Latest news with #Connelly
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Bill Connelly forecasts Michigan 2025 rebound with Bryce Underwood leading offense
While many pundits don't expect that much from Michigan football in 2025, ESPN's resident advanced analytics guru, Bill Connelly, isn't among them. Though the Wolverines finished ranked No. 26 according to his SP+ rankings last year, he is optimistic that the maize and blue will rebound nicely in 2025. Connelly is a bit ahead of the curve this year, seeing Michigan eclipsing the originally set over-under of 8.5. In his writeup of teams that will rebound from tougher years in 2024, the Wolverines are among his five teams, noting that there are still questions about the offensive side of the ball, but with Bryce Underwood leading the charge, the attack should be much more complementary with an expected stellar defense. 2025 projection (as of May): 9.8 average wins, 10th (+21.5) From the Big Ten preview: "The Wolverines went unbeaten when scoring at least 24 points (national scoring average: 28.0), but they reached that mark in only six of 13 games thanks primarily to a black hole at the QB position. They ranked 91st in Total QBR and 131st -- last nationally among non-service academies -- in passing yards per game (129.1). ... Either five-star freshman Bryce Underwood or veteran transfer Mikey Keene (Fresno State) will begin the season at QB for Moore's second Michigan team, and it's probably fair to assume that Underwood will finish it there. His first spring was up-and-down, but going from the aforementioned black hole to the best high school prospect in the country is quite the leap." Seeing Michigan projected 10th overall was a bit concerning, as the offense still has loads of questions. But I'd be surprised if the Wolverines didn't have a top-10 defense, and the schedule features only one projected top-15 team, per SP+. And they won eight games and beat Ohio State and Alabama while getting almost nothing from the QB. Even if Underwood isn't ready to lead a CFP team yet, a return to 9-3 or so and occasional actual passing yardage don't seem like too much to ask. Of course, the projected top-15 team that Connelly lists is Ohio State, the final game of the regular season and the team that Michigan has beaten four-straight times. He does include Washington in his list of teams expected to rebound, so that may be a tougher-than-expected game -- especially as the Wolverines look to avenge last year's loss. One place we disagree is in the Big Ten preview section, where he says that Underwood was up-and-down. If you count solely the spring game, yes, he made some mistakes. But his 12-for-26 statline doesn't account for how accurate he was throughout much of that day. And most accounts suggest that Underwood had a stellar spring when it came to all of the 15 practices.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Motherwell goalkeeper a target for Airdrie ahead of season opener
The Diamonds are looking to strengthen between the sticks Airdrieonians are targeting the signing of Motherwell goalkeeper Matty Connelly on loan. Lanarkshire Live Sport understands the Fir Park shot-stopper, who was handed his first team debut for the Steelmen earlier this month in a 2-1 win over Peterhead in the Premier Sports Cup, is being pursued by the Diamonds ahead of Saturday's Championship opener at home to Ross County. Rhys McCabe's side are currently light in the goalkeeping department with goalie coach David Hutton named on the bench for Saturday's cup defeat to Alloa, while 20-year-old Cade Melrose started between the sticks. Hutton has been a substitute in all of the club's cup matches, with Melrose taking the gloves. So the Diamonds are keen to strengthen in that department and the answer could lie with Connelly, who played regularly on loan at East Kilbride last season on their way to the Lowland League title and promotion to League Two. Connelly - who signed a new one year deal with Motherwell last month - had been expected to return to Kilby this season, but an injury to Fir Park No.1 Aston Oxborough in pre-season meant the Steelmen held on to their youth academy product for their Premier Sports Cup games, which concluded last midweek. However, with Oxborough returning in Friday night's friendly against Hertha Berlin off the bench and second choice Calum Ward starting that game ahead of Saturday's Premiership opener with Rangers, it is understood 22-year-old Connelly could be looking to go out on loan again. Connelly recently said in an interview with Motherwell's club media: 'The loans have been absolutely pivotal. 'I've always said I'd rather go out and play instead of just being a number two or a three. The excitement of playing games is the most important thing and especially getting the experience. 'My first loan at Gretna, which was brilliant, it was only a short period I was there before I got the facial injury, it was so benefical. What a place it is, great place to start. Moving to Stranraer, that was cut short but East Kilbride was so good. 'That's where I played the majority of my games, I think I played just under 50 games there last year. I've been there twice and had the chance to go back there which was a no brainer. 'Getting those games and experience is vital. It moulds you and gets you one step closer to playing first-team football here.'
