.

The Jerry Rice Award winner had three turnovers (1 fumble, two interceptions) that aided the South Carolina Bulldogs' upset bid.

His numbers were pedestrian by going 16-of-26, 175 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the losing effort.

The Bulldogs are owed all of the credit to the outstanding play of their offensive and defensive lines. They were more physical and over-matched the Tigers' throughout the game.

Jackson State's vaunted defense could only sack and hit Fields twice - Tigers' linebacker James Houston had both sacks.

The pressure was sent from all directions to harass Shedeur Sanders for three sacks, and eight quarterback hits in the tilt.

Jackson State lost to a well-coached and more determined team. The Tigers may be "Kings of the SWAC," but the Bulldogs and MEAC proved once again they are just as talented with another Celebration Bowl victory.

Kudos to Coach Pough and the South Carolina State Bulldogs for playing an outstanding game and hoisting the 2021 Celebration Bowl Trophy.

Key Stats of the Game

Offense: SCS - 268 yds; JSU - 194 yds

Time of Possession: SCS - 31:37; JSU - 28:33

Rushing Plays: SCS - 37; JSU - 31

First Downs: SCS - 15; JSU - 15

3rd Downs: SCS - 3 of 16; JSU - 3 of 15

4th Downs: SCS - 2 of 2; JSU - 0 of 2

Penalties: SCS - 10 for 117 yds; JSU - 8 for 80 yards

Western Kentucky: 2021 Boca Raton Bowl Champions

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- — Bailey Zappe capped his record-setting season in style, and Western Kentucky capped a difficult week with a bowl win.

Zappe broke a pair of single-season FBS records by passing for 422 yards and six touchdowns, and Western Kentucky handed Appalachian State its first-ever bowl loss by beating the Mountaineers 59-38 in the Boca Raton Bowl on Saturday.

Zappe finished the season with 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns for the Hilltoppers (9-5). He topped the previous FBS marks of 5,833 yards set by Texas Tech's B.J. Symons in 2003 and 60 touchdowns set by LSU's Joe Burrow in the Tigers' run to the national championship in the 2019 season.

"In my opinion Bailey Zappe is the best quarterback in college football, and now he gets to say he is one of the best," Western Kentucky coach Tyson Helton said. "He'll go down in history as being one of the best, and holds two records. It's just special to be a part of that."

Jerreth Sterns caught 13 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns for Western Kentucky, finishing his season with 150 catches for 1,902 yards. Mitchell Tinsley had two TD catches for the Hilltoppers and Noah Whittington needed only seven carries to rush for 150 yards, 86 of those on a third-quarter scoring run.

It has been an emotional time for Western Kentucky, which played with those affected by the unspeakable damage caused by what state officials have called the most destructive tornado event in Kentucky's history. Tornadoes across the region last weekend — including in Bowling Green, where Western Kentucky's campus sits — have been blamed for 78 deaths in Kentucky alone.

"I hope today that everyone back home was watching and they felt just positive about everything and they kind of just forgot about the tornadoes for a temporary moment," Sterns said. "I'm glad we got to do that for them today."

Chase Brice passed for 317 yards and four touchdowns for Appalachian State (10-4) before leaving in the fourth quarter with a right leg injury. It was the first loss in seven all-time bowl games for the Mountaineers.

"I'm very proud of our team to win 10 games," Appalachian State coach Shawn Clark said. "That's hard."

It was 24-24 late in the opening half, when Zappe — who completed 33 of 47 passes — put his name in the record book and put the Hilltoppers ahead for good. Appalachian State was outgained only slightly, 637-609, but turned the ball over four times.

"I think it all came down to us having those turnovers," Appalachian State safety Jalen Virgil said.

Zappe broke the yardage mark on a 43-yard pass to Sterns — who finished the season with the fifth-most receiving yards in FBS history — late in the half, then tied the touchdown mark on the same drive when he connected with Sterns for a 10-yard score. That started what became a 35-7 run by the Hilltoppers.

"He's a hell of a football player," Clark said of Zappe. "Had a chance to be around him this week. He's an outstanding young man."

