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Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Blankenship travels from the beach to cheer on the Pilots
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — LSU-Shreveport head basketball coach Kyle Blankenship might be the baseball team's biggest fan. The Pilot baseball team is fresh off an unbeaten National Championship season. Blankenship started the World Series in Florida, on vacation with his family. He jumped on a plane and flew across the country to Lewiston, Idaho to support his friend and colleague Brad Neffendorf and the Pilots as they won the National Title. Perfect season, 1st national championship for undeafeated LSU Shreveport At the National Championship celebration, Neffendorf spoke fondly on his relationship with his basketball counterpart. 'I think ever since I've gotten here our families have hit it off,' said Neffendorf. We're in full support of each others programs, our guys go to every one of his games and his guys come out and watch ours.' In Neffendorf's tenure at LSUS, the Pilots are 3-0 in Lewiston with Blankenship in attendance. 'Kyle brought to my attention today, he's undefeated in Lewiston,' said Neffendorf. 'As far as I'm concerned he's got to be with us with a special assignment or assistant coach it doesn't matter.' Shreveport celebrates LSUS perfect ending, historic season Upon returning to Florida and rejoining his family on vacation, Blankenship posted a video to social media congratulating the baseball team on an historic season. 'Well I'm not in Idaho anymore but the flags are still flying purple and gold here in Florida baby' said Blankenship while showing the beach's yellow and purple flags for the gulf's water conditions. 'Congrats to LSUS Baseball on your history making, record setting 59-0 NAIA World Series National Championship. Let's go Pilots.' Blankenship traveled over 5,000 miles to essentially be in two places at once. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Patriots 7-round 2025 mock draft: Fixing the offensive line and helping the pass rush
It's finally NFL Draft week. We're just a few days away from the New England Patriots being on the clock with the No. 4 pick and staring down the biggest decision of Mike Vrabel's young tenure as head coach. We all know the best-case scenario, which involves either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falling to the Pats. But assuming that doesn't happen, let's offer our final mock draft for all nine Patriots picks, along with a summary of each player from Dane Brugler and 'The Beast.' Let's begin. Advertisement I've tried to pick someone different at No. 4 in each mock draft this offseason. And I saved Campbell for last because it seems the most likely outcome. By now, you know the drawbacks. So let's concentrate on the positives. Campbell was the best left tackle in arguably the best conference in college football, consistently going up against the nation's best edge rushers. He may eventually be a guard in the NFL, but he's a safe pick with a high floor who can help bring stability to a Patriots O-line that needs it. Brugler: Campbell's mediocre arm length lessens his margin for error, but his athletic movements, core strength and competitive finish help him stay connected through the whistle, regardless of the block required. His skill set is reminiscent of a more powerful version of Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, although some NFL teams project him best as an interior blocker. If the Pats, as we expect, go with an offensive lineman in the first round, this pick becomes really interesting. Do they go wide receiver because they need more than Stefon Diggs to boost that room? Or do they pursue help in getting after the passer despite their free-agent spending spree? Here, we go back to what Vrabel has wanted from the beginning — to build from the trenches. Tuimoloau was a highly-touted recruit out of high school and now projects as a solid, safe starter in the NFL. I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run. Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025 Brugler: Tuimoloau's college tape is more good than exceptional, but he is competitive, skilled and doesn't have major deficiencies that would keep him from being a dependable edge presence in the NFL. He is one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in the class. The Pats seem confident that they can get Ja'Lynn Polk's career back on the right track, so wide receiver may not be as big of a need as I thought earlier this offseason. Bech started his career at LSU and led the team (one that included Kayshon Boutte) in receptions as a freshman. But his playing time dipped after that, and he transferred to TCU, where he totaled 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's 6-foot-1 and has a chance to become the true outside receiver the Patriots are looking for. Brugler: Bech's acceleration is more build-up than immediate, and he will need to prove himself versus NFL press coverage, but he is urgent as a route runner with the ball-winning skills and competitive personality that will play. He has experience both