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Around the Big Ten: CFP, Transfer Portal, Bowl Games & Coach Pressure

2024-12-09

College football fans across the nation were treated to a whirlwind of emotions as the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff field was set. There was anger at Alabama, celebration at SMU, and a big ‘ol really?!? GIF at Oregon. This controversial bracket crafted by the CFP Selection Committee has sparked outcry from some and shrugs from others, creating winners and losers, drool-worthy first-round matchups, and a mountain of intrigue.

Path to Championship: A Tough Journey for Oregon Ducks

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks, with their dominant, undefeated season, now face a playoff bracket that includes Ohio State, Texas, and Georgia. As Ducks coach Dan Lanning said during an appearance on ESPN’s CFP selection show, “winning a national championship isn’t supposed to be easy.” If their path is a little bit tougher, he added, “kudos to us, if we go through it and take care of business.” This challenging road to the championship will test the Ducks and their coaching staff like never before. 1: The Oregon Ducks have been the talk of college football all season. Their dominant performance on the field has earned them the top seed in the playoff. However, their path to the championship is far from easy. They will have to face some of the toughest teams in the country, including Ohio State and Georgia. These teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the Ducks will need to be at their best to come out on top. 2: Coach Dan Lanning has been preparing his team for this moment all season. He knows that the road to the championship will be tough, but he also believes that his team is up to the challenge. The Ducks have a talented roster of players, and they will need to play together as a team if they want to win the national championship.

CFP Bracket and Bowl Game Matchups

In addition to the CFP bracket, bowl game matchups were unveiled Sunday, and a dozen conference teams scored postseason invites. The transfer portal window also officially opened on Monday, adding another layer of excitement and uncertainty to the college football landscape. 1: ESPN has provided previews of the first-round CFP matchups, giving fans a glimpse into what to expect. USA Today has separate previews for each first-round game involving a Big Ten team, including Penn State vs. SMU, Notre Dame vs. Indiana, and Ohio State vs. Tennessee. These previews give fans an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each team and what to look for in the games. 2: Sports Illustrated has put together everything we need to know about the 12 teams in the CFP. They have a breakdown of the CFP bracket, detailing the easiest and hardest paths to the national championship game. Among their conclusions is that Georgia is the favorite to win it all. This analysis gives fans a better understanding of the playoff field and the teams’ chances of success.

Transfer Portal and Coaching Changes

The transfer portal has become a hot topic in college football, with teams looking to add talent and coaches making moves to take over programs. Purdue hired UNLV’s Barry Odom to take over the winless program, and Herbstreit is headed to the Big Ten. These changes add another element of excitement and uncertainty to the college football season. 1: The transfer portal window has officially opened, and teams are already making moves to add talent. ESPN is tracking the latest comings and goings of the transfer portal, giving fans an idea of which players are leaving and which teams are adding them. This information is important for fans who want to keep up with the latest developments in college football. 2: Coaching changes are also a big part of the college football landscape. Purdue hired Barry Odom to take over their winless program, and Herbstreit is headed to the Big Ten. These coaching changes can have a big impact on the teams and the players, and fans will be watching closely to see how they fare.

Playoff Predictions and Rankings

There is no shortage of playoff predictions out there, with experts from CBS Sports, ESPN, and USA Today offering their opinions. The Athletic has also taken a stab at ranking all 36 CFP title game possibilities, from most to least likely. These predictions and rankings give fans an idea of which teams are favored to win the national championship. 1: The CBS Sports experts have their opinions on which teams will make it to the national championship game, while the ESPN experts have their own predictions. USA Today has its forecast, and Bruce Feldman details why Oregon will win its first national championship. These different perspectives give fans a chance to see the playoff field from different angles and make their own predictions. 2: The Athletic has taken a more in-depth approach to ranking all 36 CFP title game possibilities. They have ranked the teams from most likely to win to least likely to win, giving fans a detailed look at the playoff field. This analysis is valuable for fans who want to understand the odds and the potential matchups in the national championship game.

The Golden Globes is a highly anticipated event that brings together the top TV and movie stars for a night of awards, fashion, and glamour. It's a ceremony that fans eagerly await, and the 2025 Golden Globes, set to be held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 5, is no exception. As Hollywood reflects on the most notable TV shows and films of 2024, several actors and projects have emerged as standouts. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are both nominated for "Wicked," which has also been recognized with a Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy nod. Selena Gomez is in the running for two different acting awards - a supporting actress nod for her role in "Emilia Pérez" (which received 10 nominations this year) and a lead actress nomination for "Only Murders in the Building."