Zappe threw his record-setting touchdown pass on a 2-yard slant to Tinsley on the Hilltoppers' second drive of the third quarter, pushing WKU's lead to three touchdowns.

"It's been the best year of my life," Zappe said.

THE TAKEAWAY

The 97 combined points were a record for the Boca Raton Bowl, topping the 82 that Western Kentucky and Memphis combined for in the Hilltoppers' 51-31 win in 2016. The 59 points by Western Kentucky were also a record, surpassing the previous mark of 52 set by Marshall in 2014 and matched by Florida Atlantic — on its home field — in 2019.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Appalachian State was receiving votes in the most recent AP Top 25 poll, though whatever slim chance the Mountaineers had of making the season-ending poll next month is now nonexistent.

UP NEXT

Appalachian State: The Mountaineers are scheduled to open their 2022 schedule on Sept. 3 at North Carolina.

Western Kentucky: The 2022 season is set to begin on Aug. 27 at home against Austin Peay.

------

Middle Tennessee: 2021 Bahamas Bowl Champions

NASSAU, Bahamas -- — Freshman Nick Vattiato threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, including a 59-yard scoring pass to Jarrin Pierce with 6:24 left, and Middle Tennessee beat Toledo 31-24 on Friday in the Bahamas Bowl.

Two plays after Toledo's 32-yard punt, Vattiato connected with a wide-open Pierce along the right side for a 28-17 lead. The 59-yard play was the longest completion in Middle Tennessee's bowl history.

On Toledo's next possession, quarterback Dequan Finn was pressured by Jordan Ferguson and defensive lineman Zaylin Wood intercepted a tipped pass, leading to a 35-yard field goal for a 31-17 lead.

Toledo got within seven points with 1:08 remaining, but Thomas Cluckey recovered an onside kick to secure it.

"Winning a bowl game, you're a champion, you're Bahamas Bowl champion and these seniors, these guys, they can take that with them the rest of their lives ," Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said after his 101st victory with the program.

Pierce caught four passes for 114 yards and Ferguson had a sack to reach nine on the season for Middle Tennessee (7-6), which was a double-digit underdog. Mike DiLiello rushed for 44 yards, including a 17-yard score to put the Blue Raiders ahead for good at 21-17.

Wood's interception was Middle Tennessee's 17th of the season, extending their national lead in turnovers gained to 32.

Finn was 18-of-39 passing for 212 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for Toledo (7-6). Finn broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run on fourth and 1 to tie it at 7.

Matt Landers, a Georgia transfer, set a Bahamas Bowl record with a 90-yard touchdown catch to put Toledo ahead 14-7. On first down at the 10, Finn threw it deep over the middle that Landers tipped to himself with an outstretched left arm and coasted into the end zone.

------

Coastal Carolina: 2021 Cure Bowl Champions

ORLANDO, Fla. -- — Grayson McCall threw four touchdown passes and Coastal Carolina held off Northern Illinois 47-41 in the Cure Bowl on Friday night, with the game ending with the Huskies at the Chanticleers 4.

McCall was 22 for 30 for 315 yards, and Braydon Bennett ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns on six carries to help Coastal Carolina (11-1) win 11 games for the second consecutive year. Bennett also caught four passes for 47 yards and a TD.

"He just operates, he's a smooth operator," Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell said about McCall. "As a coach, if he misses a play, you're like, ‘What in the world is wrong with him' because he makes so many good one's."

Chadwell said while there is speculation about McCall's future, "we're confident that he loves Coastal and he's going to be here with us and finish out his career."

It was also Coastal Carolina's first bowl victory. The Chanticleers lost in their first bowl appearance last year, 37-34 in overtime to Liberty.

"Pretty cool," McCall said. "Definitely a team effort. I don't think I played by best game but but all my teammates propelled me forward."

Jay Ducker ran for 146 yards on 24 carries, and Antario Brown added 105 yards and 12 attempts for Northern Illinois (9-5). Rocky Lombardi completed 20 of 33 passes for 181 yards and two scores.