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN names their biggest question marks, 'what-ifs' for Alabama football in 2025
ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly thinks the Alabama Crimson Tide have as good a chance as almost anyone to win the national championship in 2025. Connelly, a leading figure behind ESPN's popular analytics-driven SP+ rankings, recently listed potential title contenders for 2025 with his annual 'what-ifs' for each team. Alabama tied with Penn State for the fewest question marks entering the season with only two. Alabama's 'what-ifs': the quarterback position, led for the moment by junior Ty Simpson, and the defense's ability to get after the quarterback. To the former, coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb named Simpson the frontrunner as spring practice wrapped up in April following Alabama's annual A-Day event. The concern for Simpson is obvious, mainly his lack of experience. In parts of three seasons, he's 29-of-50 for 381 yards through the air while rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Most of that was in mop-up duty with the exception of Alabama's ugly 17-3 win at South Florida in September 2023. Simpson's next college start will be his first, but Connelly contends that Simpson may not necessarily need to be elite in order to succeed. Think of Jake Coker, who led Alabama to the national championship in 2015. Connelly said: "Honestly, after Jalen Milroe's negative-play troubles in 2024 (11 interceptions, 9 fumbles, 23 sacks), there's a path for Simpson to succeed by simply making sure the team in crimson controls the ball. He'll have strong weapons to whom he can distribute the ball -- Ryan Williams, slot man Germie Bernard, Miami transfer Isaiah Horton, young former star recruits such as Jaylen Mbakwe, Jalen Hale and Cole Adams -- and lord knows he has waited for this opportunity. If he can't deliver early, sophomore Austin Mack or freshman Keelon Russell (the No. 2 player in the 2025 class) could step in. One way or another, solid quarterbacking could take Bama far." The concern for Alabama's pass rush stems from the defense registering just 25 sacks all of last year. Nearly one-third of those came in two games: the Crimson Tide's Week 2 win over South Florida and their 27-25 victory over South Carolina on Oct. 12. Alabama racked up four sacks in each of those games. Moreover, the Tide's sack leaders from a year ago, linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Que Robinson, both departed for the NFL. Per Connelly: "(T)he pass rush really was a liability at times, and the only two players with more than 2.5 sacks last season are gone. Outside linebackers Jah-Marien Latham and Qua Russaw look the part but had just one sack each. One way or another, the pressure needs to improve." Apart from Russaw, two players that pressure should come from are inside threats like Tim Keenan III (40 tackles, 2.5 sacks in 2025) and LT Overton (42 tackles, 2.0 sacks). DeBoer was asked at SEC media days earlier this month who stood out as pass rushers heading into the season. "I think guys like LT Overton jump out with me," he said. "LT was there a lot last year. Those are the next steps you want to take. Not just he, but a lot of guys finishing the plays. LT has it in him, the seal set. He has those instincts. Continues to hone in on taking it to the next level. "Qua Russaw is another guy," DeBoer continued. "Some underclassmen are coming up that are doing a nice job, too. Looking forward to the progress they've made physically to be able to put themselves in a chance to let their work happen on the football field on Saturdays." Alabama football schedule 2025 Alabama will open the season against Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ABC. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Motherwell's young keeper says patience has paid off as he grabs chance
Motherwell goalkeeper Matty Connelly says patience has paid off at Fir Park, and intends to grab his chance with both hands. The 22-year-old was heading back on loan to League Two newcomers East Kilbride on loan, but an injury to first-choice Motherwell shot-stopper Aston Oxborough suddenly opened up some possibilities. After Callum Ward sold a goal in the 2-2 draw at Clyde in Motherwell's Premier Sports Cup opener, Connelly was given the nodd for a 2-1 win over Peterhead on Tuesday and a 1-0 triumph at Stenhousemuir yesterday. Connelly, who wasn't really tested at Ochilview, said: 'I've been patiently waiting for my chance. I thought I did all right on my debut, and to get the chance to play again on Saturday, I could myself really lucky. 'I'm thankful to the gaffer for giving me the chance. 'I think it's a good base to make your debut, and when you're the team that's expected to win, it's just following that through. ''I was buzzing. It was a really calm game for me, no shots on goal, just kind of playing it out the back and stuff like that. 'The boys in front of me did brilliantly.' READ MORE: Motherwell boss: 'Our cup fate was always in our own hands, despite sticky start' READ MORE: Stenhousemuir 0, Motherwell 1: O'Donnell strike keeps Well cup hopes alive Connelly and Co can win Group D with a win over second-placed Morton on Tuesday, though they will be waiting on the Greenock club's final game at home to Clyde on Saturday. The young shot-stopper said: 'We're in a good position to qualify from the group, but Tuesday's another challenge and we'll try to get another three points and top the group. 'That's our last game, so we want the win.' Connelly has been at East Kilbride on loan for the last couple of years and played a major role last season as they won the Lowland League and the pyramid play-off against Bonnyrigg Rose. And he said: 'East Kilbride have been brilliant, the coaches – Mick Kennedy, Si Ferry, Blair Munn, Zander Cowie the goalie coach – have all been brilliant with me. 'I went back there twice and enjoyed it the first time, and set out to get promoted, and thankfully they did that. 'I would go back out there if needed. The plan when I came back in this summer was to go back out on loan, then I got the chance here to play games. 'But I'll see what happens, I do what I'm told!'
