2 hours ago
Jul. 31—ROCHESTER — With two years remaining in her high school volleyball career, Laney Stellmaker has already decided on her next chapter.
The incoming junior setter for Century High School verbally committed to play Division I volleyball for Southern Illinois University Salukis in Carbondale, Ill, she recently announced on social media.
Once her recruitment opened on June 15, college coaches started reaching out to her. The first week was a whirlwind with Stellmaker averaging four phone calls per day. Her longest call, though, was with SIU.
"It was an hour long, and on the call, I could kind of feel that connection with the coaches," Stellmaker said. "And then I went to camps, obviously. And then after Southern Illinois' camp, I was talking to my dad, and I was like, 'This feels right. I think I want to go here,' and I already had an offer from them. I got it a week earlier, and so the next morning after camp, we made the decision to commit there."
All she needed was three and a half weeks to make her decision. Her campus visit sealed the deal.
#school #already
The incoming junior setter for Century High School verbally committed to play Division I volleyball for Southern Illinois University Salukis in Carbondale, Ill, she recently announced on social media.
Once her recruitment opened on June 15, college coaches started reaching out to her. The first week was a whirlwind with Stellmaker averaging four phone calls per day. Her longest call, though, was with SIU.
"It was an hour long, and on the call, I could kind of feel that connection with the coaches," Stellmaker said. "And then I went to camps, obviously. And then after Southern Illinois' camp, I was talking to my dad, and I was like, 'This feels right. I think I want to go here,' and I already had an offer from them. I got it a week earlier, and so the next morning after camp, we made the decision to commit there."
All she needed was three and a half weeks to make her decision. Her campus visit sealed the deal.
#school #already
9 hours ago
England prospect Davina Perrin said she remembered she has "got the shots" after recovering from injury.
The 19-year-old was touted for England recognition last season after hammering the fastest century in the history of the women's Hundred, a 43-ball 101 for Northern Superchargers in the eliminator match.
She struck 52 from 43 deliveries in Birmingham Phoenix's 24-run defeat by Southern Brave on Thursday, her second match back after a month on the sidelines.
"It's my first like proper injury so there's so much learnings from it and that's the big thing for me, looking at what I can learn from the experience," said Perrin.
"Seeking advice where I could as well - I managed to grab a few minutes out of [former England wicketkeeper] Sarah Taylor and she gave me a really good bit of advice.
#birmingham
The 19-year-old was touted for England recognition last season after hammering the fastest century in the history of the women's Hundred, a 43-ball 101 for Northern Superchargers in the eliminator match.
She struck 52 from 43 deliveries in Birmingham Phoenix's 24-run defeat by Southern Brave on Thursday, her second match back after a month on the sidelines.
"It's my first like proper injury so there's so much learnings from it and that's the big thing for me, looking at what I can learn from the experience," said Perrin.
"Seeking advice where I could as well - I managed to grab a few minutes out of [former England wicketkeeper] Sarah Taylor and she gave me a really good bit of advice.
#birmingham
17 hours ago
Jul. 30—The Big Sky Conference made official its additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech this month, in time for the two universities' football programs to take part in the league's annual football kickoff weekend at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights.
Coaches at both programs articulated the various benefits that the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers expect to reap, while coaches and officials from across the Big Sky described the move as a fortification of the league's status as the best in the FCS.
Having 13 teams isn't new to the Big Sky; it carried that many from 2012 to 2021, albeit not these same 13 teams. And Eastern Washington and Idaho are minimally impacted by the specific addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech.
But by swelling to 13, the Big Sky has swallowed up every remaining scholarship FCS program within its geographic footprint, and the effect of that will ripple through its other, more tenured 11 programs.
"I thought it would be a great move for our entire athletic department, and it has been," Utah Tech head football coach Lance Anderson said. "... I just think this is a much better geographic fit for us."
#utah #Tech #move #geographic
Coaches at both programs articulated the various benefits that the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers expect to reap, while coaches and officials from across the Big Sky described the move as a fortification of the league's status as the best in the FCS.
Having 13 teams isn't new to the Big Sky; it carried that many from 2012 to 2021, albeit not these same 13 teams. And Eastern Washington and Idaho are minimally impacted by the specific addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech.
But by swelling to 13, the Big Sky has swallowed up every remaining scholarship FCS program within its geographic footprint, and the effect of that will ripple through its other, more tenured 11 programs.
"I thought it would be a great move for our entire athletic department, and it has been," Utah Tech head football coach Lance Anderson said. "... I just think this is a much better geographic fit for us."
#utah #Tech #move #geographic
17 hours ago
For every NASCAR Cup Series driver, winning a championship is the ultimate goal. But when it comes to individual races, four events stand above the rest.
Known collectively as NASCAR's Crown Jewel races, these iconic events carry a level of prestige that few victories can match. They combine decades of history, unique traditions, massive crowds, and some of the toughest challenges on the schedule. A win in any one of them can define a driver's career. Winning all four places them among NASCAR's all-time greats.
