sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Remember the Maine Day!
Today we remember the Maine, the American battleship that blew up on today's date in 1898 while anchored in Havana Harbor. Commanded by Captain Charles G. Sigsbee, it was one of the first American battleships, cost more than $2 million to build, and weighed more than 6,000 tons. Ostensibly, its mission in the harbor was friendly, but its real purpose was to protect American lives and property. Cuba was in the midst of rebelling from Spain, and as Cuba sought its independence, it was believed that a full-blown war could break out at any time. The United States had also long had its eye on Cuba, hoping to expand its influence there and in the region.
About 350 crew members were aboard the ship on that fateful Tuesday evening. Shortly after 9 p.m., the ship's bugler, C.H. Newton, blew taps. Around 9:40 p.m., an explosion rocked the boat. A second, massive explosion followed, and broke apart the bow, throwing debris over 200 feet into the air. The ship quickly sank, and approximately 266 of the ship's crew perished.
SU News
247sports.com
https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/recruiting/recruitment-picking-up-for-2025-ol-matthew-hawn (PS; McAllister)
Class of 2025 Syracuse (NY) CBA offensive lineman Matthew Hawn is one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in the Northeast. The 6-6, 280 pounder's recruitment has been active in recent weeks, picking up offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, Army and Cornell to go along with scholarship opportunities from Boston College, Pittsburgh and others.
"It's definitely been a little bit of a whirlwind," Hawn said. "Ever since the season started, definitely talking to more power five schools. Talking to them, having visits, getting offers, junior days, it's been a rollercoaster for sure. I'm taking it in stride. It's been a great experience."
So far, Hawn has visited Syracuse, West Virginia and Pittsburgh. The plan is to visit other schools, such as Rutgers, Army, etc., along with return trips to Syracuse, West Virginia and Pitt, this spring. Dates have not been set yet, but he wants to get a closer look at all of those program.
The visit to Syracuse took place last month, and he has remained in constant contact with the Orange since the new staff has been in place.
"Coach Fran Brown has definitely brought in that reputation as a great recruiter," Hawn said. "He definitely is. He's been reaching out a lot, talking a lot. Talking to a lot of the coaches. Coach Nixon (offensive coordinator) called me a couple times Wednesday. Coach Williams, the offensive line coach, calls me. I've talked to the assistant o-line coach, quality control, the GM, Recruiting Coordinator. I've been talking to a lot of people and they've been doing a great job. I like the culture and how he's building Syracuse. I like how they've recruited me so far."
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Damien Alford dismissed from Syracuse football (thenewshouse.com; Sherman)
Syracuse football dismissed team-leading wide receiver Damien Alford, the team announced. Alford led the Orange with 33 catches and 610 yards in the 2023 campaign.
Alford took to social media to share his thoughts on the decision, saying he only found out of his dismissal from social media posts and that he told head coach Fran Brown he would consider transferring before next season. He deleted the post.
The wide receiver can continue at Syracuse academically or transfer to another school and continue his collegiate football career.
The wide receiver adds to the over 30 players that the team has lost since last season. Brown’s squad will look significantly different from Dino Babers’ final team as a member of the Orange.
Dwight Freeney named to Pro Football Hall of Fame
Former Syracuse Football star and dominant NFL defensive end Dwight Freeney will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, the NFL announced last week.Freeney is one of seven players who will enter the Hall of Fame this year, the eighth Syracuse player and the ninth alum to receive the honors.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last year and will have his jersey retired by the Orange in the 2024 season.
Syracuse softball splits final day of their weekend opener
Orange Softball lost to George Washington 6-5 before defeating Campbell at St. John Stadium in Conway, South Carolina on Sunday.The squad ended the Kickin’ Chicken Classic 3-2, scoring 30 runs and hitting .313 from the plate.
Next up, the team will go south for their second tourney of the early season. They will go to Hammond, Louisiana to play in the Southeastern Louisiana Classic this upcoming weekend.
SU will play Maryland, Southeastern Lousiana and Southeast Missouri State.
Syracuse Football on Instagram: "Robinson Shovel Squad. Showing love to our city this Valentine’s Day. "
1,149 likes, 10 comments - cusefootball on February 14, 2024: "Robinson Shovel Squad. Showing love to our city this Valentine’s Day. "
www.instagram.com
Members of Slice Sports Management posing with SU football players Donovan Brown and David Omopariola, who are each signees with the student-run NIL agency. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF RYAN WRIGHT
Student-run Slice Sports Management is breaking ground in NIL world (DO; Andrews)
Buried within Syracuse University’s campus lies a cohort of students who are most productive when rotting on the couch. It’s a typical Friday setup for Slice Sports Management, where diligent workers of the sports marketing agency sit together in an apartment sending emails to pitch brand deals for their clients.
