The Alice Springs Masters Games will be held from Saturday, 11 October to Saturday, 18 October 2014, with Touch Football one of the 33 sports on offer. Men’s, Women’s and Mixed divisions will be offered at the event, with Alice Springs boasting excellent Touch Football facilities and great competition. There will also be plenty of social events with a jam-packed entertainment program featuring the Opening and Closing Ceremony with some fantastic Australian entertainers. The Alice Springs Masters Games was the first Games of its kind in Australia, with the inaugural event held in 1986. Held every two years, the Games offer athletes 25 years and older the chance to experience Australian sports in the red heartland. For more information about the Alice Springs Masters Games, please visit the event website – www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au. Related LinksAlice Springs Masters
Alice Springs Masters Games
9 months agoFiorentina signing Luis Muriel: Why I rejected AC Milan
TagsTransfersAbout the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Fiorentina signing Luis Muriel: Why I rejected AC Milanby Carlos Volcano9 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveFiorentina signing Luis Muriel has explained turning down AC Milan.Muriel has joined the Viola on-loan from Sevilla.“Yes, Milan had also been after me but I’d already given my word and I didn’t retrace my steps,” said the striker at his official unveiling on Friday.“I kept thinking Fiorentina were the right place for me. I worked hard to come here and I’m happy I did.“The best Muriel? I think you saw it in Udine and Samp, when I played with guys like Di Natale and Quagliarella. They helped me to make a lot.” 
5 days agoPartizan Belgrade manager Milosevic urges fans to behave against Man Utd
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Partizan Belgrade manager Milosevic urges fans to behave against Man Utdby Paul Vegas5 days agoSend to a friendShare the lovePartizan Belgrade manager Savo Milosevic has urged fans to be on their best behaviour against Europa League rivals Manchester United.The Aston Villa legend, who now manages the Serbian team, said he understands why there might be some concerns ahead of the game.He told The Sun: “Sure, and I, as a former player with friends throughout the world, will do everything to make sure our guests will feel comfortable and to think only of a game of football.”I will say to our fans: ‘A big club, a giant club, is coming to visit us – and we should be honoured to play against Manchester United for the first time since 1966’.”We have to be proud to host the players, coaches, leaders and fans of such a great club.” 
Photo: Maryland Will Wear New Under Armour Heritage ClutchFit Drives vs. Ohio State Thursday
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 22: A general view of Under Armour shoes during a game between the Maryland Terrapins and the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 22, 2015 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)Maryland will debut some new Under Armour basketball shoes for its Big Ten road game against Ohio State Thursday night. The No. 16-ranked Terrapins (18-3, 6-2 Big Ten) are set to take on the Buckeyes (16-5, 5-3 Big Ten) at Value City Arena in Columbus. Maryland is coming off a dramatic last-second victory against Northwestern, while Ohio State has won three of its last four contests. For their big road game, Mark Turgeon’s squad will be sporting new Under Armour Heritage ClutchFit Drives. Terps will celebrate their rich history & tradition tomorrow with the new Heritage ClutchFit Drives! #GoTerps #IWILL pic.twitter.com/f84JKWNrOm— Maryland Athletics (@umterps) January 28, 2015Notre Dame will be wearing similar Under Armour shoes for its game against Duke Wednesday night. Maryland and Ohio State are set to tip off at 7 p.m. E.T. Thursday. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Video: Duke Unveils 2015 National Championship Banner At Banquet
duke 2015 national championship bannerThursday night, Duke basketball held its annual banquet – an event where the season prior is celebrated and captains for the next season are named. But 2015 was obviously a more special year than usual – the Blue Devils took home their fifth national championship after defeating Wisconsin in the NCAA title game earlier this month. As such, there was a great deal to commemorate.Most notably, the school unveiled its 2015 national championship banner – appropriately while Queen’s “We Are The Champions” was playing in the background.The school has also released a number of other bits of media from the event – including some cool photos of the players posing in their tuxedos.If you’re wondering, Duke named Marshall Plumlee, Amile Jefferson and Matt Jones as tri-captains for the 2015-2016 season.