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN reveals Texas A&M's 3 biggest 'ifs' ahead of the 2025 season
Texas A&M's 2025 season will continue to be met with a host of questions, and thanks to ESPN writer Bill Connelly, the three biggest "ifs" regarding the Aggies' potential success this fall have been addressed. Most of the questions are recognizable based on the content we at Aggies Wire have put out during the offseason, especially quarterback Marcel Reed's improvement as a passer, aided by a revamped wide receiver room. This concern is one of the "ifs", while Texas A&M's new defensive line, following the departures of Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton, is the second most significant question after head coach Mike Elko added four defensive linemen from the transfer portal, led by former Iowa State DL Tyler Odyedim. During SEC media days, Elko was seldom asked about the Aggies' secondary, which needs to improve in terms of preventing big plays and perform much better on the road. This was the final question Connelly addressed in the article. Credit to Connelly for focusing on the core issues that will make or break the Aggies in 2025 instead of discussing the Lone Star Rivalry, which is four months away. Here are Bill Connelly's three "ifs" for Texas A&M during the 2025 season: Will Texas A&M's passing game find more pop? (Connelly's words) "There's a lot to like about this A&M team. Quarterback Marcel Reed returns after producing the best QBR of any freshman in the SEC -- that's right, it wasn't LaNorris Sellers or DJ Lagway. Reed was solid in terms of both run and pass, but the Aggies' passing game wasn't very explosive. And now last season's top five pass targets are gone. Can transfers such as KC Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and young former blue-chippers including Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman provide the pop the Aggies lacked?" Yes, Marcel Reed's 75.4 QBR was the best for any freshman signal caller in the SEC last season, and while KC Concepcion and Mario Craver may take time to adjust to the scheme, Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and Izaiah Williams are on the right track to providing more speed to an offense that lacked notable juice throught the air last season. Will Texas A&M's new pass rush perform better than last season? "A&M ranked 19th in defensive SP+ last season -- strangely, it was the sixth time in seven years that the Aggies ranked between 16th and 21st. They defended the pass well, but they could have done it even better if they hadn't ranked 85th in sack rate. Pairing transfer pass rushers such as Dayon Hayes(Colorado) and T.J. Searcy (Florida) with returning starter Cashius Howell and, perhaps, youngsters like Rylan Kennedy and Solomon Williams could produce a strong pass rush tandem. The secondary is going to be awesome regardless, but a little more harassment up front could go a long way." This is an interesting point, noting that statistics speak loudly regarding Texas A&M's defensive lapses during the tail end of the 2024 season, which failed to produce enough pressure up front even with Stewart, Scourton, and Turner in the starting lineup. Agreeing with Connelly, Texas A&M's cornerback and safety rotation may not be considered the best in the SEC with what Alabama and Texas are returning, but it should be solid. If the new pass rush produces consistently, the Aggie defense will be highly formidable with Elko now calling plays. Will Texas A&M's secondary allow fewer big plays? "A&M ranked fourth nationally in completion rate allowed (53.3%) and 19th in interception rate (3.7%). This was an aggressive secondary, and it returns both a dynamite cornerback duo (Dezz Ricks and Will Lee III) and a pair of safeties (Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe) who are unafraid of attacking both the ball and the line of scrimmage. The arrival of Washington nickel back Jordan Shaw is exciting, too. But when opponents landed a punch, it was a haymaker. A better pass rush would tamp down on breakdowns, but if experience means A&M's secondary is even better in the risk-versus-reward department, this could be the best pass defense in the country." Connelly's praise for Texas A&M's secondary is somewhat surprising, especially for someone like me who covers the program professionally, but I understand it. Cornerbacks Will Lee III and Julian Humphrey, who Connelly confusingly did not mention, are slated to be one of the better boundary duos in the country, while former five-star Dezz Ricks and senior cornerback Tyreek Chappell will likely lead the starting unit. Former Washington cornerback Jordan Shaw has also received praise this offseason from the coaching staff and Lee, making the starting nickel spot between him and Chappell an interesting storyline this fall. At safety, Dalton Brooks is an elite athlete who needs to refine some technical aspects of his game, while Bryce Anderson and March Ratcliffe are equally athletic but also need to take the next step in their development. Working under new defensive assistant Lyle Hemphill is an underrated and underreported aspect of the secondary's likely improvement, as the former James Madison defensive coordinator was brought in to clean up the remaining issues that plagued this group last season. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
