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USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rookies to watch in the Hall of Fame Game: L.A. Chargers edition
If there is one NFL preseason game that can be deemed an actual "event," it's the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. For the people who watch only one preseason game each summer, this would most likely be the one that they select. After all, it's a seasonal rite of passage, as it announces to the nation "hey, football is just around the corner!" This year, this quirky practice game features one of the quirkiest individuals in the entire sport- Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. During his days leading his alma mater, the University of Michigan, Harbaugh famously told the media "let the world be your classroom." Well, class is in session for Harbaugh's latest group of NFL freshmen. No matter how little or how much these guys play against the Detroit Lions, it'll be a learning experience. RB Omarion Hampton (1st round, 22nd overall, North Carolina) The "other" running back taken in the first round this past April, Hampton is eager to get back out there. However his status is in doubt for this one. "It's up to the coaches," Hampton to the Chargers website. "Whenever they want to put me out there I'm ready." While Najee Harris would most likely not play much, if at all, in this one, we actually know he's ruled out. He's been on the Non-Football Injury list since the 4th of July when he sustained a "superficial eye injury" due to an incident with fireworks. Eventually, we may all get to a point where fireworks carry more of a downside than an upside! However, Harris' absence means that Hampton could get a few more carries here WR Tre Harris (2nd round, 55th overall, Ole Miss) One of the major storylines of this NFL summer preseason was the multitude of second-round draft picks who took an elongated time to sign their rookie contracts. Harris is in this group, and given that he just signed only last week, one has to wonder how many snaps, let alone targets, he receives. Harris could be worth the wait, as his presence, once the games actually count, could prove to be the x-factor this team needs. How quickly can he build chemistry with star quarterback Justin Herbert? EDGE Kyle Kennard (4th round, 125th overall, South Carolina) Having gone to Orlando to cover the Citrus Bowl, this writer was extremely disappointed in the opt-out of Kennard. The SEC defensive player of the year had a lot of aura about him, so it would have been a joy to see him play in person. Back during bowl season, it was thought that this opt-out was a no-brainer, as many believed Kennard would go somewhere in the first couple of rounds. It was surprising, to say the least, to see him fall to day three. Maybe he'll play with an extra chip on his shoulder during his rookie season? Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has already confirmed that Kennard will play on Thursday. The NFL Hall of Fame Game kicks off on Thursday, July 31st, at 8pm EST. It will air on NBC and Peacock
Fox Sports
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 Big Ten Media Days: Ohio State QBs, Nebraska Transfers Among Day 1 Storylines
Talking season in college football began earlier this month when the Big 12 kicked off the sport's annual media days caravan at The Star in Frisco, Texas, where commissioner Brett Yormark and the league's coaches were inundated with questions about implementation of the House v. NCAA settlement, potential tweaks to the College Football Playoff format and the offseason spending habits of Texas Tech. Next came the SEC's turn in the spotlight, which began on Monday in Atlanta, with commissioner Greg Sankey describing his league as a "super conference" and then waxing poetic about both its strength of schedule and sphere of influence in the ongoing discussions about playoff structure. One week from now, on July 22, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti will have his chance to respond to everything his colleagues have said when the league begins its three-day media event in Las Vegas, a locale that reflects the conference's coast-to-coast membership. For the second straight year, each day will feature representatives from six programs: Day 1: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio State, Rutgers Day 2: Minnesota, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin Day 3: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, USC To preview the event, FOX Sports analyzed every team ahead of the 2025 campaign. Here's what to expect from Day 1 at Big Ten Media Days: Illinois Last year: 10-3 overall, 6-3 Big Ten Postseason: 21-17 win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl Head coach: Bret Bielema, fifth season, 28-22 at Illinois Coordinators: Barry Lunney Jr. (offense); Aaron Henry (defense) Recruiting: No. 46 nationally, No. 13 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 43 nationally, No. 13 in the Big Ten Key storyline: The formula concocted by first-year Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti in 2024 demonstrated to the college football universe exactly what's possible in this expanded playoff era, when the right combination of coaching, player acquisition/retention, veteran leadership and favorable scheduling come together simultaneously in a fairytale season. Many fans and analysts are seeing a very similar mold at Illinois, where head coach Bret Bielema retained both coordinators and 17 starters from a group that reached 10 victories for the first time since 2001. The Illini are led by one of the league's most experienced quarterbacks in former Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer, now in his third year atop the