Football
Alabama Leads Among Two-Loss SEC Teams in USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank
2024-11-18
In this week's USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank ranging from 1 to 134, No. 7 Alabama takes the lead among the two-loss SEC teams. It is closely followed by No. 8 Mississippi, No. 9 Georgia, No. 12 Tennessee, and No. 13 Texas A&M. Sorting out this logjam is no easy task as not all teams have faced each other during the regular season. The matchups that have occurred between these contenders fail to provide the clarity needed to differentiate between teams with identical records. For instance, Alabama beat Georgia, Ole Miss beat Georgia, and Tennessee beat Alabama, while Georgia also beat Tennessee. These results make the comparison among these teams quite complex.

Unraveling the NCAA Re-Rank Standings Among SEC Teams

Alabama's Dominance and Its Impact

Alabama's position at the top among the two-loss SEC teams is a significant one. Their victories over Georgia and other teams showcase their strength and competitiveness. The team's performance has been consistent, and they have managed to maintain their lead despite the challenges posed by the logjam. Their wins serve as a testament to their skill and ability to perform under pressure.However, it's not just about the wins. Alabama's overall game strategy and the cohesion within the team also play a crucial role in their success. The coaching staff's ability to adapt to different opponents and situations has been key in keeping the team at the forefront.

Looking ahead, Alabama will need to continue to perform at a high level to hold onto their lead. They will face tough opponents in the coming weeks, and each game will be a test of their mettle. If they can maintain their focus and continue to play their best football, they have a good chance of finishing the season strong.

Georgia's Struggles and Contenders

Georgia, despite being one of the contenders, has faced some setbacks. Their losses to Alabama and Ole Miss have put them in a bit of a bind. However, their win over Tennessee shows that they still have the ability to compete.The team's offense has been a cause for concern at times, and they will need to address this issue if they want to make a serious run in the postseason. The coaching staff will need to work on improving the team's offensive performance and finding ways to put more points on the board.

In addition to their offensive struggles, Georgia also needs to address some of their defensive issues. They have given up some big plays in recent games, and this has cost them dearly. The defense will need to tighten up and play more consistently if they want to be a serious contender.

Tennessee's Position and Challenges

Tennessee's win over Alabama is a significant achievement, but it hasn't been enough to propel them to the top. Their underachieving offense and lack of other significant wins have kept them behind the top three teams but ahead of Texas A&M for now.The team's offense has struggled at times, and they will need to find ways to improve their scoring ability. The coaching staff will need to work on game planning and finding ways to get their players in the right positions to make plays.

Defensively, Tennessee has shown some signs of improvement but still has room for growth. They will need to continue to work on their tackling and coverage to become a more dominant defensive unit.

Texas A&M's Situation

Texas A&M's wins against Missouri and LSU have lost some of their luster in recent weeks. The team has struggled to maintain consistency and has faced some tough losses.The coaching staff will need to address these issues and find ways to get the team back on track. They will need to improve their performance in all aspects of the game and start winning the close games.

Looking ahead, Texas A&M will need to play with more urgency and focus if they want to make a move up in the rankings. They will face some tough opponents in the coming weeks, and they will need to be at their best to come out on top.

The Big Ten's Assertion

The Big Ten continues to make its mark with four teams in the top five. Oregon remains at the top after a close win over Wisconsin. No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Penn State, and No. 5 Indiana have also performed well and are vying for a top spot.The Big Ten's success can be attributed to the strength of its teams and the coaching staff's ability to prepare them for the challenges of the season. These teams have shown that they are capable of competing with the best in the country and are a force to be reckoned with.

As the season progresses, the Big Ten will continue to be a dominant force in college football. The teams will need to stay focused and continue to improve if they want to maintain their positions in the rankings.