inside and outside, and his play style is reminiscent of Puka Nacua. Mbow started 18 games at offensive tackle in the Big Ten the last two seasons, but a lack of length (32-inch arms and an 80-inch wingspan) will probably force a move to guard in the NFL. He's a bit undersized at 302 pounds, but the Patriots could use help on the offensive line even if they use the No. 4 pick on their front five. Mbow could immediately compete for the starting left guard job. Brugler: Mbow needs to continue developing his play strength and consistency through contact, but his athletic body control and skilled hands are the foundation of a player who will compete for NFL starting snaps, be it at tackle or inside at guard or center. His play style and potential are reminiscent of Zach Tom. I'll be shocked if the Patriots don't leave this draft with a speedy running back. And Giddens checks that box after running a 4.43-second 40. He went from a no-star recruit to a starting running back in college, where he averaged 103 rushing yards over his 25 starts. He showed some promise catching the ball out of the backfield (58 receptions), which the Pats could use behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Brugler: Giddens is a narrow, upright runner and doesn't have a grind-it-out mentality, but his gliding quickness and innate balance help him create. He projects best in an NFL scheme with a play caller who can get him into space as part of a committee. The Patriots need a run stuffer on the defensive line because, for as good as Christian Barmore and Milton Williams are, they're both much better against the pass. Horsley could be a replacement for Davon Godchaux. Plus, it ties into Vrabel's connection with Bill O'Brien at BC. Brugler: Horsley plays with the size and power to reset the line of scrimmage when he stays leveraged, making it difficult for run blockers to do their job. He has the talent to be a rotational nose for a long time in the NFL. Hill has a chance to be one of the steals of Day 3. He returned to college after a stellar 2023 season, even though he might've been a Day 2 pick had he declared for the draft. Last season, he suffered a foot injury early on and tried to play through it. His performance suffered. But perhaps with health, he can return to the high-end corner he was two years ago. Brugler: Hill is a good-sized man corner with the competitiveness and athleticism to push for early playing time in the NFL. Drafting him will require a leap of faith that he'll return to his 2023 form, but it won't be surprising if he outplays his draft spot. Advertisement One flaw of this mock draft is not picking a tight end earlier to develop behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. But such is life with a plethora of needs. Lachey is a good athlete from a school that produces good tight ends. He played in a bad passing offense, so his stats aren't great (231 receiving yards last season). Brugler: Lachey doesn't have any dynamic elements in his game, but he catches the ball cleanly and is willing to do the dirty work in the run game. His competitive wiring will help him compete for a backup role in the NFL. The Patriots need another kicker for their looming competition, and Loop has familiarity with Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who coached him at Arizona when Loop was a freshman (though he was the team's punter then). Last season, he made 18 of 23 field goal tries with a long of 62 yards. (Photo of Will Campbell: Kim Klement / USA Today)
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tyrone Taylor's RBI triple
Houston and Florida will vie for a National Championship The Final Four have been cut to two. The Houston Cougars will take on the Florida Gators in the National Title game on and Florida will vie for a National Championship originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston 1:05 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Bears mock draft mailbag: Plenty of ways for Ryan Poles to go at No. 10
The Chicago Bears don't have that one glaring need. General manager Ryan Poles can go in one of several directions at No. 10, which then affects the options at Nos. 39 and 41. That makes the fruitless exercise of mock drafts even more difficult as far as actually trying to predict it, but it adds to the fun of creating a bunch of different scenarios, which you all did in this year's mock draft mailbag. Advertisement Below are seven submissions and a few thoughts on each one. There were a couple of subscribers who suggested a trade up for Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter — anything is possible — but otherwise, a majority of the mocks had the Bears standing pat at No. 10 or trading back. 1.10 Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State 2.39 Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss 2.41 JT Tuimoloau, edge, Ohio State 3.72 Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State 5.148 Maxen Hook, S, Toledo 7.233 Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon 7.240 Jailin Walker, LB, Indiana Three mocks had Warren going to the Bears in Round 1, and it would be the highest the franchise selected a tight end since Mike Ditka at No. 5 in 1961. It's hard not to imagine what the passing game could look like with Warren, but is tight end a luxury pick for a team with other needs? I like the Nolen pick if he's there at No. 39. He had 6 1/2 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season, so the production is there. I'm curious how Poles is viewing defensive tackle after adding Grady Jarrett alongside Gervon Dexter. Over the final two weeks before the draft, Tuimoloau will be a popular mock for the Bears. He's 43rd in Dane Brugler's rankings. He has good size, and Brugler writes that Tuimoloau 'is one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in the draft.' I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run. Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025 How much would Chicago love Skattebo? He certainly has the physicality to complement D'Andre Swift. Hook would've been an easy choice had Matt Eberflus still been here with the Toledo connection, plus Hook's profile aligning with 'H.I.T.S.' and he can still fit with this defense, especially on special teams. I like that this draft touched on all the positions of need. Advertisement 1.10 Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (I hope and pray he's there; future HOF and Payton Award winner) 2.39 Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan 2.41 Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State 3.72 Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue 5.150 Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State (trade back for additional '25 pick) 7.231 Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State (Poles loves late-round tackles) 7.233 Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Georgia (huge guy, high RAS, fits DC's size preferences) 7.240 Tyler Batty, edge, BYU (another long-frame guy for the DC) I appreciate Eric's footnotes, and his obsession with the trenches — after the first pick, of course. There was a lot of chatter about Jeanty in the mailbag but not many mocks that actually went with him. I imagine, for those of you who used mock draft simulators, that he didn't always get to No. 10. It could also speak to some debate among fans about whether or not he should be the pick if he's there. It would be great to see the conversation at Halas Hall between coach Ben Johnson, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy and the rest of the staff about Jeanty if the Bears are in position to take him at No. 10. The last RB drafted in the first-round with 800+ career offensive touches in college was 17 years ago (Darren McFadden). Ashton Jeanty is currently at 797 career offensive touches. A lot of mileage, but he's proven to be durable. — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 7, 2024 Eric then goes all in on the lines with seven linemen, getting an extra pick with a trade back in the fifth round. I like the seventh-round flyer on Ingram-Dawkins, though Brugler has a fourth-round grade on him. Maybe he'd be a good option for Day 3, as Brugler writes, 'Ingram-Dawkins doesn't have a strong body of work, but if you grade to the flashes and trust the size and athletic traits, it is easy to be excited about his pro potential.' The question Eric will face from reporters after this draft, of course, is if he has any concerns about depth at positions like safety, linebacker and tight end. But that would go for many of the mock drafters, as one thing became clear — it's tough to address those spots with the early three picks. 1.10 Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M 2.39 Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo 2.41 Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa 3.72 Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary 5.148 Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland 7.233 Esa Pole, OT, Washington State 7.240 Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa For all the time we spend talking about Warren, Jeanty and LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, a defense-defense start to the draft is certainly possible, and in Stewart and Alexander, Shawn is picking two of the stars of the Senior Bowl. The Halas Hall conversations about Stewart could be fascinating. He has the size, length, speed and strength that automatically fits with what Allen should want. When they watch the film, what do they see when it comes to the lack of production? The fewer questions the better with a top-10 pick, but Stewart's tools are undeniable. Watch the get-off and burst from Shemar Stewart to capture the corner and flatten to the QB. The man in 280 pounds. To quote him after the play: "Don't f-ing play with me! I'm like that!" — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 29, 2025 Johnson makes a lot of sense in Round 2 to be the starting running back. Writes Brugler, 'His play style is reminiscent of DeMarco Murray with a three-down skill set to thrive in a zone-based NFL scheme.' If the Bears drafted Grant, that would be back-to-back years taking a tackle from an FCS school. Shawn might be an Iowa guy with two Hawkeyes in the draft. Lachey didn't have much production in a poor Hawkeyes passing game, but he has good size and, per Brugler, 'competitive wiring.' Advertisement As for Pole, the seventh-round tackle, I highly recommend this piece by colleague Nick Baumgardner. 