The company’s founders — Brandon Gilbert and Jacob Tilem — pinpointed Friday as their favorite day to work. It best captures the bustling nature and highlights the first-class commitment which Slice puts toward its athletes.
“The selling point now is — do you want a team of 10 hungry, motivated college students to just email for you every single day, no strings attached?” Gilbert said.
Since its inception in 2023, Slice has transformed into one of the premier Name, Image and Likeness agencies in Syracuse. The sports marketing agency emphasizes leveraging athletes’ NIL to create sponsorship deals with brands, including American Eagle and Temu. Slice has built up a player base that’s more than 20 names long (18 official signees) which includes Dyaisha Fair, Mounir Hima, Boston College TikTok star Otto Landrum and high school quarterback Joey Gaston — Ice Spice’s younger brother — among others.
Through their exuding confidence, detailed outreach strategy and content-driven marketing, Gilbert and Tilem have spearheaded a groundbreaking, student-run NIL operation.
“I truly don’t think there are two better people to work for,” said Ben Lichtenstein, who works on brand partnerships for Slice.
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Nomination Period Open for 2024 LetterWinner of Distinction - Syracuse University Athletics (cuse.com)
The Syracuse University LetterWinner of Distinction Award is one of the highest honors for a person who wore the Block S for an Orange intercollegiate athletics team. Nominations are open for the 2024 awards which recognizes individuals who earned at least one varsity letter, gained distinction in their respective careers and communities and brought honor to themselves and Syracuse University through their contributions and activities. Candidates must have graduated in 2015 or earlier.
Award winners are selected based on engagement on campus as a student, professional career accomplishments, and service to the community. To nominate a teammate, a classmate or anyone you know who exemplifies these characteristics, submit the nomination here along with a full resume.
All nominations for LetterWinner recipients must be received by March 15th, 2024. Any questions concerning the application or qualifications, please contact Jenna Rodgers at jrrickan or call the Cuse Athletics Fund at 315-443-1419.
ACC News
Notre Dame football announces Shamrock Series return to Yankee Stadium for 2024 Army game (southbendtribune.com; Leuzzi)
The Yankees got their 100 year anniversary football game for 2024...
The Shamrock Series is back and heading to the Bronx.
Notre Dame football made the official announcement on Wednesday that the 2024 edition of The Shamrock Series will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Yankee Stadium, against Army.
It is the first time since 2022 that Notre Dame will have a Shamrock Series game after not having one last year. The Fighting Irish instead traveled to Dublin to take on Navy in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
Notre Dame and Army will square off for the third time in the 12-year history of The Shamrock Bowl, and the 52nd time in program history. The Fighting Irish lead the all-time series and The Shamrock Series against the Black Knights 39-8-4 and 2-0, respectively.
This year's game will mark the 100th anniversary of Notre Dame's game vs. Army at the Polo Grounds in 1924, when the Irish backfield of Jim Crowley, Elmer Layden, Don Miller and Harry Stuhldreher were given the "Four Horseman" nickname by sportswriter icon Grantland Rice.
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ACC OKs use of sideline tablets, new helmet tech (ESPN; Adelson)
The ACC approved the use of helmet technology and sideline tablets during its winter meetings this week, pending final approval later this month from the NCAA football rules committee.
In a statement following the conclusion of the meetings Wednesday, the ACC said the use of tablets with access to in-game video had unanimous support from ACC football coaches. In addition, the helmet technology will allow for one-way communication between the sideline and designated players on the field.
This past bowl season, the NCAA allowed the use of both on an experimental basis at select bowl games. North Carolina coach Mack Brown told ESPN earlier this week it was a "no-brainer" to approve both. The Tar Heels used the helmet technology in the Duke's Mayo Bowl game against West Virginia, and Brown said four quarterbacks, two safeties and two linebackers were wired for communication.
"We loved it," Brown said. "It allowed us to line up much quicker, it keeps people from stealing signals. We thought it was a win-win."
The NFL has had the use of both helmet and tablet technology, and though it has had support over the years in the college game, there has been some resistance because of the cost that would be incurred -- particularly among schools outside the Power 5. Some estimates have put the price tag at around $40,000.
But following an investigation into sign-stealing allegations surrounding Michigan this past football season, the push to use the technology increased, particularly helmet communication. The ACC is working collaboratively with the football rules committee to fully develop the final rule and policies. Each school's legal team must also sign off on the helmet technology, over possible concerns it could void the helmet's warranty.
In addition, the ACC announced its men's and women's basketball tournaments would feature the top 15 teams starting with the 2024-25 season as the league expands to 18 teams with the additions of Cal, Stanford and SMU. The men's regular-season conference schedule will stay at 20 games; the women's will stay at 18 games.
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Pat Narduzzi Names Tim Daoust New Defensive Line Coach - Pitt Panthers #H2P (pittsburghpanthers.com)
Pitt's Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi has selected Tim Daoust as the Panthers' new defensive line coach, it was announced today.