Origi eyeing ‘positive’ Liverpool contract talks
Divock Origi has confirmed he will hold talks with Liverpool over his future in the next few weeks, and admits winning a Premier League title will be a “big goal” for the Reds next term.Origi had limited opportunities for Liverpool last season but chipped in with some important goals, most notably the second in the 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham and a brace in the 4-0 semi-final defeat of Barcelona at Anfield.The 24-year-old striker made a total of 12 Premier League appearances having spent the previous term on loan at Wolfsburg, where he featured in 31 of their 34 Bundesliga fixtures. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Speaking ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Scotland, Origi said: “The next few weeks we’ll have to sit down and see what the future holds.”For now I just want to focus on these last few games [with Belgium] and then see after that.”I want to speak to the club and my people internally before going public but hopefully the talks between me, the club and my people will be positive.”Liverpool enjoyed a memorable end to the 2018-19 season in Madrid, bringing home a sixth Champions League trophy for the club, but fell just short in their bid for a first ever Premier League title.Despite notching up a monumental 97 points, Jurgen Klopp’s side finished a point behind Manchester City. And Origi says the Reds will be determined to be crowned champions of England when they return for pre-season. “It’s a big goal which we want to make steps towards,” he continued. “This year’s experience and the Champions League win will help us and it would be nice to win it.”But also let’s just enjoy what we have done [winning the Champions League] and then reset some goals ready for next season.”Origi has struggled to get past forwards Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in his search for regular first-team football, and has been largely used in a bit-part role by Klopp. Although he scored a goal from the bench in the Champions League final, Origi still drew criticism for his all-round performance from former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Subscribe to Goal’s Liverpool Correspondent Neil Jones’ weekly email bringing you the best Liverpool FC writing from around the web
Neymar’s year from hell just goes from bad to worse
It took just 21 minutes for Neymar’s dreams of lifting the Copa America on home soil to go up in smoke. The Paris Saint-Germain star embarked on a trademark mazy run in the middle of the field as Brazil sharpened up against fellow Copa challengers Qatar. But he was not alone. Assim Madibo was in close pursuit, and when the two players tangled Neymar landed heavily on his left ankle and was forced to seek medical attention. It was his final contribution to a routine 2-0 victory for the hosts in Brasilia, and after leaving the stadium on crutches the inevitable was confirmed. Brazil’s medics subsequently revealed a torn ankle ligament, an injury which will leave him laid up for the duration of the competition and ended his participation before it had even begun. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? It is the latest blow for a player who, thanks in part to injuries and in part to his own failures in judgement, has seen his career threaten to tailspin since the start of 2018, when he appeared to have the football world at his feet. While Neymar’s star remains undimmed, practically every major story to break around the 27-year-old over the last 18 months has taken on a negative slant. Following his messy disengagement from Barcelona to join PSG – a world record transfer designed to make the French club challengers in the Champions League – two almost identical foot injuries in 2018 and 2019 mean that he is yet to play a part in the final stages of the much-desired European competition. The scandals, meanwhile, have not let up in the slightest due to his injury woes. In last year’s World Cup Neymar hit the headlines more for his theatrics than his talents, going down time and time again under the most minimum contact to become a figure of fun, a pantomime villain mocked by fans and media alike. 
Fast forward to March and he was once again facing censure after inviting referees to “Go f*** yourselves” following a contentious late VAR decision that sent PSG out of the Champions League against Manchester United. Even when back on the field, Neymar seemed unable to control himself, culminating in a shocking episode where he aimed a punch at a fan in the aftermath of his side’s Coupe de France final defeat. A pattern is emerging of a world famous, immensely wealthy young man who seems unable to properly channel natural feelings of frustration within football in a mature, healthy manner. While Tite stopped short of confirming as much, the coach’s decision to strip his charge of the captaincy speaks volumes of his doubts over Neymar’s ability to handle responsibility. “I spoke to Neymar, I explained it to him and then to Dani, first by phone and then in person,” the coach explained to reporters. “Neymar is an extraordinary player and we have a very personal relationship. Our relationship is very open and truthful. I’m not going to judge in this case because Neymar has always been very loyal to me.” 
Off the pitch, Neymar is currently being investigated following the publication of rape allegations against him. The player has categorically denied the accusation, which are currently being investigated in Sao Paulo after an official complaint was filed with police concerning an alleged incident in Paris. Brazil have stood by their former captain from the moment the allegations first broke, never placing in doubt his presence at this Copa America. That decision has ultimately been taken out of their hands by Neymar’s hurt ankle. And while there are clearly more important things in Neymar’s life right now, from a footballing point of view it has been a nightmare past 18 months for the Brazil star. As Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – fresh from a stunning hat-trick on Tuesday for Portugal – continue to set the standard, the man labelled their natural heir is failing to live up to his sky-high potential.
Guardiola questions Bernardo snub in The Best shortlist
Pep Guardiola was shocked to find out that no Manchester City players were included in the list of candidates to win FIFA’s The Best award this year. City became the first team for a decade to win back-to-back Premier League titles last season before going on to complete an unprecedented domestic treble.However, as was the case during his time at Bayern Munich, two-time Champions League winner Guardiola found Europe’s top competition to prove elusive once more as eventual runners-up Tottenham prevailed against City on away goals in a thrilling quarter-final. Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? Despite their domestic dominance, City were left out of FIFA’s shortlist of candidates for the coveted prize, while Liverpool are represented three times and Tottenham star Harry Kane makes the cut.While Guardiola was amazed to see all of his players snubbed, he believes City’s status as a relative newcomer among Europe’s elite was a factor in deciding the list.”It is because Manchester City is in this position the last decade. We are new in these situations,” he said.”I cannot imagine Real Madrid and Barcelona winning four titles and not one single player being there [on the shortlist].”I don’t think there is one player who made a better season than Bernardo Silva last season, even winning [The Nations League] with Portugal.
