Latest news with #Tigers'
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Can Clemson reach CFP title game? Joel Klatt makes bold prediction on Tigers 2025 season
Fox Sports lead analyst Joel Klatt is another prominent college football voice who's high on the Clemson Tigers entering the 2025 season. Klatt, who had Clemson at No. 5 in his post-spring top 25 rankings in May and named Cade Klubnik the top quarterback in the nation entering 2025, offered fresh praise for the Tigers and coach Dabo Swinney on Monday. In a "College Football Stock Watch" segment on his popular video podcast, "The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast," Klatt called Clemson the No. 1 team he was buying stock in heading into the new season. Klatt explained why he's so high on the Tigers with only six Saturdays remaining until the season begins. 'Clemson is just really, really good,' Klatt says of Tigers "Clemson is just really, really good. I think they're going to have an outstanding year," Klatt reiterated Monday. "They finished with 10 (wins) last year, snuck into the playoffs. They beat SMU in that championship game, gave Texas everything they could handle. Dabo seems to have, like, this confidence back." "They bring back 16 starters from last year's group," Klatt continued. "Klubnik is back. Third season as a starter, third season with his offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley. Four returning starters on the offensive line. They're going to be seniors. I think the real question is running back. Gideon Davidson is a guy that's a top five running back. He will be a true freshman. I think he could have an impact for them." Klatt shifted to the Tigers' defense and highlighted first-year defensive coordinator Tom Allen. "Defense: loaded. Going to be one of the best defenses in the entire country," Klatt said. "New defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, he's in at DC after coming in from Penn State. They've got T.J. Parker, they've got Peter Woods, they've got Avieon Terrell at corner, Sammy Brown (at linebacker)." Klatt believes 'loaded' Clemson could reach CFP title game Klatt said that he was "toying" with the idea of naming Clemson a preseason pick to reach the national championship game in Miami. "This is a team that will, for sure, be in the playoff and I think could make a deep run. I'll be pretty surprised if this is not a team in the (CFP) semifinals. And you know what? I'm toying around with, in my bracket, putting them as a team playing for the national championship. We'll just see who they play. I think Clemson is going to be incredible and again, trending upward from last season." Klatt shares the belief held by many that the Tigers' schedule sets up nicely and that their toughest games come at the beginning and end of the regular season. "This team is going to be loaded, and it's not a very difficult schedule. You could make a strong argument that their two most difficult games are non-conference games. They're going to have LSU in the opener, and they're going to have South Carolina (Nov. 29). I think both of those are tougher than any game they have on the rest of their schedule. "In the ACC, they don't play Miami. They get SMU at home. They have road games at Georgia Tech and Louisville, so I think the toughest games are ... LSU, that's at home, Georgia Tech that's on the road, SMU at home, at Louisville, and then at South Carolina. Klatt names North Carolina, Bill Belichick as 2025 college football 'buy' Klatt's segment, featuring five teams he was buying and five he was selling for 2025, included the North Carolina Tar Heels, who Clemson will visit on Oct. 4 in Chapel Hill. While he admits to waffling a bit on UNC, Klatt said there were two reasons he ultimately decided to buy in on the Tar Heels and first-year coach Bill Belichick: "trust and schedule." "My (final) buy is North Carolina because I trust their coach, and they play a really favorable schedule," Klatt said before adding, "This team has a lot of transfers and it's really difficult to project what this roster is going to do. So again, this is more of a bet on Bill Belichick. "I don't think Bill Belichick cares what all the noise is this offseason. I really don't... I think he cares about getting this roster, the team, the players, to believe that they can go out there and just do their job. If you do that, in that conference against that schedule, I don't think anyone is running away from them. So there's a good chance that this is a team that's going to be in a lot of games that they play." Klatt praised UNC transfer quarterback Gio Lopez from South Alabama. "Bill, along with guys like Nick Saban, will talk a lot about the fact that more games are lost in college football than won," Klatt said. "So it's not that you've got to go out there and be better than everybody. It's just that you've got to go out there and not beat yourself. You've got to be better than you. He understands that and in a lot of ways, that was The Patriot Way: don't make mistakes, be methodical. "That's my reason for optimism, I think he can convince this roster to do that and if he does, they will be in and probably win a lot more games than you anticipate this next season." Clemson football schedule 2025 Clemson opens the 2025 season against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium in prime time on Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ABC. All times Eastern. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Could Tigers $66 Million Reunion With Hottest Hitter In Baseball Be In Cards?