1.10 Armand Membou, OT, Missouri 2.39 JT Tuimoloau, edge, Ohio State 2.41 Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa 3.72. Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas 5.148 Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois 7.233 Yahya Black, DT, Iowa 7.240 Ja'Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville I wanted to be sure to include a mock draft that had Membou, whose combine was off the charts. If there's one trend we've seen from Poles during his time as GM, it is that he likes athletes and Membou checks that box. He also becomes either a Day 1 starting left tackle, a left tackle of the future, or maybe a guard of the future. Armand Membou is a OT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.90 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 16 out of 1508 OT from 1987 to — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 10, 2025 Johnson appears to be another Bears fan favorite, especially those who watched him run over Big Ten competition. Another reason for this mock's inclusion is the pick of Mukuba in Round 3. Writes Brugler, 'Mukuba's lack of size will be more noticeable against NFL competition, both in coverage and run support, but he brings energy, instincts and play speed to the secondary. He has the mentality and talent to compete for a starting role at free safety.' The Bears need a safety, certainly for 2026, and at a minimum, he can be a special teams contributor this year. Jack might be another Iowa fan with the Black selection in Round 7, and possibly a Midwest guy, considering the rest of the draft. Bryant had a sensational year at Illinois and has the possession skills to complement the current group of receivers. 1.10 Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia 2.39 Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC 2.41 Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon 3.72 Oluwafemi Oladejo, edge, UCLA 5.148 Nohl Williams, CB, California 7.233 Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State 7.240 LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado What if Brugler's fifth-rated prospect overall is available at No. 10? Walker might not have 'elite size,' as Brugler writes, but there are not as many questions about his production. He led Georgia with 34 pressures last season 'despite ranking seventh on the team in pass-rush snaps.' Someone like Walker would give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a lot of flexibility with his pass-rush plans. Georgia LB Jalon Walker didn't have a sack in the box score, but he lived in the Kentucky backfield (8 pressures). Downhill burst + flexible bend + power in his hands — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 17, 2024 Hampton was my 39th pick in mock draft 2.0, and he's reportedly visiting Halas Hall this week. Will he get to the second round? His work as a pass catcher helps set him apart — 38 catches for 373 yards last season. Conerly was one of the Senior Bowl standouts, and if the Bears feel good about Braxton Jones, a second-rounder used on the offensive line may make more sense. Oladejo also had a strong showing in Mobile, but I might've preferred an interior defensive lineman or linebacker at that spot in Round 3. Advertisement After the Bears extended Kyler Gordon's contract, it might make sense to draft a corner to reset the clock a bit opposite Jaylon Johnson. Williams had seven interceptions last season. 1.12 (trade No. 10 to Dallas for Nos. 12 and 76) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas 2.41 Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan 2.43 (trade Nos. 39 and 240 to San Francisco for Nos. 43 and 100) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State 3.72 Princely Umanmielen, edge, Ole Miss 3.76 (from Dallas) Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State 4.100 (from 49ers) Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon 5.148 Garrett Dellinger, G, LSU 7.233 Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State We'll finish with a couple of mocks that include trades. The Bears should probably hope that quarterback Shedeur Sanders slips, or a team — in this case, the Cowboys, presumably — gets jittery for Jeanty. But I also am curious about Banks and where he ultimately goes. In the fall and early winter, he was a common mock selection for the Bears. Brugler has him as his second-ranked guard and 26th overall. 'Banks doesn't have ideal length and needs to improve his sustain tactics to be a consistent finisher against NFL talent,' Brugler writes, 'but he has controlled footwork and depth in his pass sets, plus the fundamental know-how to fit and leverage blocks and keep defenders occupied.' If the Bears can't get Mason Graham, why not Grant, who was selected in three of the mailbag mocks? Brugler refers to Grant as 'a dominant run presence.' He could be a nice heir apparent to Andrew Billings. Could the Bears take another safety from Penn State? What if Winston takes over for Jaquan Brisker down the line? Brugler writes that 'rust should be expected during his rookie season,' which is fine because he wouldn't need to start. Johnson is one of those guys who a lot of fans will be curious to see how his game translates to the NFL. His size is a major question mark, but his speed is something you cannot teach. 