"Couldn't be more proud of their fight," NIU coach Thomas Hammock said. "This could be a launching pad for us into the 2022 season."

NIU's roster has just seven seniors, and includes 71 players who graduated from high school in 2020 or 2021. The Huskies are the first team in FBS history to win its conference championship game one season after going winless (0-6).

Lombardi also had picked up 66 yards including a touchdown on eight carries.

Northern Illinois (516) and Coastal Carolina (514) combined for 1,030 yards. Northern Illinois picked up 335 yards on the ground.

After Northern Illinois wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph was stopped for no gain on a fourth-and-1 run at the Huskies 34, McCall threw a shovel pass from the option to Bennett for a TD on the next play. He then connected with Isaiah Likely on a two-point conversion to make it 47-41 with 6:40 left.

NIU converted 4 of 5 fourth-down plays in the game and ended the season successful of 26 of 31 attempts.

Northern Illinois got the ball back at its own 13 with 2 1/2 minutes to play. Lombardi hit Miles Joiner for a 4-yard gain on fourth down to the Coastal Carolina 4 with 2 seconds remaining, but the Huskies couldn't off another play.

Likely's second touchdown reception got Coastal Carolina within two at 41-39 with nine minutes left, but McCall's threw an incomplete pass on the two-point try.

Northern Illinois led 24-19 at the half as both teams scored on their first four possessions. NIU's fifth and final possession started with a second left following a kickoff.

McCall passed for 164 yards and a TD during the opening half, while Lombardi threw for just 23 yards but had scoring strikes of 5- and 12-yards.

GAME BALL

A special pink football was brought into the stadium by U.S. military paratroopers during a pregame ceremony. The NCAA approved the use of a football with pink laces for the opening kickoff. It was the first approval of its kind by the NCAA.

TRAINERS ROOM

Northern Illinois: Hammock said around 20-to-25 of his players were impacted by flulike symptoms over the last few days.

Coastal Carolina: Defensive lineman C.J. Brewer left with a groin injury.

Mary Hardin-Baylor: 2021 NCAA Division III Football National Champions

Mary Hardin-Baylor is the 2021 NCAA DIII football national champion. The Crusaders defeated North Central (IL) 50-24 to win the Stagg Bowl, completing a 15-0 season and winning their second national championship since 2018.

Mary Hardin-Baylor gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the game then took over. The Crusaders went up 9-7 minutes later and only trailed once more in the game: for about two minutes late in the first half before kicking a field goal to go into halftime with a 19-17 lead.

Quarterback Kyle King and linebacker Mikkah Hackett both had monster games to deliver their team the title. King threw for a program single-game record 436 yards, finishing 22-29 passing with 3 touchdowns.

Hackett was unreal on defense, totaling 10 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He nearly ran back his first interception for a touchdown. Hackett was named the Stagg Bowl's Most Outstanding Player.

Two Crusaders wide receivers had 9 catches each. Brenton Martin went for 170 yards and a touchdown, and K.J. Miller went for 149 yards and a touchdown. Running back Aphonso Thomas added a pair of touchdowns on the ground.

Another standout UMHB wideout, Brandon Jordan, caught a touchdown pass in the first half. That catch was Jordan's 17th touchdown reception of the season, setting a school record.

Mary Hardin-Baylor also won the national title in 2016. Since there was no 2020 tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crusaders have now lifted the trophy in three of the last five seasons.

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Ruby Match Day 6

ARENA 1 [[Takanashi Rikka - 1]] [[Tachibana Kanade - 4]] [[Yūki Asuna - 5]] [[Emilia - 2]] [[Yuzaki Tsukasa - 6]] [[Sakurajima Mai - 3]] [[Kasumigaoka Utaha - 7]] [[Yuigahama Yui - 8]]

Over/Under: 50000
Over

ARENA 2 [[Kirigaya Kazuto - 1]] [[Tachibana Taki - 2]] [[Natsuki Subaru - 3]] [[Okazaki Tomoya - 4]] [[Ayanokōji Kiyotaka - 5]] [[Archer - 6]] [[Satō Kazuma - 7]] [[Kanda Sorata - 8]]

