About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Crystal Palace shocks Man City – and Hodgsonby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveCrystal Palace shocked Manchester City 3-2 at Etihad stadium on Saturday.Palace recovered from the setback of falling a goal behind through Ilkay Gundogan’s opener, but bounced back with two quickfire strikes through Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend’s sensational 30-yard volley. Luka Milivojevic then netted a penalty to make it 3-1 not long after half-time, and despite Kevin de Bruyne reducing the arrears late on, Palace held on to register a famous win.Palace boss Roy Hodgson remarked afterwards, “I travelled up thinking we could give a good performance, but getting something from the game was always going to be a tough ask. We certainly didn’t come up here thinking we had no chance or this was a game we had to write off, but what we did think was that unless we produced a performance of quality and discipline and work-rate, then we wouldn’t have much of a chance.“Luckily today the goals fell for us. On the counter-attack we scored two good goals and that gives you something to cling onto and makes things a little bit harder for the opposition, even if they are as good as the opposition are.” read more

Koke says Chelsea striker Morata would be welcome at Atletico Madridby Carlos Volcano9 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveAtletico Madrid midfielder Koke says Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata would be welcome at the Wanda Metropolitano.After Sevilla signed Barcelona striker Munir El Haddadi, Atletico could have a clear run towards Morata, formerly of Real Madrid.”Morata is a great player, I’ve always said that,” Koke said at an Atletico Foundation event that is raising awareness about prostate cancer.”I played with him in the Atletico academy and then circumstances changed [Morata went to Getafe for one year before joining Real Madrid’s youth setup].”It is true that I’ve heard this rumour, but he is not our player; he is Chelsea’s and we have to respect them.”Right now, we are the players who are here and we shouldn’t be thinking about players from elsewhere.”If he comes, he will be welcome.” TagsTransfersAbout the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say read more

TagsTransfersAbout the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Barcelona plan bid for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroudby Carlos Volcano9 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea striker Olivier Giroud is on the radar of Barcelona for this month’s market.Having allowed Munir El Haddadi to leave or Sevilla, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde has declared he’d like to see a new striker signing made.And Sport says Giroud has now emerged as a realistic target.Barca are also interested in Girona striker Cristhian Stuani, though Giroud is now being seen as the most realistic option.Giroud is regarded as the cheaper option and his experience is also a positive for what Valverde is seeking.Further encouraging Barca are Chelsea’s willingness to do business over the Frenchman this month. read more

TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Eden Hazard: Chelsea always knew I wanted to leave for Real Madridby Paul Vegasa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveEden Hazard says Chelsea directors long knew he wanted to leave for Real Madrid.Having made the move this summer, Hazard admits he surprised himself by staying in London as long as he did.He told Marca: “Why Real Madrid? It was in the plan. “When I was in Chelsea, they knew my dream was to play one day for this club. I would not have expected to play seven years in Chelsea, but in the end everything went well and I had the opportunity to win something every year. “Now it’s a dream for me to be here and I hope to make the most of it.” read more

About the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Juventus chief Paratici insists they’re counting on Dybalaby Carlos Volcanoa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveJuventus chief Fabio Paratici insists they still are counting on Paulo Dybala.And he admits they’re delighted to have Gigi Buffon back.”We expect what Dybala is capable of. He’s a great champion, Juve’s Number 10, so we just expect him to play well and dedicate himself to the cause, the way he has always done over the years,” Paratici told Sky Sport Italia.“It feels like Buffon never left, to be honest. He’s probably the best goalkeeper in the history of football, but also a genuinely nice person who has given so much to Juventus and to me personally.” read more

TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Ex-Liverpool coach Beale: Players signed to fit Klopp gegenpressingby Paul Vegas9 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveFormer Liverpool coach Michael Beale says players are signed to manager Jurgen Klopp’s system.Beale is now part of Steven Gerrard’s backroom team at Rangers.He told the Liverpool Echo: “I think, talking about Jurgen, he has a very unique style of play in terms of the gegenpressing – or whatever you want to call it – with that high-energy football and I think he recruits for that.”So if you look at that, player for player and position since he came in, he has really recruited for that to get that energy into the team. When Liverpool signed Oxlade-Chamberlain, I was telling my friends, who were a bit up and down on him, I said he would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool because working inside the club, you just know how someone would come in and fit.”So that working relationship with Michael Edwards and his staff, who have all done a fantastic job, it wasn’t that long ago people were talking about transfer committees and what not, now all of a sudden, everyone is hailing Michael and talking about him so positively.”I think you’re seeing the coaching staff and the recruitment team are all on the same page. I honestly think that is a big thing for any club. When the fans, the board, the coaching staff are all pulling in the same direction, it is very hard for that club not to look forward.”So I think the fans are wholeheartedly behind what Jurgen is doing, as are the board and the recruitment team. I think the fans at Liverpool can see when someone signs, the exact reason why he has been signed and what he brings.”And when Liverpool have their best side out, it is so, so athletic.” read more

About the authorAnsser SadiqShare the loveHave your say ​Brighton defender Webster: Home form vital for survivalby Ansser Sadiq7 hours agoSend to a friendShare the loveBrighton defender Adam Webster believes that it is the side’s home form that will keep them in the Premier League. Albion are hoping they can steer clear of relegation trouble for the season and establish themselves as a top flight club.With two home games to come against Everton and Norwich City, Webster knows it is so important to get maximum points in most of their home clashes.Their last home game was a mightily impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham.Webster admitted to reporters: “Our home form is going to be crucial and we want to make it a fortress at the Amex.”Hopefully starting Saturday we can get another win on the board.” read more

Twitter/@GReilly447Earlier, we shared tweets from UAB linebacker Derek Slaughter, who planned to wear his football helmet during the school’s commencement ceremony to protest the dissolution of the program. Now, we have video of Slaughter crossing the stage, and it doesn’t disappoint for those who agree with his stance. Slaughter snubs president Ray Watts on the handshake as he crosses the stage, and then proudly holds up the helmet, to a big applause from the crowd.Shout out to my boy @dslaughter33 for letting Watts know the fight isn’t over. @SportsCenter #GoBlazers pic.twitter.com/bZUSju3QAs— Sam Curtis (@SamCurtis_36) April 25, 2015A UAB football player just walked at commencement carrying his helmet. He held it up and everybody cheered. He didn’t shake Ray Watts’ hand.— Thacker Rice (@JamesT_77) April 25, 2015pic.twitter.com/86cWbFs6ZG— Thacker Rice (@JamesT_77) April 25, 2015A graduate just held up a UAB football helmet and Bartow Arena exploded with applause that almost held up the graduation. #FreeUAB— Mind of Abram (@MindOfAbram) April 25, 2015You gotta love it. My man @dslaughter33 loves his school and the opportunity they gave him. Proud of you, D. #UAB pic.twitter.com/TqDVFcn6Ix— Graham Reilly (@GReilly447) April 25, 2015Slaughter fired off a few more tweets about the move as well.No i did not shake his hand. I told him I wanted it back and what it ment to me and all he said was I know I know… #freeUAB— Derek Slaughter (@dslaughter33) April 25, 2015Blazer for life #freeUAB pic.twitter.com/3smf5RiOi7— Derek Slaughter (@dslaughter33) April 25, 2015Blazer fans have to be proud of Slaughter for taking a public stand like this. The college football world sure is. read more

COLIN cowherd alabama walmartOn numerous occasions, Alabama head coach Nick Saban has told reporters that he has no interest in leaving Tuscaloosa for another job. FOX Sports radio host Colin Cowherd doesn’t seem to believe him.Monday, Cowherd discussed the topic of Saban potentially leaving for an NFL job – like the Indianapolis Colts head coaching gig. He thinks that if the offer were right, Saban would go. He also doesn’t believe that Saban’s wife’s preferences really factor into the decision..@ColinCowherd: Don’t be naïve. Nick Saban would leave for the NFL in a heartbeat if the job is right #HerdHere https://t.co/DX6ZM1ERTC— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 4, 2016There are going to be a number of NFL head coaching jobs opening up in the coming weeks. We’ll see if Saban entertains any of them. read more