While NASCAR has never formally codified the term in its rulebook, today's Crown Jewel races are widely recognized as the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, and Brickyard 400.
Here's everything fans need to know about the sport's biggest events.
Much like golf's four majors or tennis' Grand Slam tournaments, NASCAR's Crown Jewel races are considered the premier events on the Cup Series calendar.
#crown #winning #known #daytona
Known collectively as NASCAR's Crown Jewel races, these iconic events carry a level of prestige that few victories can match. They combine decades of history, unique traditions, massive crowds, and some of the toughest challenges on the schedule. A win in any one of them can define a driver's career. Winning all four places them among NASCAR's all-time greats.
While NASCAR has never formally codified the term in its rulebook, today's Crown Jewel races are widely recognized as the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, and Brickyard 400.
Here's everything fans need to know about the sport's biggest events.
Much like golf's four majors or tennis' Grand Slam tournaments, NASCAR's Crown Jewel races are considered the premier events on the Cup Series calendar.
#crown #winning #known #daytona
21 hours ago
Wednesday, Auburn women's tennis released its upcoming schedule for the 2026 fall.
The schedule provided by head coach Jordan Szabo, the Tigers will be competing through three Intercollegiate Tennis ****** ociation events for a bid in the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships. The individual championships will be held in November.
The Tigers open up the fall with the ITA All-American Championships in Cary, North Carolina on Sept. 19-27. Early October will see them in the ITA Southern Regional Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on the 8th through 12th.
Then a trip to Rome, Georgia to compete in the RTC Collegiate Invite on Oct. 23-25 and then to Knoxville, Tennessee for the ITA South Sectional Championships on No. 5-8. If they advance, the NCAA Singles & Doubles Championships will be held in Athens, Georgia on Nov. 17-22.
Players Ava Esposito and Ashton Bowers both earned bids last season to the NCAA Singles Championship. Esposito would make it to the round of 16 and finished with an ITA Singles All-American honor.
#doubles #georgia
The schedule provided by head coach Jordan Szabo, the Tigers will be competing through three Intercollegiate Tennis ****** ociation events for a bid in the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships. The individual championships will be held in November.
The Tigers open up the fall with the ITA All-American Championships in Cary, North Carolina on Sept. 19-27. Early October will see them in the ITA Southern Regional Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on the 8th through 12th.
Then a trip to Rome, Georgia to compete in the RTC Collegiate Invite on Oct. 23-25 and then to Knoxville, Tennessee for the ITA South Sectional Championships on No. 5-8. If they advance, the NCAA Singles & Doubles Championships will be held in Athens, Georgia on Nov. 17-22.
Players Ava Esposito and Ashton Bowers both earned bids last season to the NCAA Singles Championship. Esposito would make it to the round of 16 and finished with an ITA Singles All-American honor.
#doubles #georgia
2 days ago
A 4,000-year-old disease often ******* ociated with biblical times is making a slow but steady comeback in one U.S. state.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an illness many often relegate to the history books. Florida, however, has recorded 17 infections this year as of July 18, according to state health data. Of the 174 cases recorded nationwide in 2025, 36 occurred in the state, including 27 that were contracted locally rather than abroad.
Hansen's disease affects up to 225 people in the United States and 250,000 globally every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most cases are contracted abroad, the agency notes that Southern states have reported illnesses not linked to travel that were "likely contracted from armadillos."
In the past decade, roughly 223 cases were recorded in Florida, the majority of which occurred in Brevard County. Central Florida, specifically, appears to be a recurring hotspot, accounting for 81% of state cases and almost one-fifth of nationally reported cases, according to research published in the CDC's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2023.
While it appears a pattern has emerged, scientists aren't entirely sure why. The same 2023 report concluded that an increase in leprosy infections in non-foreign-born residents that "lacked traditional risk factors" indicated that the disease is probably now endemic in parts of the United States, with one cited case in a landscaper raising questions about environmental exposure.
#disease #states #year #according
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an illness many often relegate to the history books. Florida, however, has recorded 17 infections this year as of July 18, according to state health data. Of the 174 cases recorded nationwide in 2025, 36 occurred in the state, including 27 that were contracted locally rather than abroad.
Hansen's disease affects up to 225 people in the United States and 250,000 globally every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most cases are contracted abroad, the agency notes that Southern states have reported illnesses not linked to travel that were "likely contracted from armadillos."
In the past decade, roughly 223 cases were recorded in Florida, the majority of which occurred in Brevard County. Central Florida, specifically, appears to be a recurring hotspot, accounting for 81% of state cases and almost one-fifth of nationally reported cases, according to research published in the CDC's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2023.
While it appears a pattern has emerged, scientists aren't entirely sure why. The same 2023 report concluded that an increase in leprosy infections in non-foreign-born residents that "lacked traditional risk factors" indicated that the disease is probably now endemic in parts of the United States, with one cited case in a landscaper raising questions about environmental exposure.