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Detroit Tigers are one of the best teams in baseball, but they still need to add on at the trade deadline. ESPN's Jeff Passan recently called the Tigers one of the best fits in a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez. Suárez began his career with the Tigers in 2014. "Suárez is in a contract year and playing like one of the best players in baseball. Only Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge have more home runs than his 35," Passan wrote. "Despite turning 34 years old before the trade deadline, Suárez is sitting near career highs in isolated power and wRC+ (which measures overall offensive performance). His fielding metrics have declined in recent years, but he's still an acceptable defender at third base. "Even if the Diamondbacks don't offload all their free agents-to-be, Suárez could be moved because they've got Jordan Lawlar raking in Triple-A and primed to take over at third." PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Eugenio Suarez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Chase Field on July 20,... PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Eugenio Suarez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Chase Field on July 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. MoreSuárez has been the hottest hitter in baseball since the All-Star break. A few days before the All-Star break, the slugger clubbed two home runs against the Los Angeles Angels. Shortly after the All-Star break, Suárez hammered two home runs in back-to-back games, bringing his season total to 35. The Tigers' biggest roster hole is at third base. Adding Suárez, who's on an affordable, expiring contract, to play the position would be a huge boost for the lineup. Detroit has the prospect capital to outbid the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and other contending teams in a potential bidding war. The Tigers' farm system is as talented and deep as any unit in the league. This fit is going to come down to how aggressive the Tigers' front office wants to be at the deadline. If they're willing to go all in, Suárez could be headed back to the team he began his career with. More MLB: Shocking Deadline Deal? MLB Insider Links Phillies To All-Star Outfielder
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three breakout stars LSU football needs to win a national championship in 2025
LSU football's offense has the talent to be a national championship-level unit in 2025. The Tigers return veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, signed the top-ranked transfer portal class, and return young pieces waiting to break out. LSU's offense fell short of expectations in 2024. A step back was expected after losing Heisman Trophy QB Jayden Daniels, but LSU's run game disappeared at times, and the Tigers' downfield passing attack was dormant for much of the year. Nussmeier worked the short and intermediate areas, but LSU wasn't taking the top off defenses. The last three games of 2024 were a different story. It started to click for Nussmeier and crew. That's the version of the offense LSU hopes to see all year in 2025. For that to happen, LSU is counting on a few players to break out. Today, we'll look at three returning Tigers LSU needs to emerge for the offense to play at a championship level. Tight end Trey'Dez Green Tight end Trey'Dez Green turned heads when he arrived at LSU. Standing at 6-foot-7 with freakish athleticism, Green was a five-star recruit in the class of 2024. Green didn't see much action in the first half of the season, but worked his way into the rotation in October. Green earned a target here and there, but didn't emerge until the bowl game, when LSU's starting tight end Mason Taylor opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Green caught six passes for 53 yards and two scores. The yardage total wasn't guady, but Nussmeier turned to Green in key moments, including two fourth-down conversions. Entering 2025, Green has star potential. Nobody questions Green's ability as a pass catcher, but the blocking needs to progress. LSU wants Green to be a complete tight end -- not just a big wide receiver. Tight ends that are blocking threats draw favorable looks in the passing game since defenses use bigger personnel to defend the run. "As you know, he came on as a true freshman last year, showed his ability clearly, especially in the red zone. We want him to be an every-down tight end. So that means you've got to block in line. You've got to be physical. Because I think we've already seen his gifts as a wide receiving tight end," Brian Kelly said at SEC media days. If Green figures it out, LSU will have one of the SEC's best tight ends. Given the threats LSU has at receiver on the outside, a dynamic threat would open up the entire field. "But now it's maybe some of the dirty work, if you will, where he's got to get his hand in the dirt and get after some people at the line of scrimmage. And he's done a great job. I mean, physically, he's more developed," Kelly said. Left tackle Tyree Adams This one goes without saying. Tyree Adams is tasked with replacing Will Campbell, one of the best tackles in LSU history. Campbell was a three-year starter for the Tigers before the Patriots selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. LSU turned to the transfer portal for offensive line help, but the Tigers' two additions, Josh Thompson and Braelin Moore, are expected to play on the interior. That's telling of the confidence LSU has in Adams at left tackle. Adams was a blue-chip recruit in the class of 2023 but didn't see real action as a freshman. He dealt with an injury in 2024 but was given a chance as LSU dealt with injuries at the left guard position. Adams struggled -- just as any offensive lineman playing his first SEC football snaps would. Campbell opted out of the bowl game, leaving Adams to work as LSU's starting left tackle throughout bowl practice. Adams showed progress in the bowl win. He looked fluid as a pass blocker, but run-blocking struggles persisted. Adams didn't waste time claiming LSU's left tackle job in spring practice, and there didn't seem to be much doubt about it. That speaks to the improvement LSU expects to see from its talented tackle this fall. Guard/Center DJ Chester Chester is the lone returning starter from LSU's 2024 offensive line, but he'll likely play a different position. Chester started at center last fall, but with Moore's arrival, Chester will play guard. Chester struggled as a redshirt freshman, but things started to click late in the year. Chester played his best football vs. Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in LSU's final two games of the regular season. Now, LSU hopes a move to guard can lead to a more consistent version of Chester all year. LSU's offensive line is the one question mark on this offense. Nussmeier is a Heisman contender at QB, the wide receiving core is among the SEC's most talented, and Caden Durham leads a dynamic group of running backs. The difference between LSU's offense being good and great could be the offensive line. If Adams and Chester take another step, LSU's offense should meet expectations in 2025.