depth chart, and an offensive line that returns all five starters. A relatively modest schedule includes winnable non-conference games against Western Illinois, Duke and Western Michigan, while also avoiding Big Ten powerhouses Oregon, Penn State and Michigan. That means the expectations surrounding Bielema's program, which is likely to be ranked among the top 20 in the preseason AP Poll, are soaring ahead of what some believe could be a magical run toward the College Football Playoff. The biggest question is how the Illini, a team unaccustomed to consistent winning, will handle that level of anticipation on a weekly basis. Indiana Last year: 11-2 overall, 8-1 Big Ten Postseason: 27-17 road loss to Notre Dame in CFP first round Head coach: Curt Cignetti, second season, 11-2 at Indiana Coordinators: Mike Shanahan (offense); Bryant Haines (defense) Recruiting: No. 47 nationally, No. 14 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 22 nationally, No. 6 in the Big Ten Key storyline: An unexpected darling from the 2024 campaign rode the roaching acumen and bravado of Cignetti all the way to the College Football Playoff, where an in-state matchup with blue-blood Notre Dame gave Indiana an incredible platform despite the eventual loss. Shrewd talent evaluation and development skills shown by Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan when it came to quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a former MAC standout at Ohio who developed into a seventh-round pick with the Hoosiers, made Indiana a desirable destination for veteran signal-callers in the transfer portal. That the Hoosiers landed Cal standout Fernando Mendoza, the No. 22 overall transfer and No. 4 quarterback in the portal, speaks to the impression Indiana's work with Rourke made on potential targets. Former Maryland tailback Roman Hemby (No. 237 transfer, No. 15 RB) and former Northern Illinois cornerback Amariyun Knighten (No. 163 transfer, No. 17 CB) were two more high-profile pickups. A rebuilding defense retained arguably its three best players in edge rusher Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, all of whom received some form of All-American recognition last season. So can the Hoosiers be darlings once more? Maryland Last year: 4-8 overall, 1-8 Big Ten Postseason: None Head coach: Mike Locksley, eighth season, 33-41 at Maryland Coordinators: Pep Hamilton (offense); Ted Monachino (defense) Recruiting: No. 25 nationally, No. 8 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 34 nationally, No. 10 in the Big Ten Key storyline: There was a puzzling inequality between the success Maryland enjoyed during this year's NFL Draft and the on-field product it put forth last fall amid the team's worst Big Ten season since 2019, when Locksley first took over the program. Six of Locksley's former players heard their names called in late April to form the Terrapins' largest draft class since 1986 and increase the total to 15 draft picks over the last four years, a stretch in which Maryland never finished above .500 in conference play. Still, accumulating talent has proven fairly easy for Locksley, whose last five recruiting classes all landed among the top 40 in the national rankings. Prior to last year, when the league officially nixed divisions, Maryland's inability to parlay recruiting victories into actual victories could be written off as a product of the relentless Big Ten East, where Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State all lurked. But that excuse wasn't available in 2024 as the Terrapins crumbled without facing the Buckeyes or Wolverines. The hiring of a new athletic director in May means there's even more pressure on Locksley to deliver. Nebraska Last year: 7-6 overall, 3-6 Big Ten Postseason: 20-15 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl Head coach: Matt Rhule, third season, 12-13 at Nebraska Coordinators: Dana Holgorsen (offense); John Butler (defense) Recruiting: No. 22 nationally, No. 6 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 13 nationally, No. 2 in the Big Ten Key storyline: Though Nebraska ended on a positive note by upending Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, there was still an air of dissatisfaction considering how poorly the second half of the season unfolded. In mid-October, the Cornhuskers were 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten entering a highly anticipated road game against then-No. 16 Indiana. What followed was a humiliating 56-7 beatdown in which quarterback Dylan Raiola tossed three interceptions and Nebraska fumbled three times. That loss kickstarted a string of four consecutive defeats that drained much of the momentum from Rhule's second season. Aware that his roster lacked top-end talent, Rhule responded with a spending spree in the transfer portal that produced the No. 13 class in the country and No. 2 haul in the Big Ten, trailing only Oregon. The Cornhuskers added numerous plug-and-play starters, including former Kentucky wideout Dane Key (No. 34 transfer, No. 10 WR), former Missouri edge rusher Williams Nwaneri (No. 36 transfer, No. 3 DL), former Alabama offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett (No. 45 transfer, No. 6 OT), former Oklahoma linebacker Dasan McCullough (No. 123 transfer, No. 4 LB), former Notre Dame right guard Rocco Spindler (No. 139 transfer, No. 10 IOL) and former Cal wideout Nyziah Hunter (No. 200 transfer, No. 35 WR). How well those additions perform relative to the price tags they undoubtedly commanded will be a strong barometer for Nebraska's trajectory this fall. Ohio State Last year: 14-2 overall, 7-2 Big Ten Postseason: Victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame en route to national title Head coach: Ryan Day, seventh