Over/Under: 50000
Over

ARENA 3 [[Tōru - 8]] [[Shokuhō Misaki - 5]] [[Shiro - 6]] [[Megumin - 7]] [[Index L. Prohibitorum - 3]] [[Shirai Kuroko - 1]] [[Schwi Dola - 2]] [[Nishimiya Shōko - 4]]

Over/Under: 50000
Over

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

Over/Under: 50000
Over

ARENA 5 [[Tang Keke]] [[Shiba Miyuki]] [[Siesta]] [[Ilulu]] [[Kaname Madoka]] [[Milim Nava]]

Over/Under: 150000
Over

ARENA 6 [[Mōri Ran]] [[Unmei]] Sakurai Tōko [[Komi Shōko]] Igarashi Futaba Yotsuya Miko [[Dia Viekone]] Rit Sakagami Tomoyo Irina Luminesk [[Frederica Rosenfort]] Suzuki Sonoko Kūjō Jolyne Osana Najimi Arashi Chisato [[Kagari]] [[Tarte]] [[Ruti]] [[Misakino Kukuru]] Tachibana Yuzuki [[Yūki Yūna]] Dōki-chan Moroha Aletta [[Eris Boreas Greyrat]] Mitsurugi Meiya Hiling Nasse Miyama Suzune [[Saria]] Hibino Matsuri [[Shirakami Fubuki]]

ARENA 7 Atri [[Naruse Shiroha]]

by >=200
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 8 Sorakado Ao [[Tsumugi Wenders]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 9 [[Kamijō Tōma]] Shibuya Kanon [[Misaka Mikoto]] Tang Keke

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 10 [[Emilia]] Nishikata [[Natsuki Subaru]] Takagi

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 11 Edogawa Conan [[Gilbert Bougainvillea]] Haibara Ai [[Violet Evergarden]]

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 12 [[Kirigaya Kazuto]] Hiro [[Yūki Asuna]] Zero Two

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 13 [[Chitanda Eru]] Makise Kurisu [[Oreki Hōtarō]] Okabe Rintarō

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 14 [[Furukawa Nagisa]] Otosaka Yū [[Okazaki Tomoya]] Tomori Nao

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 15 Edogawa Conan [[Elaina]] Mōri Ran [[Saya]]

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 16 [[Miyamizu Mitsuha]] Misaka Mikoto [[Tachibana Taki]] Shirai Kuroko

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 17 [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Kasugano Haruka [[Yukinoshita Yukino]] Kasugano Sora

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 18 Aisaka Taiga [[Aki Tomoya]] Takasu Ryūji [[Katō Megumi]]

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 19 [[Akemi Homura]] Hirasawa Yui [[Kaname Madoka]] Nakano Azusa

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 20 [[Kanda Sorata]] Kitashirakawa Tamako [[Shiina Mashiro]] Ōji Mochizō

by >=100
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 21 Takayama Maria [[Iris]]

