#ZZZ #Miyabi #Harumasa
South Alabama: 2024 Salute To Veterans Bowl Champions
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- — Bishop Davenport made his second start of the season and accounted for three touchdowns, Jeremiah Webb had six receptions for 182 yards and two TDs on Saturday night and South Alabama rallied to beat Western Michigan 30-23 at the Veterans Bowl.
South Alabama (7-6), under first-year head coach Major Applewhite, played in a bowl game for the third consecutive season.
Hayden Wolff threw a 7-yard TD pass to Anthony Sambucci to cap a nine-play, 75-yard drive and trim Western Michigan’s deficit to 23-20 with 6:17 to play but Kentrel Bullock ran five times for 50 yards, including 22-yard scoring run, on the ensuing drive to make it a 10-point game with 2:42 left.
Bullock finished with 130 yards rushing on 17 carries. Davenport completed 15 of 24 for 271 yards and two touchdowns and added 85 yards rushing, including a 50-yard TD in the third quarter.
Quarterback Gio Lopez (turf toe) and wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett (opt out) did not play for South Alabama. Pritchett led the Sun Belt Conference in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,127) and touchdown catches (9).
Jalen Buckley scored on a 1-yard run and Luka Zurak kicked a 37-yard field goal 10 seconds into the second to give the Broncos (6-7) a 10-0 lead.
After a Broncos three-and-out, Davenport threw a pass deep down the right sideline to Webb, who high-pointed the ball to take it from a defender for a 45-yard TD that gave the Jaguars the lead for good at 16-10 with 4:50 left in the first half.
South Alabama, which beat Eastern Michigan 59-10 in the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl, has won back-to-back bowls — the first two in program history.
Jackson State: 2024 Celebration Bowl Champions
A game that some predicted to be close was never in doubt as SWAC champion Jackson State handled MEAC winner South Carolina State 28-7 to win the 2024 edition of the Celebration Bowl and its first HBCU national championship since 1996.
The Tigers led wire-to-wire and never were seriously challenged in spite of having to go straight from the SWAC title game the previous week to Atlanta to play a South Carolina State team that had not played a game in over two weeks.
That level of dedication, preparedness, and desire to stay on top of one’s game comes from the top, so there is no surprise that this Jackson State team is molded by a program legend, current head coach T.C. Taylor.
Taylor, a highly regarded quarterback coming out of high school, accepted a switch to receiver his junior year at J-State. By his senior year of 2001, he was one of the top pass catchers in the country (84 receptions, 1,234 yards, and 11 touchdowns). He earned training camp deals with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions before turning his attention to coaching.
Taylor worked his way up those ranks as well, serving as a quarterbacks and receivers coach and offensive coordinator at schools from Coahoma Community College in Mississippi to North Carolina Central before returning to Jackson State five years ago.
He served as a coordinator under John Hendrick and Deion Sanders before being named head coach in December 2022 following Sanders’ move to Colorado. Taylor set about building a roster ready to climb the Celebration Bowl mountain and represent a proud tradition of JSU football.
All T.C.’s Tigers have done in his first two seasons on the job is compile a 19-6 overall record, 13-3 in SWAC play, and topped the 2024 season off with a measure of revenge in dominating South Carolina State Saturday.
This was Taylor’s fourth Celebration Bowl appearance (he was the offensive coordinator in NCCU’s 10-9 loss to Grambling in 2016), and it turned out to be the charm as he and his players, who shared an unwavering belief in each other, shared in one of the great victories in JSU history.
“They believed in me,” Taylor said of his players. “I said we’re going to work our butts off because we were going to get to this moment.”
If you don’t believe in storybook endings, you may find it hard to believe that a proud son of an HBCU powerhouse returned home to lead his football team to the Promised Land.
But it actually happened.
And Taylor and the Jackson State football team wrote an ending to the 2024 HBCU football season that few will forget.
Travis Hunter: 2024 Heisman Trophy Winner
Six days after 12 teams were selected to compete for a national title in the College Football Playoff, a different kind of college football honor was handed out.
The Heisman Trophy is college football’s most hallowed individual achievement, with even the trophy itself — depicting a player throwing a stiff arm — standing as a central element of the sport’s mythology.
This week, four college football standouts — Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Miami’s Cam Ward — headed to New York with dreams of becoming the latest player to join a list featuring some of the sport’s most iconic figures. Ultimately, though, only one of them was able to leave Manhattan with the trophy.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter was presented with the 2024 Heisman Trophy during a ceremony Saturday night in New York.