Daoust (pronounced DOWST) comes to Pittsburgh after spending the last three seasons at East Carolina, serving as the special teams coordinator and assistant coach for defensive ends and outside linebackers.
Owning more than 20 years of experience as an assistant coach focused on defense and special teams in college football, Daoust returns to the ACC after previously working at Syracuse (2011-15), where he led the defensive line before being promoted to assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.
"Tim and I have known each other for years and he's an incredibly impressive person and coach," said Narduzzi. "He has coached everything on defense and is a tremendously effective teacher and evaluator. From a personal standpoint, he is a great family man and values developing relationships. I'm really excited about bringing him to Pitt and I know our players and staff will really enjoy working with him."
"My family and I are incredibly excited to join one of the most tradition-rich programs in all of college football," Daoust said. "Pat has long been a mentor for me. I understand and embrace the responsibility of the position. I'm ready to get to work on bringing another championship to Pitt."
Daoust's tenure at ECU (2021-23) witnessed the Pirates' defense rise up the national rankings in tackles for loss, culminating with the 17th-most TFLs in the FBS last season (7.0/game). ECU also finished in the top 30 nationally in rushing defense each of the last two campaigns, finishing 18th in 2022 and 29th in 2023.
Prior to his time in Greenville, Daoust was assistant head coach and oversaw the defensive line for two seasons (2019-20) at Sam Houston State, helping the Bearkats lead the FCS in rush defense (69.9 yards/game), opponent third-down conversion rate (27.9%) and tackles for loss (10.9/game) in 2019.
Daoust had two stints as a defensive assistant at Western Michigan (2017-18 and 2006-09) and consistently helped the Broncos produce some the best defenses in the Mid-American Conference.
Following his time at Syracuse, he spent the 2016 season at Ball State, assisting with a complete rebuild as the Cardinals became the most-improved defense in the MAC that season.
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Every ACC football team's ESPN preseason SP+ ranking (usatoday.com; Turri)
The 2024 college football season is months away, but we all know that football remains on the mind throughout the offseason.
Early rankings have been released all over the place, with ESPN’s Bill Connelly recently releasing the preseason ESPN SP+ rankings ($$$) for the 2024 season. These SP+ rankings consider multiple key factors regarding a football team, including returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history. A strong model; here is a bit more of what Connelly had to say about the rankings.
“It’s a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. It is a predictive measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football, not a résumé ranking. Along those same lines, these projections aren’t intended to be a guess at what the AP Top 25 will look like at the end of the season. These are simply early offseason power rankings based on the information we have been able to gather to date.”
Straightforward and to the point, these are power rankings based on what we know right now. So, how do Clemson and the rest of the ACC stack up in the first SP+ rankings for 2024? Check it out below.
17 Stanford Cardinal
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 94
SP+: -8.7
OFF. SP+: 25.1 (76)
DEF. SP+: 33.8 (106)
ST. SP+: 0.4 (36)
16 Virginia Cavaliers
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 81
SP+: -5.8
OFF. SP+: 25.5 (71)
DEF. SP+: 31.3 (84)
ST. SP+: 0.0 (71)
15 Boston College Eagles
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 76
SP+: -4.7
OFF. SP+: 25.7 (67)
DEF. SP+: 30.5 (79)
ST. SP+: -0.2 (84)
14 Wake Forest Demon Deacons
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 71
SP+: -3.1
OFF. SP+: 21.9 (96)
DEF. SP+: 25.0 (44)
ST. SP+: -0.4 (103)
13 Pitt Panthers
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 70
SP+: -3.0
OFF. SP+: 22.6 (89)
DEF. SP+: 25.6 (48)
ST. SP+: -0.2 (88)
12 Syracuse Orange
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 61
SP+: -1.3
OFF. SP+: 25.2 (72)
DEF. SP+: 26.8 (51)
ST. SP+: -0.2 (86)
11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
SP+ Overall Rank: No. 60
SP+: -1.1
OFF. SP+: 32.4 (35)
DEF. SP+: 33.4 (101)
ST. SP+: 0.1 (68)
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2024 NFL Combine - ACC Players Invited (RX; HM)
2024 NFL Combine - ACC Players Invited
From "Full list of prospects invited to 2024 NFL Combine" on Giants.com, here are the ACC-related invitees, sorted by position:
QUARTERBACK
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Drake Maye, North Carolina
Jordan Travis, Florida State
RUNNING BACK
Trey Benson, Florida State
Audric Estimé, Notre Dame
Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Will Shipley, Clemson
WIDE RECEIVER
Keon Coleman, Florida State
Bub Means, Pittsburgh
Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Devontez Walker, North Carolina
Malik Washington, Virginia
Johnny Wilson, Florida State
TIGHT ENDS
Jaheim Bell, Florida State
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Graham Barton, Duke
Javion Cohen, Miami
Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh
Matt Lee, Miami
Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Dylan McMahon, N.C. State
Jacob Monk, Duke
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
DeWayne Carter, Duke
Tyler Davis, Clemson
Braden Fiske, Florida State
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame
Fabien Lovett Sr., Florida State
Myles Murphy, North Carolina
Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
Leonard Taylor III, Miami
Xavier Thomas, Clemson
Jared Verse, Florida State
LINEBACKERS
JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
Tatum Bethune, Florida State
Kalen DeLoach, Florida State
Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Payton Wilson, N.C. State
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville
Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
Renardo Green, Florida State
Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse
Elijah Jones, Boston College
Jarrian Jones, Florida State
Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Patrick McMorris, Cal
Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
Nate Wiggins, Clemson
James Williams, Miami
SPECIALISTS
Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
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Other
50 mph winds could roar in Upstate NY; waves could reach 16 feet on Lake Ontario (PS; $; Coin)
High winds are expected to roar across Upstate New York Thursday and Friday, with gusts reaching as high as 50 mph.