by <=500
Over/Under: 5000
Under

Voter Id: 8b6fa7b3-3792-52bd-b74a-499dfe3f69cd

関東学院大学－東洋大学

#CFB

一橋大学－拓殖大学

#CFB #KCFA

BoBA ISML 2021 Preditions: Ruby Necklace and Pendant Odds

BEDLAM ON BALTIC AVENUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE

RUBY NECKLACE ODDS

Rikka Takanashi EVEN

Emilia 3-1

Mai Sakurajima 7-1

Kanade Tachibana 15-1

Asuna Yuuki 20-1

Tsukasa Yuzaki 40-1

Utaha Kasumigaoka 50-1

Yui Yuigahama 70-1

BEDLAM ON BALTIC AVENUE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE

RUBY PENDANT ODDS

Kazuto Kirigaya EVEN

Taki Tachibana 5-1

Subaru Natsuki 10-1

Tomoya Okazaki 20-1

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 30-1

Archer 40-1

Kazuma Satou 60-1

Sorata Kanda 70-1

ISML 2021: Ruby Necklace, Pendant Field Set

ISML 2021: Ruby Necklace, Pendant Field Set

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

December 17, 2021

Match Day 5 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is history. In the Female Division, Mashiro Shiina smashed Mai Sakurajima 1669-1223, Elaina toppled Emilia 1755-1211, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Kei Shirogane 1640-1073, Nao Tomori won the closest race of the round, a 1312-1300 nailbiter over Mio Akiyama, Kanade Tachibana flew past Kurisu Makise 1559-1110, Utaha Kasumigaoka prevailed over Index Prohibitorum 1429-1381, Shiro got past Misaki Shokuhou 1400-1373 and Shouko Nishimiya did just enough over Megumin 1377-1346.

Wrapping up Female Division action, Kurumi Tokisaki scored the Upset of the Round, a 1413-1300 statement victory over Kaguya Shinomiya, Mikoto Misaka routed Rikka Takanashi 1759-1194, Schwi Dola prevailed over Chika Fujiwara 1380-1365, Yui Yuigahama hammered Rin Tohsaka 1527-1210, Kuroko Shirai roared past Taiga Aisaka 1463-1224, Ai Hayasaka thumped Tooru 1479-1105, Tsukasa Yuzaki defeated Iroha Isshiki 1307-1268 and Kamui Kanna cannoned past Ruiko Saten 1372-1325.

In the Male Division, Yuu Ishigami took down Taki Tachibana 1291-1196, Riku Dola rocked Yuuta Togashi 1334-1222, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji defeated Kousei Arima 1221-937, Kazuma Satou crushed Lelouch Lamperouge 1231-883, Yuu Otosaka rolled past Joutarou Kuujou 1284-960, Archer dominated Nasa Yuzaki 1241-1090, Sorata Kanda slammed Ryuunosuke Akasaka 1234-842 and Ryuuji Takasu roared past Kyoujurou Rengoku 1223-885.

Wrapping up Male Division action, Touma Kamijou broke Kazuto Kirigaya 1390-1208, Sakuta Azusagawa crushed Subaru Natsuki 1433-964, Levi leveled Satoshi Fukube 1320-908, Saitama punched Nagisa Shiota 1202-878, Saika Totsuka toasted Edward Elric 1193-916, Shidou Itsuka pummeled Shouya Ishida 1167-1034, Rintarou Okabe prevailed over Shirou Emiya 1157-1136 and Tomoya Okazaki defeated Yuzuru Otonashi 1054-980.

Shiroha Naruse is tipped by the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue to win the Virtual Novel Champion of Record after routing Ao Sorakado 1215-615. She will face Atri, who steered clear of Tsumugi Wenders 1103-922. In a quartet of four-way races, Yui Hirasawa (14044.5) and Azusa Nakano (14084.2) pulled through in the first, Sagiri Izumi (12696.2) and Kaede Azusagawa (12547.5) advanced in the second, Gilgamesh (8880.1) and Giyuu Tomioka (8610.8) won the day in the third and Eugeo (8644.7) and Mochizou Ouji (9349.8) advanced in the fourth.

In a couple of dual races, Kosaki Onodera and Marika Tachibana defeated Fumino Furuhashi and Mafuyu Kirisu 1143-1013 while Sanae Dekomori and Konata Izumi shot past Mayaki Ibara and Yuzuru Nishimiya 1329-1053. Finally, in other exhibition action, Maria Takayama defeated Iris 929-761, Satanichia McDowell Kurumizawa routed Michiru Matsushima 1328-500, Shiki Ryougi thumped Vivio Takamachi 1259-520, Miuna Shiodome crushed Kuon 1141-532, Chloe von Einzbern prevailed over Ako Tamaki 1017-938, Platelet got past Kotori Minami 1204-1175, Mayuru Shiina took down Kyouko Sakura 1110-927 anf Teio Tokai eased past Rice Shower 856-797.