Hunter won the award after putting together a season with few, if any, peers in modern college football history.
The Georgia native and Jackson State transfer did a little bit of everything for the Buffaloes while leading them to a 9-3 record in their second season under coach Deion Sanders. Hunter played both offense and defense, logging a total of 1,360 snaps during the 2024 season despite missing the second half of Colorado’s games against Kansas State and Arizona with an injury.
Hunter had emerged as the sizable betting favorite in recent weeks, with the most recent odds from BetMGM putting him at -2500 to take home the award. Ashton Jeanty, at +1000, had the next-best odds.
The possibility of winning the Heisman followed Hunter for much of the season as he racked up seven games with at least 100 receiving yards and five games with a forced turnover. He regularly struck the Heisman pose after making a big play, beginning with a September 28 win at UCF after coming down with an acrobatic interception.
As the Heisman race seemingly came down to Hunter and Jeanty, Hunter’s coaches and teammates routinely touted his candidacy. After Hunter had an interception and three touchdown receptions in Colorado’s 52-0 victory against Oklahoma State on November 29, Sanders said his two-way star “clinched” the coveted award.
“You’ve never seen it before,” Sanders said. “He’s the best player in college football. You can find ways to hate and criticize him and you won’t come out of that looking professional because now you’re just searching for something, like the idiots was talking about with the (Jim) Thorpe (Award) that I guess he didn’t have enough tackles. Well, if a cornerback has a lot of tackles, that means they caught a lot of balls. It’s just stupid. Travis Hunter proved today and he proved every week that he’s the best player in college football.
“You’ve got to give me another definition of the award. The award is to go to who? The best quarterback? I don’t know how you could be voted in every category in some sort. I think he’s up for best offensive player, best defensive player, best receiver. Who else has done that ever?”
Hunter is the second Heisman winner in Colorado history, joining the late Rashaan Salaam, who won the award in 1994.
Heisman voting results 2024
Hunter won with 2,231 total points, as compared to Jeanty, who finished with 2,017 points. The 214-point difference is the smallest margin of victory since Alabama running back Mark Ingram beat out Stanford RB Toby Gerhart in 2009.
Here's the full points total, including first-place votes:
1st place: Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter (2,231 points, 552 first-place votes)
2nd place: Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (2,017 points, 309 first-place votes)
3rd place: Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (516 points, 24 first-place votes)
4th place: Miami QB Cam Ward (229 points, six first-place votes)
5th place: Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo (170 points, three first-place votes)
6th place: Army QB Bryson Daily (69 points, three first-place votes)
7th place: Penn State Tyler Warren (52 points, one first-place vote)
8th place: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders (47 points, one first-place vote)
9th place: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke (22 points, two first-place votes)
10th place: Syracuse QB Kyle McCord (nine points)
Travis Hunter stats
During his Heisman-winning season, Hunter truly did it all for Colorado.
As a wide receiver on offense, he finished with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hunter ranks fifth among FBS players in receptions, sixth in receiving yards and second in touchdown receptions. He also has a rushing touchdown.
While playing for a coach who’s arguably the greatest defensive back in the history of football, Hunter excelled as a cornerback, as well, recording 11 pass breakups and four interceptions, ranking him first and second, respectively, among all Big 12 players. He had a forced fumble, as well, which allowed his team to hold on for an overtime victory against Baylor on Sept. 21.
Heisman Trophy finalists' stats
Here's a look at the stats of the four Heisman Trophy finalists in 2024:
Travis Hunter
Offense: 92 catches, 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns; two carries, five yards, one touchdown
Defense: 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four interceptions, one forced fumble
Ashton Jeanty
Rushing: 344 carries, 2,497 yards, 29 touchdowns, 7.3 yards per carry
Receiving: 20 catches, 116 yards, one touchdown
Dillon Gabriel
Passing: 297 of 406 passing (73.2%), 3,558 yards, 8.8 yards per attempt, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions
Rushing: 63 carries,192 yards, seven touchdowns
Cam Ward
Passing: 293 of 435 passing (67.4%), 4,123 yards, 9.5 yards per attempt, 36 touchdowns, seven interceptions
Rushing: 58 carries, 196 yards, four touchdowns
Receiving: One catch, 7 yards, one touchdown
Heisman Trophy winners
Here’s a look at the past 10 Heisman Trophy winners, with Saturday’s honoree becoming the latest inclusion on the list:
For full list of winners, click here.