The Big 12's Weekend Woes

The Big 12 had a tough weekend, led by No. 15 Brigham Young's loss to Kansas. This drop in rankings for the Cougars is significant, and they will need to bounce back quickly if they want to remain a top contender.Kansas State also had a rough weekend, dropping 10 spots to No. 25 after losing to Arizona State. However, the good news is that the Sun Devils have moved up five spots to No. 23 after their win.

The Big 12 will need to address these issues and find ways to improve their performance. The teams will need to work harder in practice and come up with better game plans to compete with the other conferences.

Ranking All Nine of Stan Drayton’s Temple Football Wins – Crossing Broad
2024-11-18
The Stan Drayton era at Temple Football has come to a close. After compiling a 9-25 record in a little over two and a half seasons, the head coach was fired with two games remaining. But let's focus on the good times and rank his Temple victories from one through nine.

Unveiling the Triumphs of Stan Drayton's Temple Football

1. Navy

In 2023, Drayton's Temple team achieved their best win against a Navy team that finished 5-7. The Owls took an early 17-0 lead but faced a scare before pulling away with a 32-18 home victory. The run defense was outstanding, limiting the Midshipmen to just 144 yards on 48 carries, an average of 3.0 yards per carry. E.J. Warner also played a crucial role, completing 27 of 33 passes for 402 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Although the Owls struggled to run the ball themselves, Warner's performance was a game-changer.The second half touchdown drives showcased the team's ability to close out a game and secure the win. It was a memorable performance that demonstrated the potential of the Temple football program under Drayton.

2. Tulsa

Tulsa may not be a strong team currently with a 3-7 record, but in this game, the Owls' defense was on fire. They limited the Golden Hurricane to just 240 total yards and a 2-11 third-down mark. Despite committing 10 penalties themselves, the Owls overcame the adversity and emerged victorious with a 20-10 score. This win was significant as it showed the team's ability to play tough defense and come out on top against a less formidable opponent.The low point total allowed by the defense was a testament to their hard work and determination. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the future and demonstrated that they could compete with even the lower-ranked teams.

3. Utah State

The Aggies from Utah State are a three-win team in the Mountain West, but Temple put on a show in the fourth quarter to secure a 45-29 victory. Evan Simon was the star of the show, completing 17 passes, five of which were touchdowns, and adding 49 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His six-score day was the catalyst as Temple scored four second-half touchdowns to run away with the game.The fourth-quarter comeback was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It was a game that showed Temple's potential to dominate opponents and come out on top in close games.

4. FAU

Drayton's final win was an overtime victory against the currently 2-8 Florida Atlantic Owls. The game was a nail-biter, with FAU storming down the field in less than two minutes to score a touchdown and tie the game at 15. But Temple escaped the battle of Strigiformes with a 39-yard field goal from Maddux Trujillo. This game will go down as one of the greatest ever played at Lincoln Financial Field.The overtime victory showed the team's ability to stay focused and make the big plays when it mattered most. It was a fitting end to Drayton's tenure at Temple and a moment that Temple fans will never forget.

5. South Florida

In 2022, Temple's only conference win was against a USF team that went 1-11. Edward Saydee was the star of the game, running for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. South Florida's run defense was no match for Saydee's speed and power.His performance was a highlight of the season and showed that Temple had a talented running back who could carry the team to victory. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the future and demonstrated the team's ability to compete in conference play.

6. Akron

In the 2023 season opener, Temple was down 21-7 against a Zips team that finished 2-10. But E.J. Warner and Edward Saydee came to the rescue, linking up for two second-half touchdowns to pull off a comeback and secure a 24-21 victory. Although Temple struggled to run the ball against Akron's stout run defense, Warner's passing ability was on full display, as he completed 292 yards on 49 attempts.The comeback win showed the team's never-give-up attitude and their ability to overcome adversity. It was a game that gave Temple fans hope for the rest of the season and demonstrated the team's potential.