#disease #states #year #according
2 days ago
George and Amal Clooney are standing by their French community after evacuating their home as wildfires spread across parts of Europe.
The couple said in a letter to the city's mayor that they left their home in Brignoles, southern France, which a representative for George Clooney confirmed to People in a report published on July 29.
"Dear Didier, at this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment," the letter said, according to People.
#letter #amal #french #france
The couple said in a letter to the city's mayor that they left their home in Brignoles, southern France, which a representative for George Clooney confirmed to People in a report published on July 29.
"Dear Didier, at this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment," the letter said, according to People.
#letter #amal #french #france
2 days ago
George and Amal Clooney evacuated their Brignoles home in France as wildfires spread across multiple European countries
The couple announced their departure in a letter to the Brignoles mayor, sharing their concern for the community
The wildfires across southern Europe have ravaged France, Spain, Italy and Greece
George and Amal Clooney have evacuated their home in France amid the ongoing wildfires across Europe.
The couple and their 9-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, live in the town of Brignoles, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Currently, their home is in one of the many regions where wildfires are spreading across France, Spain, Italy and Greece.
#home
The couple announced their departure in a letter to the Brignoles mayor, sharing their concern for the community
The wildfires across southern Europe have ravaged France, Spain, Italy and Greece
George and Amal Clooney have evacuated their home in France amid the ongoing wildfires across Europe.
The couple and their 9-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, live in the town of Brignoles, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Currently, their home is in one of the many regions where wildfires are spreading across France, Spain, Italy and Greece.
#home
2 days ago
In the 73rd minute of a scoreless match, Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga shot down the field like an arrow to receive a long pass from midfield. The ball dropped into the pocket between the opponent's backline and goalkeeper, a ripe scenario for an attacker whose pace is as blistering as her decision-making.
Chawinga, who plays for the Kansas City Current in the National Women's Soccer League, nudged the ball with her chest to the goalkeeper's left, ran around her right, and found a half volley to begin an extraordinary new chapter of firsts in her career: not only her first goal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, but also her country's.
Malawi defeated 10-time champions and current continental ***** le holders Nigeria in a dramatic 3-2 upset victory on Tuesday, thanks to two goals from Temwa and one from her older sister and OL Lyonnes forward, Tabitha, at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The win puts the southern African nation in a crucial second place in their group behind Zambia on goal differential.
"We are going (to WAFCON) to compete, not just to participate," Chawinga told The Athletic before she departed for Morocco.
#temwa #current #goal #city
Chawinga, who plays for the Kansas City Current in the National Women's Soccer League, nudged the ball with her chest to the goalkeeper's left, ran around her right, and found a half volley to begin an extraordinary new chapter of firsts in her career: not only her first goal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, but also her country's.
Malawi defeated 10-time champions and current continental ***** le holders Nigeria in a dramatic 3-2 upset victory on Tuesday, thanks to two goals from Temwa and one from her older sister and OL Lyonnes forward, Tabitha, at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The win puts the southern African nation in a crucial second place in their group behind Zambia on goal differential.
"We are going (to WAFCON) to compete, not just to participate," Chawinga told The Athletic before she departed for Morocco.
#temwa #current #goal #city
2 days ago
Arkansas football enters 2026 looking almost nothing like the team that stumbled through a disastrous 2025 season that saw them go 2-10 overall and 0-for-the-SEC. After Sam Pittman was fired in late September and Bobby Petrino finished out the year as interim coach, the Razorbacks turned to Memphis' Ryan Silverfield to lead yet another full scale rebuild of the program. With a new staff, a roster overhauled through the transfer portal, but one of the toughest schedules in the country waiting, expectations in Northwest Arkansas are cautious but hopeful.
Silverfield arrives after six seasons at Memphis, where he went a solid 50-25 and built a reputation for explosive offenses. Memphis has always been a place at which it was tough to succeed. Despite a ton of local talent, the university's commitment level (or lack thereof) and competition on the recruiting trail from SEC schools frequently combined to keep the Tigers from reaching their potential.
Silverfield won more than ten games twice, but 2025 saw the Tigers drop to 8-4, and Silverfield leave prior to them taking a 31-7 beating from NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl. In short, he was not the most highly sought after coach on the carousel, and probably had a hit of a sell by date in Memphis. But Arkansas isn't exactly a plum ****** ignment in the SEC. So in some ways it felt like program and coach found each other at the right time.
Silverfield wasted little time ****** embling his first Arkansas staff. Tim Cramsey, his offensive coordinator at Memphis for four seasons, follows him to Fayetteville after helping the Tigers average 36 points per game and rank among the top 25 offenses nationally. On defense, Silverfield hired Ron Roberts, who spent the last two years running Florida's defense and previously called plays at Auburn, Baylor and Louisiana, including on Baylor's Sugar Bowl winning 2022 staff. Chad Lunsford, a former Georgia Southern head coach, takes over special teams duties after a strong 2025 at Auburn. The staff also brought in several ****** istants from Memphis and around the country, including veteran offensive line coaches Jeff Myers and Marcus Johnson, signaling a clear intent to rebuild a line that struggled last season.