2024: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
2023: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
2022: QB Caleb Williams, USC
2021: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
2020: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
2019: QB Joe Burrow, LSU
2018: QB Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
2017: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
2016: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
2015: RB Derrick Henry, Alabama
LA Galaxy: 2024 MLS Cup Champions
CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy are back on top, storming to a 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls in MLS Cup 2024 presented by Audi Saturday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park.
By capturing the league's ultimate prize, LA hoisted the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy for a sixth time – extending the MLS Cup title record they already held.
The Galaxy scored twice inside the game's first quarter-hour, with Joseph Paintsil (9') and Dejan Joveljić (13') beating Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel from close range. When celebrating, both stars offered a tribute to Riqui Puig after LA's Best XI midfielder tore his ACL in the Western Conference Final and couldn't feature in MLS Cup.
Despite the early hole, New York got a lifeline in the 28th minute when center back Sean Nealis volleyed home a mis-cleared corner kick. But an equalizer never came for the Emil Forsberg-led Red Bulls, who left empty-handed in their second-ever MLS Cup appearance and remain one of three league originals to never win a league title.
LA were not only champions at the final whistle, but ended their Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs run with a record 18 goals scored.
Three Things
THE BIG PICTURE: The Galaxy are back on top, going from a 13th-place Western Conference finish in 2023 to MLS Cup champions for the first time in a decade. This turnaround coincides with DP wingers Paintsil and Gabriel Pec being signed for reportedly around $20 million in the winter, giving head coach Greg Vanney the final pieces for his attack-centric vision. LA also end 2024 undefeated at Dignity Health Sports Park, going 17W-0L-4D across all competitions and ensuring the Red Bulls’ Cinderella run falls short. New York (East No. 7) were the lowest-ever seed to reach MLS Cup.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Joveljić's game-winning goal almost unfolded in slow motion, before the Serbian striker toe-poked past Coronel. He ends the postseason with six goals, the second-most in MLS history.
MAN OF THE MATCH: All week, debate ensued about how Galaxy coach Greg Vanney would fill their Puig-sized hole. He ultimately started Gastón Brugman, who assisted Paintsil’s opener and bossed the midfield before being replaced by Marco Reus in the 75th minute. The Uruguayan veteran was named MLS Cup 2024 MVP presented by Audi.
Genshin Impact: Genshin Misadventures - Natlan Nationals, Day 13
#GenshinImpact #Natlan #Citlali #Ororon
Botafogo: 2024 Copa Libertadores Champions
Botafogo beat Atlético Mineiro 3-1 to win their first Copa Libertadores title despite being reduced to 10 men after former Inter Miami midfielder Gregore was sent off just 30 seconds into the contest at the Monumental Stadium on Saturday.
Fans barely had a chance to settle into their seats when Gregore was handed his marching orders for a foul on Fausto Vera, who was left with a bleeding head after being on the receiving end of a flying kick.
Mineiro tried to make the most of their numerical advantage and went on the attack with Hulk and Deyverson up front.
However, Botafogo opened the scoring in the 35th minute, when Thiago Almada put the ball right into Luiz Henrique's path to fire home into the net.
Botafogo were awarded a penalty seven minutes later when Éverson crashed into Luiz Henrique as he attempted to grab the ball and, after a VAR review, former Manchester United full-back Alex Telles converted the spot kick to make it 2-0.
Mineiro's hopes were restored immediately after the break when Eduardo Vargas headed home a corner from Hulk. They then went in search of an equaliser, with Deyverson and Vargas coming closest.
But Botafogo defended well and goalkeeper John kept Mineiro's efforts at bay as Junior Santos put the icing in the cake in added time in an enthralling encounter that gave coach Artur Jorge's side their first title in the South American competition.
The result also secured the Brazilian club a place in the expanded 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
Botafogo's success came after Novak Djokovic's involvement in the ceremony before kick-off in Buenos Aires.
The tennis star was in Argentina to play an exhibition match on Sunday with former U.S. Open champion Juan MartÃn del Potro, who is retiring from the sport.
Djokovic, owner of a men's record 24 Grand Slam titles, helped to carry the Copa trophy onto the pitch.
With two of its teams in the final, Brazilian football was assured of a sixth consecutive Copa Libertadores title and its 24th in history, just one less than clubs from Argentina have managed.