7. Norfolk State

You can't take the Norfolk State Spartans lightly. In a 41-9 victory, the Owls showed their dominance with a 290-yard rushing effort led by Joquez Smith and his 9.5 yards per carry. Temple scored on 7 of their 9 possessions and added a safety for good measure.The rushing attack was a key factor in the victory, as the Owls were able to control the tempo of the game and wear down the Spartans. It was a game that demonstrated Temple's ability to run the ball and score points in bunches.

8. Umass

This was the only shutout of the Stan Drayton era. The three Minutemen quarterbacks combined to go 11 for 26 for 80 yards and two interceptions. Umass finished the season with a 1-11 record, and Temple's defense was able to shut them down completely.The shutout was a testament to the team's defensive prowess and their ability to stop even the lowest-ranked opponents. It was a game that gave Temple fans confidence in their defense and showed that they could compete with anyone.

9. Lafayette

The only thing I remember about this game is that one guy blocked three punts. De'Von Fox was the hero, blocking three punts in a single game. It was an incredible feat that will be remembered by Temple fans for a long time.This game may not have been a high-scoring affair, but it was a memorable moment for the team and showed their ability to make big plays in unexpected ways.All nine of Drayton's wins came at home, with four being in-conference. There were some really close calls, like the OT loss to Navy, the two-point loss to Rutgers, and the 2022 season finale against ECU. But in the end, it just wasn't enough. Best of luck to Stan Drayton. His suffering is over.Kevin Kinkead has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University.email – k.kinkead@sportradar.com
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The Lone Star State Showdown: Texans vs. Cowboys
2024-11-18
Gambling content 21+ is a common sight in the sports world. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. In this prime-time matchup between the Texans and Cowboys, let's explore the odds and potential value.

Uncover the Value in this Monday Night Football Clash

Texans vs. Cowboys Odds

The Texans enter this game as road favorites, with a spread of -7.5 and a moneyline of -340. The total is set at over/under 41.5 points. After a lengthy absence, star wide receiver Nico Collins is back in the fold, but the Texans' offense has been inconsistent all year, ranking just 29th in early down EPA/play. Even with Collins healthy in the first five weeks, they ranked 31st in early down EPA/play.

On the other side, the Cowboys have their own set of challenges. Micah Parsons is back after missing much of the season with an injury and wasted no time with five pressures and two sacks against the Eagles last week. However, the Cowboys have struggled to defend the run all year, ranking dead last in EPA/rush allowed. We should expect a heavy dose of Joe Mixon on Monday night.

When the Texans Have the Ball

Nico Collins is still PFF's highest-graded wide receiver this season, with a league-leading 3.5 yards per route run. He had 32 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns in five games before his hamstring injury. But the Texans' offensive line has been a struggle, with C.J. Stroud pressured at a 31.9 percent rate, the second-highest of all qualified quarterbacks.

The Texans' offense needs to find consistency if they want to have success against the Cowboys. With Collins back, they have a weapon, but they'll need to protect Stroud better and make better plays in the passing game.

When the Cowboys Have the Ball

Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, leaving the Cowboys' offense in a tough spot. They have the 28th-ranked rushing offense by DVOA and can't rely on their passing game either, with Cooper Rush completing just 26-of-48 passes (54 percent) over the last two weeks for 160 yards and a brutal 3.3 YPA clip.

DeMeco Ryans' defense ranks second in DVOA this year, loaded with talent at all three levels and ranking top five against the run and pass. While star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is out with an injury, this defense is still a force to be reckoned with.

Final Verdict

The Texans are priced as road favorites, and with Joe Mixon likely to dominate against a porous Cowboys run defense in a positive game script, there will be some offensive success. But Stroud will likely face consistent pressure from Parsons and company. Meanwhile, it's difficult to envision the Cowboys finding much offensive success against an elite Texans defense without Prescott. With both offenses ranking bottom five in early down EPA/play on the season, I can only look to the under in this game. Best Bet: Under 41.5 points (-110, ESPN BET)

Why Trust New York Post Betting? Jacob Wayne handicaps college football and the NFL for the New York Post. He's up 84.5 units across the two sports with a 6.27% ROI.

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