“This club, for example, in eight years won four Premier Leagues. It is quite remarkable. And never in these four seasons was one of our players nominated the best in the league. Never.”Huge respect for Mohamed Salah [who won the PFA and FWA awards in 2017-18], but Kevin De Bruyne that season, guys, when we made 100 points was above and beyond the normal situations.”Heading into the new season, the Champions League looms even larger as the one major prize left to win for City, but Guardiola feels the domestic competition is too intense for them to put all of their effort into claiming the continental crown.”The Champions League is an important tournament, difficult to win,” he said. “But I don’t want to go to the casino and gamble everything I have in my pocket for seven games [the Champions League knockout stages]. I don’t want that.”I think I want to be happy during 11 months. It makes me happy, the Premier League, every game in the cups. When I win, the days after I am happier. I go to the restaurants better, I feel better, I work better with my players. That’s what it gives me.”Am I going to wait until February to play seven games with everything on black colour? From my point of view, it’s too risky.”Normally, when you have history behind it helps a lot. We are trying to build it and I think in Europe we will be closer when we win more Premier Leagues and Premier Leagues and Premier Leagues.”I would sign right now to do what we did last season again. Right now. Not winning the Champions League and four titles [including the Community Shield] again in this season.”After finishing just one point behind City in the English top-flight last term, Liverpool overcame the disappointment by winning the Champions League.Guardiola phoned Jurgen Klopp to pass on his congratulations after they beat Spurs 2-0 in Madrid and dismissed the suggestion that the Reds’ exploits had taken the shine off his own team’s achievements.”Why can we not share the glory?” he asked ahead of the latest chapter in a burgeoning sporting rivalry. “We would like to win the Champions League – big respect to Liverpool. Winning the Champions League is so difficult, so, so complicated.”That’s why winning the Champions League gets all credit. But why is it higher than what we have done over 11 months?”I’m pretty sure Liverpool would have liked to win the last Premier League after 30 years not winning the Premier League.”Both teams were fantastic last season. Why do you have to say this team is better than the other one? Both were good.”
Holloway: Morrison must forget Man Utd past
Ian Holloway wants his former player Ravel Morrison to forget his Manchester United past as he is granted a Premier League chance at Sheffield United.Sir Alex Ferguson described his former wonderkid as ‘the best kid you will ever see’, but he has struggled to live up to the hype after moving from club to club for the past few seasons.Now 26 years old, this might be Morrison’s last chance to make a Premier League career after coming close to an England call-up while at West Ham several years ago. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? As he prepares to enter the spotlight in English football once again, Morrison’s former manager at Queens Park Rangers speaks compassionately about his future.”He hasn’t failed but unfortunately he never lived up to the hype and expectation that he would have liked,” Holloway told Goal at the launch of EFL on Quest. “He had to deal with untold attention because Sir Alex Ferguson said something. To live up to what Sir Alex said is a bit tough.”I believe he should forget all that and just do what the rest of the lads do. Sheffield United want to dominate the ball and play their way. If they can do that after promotion like Wolves then I would be absolutely delighted for Chris Wilder.”He is very inventive and bright. Even [Marcelo] Bielsa said ‘well done’ to him. Ravel could fit into that. I want there to be no pressure on Ravel. I want him to be free and believe in himself. He deserves that and I still believe he can do it.”Players don’t start by dreaming about how much money they can earn, they think how good can I be? Unfortunately, he was told he was going to be the best they have ever been at Manchester United and he didn’t handle that very well. [Paul] Pogba got told that and they got rid of him.”There were questions on his attitude. The pressure is on him and he could be the best. I want Ravel to enjoy the game as it has been a pressure for him all his life. I think he is brilliant at football, he is a genius at it but only if he enjoys what he does.”I don’t think I would have enjoyed trying to be Man United’s best player ever. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the pressure either. I hope he sees that. He has a fantastic coach now in Wilder. You can’t look back at your life and move forward because you walk into something. He has to look forward and forget all that.”