It was also the third straight title for teams from Rio de Janeiro, after Fluminense in 2023 and Flamengo in 2022.
Genshin Impact: Genshin Misadventures - Natlan Nationals, Day 12
#GenshinImpact #Natlan #Citlali #Ororon
Genshin Impact: Genshin Misadventures - Natlan Nationals, Day 11
#GenshinImpact #Natlan #Ororon #Citlali
Orlando Pride: 2024 NWSL Champions
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to lift the Orlando Pride to their first NWSL Championship in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Saturday at CPKC Stadium.
With the win, the Pride became the first team since 2019 to follow up winning the NWSL Shield (best regular-season team) with an NWSL Championship, and the third time it has ever happened.
It also meant a first NWSL Championship for six-time world player of the year Marta, 38, who has been with the Pride since 2017.
"I f---ing waited eight years for this moment," the player from Brazil said during the trophy presentation. "[It's] most special because it's the first time my mom is in America."
She added after the match: "Incredible moment. Playing the championship final, take this trophy home and share this moment with my mom, it's something in my best dream, I [can't] believe. ... This moment, it's so special for me.
"This moment gave me so many answers. I've been in Orlando for so long and I see players come and leave. We had ups and downs. Some seasons we were OK but not good enough.
"I always ask myself what I'm looking for because I stay in Orlando. I was not satisfied with all of the other seasons. I feel like I don't want to leave this place without doing something really big. ... Tonight I had all the answers."
Banda broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when she latched onto a ball played in behind by midfielder Angelina. Banda cut back inside onto her left foot and distanced herself from Spirit defender Esme Morgan to hit a left-footed shot that beat Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
The goal was Banda's fourth of the playoffs, setting a new single postseason NWSL record, and earned her the Championship MVP award. She also scored in all three playoff games this postseason, which is a new league record.
"That was a great moment for me," Banda said. "As that ball came for me, I don't hesitate. I always want to take on the defenders, so I saw that opportunity and I had to put the ball into the back of the net. I saw the positioning of the goalkeeper, so it was great for me."
"For us," Marta quickly interjected, drawing a laugh from the room.
Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez argued with the fourth official following the goal, which came after a strong challenge from Angelina on Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos.
"For me, it's an excuse to speak about the physical conditions," Giráldez said after the match.
Kingsbury took blame for conceding the goal, saying it should have been a "routine save" before moments later Morgan said the goal was her fault.
"I think that's what I'm finding so frustrating, replaying in my head, is that we dealt with [Banda] so well for most of the 90 minutes barring just the goal and I'm kicking myself for it," Morgan said.
"I think I was just thinking in my head back to the away game, there's times where she goes down softly in the box so I was kind of reluctant to get too tight in case there was a dive involved."
The physical first half featured 14 combined fouls and three yellow cards.
Spirit forward Rosemonde Kouassi was cautioned in the 28th minute for dragging down Banda on a counterattack.
Three minutes later, Pride defender Kerry Abello received a yellow card for an open-field trip of Spirit forward Trinity Rodman.
Washington midfielder Hal Hershfelt entered the books for a hard challenge only moments before halftime.
Orlando's victory completed a turnaround for what was one of the league's worst clubs historically in years past. The Pride made the playoffs only once prior to this season, in 2017, and endured low points like a last-place finish in 2019 with a league-record 53 goals conceded.
This year, the Pride set multiple NWSL records, including points in a season (60), wins (18), consecutive wins (eight) and games unbeaten to start the season (23).
"I wish I could say when I got here [in 2021], I believed this club was going to turn it around, but there were times where we were at rock bottom, and I couldn't see any light," Pride defender Kylie Strom said.
"So, to go from that place to where we are now, I have no words to describe it. It is incredible and we're going to keep going. We're never going back."
Washington nearly equalized two minutes into the second half, when Kouassi got her head on Rodman's cross at the 6-yard box, but Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made a quick reaction save.
Orlando came close to doubling its lead near the hour mark when Banda broke free again in the open field. Marta, playing in her first NWSL Championship, sprinted to join her on the counterattack, but Banda did not play the ball centrally to her open teammate.
The Pride held on as Washington pushed for a late equalizer. Orlando had not lost when leading at halftime in 15 previous occasions this season.
Orlando is the fourth team in league history to win in its first NWSL Championship appearance.
Washington appeared in two previous finals, winning the title in 2021.
The Pride's championship is the first for an Orlando professional sports team. The team will be honored with a parade in downtown Orlando on Monday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)