1.18 (Seahawks trade No. 18, No. 52 and No. 172 for No. 10) Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State 1.24 (Bears trade Nos. 39 and 72 to Vikings for No. 24) Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina 2.41 Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge, Boston College 2.52 (from Seattle) Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame 4.119 (Bears trade Nos. 148, 233 and 2026 sixth-rounder to Bengals for No. 119) Mason Taylor, TE, LSU 5.152 (from Arizona) Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State 5.172 (from Seattle) Beaux Collins, WR, Notre Dame 7.240 Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia Several of you mocked trades, and regardless of the viability of this particular mock, I did want to reward Jake for his creativity. While I'm still not sure where the 152nd pick came from (how it got from Arizona to Chicago), I'll leave it in and you can explain in the comments. Advertisement Simmons is a fascinating prospect. Without the knee injury, he'd probably be a player we talked about a lot for the Bears at No. 10. But at No. 18, in a situation where he doesn't have to start right away? That's intriguing. 'Simmons is a nimble, coordinated pass protector with tremendous athletic poise and the body control to be a long-term starting left tackle in the NFL.' Nothing wrong with that, but 'his pro projection hinges on medical feedback.' This might be the best way for the Bears to get Hampton, if the pre-draft hype about him is real. Ezeiruaku is another player who caught my eye at the Senior Bowl and would be a nice fit. The Bears could use another Notre Dame product (he writes, mockingly). Watts had 13 interceptions in the past two seasons. The aggressive move up into Round 4 for Taylor addresses a need at tight end without giving up a ton as far as premium resources go. Brugler does have Taylor as the 33rd-ranked player, so it might take a lot more to get him, but I'm curious to see if Poles can sit tight in that gap from No. 72 to 148. Last year, he moved up for Austin Booker. Whether it's a tight end, safety or linebacker, he might want to do it again this year. Our final Bears mock draft comes out next week, and then the fun begins Thursday night, when we see how close any of us get to what Poles, Johnson and the Bears decide to do. (Photo of Jalon Walker: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
USA Today
30-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Scrappy USC wins without JuJu but needs more to beat UConn, Paige Bueckers in Elite Eight
Scrappy USC wins without JuJu but needs more to beat UConn, Paige Bueckers in Elite Eight Show Caption Hide Caption USC's JuJu Watkins injury puts her out for the remainder of tournament USA TODAY's Meghan Hall breaks down JuJu Watkins injury, and what this means for the Trojans and the National Title chances. Sports Seriously SPOKANE, Washington — A team has two choices when it loses a player the magnitude of JuJu Watkins: come apart or come together. For USC, it's the latter. At least for now. The Trojans gutted out a win in their first game without the presumptive player of the year, scrapping for buckets, not giving an inch to Kansas State and making free throws down the stretch. Kennedy Smith (19 points) and Avery Howell (18 points) both tied their season highs, and Kiki Iriafen snagged a critical rebound with 32 seconds left to secure the 67-61 win for the No. 1-seeded Trojans. When the final buzzer sounded, USC players threw their arms in the air as if they'd won the biggest game of the season. Which, in many ways, this was. Watkins, the current face of women's basketball, blew out her knee during USC's second-round game against Mississippi State on Monday. It sucked the life out of the tournament and was a devastating blow for the Trojans, psychologically and from a stats perspective. Watkins led USC in points (23.9) and minutes played (33.9), was tied for first in assists (3.4) and was third in rebounds (6.8). But the Trojans weren't going to go without a fight. When they left the team hotel for Saturday's game, every player was wearing a T-shirt with Watkins' face and signature bun on it. "We got her back,' coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. "We know her imprints are all over this program and we are going to channel her energy today and fight for USC." It gets harder from here, however. USC now plays UConn in what was originally billed as "Paige vs. JuJu,' a matchup of the two most exciting and charismatic players in the women's game. Instead, it will be up to Watkins' teammates to try and derail Paige Bueckers and the Huskies. "It wouldn't surprise me if Southern California wins the national championship and shows the character that those kids have,' UConn coach Geno Auriemma said.