U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter believes that Christian Pulisic is an example for young players in his home country to follow after the winger was sold to Chelsea on Wednesday.The American was brought in on a £58 million (€64m/$73m) deal and then loaned back to Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season. He becomes the third U.S. player to sign for Chelsea, following Roy Wegerle who signed with the club in 1988, and Matt Miazga who signed in 2016.   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 was a record move for a U.S. player and ends any drama over where Pulisic, who has been impressive for the Bundesliga side since breakthrough during the 2015-16 campaign, will land this summer. Pulisic has also impressed at the international level.  The attacker was one of the few true bright spots on the USA team that failed to earn a spot at the World Cup in Russia and is expected to play a crucial role for the team as it returns to competitive action in 2019 and begins the process of trying to qualify for the 2022 showpiece.  Having made his breakthrough with the USMNT under Jurgen Klinsmann in March of 2016, Pulisic was the leading scorer in Concacaf’s final round of qualifying even as Klinsmann was let go and Bruce Arena came up short in a late bid for qualification.  The USMNT will have a new boss take the reins in 2019 in the form of former Columbus Crew coach Berhalter, and the new man in charge says Pulisic’s “commitment to achieving excellence” is something the next generation of players should look to emulate.“This move is a result of hard work and determination on Christian’s part to pursue his career goals, and is a new level of transfer value for a U.S. international,” U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter to U.S. Soccer’s website.”Overall, his commitment to achieving excellence is an example for other young American players to follow.”Pulisic has been directly involved in 15 goals during his time with the USA, netting nine goals and adding six assists over 23 matches.  He also holds the honor of being the youngest captain in team history, having worn the armband for the USMNT’s loss to Italy in Genk back in November. read more

Twitter/@baronbrwnngLuke Fickell to Cincinnati may be very far along. According to a report, the Ohio State defensive coordinator is in contract negotiations with the Bearcats.This week, a number of reports have emerged that Luke Fickell, the long-time Ohio State assistant under Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, is a leading candidate for the Bearcats opening. According to BearcatReport.com, Rivals’ Cincinnati site, the two sides are currently in contract negotiations.BearcatReport sources are reporting that Cincinnati and Ohio State Co-Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell are in contract negotiations to make him the next head coach in the Queen City, though at this time it is unclear when the deal will be complete.As anyone that followed the Lane Kiffin-Houston saga will tell you, however, nothing is final until it is officially announced. Yesterday, it looked like Kiffin to the Cougars was a done deal. This morning, the school unexpectedly announced the promotion of offensive coordinator Major Applewhite. And along those lines, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reports that the two sides have not started negotiations.Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell and Cincinnati have spoken but no contract negotiations are under way, sources tell ESPN.— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 9, 2016So we’ll keep you updated on what happens here. Earlier in the week, reports emerged that Fickell would bring along defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs to be his defensive coordinator, if he takes the Bearcats job.Fickell began his coaching career in 1999 as a graduate assistant at Ohio State. He moved on to Akron, where he coached defensive line for two seasons, but returned to Ohio State in 2002, and has been in Columbus ever since. He served as the program’s interim head coach in 2011, between Tressel’s ouster and the hiring of Urban Meyer. The Buckeyes went 6-7 that season.[Bearcat Report] read more

Nigeria secured their place in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after defeating South Africa 2-1 in a quarter-final match on Wednesday night.Gernot Rohr made two changes to the team which faced  2017 champions Cameroon in the Round of 16, with Ola Aina replaced by fit-again full-back Jamilu Collins in the starting line-up, while Samuel Chukwueze ousted fellow attacker Moses Simon.On the other hand, Stuart Baxter named an unchanged team with Thembinkosi Lorch, who netted the goal which earned Bafana Bafana a 1-0 win over the tournament hosts Egypt, making his second successive start.The match got off to a lively start with both teams searching for an early goal, but neither could land a shot on target in the opening stages of the encounter.Nigeria’s midfield maestro Wilfred Ndidi fired a powerful long-range shot which flew over the crossbar, before Lorch placed his effort wide of the target at the other end.The Super Eagles grew into the match with Collins looking lively down the left-hand side and he was involved when the deadlock was broken in the 27th minute. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘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? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Bafana failed to clear the Germany-based full-back’s low cross and Chukwueze pounced, beating South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from close range to make 1-0 to Nigeria.South Africa tried to respond with a goal and the last chance of the first-half went to them, but Lebogang Mothiba’s free-kick was blocked by the wall on the edge of the penalty box.The Super Eagles were the better side after the restart and they came close to doubling their lead through Oghenekaro Etebo.The diminutive midfielder’s curling free-kick was brilliantly finger-tipped onto the crossbar by SuperSport United shot-stopper Williams as Bafana survived a scare.Bafana were able to launch promising attacks following the introduction of Themba Zwane, who replaced the ineffective Lorch. Bongani Zungu scored with a header from Percy Tau’s free-kick with lanky midfielder netting his scored goal of the tournament, but it was ruled out for offside.Match referee Rédouane Jiyed then consulted with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the goal was awarded to make it 1-1 with 19 minutes left on the clock.However, Bafana lost concentration in the closing stages of the game and they were punished by Troost-Ekong.An unmarked Troost-Ekong fired home from second-half substitute Simon’s corner-kick in the 89th minute, after Williams failed to claim the ball, to seal Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over South Africa.The Super Eagles will now take on the winner between Algeria and Ivory Coast in a semi-final clash on Sunday, while Bafana bow out of the tournament. read more read more