Those new coaches are going to need name tags to keep up with all their new players. Few programs churned their roster harder than Arkansas this offseason. With dozens of scholarship spots to fill, the Razorbacks needed a portal class that ranked among the largest in the country, and they landed roughly 29 commitments that placed them near the top of the SEC and top 15 nationally in industry transfer rankings.
#memphis #coach #country #auburn
Silverfield arrives after six seasons at Memphis, where he went a solid 50-25 and built a reputation for explosive offenses. Memphis has always been a place at which it was tough to succeed. Despite a ton of local talent, the university's commitment level (or lack thereof) and competition on the recruiting trail from SEC schools frequently combined to keep the Tigers from reaching their potential.
Silverfield won more than ten games twice, but 2025 saw the Tigers drop to 8-4, and Silverfield leave prior to them taking a 31-7 beating from NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl. In short, he was not the most highly sought after coach on the carousel, and probably had a hit of a sell by date in Memphis. But Arkansas isn't exactly a plum ****** ignment in the SEC. So in some ways it felt like program and coach found each other at the right time.
Silverfield wasted little time ****** embling his first Arkansas staff. Tim Cramsey, his offensive coordinator at Memphis for four seasons, follows him to Fayetteville after helping the Tigers average 36 points per game and rank among the top 25 offenses nationally. On defense, Silverfield hired Ron Roberts, who spent the last two years running Florida's defense and previously called plays at Auburn, Baylor and Louisiana, including on Baylor's Sugar Bowl winning 2022 staff. Chad Lunsford, a former Georgia Southern head coach, takes over special teams duties after a strong 2025 at Auburn. The staff also brought in several ****** istants from Memphis and around the country, including veteran offensive line coaches Jeff Myers and Marcus Johnson, signaling a clear intent to rebuild a line that struggled last season.
Those new coaches are going to need name tags to keep up with all their new players. Few programs churned their roster harder than Arkansas this offseason. With dozens of scholarship spots to fill, the Razorbacks needed a portal class that ranked among the largest in the country, and they landed roughly 29 commitments that placed them near the top of the SEC and top 15 nationally in industry transfer rankings.
#memphis #coach #country #auburn
2 days ago
The western rival of Union Pacific said that the carrier's latest regulatory filing doesn't change the fact that the merger with Norfolk Southern will raise rates for shippers, and prices for consumers.
"We are continuing to review the additional information submitted at the request of the Surface Transportation Board in regard to the proposed UP-NS merger," said BNSF (NYSE: BRK-B) President and Chief Executive Katie Farmer, in a statement Tuesday. "Despite UP (NYSE: UNP) and NS's (NYSE: NSC) fourth attempt to submit a complete application, the bottom line remains the same. UP and NS have not changed the core of their proposal that fails to demonstrate how combining two major railroads into a single carrier would preserve – much less enhance – competition as required by the STB's merger rules.'
The merging railroads on Monday completed the supplemental filing requested by the STB when it conditionally accepted the second merger application in late May.
"UP and NS highlight several so-called new aspects of their application, but they are more of the same – processes with multiple caveats that are difficult to understand, available to very few customers and only available for very short periods of time," Farmer said. "They do nothing meaningful to mitigate the massive anticompetitive impact of 50% market share held by one company."
The combined UP-NS would claim around 37% of North American rail traffic, according to data from Railfax. The partners' just-announced operating agreement with Canadian National (NYSE: CNI) would add another 13% share to the total.
#merger #same #Share
"We are continuing to review the additional information submitted at the request of the Surface Transportation Board in regard to the proposed UP-NS merger," said BNSF (NYSE: BRK-B) President and Chief Executive Katie Farmer, in a statement Tuesday. "Despite UP (NYSE: UNP) and NS's (NYSE: NSC) fourth attempt to submit a complete application, the bottom line remains the same. UP and NS have not changed the core of their proposal that fails to demonstrate how combining two major railroads into a single carrier would preserve – much less enhance – competition as required by the STB's merger rules.'
The merging railroads on Monday completed the supplemental filing requested by the STB when it conditionally accepted the second merger application in late May.
"UP and NS highlight several so-called new aspects of their application, but they are more of the same – processes with multiple caveats that are difficult to understand, available to very few customers and only available for very short periods of time," Farmer said. "They do nothing meaningful to mitigate the massive anticompetitive impact of 50% market share held by one company."
The combined UP-NS would claim around 37% of North American rail traffic, according to data from Railfax. The partners' just-announced operating agreement with Canadian National (NYSE: CNI) would add another 13% share to the total.