Match Day 6 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is scheduled for December 18, 2021. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

FFXIV: Starlight Celebration 2021. 12/16/2021

#FFXIV

BoBA ISML 2021 Predictions: Ruby Match Day 5

ARENA 1 Sakurajima Mai [[Shiina Mashiro]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 2 [[Elaina]] Emilia

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 3 Shirogane Kei [[Yūki Asuna]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 4 Akiyama Mio [[Tomori Nao]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 5 [[Tachibana Kanade]] Makise Kurisu

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 6 [[Index L. Prohibitorum]] Kasumigaoka Utaha

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 7 Shokuhō Misaki [[Shiro]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 8 Megumin [[Nishimiya Shōko]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 9 [[Shinomiya Kaguya]] Tokisaki Kurumi

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 10 [[Misaka Mikoto]] Takanashi Rikka

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 11 Schwi Dola [[Fujiwara Chika]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 12 Tōsaka Rin [[Yuigahama Yui]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 13 Shirai Kuroko [[Aisaka Taiga]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 14 [[Hayasaka Ai]] Tōru

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 15 [[Yuzaki Tsukasa]] Isshiki Iroha

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 16 Kanna Kamui [[Saten Ruiko]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 17 [[Ishigami Yū]] Tachibana Taki

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 18 Riku Dola [[Togashi Yūta]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 19 [[Ayanokōji Kiyotaka]] Arima Kōsei

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 20 Satō Kazuma [[Lelouch Lamperouge]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 21 Kūjō Jōtarō [[Otosaka Yū]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 22 [[Archer]] Yuzaki Nasa

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 23 Akasaka Ryūnosuke [[Kanda Sorata]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 24 Rengoku Kyōjurō [[Takasu Ryūji]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 25 Kirigaya Kazuto [[Kamijō Tōma]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 26 Natsuki Subaru [[Azusagawa Sakuta]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 27 [[Levi]] Fukube Satoshi

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 28 Saitama [[Shiota Nagisa]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 29 Edward Elric [[Totsuka Saika]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 30 Ishida Shōya [[Itsuka Shidō]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 31 Okabe Rintarō [[Emiya Shirō]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 32 Otonashi Yuzuru [[Okazaki Tomoya]]

by <=600
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 33 [[Tsumugi Wenders]] Atri

by <=500
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 34 Sorakado Ao [[Naruse Shiroha]]

by <=500
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 35 [[Aoyama Nanami]] [[Miyamizu Mitsuha]] [[Hirasawa Yui]] [[Nakano Azusa]]

Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 36 [[Saber]] [[Izumi Sagiri]] [[Aqua]] [[Azusagawa Kaede]]

Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 37 [[Gilgamesh]] [[Sakata Gintoki]] [[Kuroba Kaito]] [[Tomioka Giyū]]

Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 38 [[Yato]] [[Eugeo]] [[Uchiha Itachi]] [[Ōji Mochizō]]

Over/Under: 10000
Over

ARENA 39 Furuhashi Fumino [[Onodera Kosaki]] Kirisu Mafuyu [[Tachibana Marika]]

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 40 [[Dekomori Sanae]] Ibara Mayaka [[Izumi Konata]] Nishimiya Yuzuru

by >=300
Over/Under: 3000
Over

ARENA 41 Iris [[Takayama Maria]]

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 42 [[Kurumizawa Satanichia McDowell]] Matsushima Michiru

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 43 [[Takamachi Vivio]] Ryōgi Shiki

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 44 [[Shiodome Miuna]] Kuon

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 45 [[Chloe von Einzbern]] Tamaki Ako

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 46 Minami Kotori [[Platelet]]

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 47 Shiina Mayuri [[Sakura Kyōko]]

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

ARENA 48 Tokai Teio [[Rice Shower]]

by <=300
Over/Under: 3500
Under

Voter Id: 541e0300-dbb9-56f2-b499-6038d9c0f2e4

ISML 2021: Ruby Enters Curtain Call

ISML 2021: Ruby Enters Curtain Call

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

December 14, 2021

Match Day 4 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is in the books. In the Female Division, Kaguya Shinomiya routed Chika Fujiwara 1602-922, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Kuruko Shirai 1644-1029, Rikka Takanashi rocked Yui Yuigahama 1490-1163, Ai Hayasaka prevailed over Rin Tohsaka 1207-1150, Tsukasa Yuzaki roared past Taiga Aisaka 1464-1018, Kamui Kanna defeated Schwi Dola 1303-1133, Mikoto Misaka thumped Iroha Isshiki 1730-997 and Ruiko Saten slayed Tooru 1281-1170.