Daniel James says he is aiming to emulate Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs as he begins his Red Devils career.Having joined the Old Trafford club this summer, rapid Wales winger James already plays under Giggs at intrernational level and has the man himself as the perfect mentor.James became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first signing of the summer when he arrived from Swansea City and is keen to follow in Giggs’ footsteps for the Red Devils.  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? “Giggsy, as soon as I came into the Wales set-up, had ambitions for me,” James told reporters”The way he brought me and a lot of other youngsters through has been amazing.”He spoke to me when I first signed for United. His advice was to be myself, which is what I will try to do”.The 21-year-old is in awe of learning from the best in the game and hopes to emulate Giggs’ success and longevity.”He wasn’t a bad player was he? What he did at Manchester United was amazing. Every young winger looks up to a person like him.”He was playing in the Premier League until he was 40 and he was still beating players. Credit to him, the way he looks after his body.”It is amazing for me, when I go away on internationals, to learn from people like him. He is obviously someone I aspire to be like.”James has impressed in his early days with United and caught the eye in Saturday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Perth Glory at the Optus Stadium.”Walking out there, with the amount of fans that have come from everywhere is surreal, really,” he added. “Playing with those players is a dream come true.”James will hope to keep his place in the team ahead of United’s Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 11.The youngster’s journey to Old Trafford has not been as straight forward as it may seem – back in 2017-18, the midfielder was sent back to Swansea from a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town in League One without making an appearance.However, he played in 33 Championship games last term for the Welsh club which helped convince United to make their move. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries. read more