The Bramall Lane club will be Morrison’s ninth team in nine years and in that time he has only managed to make 104 appearances. His journey has taken him overseas to Lazio, Atlas in Mexico and most recently to Swedish side Ostersunds FK.There have been positive signs in pre-season, though, as Morrison earned a standing ovation from Blades fans in a 3-0 friendly win against Matlock TownThe first show of the 2019/20 season of EFL on Quest begins this Saturday 3rd August at 9pm. The only place to watch free-to-air highlights of the EFL is on Freeview channel 12, Freesat channel 167, Sky channel 144 and Virgin channel 217. Go to https://www.questod.co.uk/
Zaniolo and Under sign new Roma deals
Roma have confirmed they have tied down Cengiz Under and Nicolo Zaniolo to new long-term contracts.The pair have both been tipped for a bright future and appeared regularly in Serie A last season.While Under, 22, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, Zaniolo, only 20, has signed a five-year contract extension. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? Zaniolo joined from Inter last summer and instantly fell for his new surroundings.“A year ago it was an easy decision to choose Roma, and today it is even easier – after a season that helped me fall in love with this team and this city,” the playmaker told Roma’s official website.“I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to tie myself even closer to these colours – it is exactly what I wanted.”Clearly delighted, chief executive Guido Fienga added: “This decision underlines the conviction, shared by both the player and the club, that Roma is where Nicolo can realise the vast potential that so excited the fans last season.“We are certain that he will play a huge role for this team in the future.”
Under, a Turkey international who joined from Istanbul Başakşehir in 2017 and has gone on to score 10 goals in 52 Italian top-flight matches, was equally pleased to sign fresh terms.“I arrived in Rome two years ago and since then, day after day, I’ve felt more in love with this city, this club and these fans,” Cengiz said.“This is a very happy moment for me. I want to thank the club for allowing me to realise my wish to continue playing for Roma.”“We really wanted to complete this renewal, because we all see the talent Cengiz has,” said sporting director Gianluca Petrachi.“We are certain that over the coming years he will make a huge contribution to the quality of the team, realising his great potential here in Rome – the perfect place for him to continue to improve.”
Former 5-Star WR, No. 1 Recruit Demetris Robertson Announces Transfer
BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 13: A general view taken from the hill overlooking the California Memorial Stadium during the Oregon Ducks game against the California Golden Bears at on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Demetris Robertson, the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2016 class, took to Twitter this morning to announce some surprising news. He’s decided to transfer out of California’s program.The former five-star recruit surprised many when he decided to commit to Cal back in 2016. He totaled 837 yards and 7 touchdowns through two seasons with the team.Robertson announced his transfer decision with a statement on Twitter.“Due to personal matters, I’ve decided not to continue my education and football career at UC Berkeley. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, staff, student body, and so many others for their ongoing support and consideration of my personal matters,” he wrote.The full statement can be seen below:pic.twitter.com/RsBj29HIJD— Demetris Robertson (@d_rob4) June 21, 2018Robertson, a Georgia native, was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school in 2016.The five-star wide receiver was ranked the No. 1 overall wideout and No. 13 overall recruit in the class by 247Sports’ Composite Rankings.
The Latest On Ohio State’s Urban Meyer Decision
PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 30, 2017 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State won 56-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)It’s decision time for Ohio State University regarding head football coach Urban Meyer. The Buckeyes are set to announce a decision on the three-time national title winning coach at some point today. Here is the latest on that decision.The day began with Ohio State’s Board of Trustees meeting at 9 a.m. E.T. They quickly went into an executive, private session.Meyer showed up about 30 minutes into the meeting.Columbus’ ABC affiliate captured photos.JUST IN: #OhioState Coach Urban Meyer is in the building where the trustees are deliberating his future. He was seen entering a short time ago https://t.co/dJgwpFVKGh pic.twitter.com/1ld9Qo1Xim— WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) August 22, 2018This was surprising to many. It’s unclear why exactly Meyer showed up, but it implies that he was summoned there by the board. It seems unlikely that he would get summoned there if a decision isn’t on the way.Eleven Warriors then reported that multiple sources were telling them a decision will be announced today.“Ohio State will announce their findings and decision on Urban Meyer’s status today according to two sources with knowledge of the proceedings,” they tweeted.Ohio State will announce their findings and decision on Urban Meyer’s status today according to two sources with knowledge of the proceedings.— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 22, 2018A press conference regarding the decision on Meyer could be coming soon, too. Reporters on the scene have tweeted that something appears to be getting set up.“A backdrop and podium have been set up at the Longaberger Alumni House. Expect a press conference this afternoon announcing the findings of the investigation into Urban Meyer,” Kyle Rowland tweeted.A backdrop and podium have been set up at the Longaberger Alumni House. Expect a press conference this afternoon announcing the findings of the investigation into Urban Meyer.— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 22, 2018The BOT then appeared to have lunch delivered to them:WORKING LUNCH: Boxed lunches being brought into @OhioState Board of Trustees meeting regarding #UrbanMeyer. @wkyc pic.twitter.com/w6jAkVRpfA— Chris Tye (@TVTye) August 22, 2018The press conference could be coming within the hour.Update: podium and mics set up in room. Announcement likely happening today. Don’t know when we will be let in for update though, hearing between 12 and 1.— Andy Anders (@UniotoTank55) August 22, 2018Hold onto your seats. We’re probably going to learn Meyer’s fate very soon.