The winds will be so strong whipping across Lake Ontario that waves of up to 16 feet high could crash into the eastern shore.
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for most of Upstate New York from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result,” the weather service said. “Travel in high profile vehicles may be difficult.”
Waves could be 12 to 16 feet high on Lake Ontario from Mexico Bay -- near Pulaski -- to the Saint Lawrence River.
“Strong winds will cause hazardous waves, which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” according to the watch.
Syracuse University football player Jakob Bradford plays golf in short sleeves at Lyndon Golf Course, in Fayetteville, on Friday. The temperature hit 63 degrees in Syracuse, breaking the 99-year-old record for Feb. 9. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.comN. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
A winter wonder: Syracuse is missing 60 inches of snow this season (PS; $; Coin)
The nation’s snowiest large city is missing 5 feet of snow.
In a typical winter, 88 inches of snow would have blanketed Syracuse by Valentine’s Day. This year, it’s been a paltry 28 inches. That’s the lowest since at least 1950, when the official measuring site was moved to the airport.
That’s a deficit of 60 inches – as tall as a typical 12-year-old. The few inches of snow we might get through Friday won’t make a dent.
In the middle of February, Syracuse is suffering a bit of an identity crisis. Our national reputation, after all, hinges on two things: Syracuse University basketball and snow.
Now Jim Boeheim has retired, and snow is sitting the bench.
On the cusp of winter break, Syracuse school kids haven’t had a single snow day. Snow plow operators who charge by the driveway, not the season, are struggling. Syracuse’s annual pond hockey tournament had to be moved because it was too warm.
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Clockwise, from top left: “Prom Dates” cast members Julia Lester, Antonia Gentry, Chelsea Handler, John Michael Higgins, Kenny Ridwan and producer Kevin Hart appear in Getty Images file photos. "Prom Dates" is a new teen comedy filmed in Syracuse with American High for Hulu.Getty Images
‘Prom Dates’: Cast revealed for new Syracuse movie produced by Kevin Hart (PS; $; Herbert)
The cast has been revealed for American High’s latest movie, produced by comedian Kevin Hart for Hulu and shot in Syracuse.
“Prom Dates,” directed by Kim O. Nguyen (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) from a script written by D.J. Mausner (“Baroness Von Sketch Show”), is described as a coming-of-age comedy about two best friends, Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at age 13 to have the perfect senior prom. According to the official synopsis, both of them break up with their dates just before the prom and must find new dates to live out their middle-school fantasies.
Tony Award nominee Julia Lester (”High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) will star as Hannah, described as an anxious closeted lesbian who navigates her new queerness while her best friendship with Jess unravels. Antonia Gentry, who played Ginny in Netflix’s “Ginny & Georgia,” will portray Jess, a high school senior a little too interested in what others think of her, who would rather drop dead than go to prom alone.
The rest of the cast includes Kenny Ridwan (”The Goldbergs”), JT Neal (”Bless This Mess”), Jordan Buhat (”Grown-ish”), Zión Moreno (”Gossip Girl”), Terry Hu (Disney’s “Zombies 3″), John Michael Higgins (”Best in Show,” “Pitch Perfect”) and comedienne Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”). Higgins will play a high school principal with a passion for safe sex education, while Handler will play the mother of Ridwan’s character.
“Prom Dates” is the 16th movie shot in the Syracuse area by Liverpool-based production company American High. More than 1,000 extras were recruited for prom and party scenes filmed last May and June.
Hart is not listed as a cast member, but he is producing the project through his Hartbeat media company. Hart is a stand-up comedian with more than 100 movies and TV credits including 2015′s “The Wedding Ringer,” written and directed by American High founder Jeremy Garelick.
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