Edson Alvarez didn’t feel like a loser. Sure, his World Cup didn’t go as planned. French newspaper  L’Equipe  put him in its Worst XI of the tournament – a selection no doubt spurred by his own goal against Sweden in the final group game. It was a gaffe that left him in tears after the whistle blew on a 3-0 El Tri defeat.Yet, the rising Club America star knew better things were ahead. “The only defeated people in the world are those who quit fighting and dreaming,” he wrote on Instagram after Mexico was eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16.Today, Alvarez’s dreams are alive and well. Now 21, this summer will be remembered as the one in which he lifted the Gold Cup and moved to Ajax. The Amsterdam club fended off West Ham and Wolves for the versatile player who, since those difficult moments in Russia, helped America to the Liga MX Apertura title and became a critical piece of Tata Martino’s national team. 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? Each summer has brought something new for Alvarez. He’s currently the starting holding midfielder in Martino’s 4-3-3 but went to the World Cup last year as a right back. That was tough since he’d only come in for spot starts there with Las Aguilas, more often playing in the middle. This season, club coach Miguel Herrera deployed him in the midfield next to Guido Rodriguez far more frequently, and his comfort playing in that role has grown.“Really, I’m comfortable in the middle, I feel really comfortable as a five,” Alvarez told Goal this summer. “I don’t dislike playing center back either. It’s a position where I started my career, even going back to the academy days, when I was just starting I was playing center back.“To be honest, right back isn’t my strongest position. At the end of the day, though, I’ve always said that’s football and at the time the manager needed me there. I wanted to show him I that I was able to do it.”The summer of 2017 also was formative for Alvarez. Former Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio brought him along to the Confederations Cup to observe, though he wasn’t part of the squad. Then, Osorio played him in the 2017 Gold Cup as El Tri’s right back, paving the way for his World Cup performances after injuries to Diego Reyes and Nestor Araujo allowed Alvarez to make the team. Since 2017, Alvarez has said his dream is to play in Europe, and seeing how players like Rafa Marquez and Hector Moreno landed at the game’s highest levels had a big effect on Alvarez.”I couldn’t believe it, being a young guy who at that time was 18 or 19 years old. I felt really happy to be involved with these stars, with these ‘cracks’ who have done a lot of things in their careers,” Alvarez recalled last year. “They’ve come to me giving me advice, advice on the field as well. I feel really fortunate to have been in with the group because with this I grew daily.”He’s now set to follow in those players’ footsteps. Alvarez’s physical presence, plus his comfort on the ball make it easy to see why a team like Ajax would want to bring him in.It was a frustrating end to his America tenure, with injuries limiting him and keeping him out of the Liguilla in the Clausura. A knee issue threatened to keep him out of the Gold Cup as well, but he recovered quickly from the knock suffered in a pre-tournament friendly against Venezuela and played the full 90 in all but one match for Mexico.”Possibilities are opening up. I’m really happy to be more and more close to this dream that I desire with all my heart and hopefully it will be the best for me,” Alvarez said earlier in the tournament.His test in the Gold Cup final was one of his biggest to date. With little help from others, he was tasked with controlling a United States midfield that included veteran savvy in Michael Bradley and youthful raw ability in Weston McKennie. He played well in the middle and spent much of the second half dropping between the two center backs – a tactical shift inserted by Tata Martino to free up his wide players to get further up the field and frustrate the United States’ outside backs. It worked well, with Mexico winning 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Jonathan dos Santos.At club level, Alvarez has leaned on Rodriguez next to him to cover him if he’s in the wrong place on the field. With Mexico, he has Moreno and Carlos Salcedo behind him but has far less support in the midfield. He looked increasingly comfortable as the tournament wore on – even as the rest of the Mexico team took a dip from the group stage to the knockout round.Alvarez helped El Tri to victory in the tournament, and he beamed during the celebrations in Chicago, with the Gold Cup win coming just a year after those frustrating moments at the World Cup.With a big role to play for Mexico going forward and an exciting club future with the Eredivisie champions, Alvarez should feel like a winner. read more

EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of the field before the game between the Oregon Ducks and Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 12, 2015 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)This weekend, the Northwestern Wildcats will face the No. 20 Michigan State Spartans in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The Spartans own a 3-1 record, while the Wildcats have a 1-3 record.Preview: Northwestern is desperately trying to snap its three-game losing streak, as they nearly upset Michigan last weekend. Outside of a victory over Purdue, the Wildcats have struggled to get any consistency on offense. After all, they are only averaging 94.8 rushing yards per game.Despite their solid record, the Spartans haven’t necessarily looked great. With quarterback Brian Lewerke throwing as many touchdowns as interceptions, Michigan State continues to win by a small margin.The five highest-graded players for the Michigan State v Northwestern contest pic.twitter.com/8ZTTfZ8yDT— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 4, 2018Date: Saturday, October 6Game Time: 12:00 PM ETChannel: FS1Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MichiganAnnouncers: Tim Brando, Spencer TillmanPrediction: Both teams feature lackluster offenses, but Michigan State’s defense will be the biggest difference in this showdown.If Kenny Willekes and the rest of the front seven can apply pressure on Clayton Thorson, the Spartans will secure another victory. Spartans win by three at home. read more

COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 11: Feleipe Franks #13 of the Florida Gators rolls out against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina won 28-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)Florida’s starting quarterback is facing some major social media criticism for the move he just pulled against Florida State.The Gators’ starting QB did some serious flopping in an attempt to draw a penalty on a Florida State player.Check it out:And the Oscar goes to…. Feleipe Franks! pic.twitter.com/SIJNBxmh2Z— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 24, 2018That is quite the sell.Former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell isn’t happy.“Such a Gator move to flop like that,” he tweeted.Such a Gator move to flop like that ?— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) November 24, 2018Florida, the No. 11 team in the country, is currently leading Florida State, 20-7.The game is on ABC. read more

BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 30: A general view of Lane Stadium prior to the game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Clemson Tigers on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker, a former four-star recruit, is entering the transfer portal. Hooker announced the news on Twitter this afternoon.Hooker was the No. 11 dual-threat quarterback in the 2017 class, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. He redshirted as a freshman before seeing duty as a backup last season.Hooker appeared in six games, rushing four times for 57 yards and a touchdown. He did not attempt a pass.By entering the transfer portal, Hooker doesn’t look himself into leaving Blacksburg, but it does enable him to have contact with other programs.“The bond I’ve made with my teammates is unbreakable and I am grateful for the impact this university had on me,” Hooker wrote.pic.twitter.com/yWQyJV5UA7— Hendon Hooker (@HenBoss2) January 30, 2019Hooker is the second Hokie quarterback to explore a transfer this offseason. Josh Jackson announced his decision to transfer last week.Virginia Tech finished 6-7 in 2018. read more

CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 23: A general view of the stadium and fans as the University of North Carolina Tar Heels take on the Clemson Tigers on September 23, 2006 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)We’re only partway through the recruiting process for the Class of 2020, but many teams have been beating down the door of 2021 quarterback Aaron McLaughlin. Fortunately for the Clemson Tigers, it seems that they may have the upper hand now.Speaking to The Clemson Insider, McLaughlin revealed following a recent visit to the school that he is excited at the prospect of getting an offer from the school. He said he was “blown away” after his first trip to check out the program in person.He praised the school for producing such talented quarterbacks, and considers it an honor if he gets the offer.“It (Clemson offer) would be a huge honor because they produce great quarterbacks,” McLaughlin told The Clemson Insider at The Nike Opening Regional in Atlanta last weekend. “They only offer a few, and they offer the best, so it’d be an honor.”McLaughlin made it clear in the interview that he has no intentions of rushing to make a decision, but does plan on returning to Clemson at least once this summer.“I’m really taking my time,” he said. “When I feel at home somewhere, when I feel like I want to announce my top schools or commit, I will.”Clemson’s incumbent quarterback Trevor Lawrence will in all likelihood be off to the NFL by the time McLaughlin enrolls, so he could very well find himself in the mix for the starting job off the bat.The Tigers are not without stiff competition for McLaughlin though. 247Sports‘ Crystal Ball Predictions currently have four SEC teams in a heated race for his commitment.Georgia and Arkansas are tied with a 33-percent of analyst predictions, while Auburn and Ole Miss are tied for third with 17-percent.[The Clemson Insider] read more

India Today Web Desk IndoreJanuary 9, 2019UPDATED: January 9, 2019 17:38 IST Ranji Trophy: Naman Ojha’s was the third wicket to fall for Madhya Pradesh against Andhra Pradesh. (PTI File Photo)HIGHLIGHTSMadhya Pradesh lost their last 7 wickets without adding run in their Ranji Trophy match against AndhraMadhya Pradesh were 35 for 3 off 13 overs. By 16.5 overs, they were 35 all outGirinath Reddy and Paidikalva Vijaykumar picked up a 6-wicket haul each in the 1st and 2 inningsIn a bizarre batting performance, Madhya Pradesh were blown out for 35 in their Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh in Indore on Wednesday. Andhra won the Elite Group B match by 307 runs following a horribe batting performance by Madhya Pradesh.In the first innings, Andhra were bowled out for 132 thanks to Ishwar Pandey’s four-wicket haul. Gaurav Yadav and K Kartikeya had finished with three wickets apiece.But it went horribly wrong for Madhya Pradesh in their first innings. Skipper Naman Ojha top scored with 30 as MP were bowled out for a paltry 91. Pareddy Girinath Reddy, a right-arm medium pacer, took 6 for 29 off 10.5 overs to lead Andhra’s fightback.There seemed to be some respite for the batsmen in Andhra’s second innings. Karan Shinde scored a fine 103 in his team’s 301 all out. Set a daunting task in the fourth innings, Madhya Pradesh would have expected to put up a better show.At 35 for 3 off 13 overs, there wasn’t a glimmer of hope for MP but what followed next must have left them shaken and rocked.Aryaman Birla was dismissed for 12 in the first ball of the 14th over, triggering a sensational collapse. MP lost their fifth wicket in the same over. VR Iyer was dismissed off the second ball of the 15th over while Kartikeya fell off the very next delivery.Pandey perished off the last ball of the 16th over. By 16.5 overs, the entire Madhya Pradesh innings was done – Andhra had won by 307 runs.KV Sasikanth(6 for 18) and Paidikalva Vijaykumar (3 for 17) were the only two bowlers Andhra needed to blow Madhya Pradesh away.advertisementFor MP, only two batsmen reached double figures in their second innings: Birla and Yash Dubey.Also Read | Hardik Pandya apologises for misogynistic comments on Koffee with Karan: Got carried awayAlso Read | Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul asked to explain controversial remarks on TV show within 24 hoursAlso Read | Rohit bhaiya, more than happy to babysit Samaira: Rishabh PantAlso Read | India vs Australia: MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan begin preparations for ODIsFor 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 Tags :Follow Madhya PradeshFollow Andhra PradeshFollow Ranji TrophyFollow Naman OjhaFollow KV Sasikanth Ranji Trophy: Madhya Pradesh go from 35 for 3 in 13 overs to 35 all out in 16.5 oversRanji Trophy: Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 91 and 35 against Andhra in their Ranji Trophy match in Indore. In the second innings, MP lost their last 7 wickets for 0 in less than 4 overs.advertisement read more