Alabama Football Star Could Return From Major Injury For Post-Season
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: A general view during the first quarter of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)Terrell Lewis figured to be a major factor in the pass-rush for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide have obviously fared pretty well without him, but could get some help in time for the College Football Playoff.Lewis, a former five-star recruit, missed most of last season with an elbow injury. He returned in time for Alabama’s national championship win over Georgia.He made his presence felt in that one, with a key sack that forced Georgia to settle for a field goal in the game.He could make a similar return in 2018-19. Back in July, Nick Saban announced that Terrell Lewis tore his ACL during off-season training. On Monday, he was spotted at practice.From AL.com:Less than five months after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Alabama outside linebacker Terrell Lewis returned to practice.Lewis was spotted on the field Monday at Hank Crisp Indoor Facility and was equipped with a brace while going through individual drills.It’s a rather stunning development considering that Lewis suffered the injury in early July and his availability this season was very much in doubt.That followed a hint-filled Instagram post by Lewis, that indicated that he could once again come back and contribute to Alabama’s playoff run.Adding a veteran, talented, former five-star pass rusher just in time for a championship run? Only at ‘Bama…[AL.com]
Nick Saban Describes What Went Wrong vs. Clemson
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the press conference after his teams 44-16 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)On the grandest stage in college football the Alabama Crimson Tide were upset by the Clemson Tigers in shocking fashion, losing 44-16 in the national title game. At the time, people were stunned that the Tigers were able to catch Nick Saban’s team seemingly off-guard.With the benefit of some added hindsight and review, Saban has now identified what went wrong in the national title game.Speaking to the media on National Signing Day, Saban indicated that the team lacked discipline in the game and lost the “Alabama factor” that had served so well in intimidating opponents in the past.From AL.com:“That has always helped us be successful,” Saban said. “That’s having a team that plays with a lot of discipline, that’s having a team that everybody is sort of responsible and accountable to do their job at a high level and a standard and everybody puts the team first. So that’s the standard. And it’s up to the individual players on the team to do that. If I thought that we weren’t doing that in one game or ten games, I would address it with the players and make sure that everybody was on board with those principles and values that have helped us be successful. I don’t think we played in that game with the Alabama factor. So everybody needs to understand that and respond to it.”The game got off to a terrible start with a Tua Tagovailoa pass getting intercepted by A.J. Terrell and taken back for a 44-yard touchdown.After a back-and-forth first half, Alabama were able to briefly gain a 16-14 lead on a Joseph Bulovas field goal.But Nick Saban’s team would be held scoreless for the rest of the game as Clemson scored the next 30 points to ice the worst defeat of his Alabama career.The Crimson Tide will almost certainly go into the 2019 season as a top-two candidate to win the title, but one has to wonder if the embarrassing defeat will in any way carry over into the season.Knowing Nick Saban, he’ll do everything in his power to prevent that from happening.[AL.com]
The AP Has Announced When It Will Release Its Preseason Top 25 Poll
The AP also announced that its preseason All-America team will be unveiled on August 20.OK, fans! The preseason AP Top 25 college football poll will be released at noon Eastern on Aug. 19.The preseason All-America team will be released 24 hours later.Here is last season’s final poll: https://t.co/i4mS0ndsqs pic.twitter.com/FIi9zAmH1I— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) July 28, 2019As a reminder, here’s our prediction for what we think the AP Poll will look like when it’s unveiled:ClemsonAlabamaGeorgiaOklahomaOhio StateMichiganTexasNotre DameLSUTexas A&MFloridaOregonUCFSyracuseWashington StatePenn StateWisconsinAuburnArmyNebraskaWashingtonMissouriNorthwesternUtahIowaCollege football season is close. Get excited. 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks on before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)The College Football Playoff rankings are what matter most during the season these days, but that doesn’t mean that fans don’t still like looking at the two traditional polls – the Coaches’ Poll and the AP Poll – every Monday. Sunday, the AP announced when it will drop its preseason poll.This year, it looks like the publication will be waiting a little longer than usual. It announced that the preseason version of its poll will be released at Noon on August 19.Considering Miami and Florida kick off the season on August 24, there won’t be much time to digest the rankings. But that’s what they’re going with.For what it’s worth, the Coaches’ Poll is always about a week or so before the AP Poll. So we’ll probably get a look at that one first.