#merger #same #Share
2 days ago
The Tennessee ***** ans will take to the field for their first training camp practice on Wednesday, and four new faces will help head coach Robert Saleh get the team ready for the regular season.
Ahead of their first practice, the team announced the addition of four new coaches who have joined head coach Robert Saleh's staff for training camp as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program: D'Anthony Batiste (offensive line), Malik Davis (defensive line), Ben Wilkerson (special teams) and Lucy Phan (performance).
These coaches were selected by Saleh and running backs coach Randy Jordan, the ***** ans' Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship Coordinator, to help them gain experience and potentially work toward full-time NFL coaching.
Batiste will return to the organization after serving in a similar role during offseason activities. A former NFL offensive tackle, he currently serves as an intern strength and conditioning coach for the University of Las Vegas.
Davis will come to the ***** ans to work with the defensive line, a position he is familiar with, currently serving as a defensive line ***** yst/defensive graduate ***** istant at Texas A&M. After starting his career as a student defensive ***** istant at Georgia Southern, he has also held defensive coaching roles with the University of Cincinnati and at South Alabama.
#Titans #line #bill #diversity
Ahead of their first practice, the team announced the addition of four new coaches who have joined head coach Robert Saleh's staff for training camp as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program: D'Anthony Batiste (offensive line), Malik Davis (defensive line), Ben Wilkerson (special teams) and Lucy Phan (performance).
These coaches were selected by Saleh and running backs coach Randy Jordan, the ***** ans' Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship Coordinator, to help them gain experience and potentially work toward full-time NFL coaching.
Batiste will return to the organization after serving in a similar role during offseason activities. A former NFL offensive tackle, he currently serves as an intern strength and conditioning coach for the University of Las Vegas.
Davis will come to the ***** ans to work with the defensive line, a position he is familiar with, currently serving as a defensive line ***** yst/defensive graduate ***** istant at Texas A&M. After starting his career as a student defensive ***** istant at Georgia Southern, he has also held defensive coaching roles with the University of Cincinnati and at South Alabama.
#Titans #line #bill #diversity
2 days ago
There have been other Bulldogs tailbacks who ran for more yards than Knowshon Moreno. There are Bulldog tailbacks with more SEC and national **** le rings than Knowshon Moreno. But pound for pound and carry for carry, has there ever been a more electric Bulldog tailbacks who ran than Knowshon Moreno? I submit that the answer is ""no." Just ask the Central Michigan Chippewas.
CMU came to Athens for the second game of the 2008 season and met a Bulldog squad with a chip on its shoulder. Georgia, led by future #1 draft pick and likely NFL Hall of Famer Matt Stafford had begun the season ranked #1 in the nation for the first time in decades. But the Red and Black actually dropped to #2 after a sleepy home opener win against Georgia Southern. They took their frustrations out on the Chips, scoring on four straight possessions coming out of halftime to cruise to a 56-17 victory.
There were plenty of highlights in this one, but the iconic moment remains Knowshon's twisting, leaping run for a drive extending first down.
Few tailbacks have ever been as shifty in traffic and as smooth in the open field as noted quiet hours back flipper Knowshon Rockwell Moreno. Knowshon would finish his day with 168 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. But it was this leap that ended up on teeshirts and message board avatars.
Go ''Dawgs!!!
#carry
CMU came to Athens for the second game of the 2008 season and met a Bulldog squad with a chip on its shoulder. Georgia, led by future #1 draft pick and likely NFL Hall of Famer Matt Stafford had begun the season ranked #1 in the nation for the first time in decades. But the Red and Black actually dropped to #2 after a sleepy home opener win against Georgia Southern. They took their frustrations out on the Chips, scoring on four straight possessions coming out of halftime to cruise to a 56-17 victory.
There were plenty of highlights in this one, but the iconic moment remains Knowshon's twisting, leaping run for a drive extending first down.
Few tailbacks have ever been as shifty in traffic and as smooth in the open field as noted quiet hours back flipper Knowshon Rockwell Moreno. Knowshon would finish his day with 168 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. But it was this leap that ended up on teeshirts and message board avatars.
Go ''Dawgs!!!
#carry
3 days ago
On July 23, both Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) delivered their Q2 results, giving investors better insight into which railroad stock is the better play. While both companies reported strong results, NSC's investment case is now tied to the possible acquisition. Investors must weigh UNP's standalone growth potential against NSC's risks and upside arising from the merger.
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) delivered an operating revenue of $6.9 billion and an adjusted EPS of $3.41, marking a surprise of 3% and 5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the company reported 6% EPS growth, with operating revenue up 12% YoY. Management sees full-year reported EPS growth in the high single-digit range, raising its 2026 outlook.