Wrapping up Female Division action, Asuna Yuuki won a 1314-1284 thriller over Mai Sakurajima, Mashiro Shiina smashed Kanade Tachibana 1588-1120, Emilia flew past Nao Tomori 1491-1204, Index Prohibitorum defeated Mio Akiyama 1521-1237, Misaki Shokuhou shook Kurisu Makise 1332-1146, Shouko Nishimiya defeated Kei Shirogane 1406-1169, Elaina drilled Shiro 1644-994 and Utaha Kasumigaoka exploded past Megumin 1332-1145.

In Male Division action, Kazuto Kirigaya leveled Levi 1228-965, Touma Kamijou broke Saika Totsuka 1534-874, Subaru Natsuki punched Saitama 1227-1027, Shidou Itsuka defeated Nagisa Shiota 1090-872, Shirou Emiya got past Edward Elric 1231-763, Yuzuru Otonashi shot down Satoshi Fukube 1230-809, Sakuta Azugasawa eased past Rintarou Okabe 1254-1098 and Tomoya Okazaki defeated Shouya Ishida 1127-976.

Wrapping up Male Division action, Yuu Ishigami defeated Kiyotaka Ayanokouji 1221-1009, Taki Tachibana took down Yuu Otosaka 1130-1001, Riku Dola rocked Kazuma Satou 1369-1052, Lelouch Lamperouge won a 1019-997 nailbiter over Nasa Yuzaki, Sorata Kanda drove past Joutarou Kuujou 1224-1016, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Kousei Arima 1111-862, Yuuta Togashi smashed Ryuunosuke Akasaka 1356-821 and Archer dominated Kyoujurou Rengoku 1235-743.

In Visual Novel action, Atri defeated Murasame 9798-729, Tsumugi Wenders won the closest race of the round, a 869-847 barnburner over Natsume Shiki, Ao Sorakado got past Sena Himeno 982-624 and Shiroha Naruse rout5ed Rina Hikawa 1220-405. A couple of four-way races saw Isla (833) and Ainz Ooal Gown (693) come away winners.

Finally, a wave of exhibitions took place. In Exhibition action, Kazuha Touyama belted Sonoko Suzuki 1184-438, Aoko Nakamori slayed Akako Koizumi 1046-499, Ayu Tsukimiya got past Misuzu Kamio 802-641, Suiseiseki crushed Kirika Akatsuki 864-544, Konjiki no Yami dominated Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi 9669-868, Koutarou Tennouji defeated Kyousuke Natsumi 742-707, Isuzu Sento drove past Kyouko Kirigiri 1199-835, Urara Shiraishi drilled Kagari Atsuko 1192-393, Tomoyo Sakagami overgame Hinagiku Katsuru 1073-816 and Yui-nyan rocked Yoshiko Tsushima 1304-674.

Match Day 5 of the 2021 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is scheduled for December 15, 2021. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

New York City FC: 2021 MLS Cup Champions

PORTLAND – Castellanos, Moralez, Magno, Callens, and Johnson in goal.

That’s the quintet that played hero in the penalty-kick shootout that earned New York City FC their first MLS Cup title, and appropriately so, because they were also instrumental in powering the Pigeons to that point in the first place, both on the day and all season.

Championship teams are built around sturdy spines, and NYCFC’s came up big – yet again – on Saturday afternoon against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park.

Valentin "Taty" Castellanos continued his tear in front of goal, nodding home the game’s opening goal to extend his scoring streak to seven straight matches, further underlining that the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi winner can produce quality in big moments as well as quantity. And he put in major work off the ball as well, harrying Portland’s backline to make it difficult for the hosts to string together buildups with any rhythm.