Notable Films and Their Nominations

Among the other big films to keep an eye on are "A Complete Unknown" (the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chamalet), "The Substance" (starring Demi Moore), "Conclave" (starring Ralph Fiennes), and "The Brutalist" (starring Adrian Brody). These films have received multiple nominations, including acting and best movie nods, adding to the excitement of the awards season.

The Golden Globes have long been regarded as a reliable predictor of Oscar winners. In many cases, the Globes film winners of a particular year have gone on to claim Academy Awards as well. This makes the Golden Globes a significant event for both the film industry and movie enthusiasts.

For TV lovers, there are several Globe-loved favorites that have received multiple nominations. Series like "Abbott Elementary," "Only Murders in the Building," "The Bear," and "Hacks" have all been recognized, while new series such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Shogun" have also made their mark with several nominations.

Television's Golden Globe Contenders

"Only Murders in the Building" has been a standout in the TV category, with Selena Gomez's lead actress nomination adding to its allure. The show has captivated audiences with its unique blend of mystery and comedy.

"Abbott Elementary" has also been a favorite among viewers, with its heartwarming portrayal of a school and its teachers. The show's nomination is a testament to its quality and popularity.

"The Bear" has brought a new level of intensity to the small screen, with its focus on the culinary world. Its nomination showcases the talent and creativity of the show's creators.

Live Broadcast and Host

Fans can catch the 2025 Golden Globes live on Sunday, January 5, starting at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The awards show will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, who is sure to bring her unique style and humor to the event.

With a star-studded lineup of nominees and a host who knows how to keep the audience entertained, the 2025 Golden Globes is set to be a memorable night.

The Minnesingers from MVRHS are set to once again bring the holiday season to life with their enchanting music. Since 1992, these talented students have been gracing the Old Whaling Church with their sonorous melodies on December 13 and 14. Abigail Chandler, the choral director since 2018 and a former Minnesinger herself for three formative years, shares her love for wintertime music. Each year, she carefully selects 30 pieces and narrows them down to create a remarkable concert. They will perform music from the 1500s and modern arrangements by young composers like Sarah Quartel. The Handbell Choir of the West Tisbury Congregational Church will accompany them on "This Endris Night," a traditional Christmas carol. As tradition dictates, alumni will join the group on stage for "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to close the concert. Chandler also delights in singing traditional carols with the audience.

The Rich History of the Minnesingers

The Minnesingers' journey began in 1968 when high school choral director Tom Mills founded a unique group with a legacy of excellence, service, and community pride. One of the students came up with the name, as "minne" in German refers to courtly love. Minne singers traveled through Germany and Austria in the 16th and 17th centuries, similar to troubadours in France. Robert Nute took over in 1970 and led the group for 29 years. Under his direction, they started competing and winning locally and even traveled to Europe to represent the Vineyard. Last April, they visited Austria, Germany, and France, performing and sightseeing along the way. 2: This rich history has instilled a sense of pride and tradition in the Minnesingers. They continue to carry on the legacy, passing on their love for music to new generations.

The Audition Process

In May, students undergo blind auditions where a screen separates judges from the youth. This ensures fairness and impartiality. Students have to perform a prepared four-part choral piece, singing the tenor part if they are a tenor. The judges listen for the ability to stay on their part, the beauty of tone, and breathing technique. For brand-new members, they also perform a solo of their choice, which can be a pop song or from musical theater. 2: This rigorous audition process helps ensure that only the most talented and dedicated students become part of the Minnesingers.

The Rehearsal Process

In June, students have their first rehearsal for the upcoming academic year. Then, in August, they resume rehearsals weekly until the spring show. Choral rehearsals take place on Mondays, and starting in January, they also rehearse choreography with Ken Romero, who was once a Minnesinger himself. His assistant Leandra Seward and accompanist Nancy Rogers also contribute. Many alumni come back to lend their talents, as they consider their time with the Minnesingers a pivotal part of their young adulthood. Stage manager Jeff Caruthers has been with the group for over two decades and is an indispensable member. 2: The rehearsal process is a crucial part of shaping the Minnesingers into a cohesive choir. It builds their skills and camaraderie.

The Sense of Community

Ninety to 95 percent of singers return year after year. The older, more experienced singers play a vital role in helping the brand-new kids. Section leaders act as friendly faces, guiding them and helping them learn their parts. This sense of community and dedication is what makes the Minnesingers special. 2: The group inspires a sense of belonging and purpose in its members, and they all work together to create something beautiful.Chandler cherishes seeing the transformation in her students as they come together to form a cohesive choir. Performing choral music is a unique experience that unites them, teaching them the importance of collaboration and communication. 2: It reminds them that as a collective, they can achieve great things and make the world a more beautiful place.Performances at the Old Whaling Church are on December 13 and 14. For tickets, visit vineyardtrust.org/events. For more information on the Minnesingers, visit mvrhsminnesingers.org.