The strong results were mainly driven by freight revenue, which grew 12%, due to volume growth, fuel surcharge revenue, solid core pricing, and operational efficiency. The company reports being 10 basis points better on the operating ratio, standing at 59.2%.
ankush-minda-7KKQG0eB_TI-unsplash
A key highlight of the results was the company's intermodal strength, as it delivered its fourth consecutive record quarter in volume and revenue. Thanks to truck capacity and share gains, private ******* et, rail ******* et, and parcel volumes were all up double-digits.
#revenue #corporation #delivered
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) delivered an operating revenue of $6.9 billion and an adjusted EPS of $3.41, marking a surprise of 3% and 5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the company reported 6% EPS growth, with operating revenue up 12% YoY. Management sees full-year reported EPS growth in the high single-digit range, raising its 2026 outlook.
The strong results were mainly driven by freight revenue, which grew 12%, due to volume growth, fuel surcharge revenue, solid core pricing, and operational efficiency. The company reports being 10 basis points better on the operating ratio, standing at 59.2%.
ankush-minda-7KKQG0eB_TI-unsplash
A key highlight of the results was the company's intermodal strength, as it delivered its fourth consecutive record quarter in volume and revenue. Thanks to truck capacity and share gains, private ******* et, rail ******* et, and parcel volumes were all up double-digits.
#revenue #corporation #delivered
3 days ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The expectations are not new for Lincoln Riley or Southern Cal. He faced them as a first-time head coach at Oklahoma before arriving at USC, and the Trojans have faced them nearly every year for generations.
Still, in Riley's five years at USC, those expectations have perhaps never been higher than they are this fall. With more than a dozen contributors returning, including star quarterback Jayden Maiava, the country's top-ranked freshman class and a handful of impact transfers, a lot of the pieces that were missing during the first few years of Riley's tenure have now fallen into place, on paper at least.
"It's what it's supposed to feel like here," Riley said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. "I've said this multiple times: I mean, the only two places that I've been a head coach at were blue-blood schools that have the highest of expectations. Honestly, I've really not known anything different. We're a product of our own experiences. That's been mine.
"Every year, I expect to win. I expect us to win. I expect us to compete for and win championships. That doesn't change. I certainly will give you what has changed: We're more equipped than at any point in the previous few years. That's not a hope or wish, those are facts. There's a lot of facts to back that up."
Riley cited institutional alignment including NIL support and a new $200 million practice facility, the addition of new defensive coordinator and longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson and the overall depth of talent on the roster among his reasons for optimism that he can get USC back to where it is used to being.
#i 've #head #we 're
Still, in Riley's five years at USC, those expectations have perhaps never been higher than they are this fall. With more than a dozen contributors returning, including star quarterback Jayden Maiava, the country's top-ranked freshman class and a handful of impact transfers, a lot of the pieces that were missing during the first few years of Riley's tenure have now fallen into place, on paper at least.
"It's what it's supposed to feel like here," Riley said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. "I've said this multiple times: I mean, the only two places that I've been a head coach at were blue-blood schools that have the highest of expectations. Honestly, I've really not known anything different. We're a product of our own experiences. That's been mine.
"Every year, I expect to win. I expect us to win. I expect us to compete for and win championships. That doesn't change. I certainly will give you what has changed: We're more equipped than at any point in the previous few years. That's not a hope or wish, those are facts. There's a lot of facts to back that up."
Riley cited institutional alignment including NIL support and a new $200 million practice facility, the addition of new defensive coordinator and longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson and the overall depth of talent on the roster among his reasons for optimism that he can get USC back to where it is used to being.
#i 've #head #we 're
3 days ago
Chicago — Conference realignment has thrown a wrench in many of college football's traditional rivalries. At least one Big Ten coach says he feels a new one brewing with Michigan.
Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days, USC head coach Lincoln Riley said that the past two season's games against Michigan have taken on the air of a rivalry. And though the Wolverines aren't on the schedule this season, he's looking forward to building more history with the Big Ten's traditional teams.
"This has got a little bit of juice behind it," Riley said. "Whether it's at the Big House or at the Coliseum, those two programs walk on the field, those two helmets walk on the field, it's like, ***** , you know. This is real. It's pretty cool, and I think everybody kind of feels that."
Michigan's Kalel Mullings ran in a 1-yard, fourth down touchdown with 37 seconds left to beat USC, 27-24, in a ranked clash at Michigan Stadium in 2024. The next year, USC pounded Michigan 31-13 in Los Angeles.
No, this quote-unquote rivalry isn't replacing the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh for Southern Cal, or surpassing The Game in importance for Michigan. The Trojans will always have beef with Notre Dame and UCLA — no matter what scheduling drama there may be with the Irish. And the Wolverines' rivals of Ohio State and Michigan State carry a certain regional animosity that is as hot as ever these days.
#michigan
Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days, USC head coach Lincoln Riley said that the past two season's games against Michigan have taken on the air of a rivalry. And though the Wolverines aren't on the schedule this season, he's looking forward to building more history with the Big Ten's traditional teams.