season, 70-10 at Ohio State Coordinators: Brian Hartline (offense); Matt Patricia (defense) Recruiting: No. 4 nationally, No. 1 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 26 nationally, No. 7 in the Big Ten Key storyline: One of the driving factors behind Ohio State's run to the national championship last season was the continuity that peppered both the roster and the coaching staff at critical positions, with so many familiar faces returning after the 2023 campaign ended without a trip to the College Football Playoff. Those strong retention efforts preserved the nucleus of head coach Ryan Day's lauded 2021 recruiting class that eventually produced eight starters on the title-winning squad. Since then, however, the fallout from reaching college football's mountaintop has included changes at offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach, not to mention the 14 Buckeyes selected in this year's NFL Draft, one of whom was signal-caller Will Howard (sixth round, No. 185 overall). All of which invites plenty of questions entering 2025 regarding how much change is too much change for a legitimate title defense: Can first-time playcaller Brian Hartline match the success enjoyed by predecessor Chip Kelly, now of the Las Vegas Raiders? Can former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes' new defensive coordinator, salvage his reputation at the collegiate level? Is former five-star prospect Julian Sayin ready to step forward and win the quarterback job in his true sophomore season? Those are just a few of the unknowns from an attempted repeat that has been all about the moving parts thus far. Rutgers Last year: 7-6 overall, 4-5 Big Ten Postseason: 44-41 loss to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl Head coach: Greg Schiano, 17th season, 94-101 at Rutgers Coordinators: Kirk Ciarrocca (offense); Robb Smith and Zach Sparber (defense) Recruiting: No. 32 nationally, No. 10 in the Big Ten Transfer portal: No. 51 nationally, No. 16 in the Big Ten Key storyline: Over the past two seasons, both of which ended with bowl games, running back Kyle Monangai was the unquestioned focal point of Rutgers' offense under freshly hired offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, formerly of Minnesota. He handled the workhorse role with aplomb by shouldering 498 carries for 2,541 yards and 21 touchdowns during that span, earning All-Big Ten recognition in both campaigns. What the offense will look like without Monangai, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears earlier this spring (seventh round, No. 233 overall), remains to be seen as the Scarlet Knights seek a third consecutive bowl appearance for the first time since winning 23 combined games from 2012-14 under Schiano and former coach Kyle Flood. The likely replacement is former Florida Atlantic standout CJ Campbell Jr., who carried 165 times for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns last season before joining the Scarlet Knights via the transfer portal — though it's worth noting that Monangai's backup, Antwan Raymond, chipped in 113 yards and three scores in the bowl game against Kansas State. Together, Campbell and Raymond will support mobile quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (251 rushing yards, 3 TDs) to form a three-headed attack on an offense that returns seven starters, including four along its veteran-laden offensive line. Michael Cohen covers college football and college basketball for FOX Sports. Follow him at @Michael_Cohen13. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joel Klatt Names College Football Program That ‘Hit The Lottery' In Its Conference
Joel Klatt Names College Football Program That 'Hit The Lottery' In Its Conference originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt made waves this week with high praise for Illinois football, declaring on his podcast that the Fighting Illini have 'hit the lottery in the Big Ten.' His comments centered around head coach Bret Bielema and the program's steady rise under his leadership. Advertisement "Bret Bielema has built this team into what he wants: Physical, tough. They win against South Carolina in the bowl game. They show the level that they can get to, and that team that won that day is essentially all back. Sixteen starters are back, nine on offense, seven on defense. Luke Altmyer is back for his third season. … I think they've hit the lottery in the Big Ten," Klatt said. Since taking over in 2021, Bielema has brought his hard-nosed, run-first identity to Champaign, and it's starting to pay off. After a strong close to the 2024 season, capped by a 21-17 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl, Illinois enters 2025 with something it hasn't had in a long time: real expectations. The Fighting Illini bring back 16 starters, including quarterback Luke Altmyer, who enters his third season in Bielema's system. Altmyer threw for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024 while cutting down on turnovers, showing growth that should give Illinois confidence heading into a loaded Big Ten slate. Advertisement Klatt sees Illinois as uniquely positioned to compete. With continuity, experience and a clear identity, Bielema's team isn't just fighting to keep up, it is aiming to win. Fans rush the field after a victory by the Illinois Fighting Illini over the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.© Ron Johnson-Imagn Images For a program long defined by inconsistency, the idea that Illinois could be a steady contender in one of college football's toughest conferences might've once seemed far-fetched. But in 2025, with Bielema at the helm, the Illini are no longer content to chase after relevance. Related: Urban Meyer Recalls Bret Bielema's Furious Reaction After He Broke the 'Gentleman's Agreement' Related: Big Ten Program Adds Four-Star Recruit on Friday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joel Klatt Reveals Program Most Likely to Make First College Football Playoff Appearance