As he has been since practically the moment of his arrival from Club Leon in 2017, playmaker Maxi Moralez was essential, scurrying all over the pitch across 120 minutes, completing 84 of his 102 passes – including three key passes – making three tackles and serving up the free-kick delivery headed home by Castellanos.

Talles Magno came off the bench in the aftermath of the Timbers’ stunning last-gasp equalizer, helping stabilize his team in that crucial phase, where PTFC threatened to kick on and find a winner. And with the season and a trophy on the line, he kept his nerve to dispatch his penalty.

Alex Callens turned in another defiant display at the heart of the defense, working with his center-back partner Maxime Chanot to limit Portland to scant clear looks at goal until their scrappy late dramatics – and just like in NYCFC’s Eastern Conference Semifinal upset of the Supporters’ Shield-winning New England Revolution, he smashed in the title-winning spot-kick with authority.

And the rock at the back, the foundation of the team and its veteran leader, Sean Johnson, who kept his team from losing all composure after the injury-time gut punch, then made two clutch saves in the shootout, vanquishing the ghosts of last year’s wild, season-ending PKs loss at Orlando City.

“Big, big credit to the leaders in the group,” said head coach Ronny Deila in the postgame press conference – fully clothed again after he kept his word by stripping down to his skivvies as the Cityzens partied on Portland’s pitch. “Sean, Maxi, Maxime, Callens had an unbelievable season, James [Sands] stepped up unbelievably, Taty.

“That central line has been amazing during the season. And when we get that right, we get points and we win football games. That’s been consistent now, even though we have lost Anton [Tinnerholm] and Keaton [Parks to injuries] on the way. Players come in and perform, and that says something about the culture of the club.

“[It] again shows what kind of character is in the team, when you come back from that [equalizer] and get through the two extra times and then at the end also with the penalty shootout – in this stadium, on artificial [turf], in the weather today, and the atmosphere was electric. So belief, discipline and hard work, honest hard work, is paying off and that's great to see.”

NYCFC outplayed Portland by a safe margin for most of the first 90 minutes, imposing themselves as usual with their crisp passing and energetic counter-pressing. It seemed that the narrative gods would smile on the Rose City side, however, when Felipe Mora slotted home at the back post with City mere seconds away from a deserved 1-0 triumph.

“We've been in that position before. I told the guys we have the experience, not to panic, not to get down on ourselves because there's more of an opportunity to go forward and win the game,” explained Johnson. “And no one said it would be easy. It's been difficult. But that's how it should be to win a championship and to triumph, going through so much adversity.”

Sands in particular performed far beyond his 21 years, producing a coming-of-age type of display in what was an often-chaotic engine-room battle. Afterward he credited the consequences of the fall slump that forced NYC to fight for their postseason lives after running near the top of the East table for most of 2021.

“We’re a team in form, we had a lot of momentum, so I think we had confidence going into the final,” he said. “I thought we all believed we could get it done. And I think you look at the time during the season where we dropped out of playoffs, and the six games after that, were all playoff games for us. So we’ve been playing high-pressure, high-intensity games for two months now; I think it showed today that we were able to stay calm and be composed.”

For some months now, Deila has confidently and consistently declared that no opponent has comprehensively outplayed his Pigeons this year, and he did so again on Saturday.

“There is no team, in the 38, 39 games we have, that has played us out. I can't remember one time that one team has caused us a lot of trouble; we have lost the games ourselves,” he said. “And that gives us a lot of confidence in the team, of course. Even though we haven’t played well, nobody has created more chances than us in the games. So we knew that when we get things right, we are very hard to play against, and our defense has been top, top during the whole season.”

There’s also ample reason to believe they can stay at the summit for a while. While both a new contract and a long-term successor must be sorted out for the influential Moralez, Deila pointed out that most of City’s recent arrivals are young players with ample upside. The formula that took them to this trophy can be extended; now it’s up to the rest of the East to figure out an antidote.

“New York is blue,” said Johnson. And on this day, who can argue with that?