"This has got a little bit of juice behind it," Riley said. "Whether it's at the Big House or at the Coliseum, those two programs walk on the field, those two helmets walk on the field, it's like, ***** , you know. This is real. It's pretty cool, and I think everybody kind of feels that."
Michigan's Kalel Mullings ran in a 1-yard, fourth down touchdown with 37 seconds left to beat USC, 27-24, in a ranked clash at Michigan Stadium in 2024. The next year, USC pounded Michigan 31-13 in Los Angeles.
No, this quote-unquote rivalry isn't replacing the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh for Southern Cal, or surpassing The Game in importance for Michigan. The Trojans will always have beef with Notre Dame and UCLA — no matter what scheduling drama there may be with the Irish. And the Wolverines' rivals of Ohio State and Michigan State carry a certain regional animosity that is as hot as ever these days.
#michigan
3 days ago
By Jonathan Saul, Parisa Hafezi, Timour Azhari and Chen Aizhu
LONDON/DUBAI, July 28 (Reuters) - China has held direct talks with Yemen's Houthi movement to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Sea without being attacked after the Iran-aligned militia pledged to prevent access to Saudi ports, six sources with knowledge of the matter have said.
The Houthis declared their blockade on July 20, opening a new front against the U.S. and its allies in the Iran war and expanding attacks on tankers carrying energy and other supplies to markets beyond the Middle East.
Beijing has asked the Houthis directly to promise safe passage for its tankers, according to the sources, who included a senior Iranian official.
China was among the first countries to contact the Houthis directly about transits through Bab el-Mandeb, the strait at the southern end of the Red Sea with Yemen on its eastern bank, said the sources, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
#tankers
LONDON/DUBAI, July 28 (Reuters) - China has held direct talks with Yemen's Houthi movement to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Sea without being attacked after the Iran-aligned militia pledged to prevent access to Saudi ports, six sources with knowledge of the matter have said.
The Houthis declared their blockade on July 20, opening a new front against the U.S. and its allies in the Iran war and expanding attacks on tankers carrying energy and other supplies to markets beyond the Middle East.
Beijing has asked the Houthis directly to promise safe passage for its tankers, according to the sources, who included a senior Iranian official.
China was among the first countries to contact the Houthis directly about transits through Bab el-Mandeb, the strait at the southern end of the Red Sea with Yemen on its eastern bank, said the sources, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
#tankers
3 days ago
DUBAI, July 28 (Reuters) - Iran has proposed to Oman a temporary arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under which one direction of traffic would pass through Iranian waters and part of the opposite route would also be in Iranian waters, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state television on Tuesday.
Gharibabadi said Tehran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes between the two countries, saying such a plan did not address Tehran's security concerns until long-term regional stability is achieved.
He said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed if Muscat rejected Iran's proposal, adding that Tehran had never recognised the southern route along Oman's coast.
Gharibabadi also said Tehran had made it clear to Muscat that it no longer recognised the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), arguing that this pathway roughly in the middle of the waterway lies mostly within Omani waters and runs contrary to Iran's need to monitor transiting vessels after being attacked by the U.S. and Israel in late February.
The TSS, adopted by the International Maritime Organization, is currently unusable due to the risk of mines and has been replaced with Iran's northern route and Oman's southern route.
#route #tehran #muscat #TRAFFIC
Gharibabadi said Tehran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes between the two countries, saying such a plan did not address Tehran's security concerns until long-term regional stability is achieved.
He said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed if Muscat rejected Iran's proposal, adding that Tehran had never recognised the southern route along Oman's coast.
Gharibabadi also said Tehran had made it clear to Muscat that it no longer recognised the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), arguing that this pathway roughly in the middle of the waterway lies mostly within Omani waters and runs contrary to Iran's need to monitor transiting vessels after being attacked by the U.S. and Israel in late February.
The TSS, adopted by the International Maritime Organization, is currently unusable due to the risk of mines and has been replaced with Iran's northern route and Oman's southern route.
#route #tehran #muscat #TRAFFIC
3 days ago
LOS ANGELES -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be on the verge of losing another cornerstone player after star defensive tackle Vita Vea officially requested a trade, creating one of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason and immediately sparking speculation that the two-time Pro Bowler could be headed back to the West Coast.
Vea, 31, is seeking a new long-term contract after negotiations with the Buccaneers stalled. His agent confirmed the trade request just before veterans were scheduled to report for training camp. Although Vea is expected to report to camp, his future in Tampa Bay has become increasingly uncertain as he enters the final season of his current contract, which carries a non-guaranteed base salary for 2026.
The request comes during a period of significant change for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has already seen longtime linebacker Lavonte David retire while franchise icon Mike Evans departed in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the organization facing one of its biggest roster transitions in years.
One of the league's most dominant interior defensive linemen since entering the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Vea has been the anchor of Tampa Bay's run defense and helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl LV championship. Over eight seasons, he has totaled 256 tackles and 35 sacks while earning two Pro Bowl selections. Last season, he started all 17 games, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
With Vea now on the trade market, oddsmakers at BetOnline Sports & Casino believe Southern California is the most likely destination.