ESPN Releases New Top 25 Following USC’s Upset Win
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 16: Cheerleaders of the USC Trojans perform on the sidelines during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 16, 2006 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)ESPN’s Football Power Index has updated its top 25 rankings following USC’s upset win over Utah in Los Angeles on Friday night.Clay Helton’s team got a much-needed win on Friday evening, taking down the Utes at home.ESPN’s computer model has updated its rankings following Utah’s upset loss.Here’s the latest top 25:AlabamaClemsonGeorgiaLSUOhio StateNotre DameOklahomaOregonAuburnWisconsinFloridaPenn StateTexas A&MUCFMichiganMichigan StateWashingtonTexasMiamiMissouriUSCIowaMississippi StateOklahoma StateUtahThe top 25 should look a lot different on Sunday morning, too.Week 4 features several games between top 25 teams, including Michigan-Wisconsin, Texas-Oklahoma State and Georgia-Notre Dame.
Here’s Why Gabrielle Union Is A Die-hard Nebraska Fan
Earlier this week, Union asked her Twitter followers which jersey she should wear on GameDay. A player on the team – Christian Gaylord – responded, asking if she’d wear his jersey since he lost his father in a car accident last Friday. She said yes.Union will be on the show starting around 11:30 AM ET. Expect her to be ready to go – and expect her to pick the Cornhuskers to score the upset Saturday night. 
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 23: Basketball star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union greet fans during a break in the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)College GameDay in is Nebraska ahead of the Cornhuskers’ big contest against Ohio State on Saturday night. The celebrity guest picker this week is Gabrielle Union, who is an absolute die-hard Nebraska fan.So why is Union such a die-hard? It’s pretty simple. She was born in Omaha, spent a number of years of her youth in the state and was raised to be a massive Cornhuskers supporter.Union’s fandom is no joke, either. Back in 2012, she gave an interview with ESPN and explained what it was like growing up:“In my family if you couldn’t talk Cornhusker football — that means knowing the black shirt defense, knowing the I-back formation — then you don’t get to have an opinion. When I first toured the Nebraska campus and I saw Turner Gill walk, I freaked out. That was like the biggest star-struck moment I’ve probably ever had in my life. But it’s because I grew up in a household that always talked specifically Cornhusker football and Big 8 sports, at the time.”Union goes back to Lincoln regularly for games. The past few years, she’s brought along her husband Dwyane Wade, who played college basketball at Marquette. He has now become a Nebraska football fan as well.
Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas stuns Bautista-Agut in quarters to continue dream run
Reuters MelbourneJanuary 22, 2019UPDATED: January 22, 2019 10:50 IST Stefanos Tsitsipas had already floored Roger Federer in the fourth round to send shockwaves through the tournament (Reuters Photo)HIGHLIGHTSStefanos Tsitsipas beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista-Agut 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6 in the quartersTsitsipas became the youngest man to make the last four of a Grand Slam since Djokovic in 2007The Greek 20-year-old will face either Rafa Nadal or Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finalsStefanos Tsitsipas continued his giant-killing run at the Australian Open as he stunned Roberto Bautista-Agut in a four-set thriller to enter the men’s singles semi-finals on Tuesday.Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final. The 20-year-old also became the youngest man to make the last four of a Slam since Novak Djokovic at the 2007 US Open.Having already floored Roger Federer to send shockwaves through the tournament, the 14th seed can create further tennis history for Greece when he plays for a spot in the final against either Rafa Nadal or Frances Tiafoe.Under a blazing sun at Rod Laver Arena, the aggressive baseliner fought back from 4-2 down in the third set and was unflappable in the fourth-set tiebreak, closing out the match with a pair of booming serves.With a victory that triggered a chorus of singing from Greek fans in the terraces, Tsitsipas became the youngest semi-finalist at Melbourne Park since American Andy Roddick, also 20, at the 2003 tournament.For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byrohan sen Tags :Follow Stefanos TsitsipasFollow Roberto Bautista AgutFollow Australian Open 2019 Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas stuns Bautista-Agut in quarters to continue dream runStefanos Tsitsipas beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final.advertisement Next
Sprint sensation Hima Das juggling between training and board exams in Assam