Joel Klatt Reveals Program Most Likely to Make First College Football Playoff Appearance originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt believes 2025 could be the year the Illinois Fighting Illini break through college football's glass ceiling — and he's not hedging. Advertisement In a recent episode of "The Joel Klatt Show," Klatt singled out Illinois as the team most likely to make its first College Football Playoff appearance this season, citing their continuity, physical identity and veteran leadership on both sides of the ball. "Bret Bielema has built this team into what he wants. Physical, tough. They win against South Carolina in the bowl game. They show the level that they can get to, and that team that won that day is essentially all back," Klatt said. "Sixteen starters are back, nine on offense, seven on defense. Luke Altmyer is back for his third season. … I think they've hit the lottery in the Big Ten." Bielema, now entering his fifth season in Champaign, has quietly turned Illinois into a Big Ten dark horse. After going 5-7 in his debut season in 2021, he has gone 8-5, 7-6 and 10-3 in the years since, culminating in a 21-17 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl to close out the 2024 season. Advertisement A big reason for Illinois' optimism is quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Ole Miss Rebels transfer had a breakout campaign last fall, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns. His familiarity with Bielema's system, combined with a fully intact offensive line, has Klatt bullish. "We've seen what returning production, returning experience does, in particular at the quarterback position," Klatt noted. "The entire offensive line is back. The question is at wide receiver. [Illinois] has to replace their top two receivers from last year: Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin." To help with that, Illinois added West Virginia Mountaineers transfer wide receiver Hudson Clement, along with his brother, running back Murphy Clement, through the portal. On defense, the Illini return key playmakers like linebacker Kenenna Odeluga and safety Matthew Bailey, part of a unit that finished in the top 35 nationally in scoring defense last year. Illinois also added several transfer players to its defensive line, including James Thompson Jr. (Wisconsin), Curt Neal (Wisconsin), Tomiwa Durojaiye (Florida State) and Carter Hewitt (Northern Iowa). Advertisement The College Football Playoff trophy is awarded to the national Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The expanded 12-team playoff format gives programs like Illinois a real shot, and Klatt sees a perfect storm brewing in Champaign. If Bielema can keep the momentum rolling and Altmyer takes another leap, the Illini might not just contend in the Big Ten. They might crash the playoff party for the first time in school history. Related: Joel Klatt Names College Football Program That 'Hit The Lottery' In Their Conference Related: Joel Klatt Issues Stern Warning To Prominent College Football Head Coach: 'You Can't Go 7-5 Again' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What to Know About Illinois Fighting Illini In 2025
The Illinois Fighting Illini are certainly a team that has come out of the woodwork in recent years. Under the reign of Bret Bielema, they have gone from conference laughingstock to a potential emergent powerhouse. With the likes of Luke Altmyer leading the pack at the QB position and linebacker Gabe Jacas anchoring the middle of a stout defensive front, the Illini are built to succeed now. The only thing that could potentially stand in their way is themselves. However, with one of the easiest Big Ten slates, they can finally start dreaming of a potential CFP bid in Champaign. Despite the fact that they have lost several key players both offensively and defensively, look for certain stars to step up and elevate their game as well. And who knows? Should they not slip, perhaps their dreams will become reality. 2024 in Review The Fighting Illini's 2024 season may have been one of their most successful in recent history. For the first time since 2011, the Illini were a 10-win program, going 6-3 within the conference. At the end of the year, the Illini were ranked #20 in the College Football Playoff Poll, #21 in the AP Top 25 Poll, and #21 in the Coaches Poll. After their success in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl however, they moved up to #16 in the AP Top 25 after vanquishing #14 South Carolina 21-17. That finish proved to be their second-highest ranking in the last 35 years and only their 12th ever appearance in the AP Top 25. Most importantly, they got back to 10 wins, tying a program record and also having a program-tying four wins against AP Top 25 opponents. Their Citrus Bowl win was the first bowl win since 2011 and their highest ranked non-conference victory since 1990. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this shocking Illini season is that they were known for their comeback victories. Including their Citrus Bowl victory, the Illini led the nation in fourth quarter comebacks with 5 and consequently also led the nation in one-score victories as well because of their late heroics. Most of these victories stem from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has led five game-winning drives in his Illinois career, most importantly, four coming in Big Ten wins. Now that Altmyer and 18 other starters from last year, there is hope that 2025 can be an even bigger breakthrough. Head Coach Profile Bret Bielema may just be one of the most well-renowned modern college football coaches. Whether it be his successful stint with Arkansas, or now revitalizing this Illini program, he has been making history no matter where he goes. Consider this: Bielema's 28-22 record in four seasons with the Illini is the second- best record through 50 games for any Illini coach, only behind Mike White of the '80s. Most impressively he is the first Illinois head coach to even win eight games twice in his first four seasons in almost 35 years. Furthermore, his 18 Big Ten wins, critical in this expanded format, are the second-most ever in four seasons behind John Mackovic with 22. Most impressively, however, might just be his performances on the road. No other Illini coach in their first four years has won more Bielema's four ranked road/neutral games. His 10 wins in Big Ten road games is tied for second best, only behind Mike White and tied with Lou Tepper and John Mackovic. Heading into his fifth season, Bielema's job is certainly safe. However, this could be a landmark year if he does what no other Illini coach has ever dreamed of accomplishing. Top Offensive Player Now that the Fighting Illini have lost two of their leading receivers from last season, the onus now falls on Luke Altmyer to continue his exploits in terms of leading this team to improbable heights. The former Ole Miss QB has certainly performed to expectation thus far in his short Illinois career. However, he might have to exceed them for Illinois to finally break through to the CFP. He certainly has proved he has the traits to do so. Last season, Altmyer was one of only four Power 4 QBs with 20+ touchdowns and fiver or fewer interceptions in the regular season. He also ranked 33rd in passing efficiency, a respectable placement considering the efficiency of the Illini offense itself. However, something that may seem slightly lees impressive to some is that despite finishing in the Big Ten's top five in terms of passing touchdowns, that number was only good for 31st in the nation. That tally must go up for the Illini to continue to sustain this recent success. Breaking in a largely green receiving will not necessarily help matters for Altmyer. However, the positive takeaways from Altmyer's 2024 season could pay dividends this year. Altmyer has continued the trend of recent passing efficiency success, with his 144.0 rating being the second best in the past three years. This continues a trend of efficiency within the Illini offense itself as OC Brian Lunney has been at the helm for three of the four best passing efficient offenses in program history. Lastly and perhaps, most importantly amidst Altmyer's accolades is his pedigree against Top 25 opponents. His 3 wins against Top 25 opponets are already the same number as several other Illinois QBs over the past 50 years. The sky's the limit for Altmyer and this year will ultimately prove if he can take off. Top Defensive Player The Illini defense was exceptional last year at almost every single level. However, there was one player who anchored it all: Gabe Jacas. In the middle of the Illini's front seven, he had one of the most successful seasons for an Illini defender in their history. In an All-Big Ten Third team worthy season, Jacas had a remarkable campaign. Against ranked opponents alone, he had 41 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. However, that only paints half the picture. His 3 forced fumbles overall were tied for 25th in the nation as well as his 8 sacks, which were also good enough for fifth in the Big Ten. Seven of those eight sacks came against Big Ten competition to boot. His 74 tackles were second overall on the team, and he led them in tackles for loss, sacks and QB hurries as well. In their bowl victory, he had a career high 3 TFLs to help them clinch the victory. Furthermore, in an impressive ranked win over Michigan, he had a career 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2.5 TFLs, and his fourth ever forced fumble in his career. However, the most impressive aspect of his career, is that he has been able to vault himself up to ninth in the Illinois football history books in terms of sacks with 16 to his name. Turn in a couple more sterling performances, especially when it matters, and his name could be one of legend in Champaign. 2025 Schedule Outlook The Illini may have gotten off easy in terms of their schedule this season. Avoiding Penn State and Oregon is one thing. Not facing more than two potential ranked opponents is another. However, that does not mean there could be cause for some slip ups, either. A couple of games that should be highlighted on the schedule are obviously the Week 7 matchup with Ohio State but also Week 5 against USC. Those could be the only two chances for the Illini to truly prove they are CFP worthy to the committee. Both USC and Ohio State should both be squarely within the AP polls at the time of these games so two big wins there could really boost their CFP hopes. They get both games at home so at the very least they have that advantage. Another intriguing game is their first Big Ten game of the season against the Indiana Hoosiers. One could definitely say that the winner of that game has the best fighting chance out of the Big Ten's Big Three to make the CFP. Indiana were the true surprise team, riding the high of Curt Cignetti and his JMU transfers to CFP glory. Illinois will be looking to do the same, on the road in what should be an electric environment. However, as last year proved, they are not averse to anything. This should be a thrilling campaign for Illinois fans if everything goes as planned. Everything is right there for the taking. They just can't let anything slip.