American Press
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- American Press
Scooter Hobbs column: Message behind coach's one-liners
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz gets it. I always suspected that, rare in his fraternity, he seems to have a life away from the film room. Maybe even a handful of outside interests. Drinkwitz tried to stay serious Thursday, but there's a flippant side to him that he can't hide. He opened his monologue by warning that he wasn't going to answer questions about 'the Epstein files, the Radiation Belt (or) whether or not it was possible for Lee Harvey Oswald to get three shots off in seven seconds.' Then he wandered off — shades of Les Miles' hey day — into a recap of a recent family vacation at Disney World, where the wife and the oldest of his four daughters conquered the challenging Guardians of the Galaxy ride. 'There is an epic picture of them after that ride where my wife is just like, holy cow, and my daughter looks like … she'd just been arrested. So it was worth it.' That, apparently, was just an excuse to remind everyone that 'Walt Disney was born in Marceline, Missouri.' Followed by, 'Y'all (media) remind me a little bit of Disney World: tired, ready to go home, tired of coaches whining up here.' Actually, Drinkwitz is a welcome breath of fresh air at an affair prone to getting bogged down in depth charts. Drinkwitz is the kind of guy you'd like to drink with. Make no mistake. He wants to win just as much as the next coach. But nothing he did with his turn on the podium Thursday was going to beat Kansas in the season's second game, a resumption of Mizzou's bitter 'Border War' that has been dormant since 2011. We did learn from him that Missouri's 'Tigers' nickname is based on the militia that was formed to protect the Mizzou campus and the Columbia townfolk from the people from Kansas. That's the kind of information you want from these festivities. We also learned that Drinkwitz is in hot water with his home owners' association back in Columbia after letting two of his players catch fish in the communal pond. Details at 10, hopefully with film. Yet in the midst of all this trivia — perhaps by accident — Drinkwitz might have had the strongest take yet on the state of college football. It began as an innocent trip down the scheduling rabbit hole after the obligatory question of whether the SEC should go to a nine-game conference slate instead of the current eight. 'Personally, I think eight games is probably great for the University of Missouri. It allows us to schedule what we need for the four (other) games.' He also seemed to think it'd be easier on coaches. But that's not important now. What is needed, he said, was 'to ask these questions: what's best for the players and what's best for the fans? And ultimately, I think what's best for both of those is going to be going to a nine-game schedule. 'The rest of us are really only important because of the players and the fans.' Nine games, eight games, that's not the point, and he kind of lost me when he mentioned a 30-team playoff. But it's encouraging to see some coach sticking up for the loyal fans. 'We need the fans now more than ever. If we continue to alienate the fans, or we put things in the way that (are) going to alienate the fans, we're not going to continue to be able to pay the players.' The real trick here is making the fans' wishes mesh with the players new-found freedoms. I'm not sure what more they can do for the players now that they're paid, can transfer at will and often seem to be running the asylum. Drinkwitz may have hit on the hidden truth. 'People don't come to watch the actual game,' he said. 'They come because they're connected to people. They're connected to something bigger than themselves. They're connected to the marching Mizzou band. They're connected to the spirit squads. They're connected to friends and family at the tailgates. 'The byproduct is the game … Saturdays are still a place where there's human connection, all right? And we can't lose sight of that.' Those fans are being asked to ante up more and more discretionary income, not only in ticket prices, parking spots, etc., but 'donations' to pay these new-found (for lack of a better word) salaries. It makes it easier to watch in comfort on hi-def TV. Still, the transfer portal might be the biggest threat to that team/fan alliance. It changes things. It just does. The fans' connection to their teams, even if it was always delusional, is that their heroes grew up dreaming of playing for good ol' State U. And many do. But it's hard to reconcile that when the players for any given year's roster look more and more like mercenaries, often as not going to the highest bidder. Somebody needs to pay attention to Drinkwitz. 'If you lose Saturday football, you're losing Sunday and Friday night football too, all right? Let's not forget that. We are the peanut butter and jelly behind the bread. If we don't have Saturdays, you can forget Sundays, and you can forget Friday night.' * Scooter Hobbs covers LSU athletics for the American Press. You can reach him at
The Mainichi
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Baseball: Takahashi tames Tigers as Dragons win 6th straight game
NISHINOMIYA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Hiroto Takahashi threw a four-hit shutout as the Chunichi Dragons beat the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers 6-0 on Wednesday, winning six straight games for the first time this season. Takahashi (3-8), who pitched for Japan during its 2023 World Baseball Classic final win over the United States, struck out seven without a walk to prevail in a pitching duel with Hiroto Saiki (7-5) at Koshien Stadium. The Tigers' right-hander was perfect until two outs in the fifth inning but allowed a two-run double to Seiji Uebayashi in the sixth. The Dragons added four runs off the home team's second reliever, Rito Kinoshita, in the ninth. In other action, the Hiroshima Carp edged the DeNA BayStars 4-3 to end their seven-game losing skid. The Pacific League-leading Nippon Ham Fighters routed the Seibu Lions 10-1 for their fourth straight win.