Press Trust of India GuwahatiFebruary 14, 2019UPDATED: February 14, 2019 17:21 IST Hima Das is shuttling between her home and Guwahati’s Sports Authority of India hostels (Reuters Photo)HIGHLIGHTSHima Das is the reigning world junior champion in 400mHima’s board exams began on February 12 and will go on till the middle of MarchThe Assam sprinter was conferred with the Arjuna Award by the Indian government last yearShe has been scorching the track with one record after another but India’s new sprint sensation Hima Das doesn’t want to be left behind in studies either and is juggling between training and board exams these days.The transformation of Hima, the reigning world junior champion in 400m, into a top quartermiler has been nothing short of phenomenal considering that she has already run sub 51 seconds at only 19 years of age and that too after a dozen competitive races since late 2016.The sprinter from Assam’s Kandhulimari village in Nagaon district became a star overnight and kept improving her timing through the last year, culminating in a national record time of 50.79 seconds while winning silver in the Asian Games.But, just like any other youngster she realises the need to have educational degrees. She is currently appearing for her class 12 exams under the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council.”I am looking at some major tournaments in 2019 and I am trying to focus on my training along with taking examination,” Hima told PTI from Guwahati.Hima’s board exams began on February 12 and will go on till the middle of March. She is not staying at her native village to appear for the examination at nearby Dhing College. She is shuttling between her home and Guwahati’s Sports Authority of India hostels, which is 120kms away.”I have made my schedule in such a way that whenever I am getting time from studies, I do my training,” said Hima, the only Indian woman to have won a track and field gold at the world level.advertisementHima’s next paper is on Saturday (February 16) and she will come back home from Guwahati on the evening of Friday, her cousin Bijoy Das said.”She came on the evening of February 11, appeared for her first paper the next morning and left home for Guwahati in the afternoon just after the examination is over,” Bijoy said.”She told us she will come on Friday evening again for her second paper and then again go back to Guwahati for training. Her parents have no objection, they have left it to her what she wants to do. Of course, they want her to have some educational qualification also,” he added.Hima’s father Ranjit Das has a two bigha plot of land and mother Junali is a housewife. The small piece of land is the only source of income for a family of six. She is the eldest of four siblings, with two younger sisters and one younger brother.The athletics season starts next month with the Federation Cup National Championships, which will serve as the selection trial for the Asian Championships (April 21-14), at Patiala from March 15 to 18.Asked how Hima will appear for the papers as well participate in the Nationals, Bijoy said, “Her exams end before the Nationals so it should not be a problem.”Though still young, Hima is already a well-known sportsperson in Assam and she was made the sports ambassador of the state last year, besides being showered with several other honours. She was also conferred with the Arjuna Award by the Indian government last year.For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byrohan sen Tags :Follow Hima Das Sprint sensation Hima Das juggling between training and board exams in AssamHima Das realises the need to have educational degrees and is currently appearing for her class 12 exams under the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council.advertisement Next
Go Orange Army: David Warner’s daughters cheer for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Square Leg 0 w 25 15 view full scorecard Jonny Bairstow (wk) J. Bairstow (wk) c Dhawal Kulkarni b Shreyas Gopal Shahbaz Nadeem S. Nadeem vs graphs Square Leg Super Over third Man 102 (55) Scorecard Mid off 117/2 ( J. Bairstow 11 Overs) , 0 Hyderabad 0 – 201/5 35 Mid on Shreyas Gopal (RAJ) S. Gopal (RAJ) Top Batsmen Top Batsmen Mid off 70 (49) (20.0) (19.0) 0 fine Leg 28 Rashid Khan (HYD) R. Khan (HYD) Toss: RAJ elected to bat 1/24 (4) covers third Man Kane Williamson (c) K. Williamson (c) c Rahul Tripathi b Jaydev Unadkat Hyderabad HYD All batsmen are considered right handed 25 R not out 233.33 o Referee: Chinmay Sharma (IND) Umpires: Chettithody Shamshuddin (IND), Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and KN Ananthapadmanabhan (IND) 8.66 Dhawal Kulkarni D. Kulkarni 69 Square Leg Mid on m Ajinkya Rahane (RAJ) A. Rahane (RAJ) Square Leg 2 lbw b Shreyas Gopal Krishnappa Gowtham K. Gowtham Shreyas Gopal S. Gopal 15 Bhuvneshwar Kumar B. Kumar Indian Premier League, 2019 Point covers 2 c Rahul Tripathi b Jaydev Unadkat 0 c Dhawal Kulkarni b Shreyas Gopal 140 0 0 Point Indian Premier League, 2019, Match 8 0 Rajasthan Bowling RAJ Bowling 1 third Man 13.33 0 Siddarth Kaul S. Kaul Indian Premier League, 2019 Time: (GMT) | 20:00 (Local Time) 0 10 2 No data available! c Dhawal Kulkarni b Ben Stokes All batsmen are considered right handed (19.0) S/R 0 6s covers David Warner D. Warner c Dhawal Kulkarni b Ben Stokes Hyderabad HYD Point c sub b Shreyas Gopal 167/4 ( V. Shankar 15.3 Overs) , fine Leg Mid off 10.5 3 Sanju Samson (RAJ) S. Samson (RAJ) 3 Sandeep Sharma S. Sharma 3 Mid Wicket Mid Wicket 167/5 ( M. Pandey 15.4 Overs) , 3/27 (4) Mid Wicket 110/1 ( D. Warner 9.4 Overs) , 14 Point 1 r All batsmen are considered right handed All batsmen are considered right handed