Press Trust of India KolkataApril 29, 2019UPDATED: April 29, 2019 12:31 IST Chasing 233, Hardik’s 91 from 34 balls kept MI in the hunt till his dismissal swung the game in favour of KKR (AP Photo)HIGHLIGHTS Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting kept Kolkata Knight Riders on tenderhooks till the final ball”We would have loved a couple of less wickets when Kieron (Pollard) and Hardik walked in,” said De KockDe Kock further said he hated every minute of keeping to Russell who slammed a 40-ball 80 not outMumbai Indians’ Quinton de Kock has rued the lack of support for Hardik Pandya, whose incredible power-hitting kept Kolkata Knight Riders on tenderhooks till the final ball of the 18th over here.Chasing 233, Hardik’s 91 from 34 balls kept MI in the hunt till his dismissal swung the game in favour of KKR at the Eden Gardens.”We would have loved a couple of less wickets when Kieron (Pollard) and Hardik walked in. But, unfortunately, it didn’t happen today so there’s the collapse and no one batting with Hardik made it harder for us,” the South African said at the post-match news conference Sunday.De Kock got out without opening his account, after top-edging Sunil Narine in the second over.”When you have to score of 233, you need to play one or two shots anyway. You have to try against any bowler who comes on and take a chance to get things going.”So if I hit that ball for four or six, you probably would have said ‘great shot’ but unfortunately I got out so didn’t look,” he said about his slog-sweep.The bowlers have too little in the batsmen-dominated format and De Kock said it’s more to do with the batting-friendly sub-continent wickets.”In India they have generally very small fields, while wicket is batting friendly. Australia have bigger ground, while there’s a bit in the wicket for South Africa. Here it is more batting friendly anyway. Bowlers are always under pressure.”De Kock further said he hated every minute of keeping to Russell who slammed a 40-ball 80 not out.advertisement”I’m not joking, I hated every minute of it. You can’t fault him. He took his time, and then did what he does the best. You just have to appreciate what is done. Not just this game but in the IPL. Hope he doesn’t do it again against us,” he said.Mumbai Indians will have a return-leg clash against KKR on May 5 which will be their last clash in the league round. Needing a win to seal a playoff berth, Mumbai Indians next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on May 2.Also Read | IPL 2019: Delhi Capitals beat RCB to reach playoffsAlso Read | IPL 2019, DC vs RCB: Virat Kohli trolls himself after losing toss for the 9th timeAlso Read | 10 out of 10: What makes CSK the true Super Kings of IPL?Also Watch | Getting better with age, looking forward to the World Cup: Chris Gayle to India TodayFor 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 byRoshni Tags :Follow Mumbai IndiansFollow Quinton de KockFollow Hardik PandyaFollow Kolkata Knight Riders No one batting with Hardik made it harder for us, says MI’s de KockMumbai Indians’ Quinton de Kock has rued the lack of support for Hardik Pandya in their match again KKR at the Eden Gardens.advertisement read more