commentary All batsmen are considered right handed 0 6.75 Mid Wicket Mid Wicket advertisement Rajasthan RAJ covers 1 Yusuf Pathan Y. Pathan not out 3 Hyderabad batting HYD batting covers Karishma Jain HyderabadMarch 29, 2019UPDATED: March 29, 2019 20:39 IST David Warner’s daughters Ivy Mae and Indi Rae sent out a special video message for Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Twitter/CandyFalzon)HIGHLIGHTSDavid Warner’s daughters sent out a special video message for Sunrisers HyderabadWarner is playing an IPL match for SRH on a day his international cricket ban endsRajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bat vs Sunrisers HyderabadDavid Warner’s wife Candice Warner recently shared a video of their daughters Ivy Mae, aged 4 and Indi Rae, aged 3, cheering for Sunrisers Hyderabad for Friday’s IPL 2019 match against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.Warner will be seen in action against Rajasthan Royals who won the toss and decided to bat in search of their first win of the season.The video which Candice uploaded on Instagram shows Ivy and Indi rooting for Sunrisers Hyderabad “Goodluck sunrisers, go Orange Army!” the two little girls said.We’ve got some very special support all the way from Australia! : @CandyFalzon Instagram #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs @davidwarner31 pic.twitter.com/3DkrpFvFTe SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2019A new video has also went viral on social media where fans can be seen wearing a jersey with Warner written on the back.Make way peeps, @davidwarner31 fans in the house!! #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs #SRHvRR pic.twitter.com/FNuzoeQJVs SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2019Sunrisers Hyderabad’s David Warner will face Rajasthan Royals’ Steve Smith on a day their ball-tampering ban ends. Both men were banished from international cricket by Cricket Australia last March over their role in the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test against South Africa.Warner and Smith along with their fellow batsman Cameron Bancroft took responsibility for the scandal after Bancroft used sandpaper on the ball during Australia’s third Test in South Africa.Australia are playing the fourth ODI of a five-match series against Pakistan in the Middle East.Smith and Warner, despite being eligible for the final two matches against Pakistan, were not included in the one day series and are playing for the IPL.advertisementSensational return by WarnerIn the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders match on Sunday, David Warner smashed 85 off just 53 balls and made a sensational comeback to the IPL. But his team lost the match by six wickets.Steve Smith’s comeback overshadowed by Mankading controversySteve Smith’s IPL return got overshadowed by the Mankad controversy. On Monday, Kings XI Punjab captain R Ashwin Mankaded Jos Buttler who was leading Rajasthan Royals’ chase of 185.Steve Smith walked in to bat at No.4 and scored 20 off 16 balls before falling to a catch by KL Rahul off Sam Curran in the 17th over.Also Read | Bloody hard to fit Steve Smith, David Warner in Australia World Cup squad: FinchAlso Read | IPL 2019: David Warner, Steve Smith face off as ball-tampering ban endsAlso Read | IPL 2019 Broadcast Channels List: How, Where to watch SRH vs RR Live StreamingAlso Watch| IPL is really special to me and my family: David WarnerFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted bykarishma Tags :Follow David WarnerFollow Steve SmithFollow Ball tampering scandalFollow Candice WarnerFollow IPL 2019 0 13.33 Square Leg 1 198/2 0 Vijay Shankar V. Shankar c sub b Shreyas Gopal nb Mid off Mid off Point Rashid Khan R. Khan not out Rajasthan RAJ Mid on e/r Mid on 26 2 1 third Man covers Mid Wicket Manish Pandey M. Pandey lbw b Shreyas Gopal 9 0 12 third Man third Man fine Leg All batsmen are considered right handed Top Bowlers Top Bowlers 12.5 Ben Stokes B. Stokes (19.0) 0 fine Leg 4 fine Leg 4 42 164/3 ( K. Williamson 14.4 Overs) , Hyderabad beat Rajasthan by 5 wickets Square Leg 0 Point Fall of Wickets 8 201/5 6 187.5 B 133.33 1 27 40 Match Ended 0 1 Mid Wicket 186.48 Mid on 45 0 Extras: 6 runs (B: 0, LB: 1, WD: 5, NB: 0, P: 0) Jofra Archer J. Archer 16 198/2 37 (20.0) 2 covers 0 fine Leg Go Orange Army: David Warner’s daughters cheer for Sunrisers HyderabadIPL 2019: David Warner’s daughters Ivy Mae and Indi Rae sent a very special message to their dad and Sunrisers Hyderabad who are playing Rajasthan Royals on Friday. 1 Mid on 1 Mid on third Man not out 201/5 Series Status: Player Of The Match: Rashid Khan 0 fine Leg Match Ended Rajasthan wd Mid off Jaydev Unadkat J. Unadkat 3 Mid off 0 All batsmen are considered right handed 160.71 40 Point view more view less Square Leg 4s 4