#contract
Vea, 31, is seeking a new long-term contract after negotiations with the Buccaneers stalled. His agent confirmed the trade request just before veterans were scheduled to report for training camp. Although Vea is expected to report to camp, his future in Tampa Bay has become increasingly uncertain as he enters the final season of his current contract, which carries a non-guaranteed base salary for 2026.
The request comes during a period of significant change for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has already seen longtime linebacker Lavonte David retire while franchise icon Mike Evans departed in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the organization facing one of its biggest roster transitions in years.
One of the league's most dominant interior defensive linemen since entering the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Vea has been the anchor of Tampa Bay's run defense and helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl LV championship. Over eight seasons, he has totaled 256 tackles and 35 sacks while earning two Pro Bowl selections. Last season, he started all 17 games, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
With Vea now on the trade market, oddsmakers at BetOnline Sports & Casino believe Southern California is the most likely destination.
#contract
3 days ago
The Women's League Cup will be renamed the Players Cup and operate in a league system with regionalised matches for the 2026-27 season.
Last November, clubs in the Women's Super League (WSL) and WSL 2 voted in favour of proposals to revamp the competition to help combat scheduling issues and to protect player welfare.
They agreed the new format would exclude sides who have qualified for the Women's Champions League, meaning League Cup holders Chelsea, WSL champions Manchester City and runners-up ***** nal will miss this year's edition.
The remaining 23 teams from the top two divisions have been split into Northern and Southern sections - but will be in one table.
They will compete from September to December on nights when Champions League fixtures are taking place.
#last #Chelsea #manchester
Last November, clubs in the Women's Super League (WSL) and WSL 2 voted in favour of proposals to revamp the competition to help combat scheduling issues and to protect player welfare.
They agreed the new format would exclude sides who have qualified for the Women's Champions League, meaning League Cup holders Chelsea, WSL champions Manchester City and runners-up ***** nal will miss this year's edition.
The remaining 23 teams from the top two divisions have been split into Northern and Southern sections - but will be in one table.
They will compete from September to December on nights when Champions League fixtures are taking place.
#last #Chelsea #manchester
3 days ago
Covenant Health Park will return to form as a baseball diamond, with the Knoxville Smokies back in town for their July 28-Aug. 2 series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos after two weeks away.
The playoff-bound Smokies − still first place in the Southern League North − went 3-6 on their road trip following the MLB All-Star break.
The Smokies have been missing catcher Owen Ayers, who was promoted after Knoxville's last homestand to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs alongside the Southern League Pitcher of the Month for June, Jace Beck. Ayers is now the Cubs' No. 3 prospect, according to the MLB Pipeline's updated top prospects list.
Right-handed pitcher Luis Gomez-Martinez highlighted the Smokies' 3-3 split with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Activated from the 60-day injured list July 17, Martinez-Gomez struck out a career-best 12 batters in the Smokies' win July 24. He didn't walk a batter in six innings and gave up just one earned run.
Get tickets to see the Knoxville Smokies play
#league #pitcher
The playoff-bound Smokies − still first place in the Southern League North − went 3-6 on their road trip following the MLB All-Star break.
The Smokies have been missing catcher Owen Ayers, who was promoted after Knoxville's last homestand to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs alongside the Southern League Pitcher of the Month for June, Jace Beck. Ayers is now the Cubs' No. 3 prospect, according to the MLB Pipeline's updated top prospects list.
Right-handed pitcher Luis Gomez-Martinez highlighted the Smokies' 3-3 split with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Activated from the 60-day injured list July 17, Martinez-Gomez struck out a career-best 12 batters in the Smokies' win July 24. He didn't walk a batter in six innings and gave up just one earned run.
Get tickets to see the Knoxville Smokies play
#league #pitcher
3 days ago
Philip's $45,000 household income in Los Angeles is an earnings problem. California's cost of living runs 11% above the national baseline, and average consumer expenditures hit $78,535 in 2024.
At a record 21% APR, carrying medical copays on credit cards makes debt repayment nearly impossible at Philip's current income level.
Ramsey argues Philip moving to full-time work at the national median wage of $1,251 per week would roughly double his household income.
Two retirees, same $1 million, same 4% rule, buy one finished with $1.4 million, the other hit $0 in 12 years. Our free reader guide explains the flaw that separated them, and the income-first method built to avoid it.
On July 23, a caller named Philip told Dave Ramsey he could not stop taking on new debt. He is 49, works part-time as a grocery store courtesy clerk in Southern California, and shares a household income of roughly $40,000 to $45,000 with his wife. The debt was credit cards and routine medical bills, copays, doctor visits, dental care. When asked why he was not working full-time, Philip said, "A lot of emotional stuff, a lot of baggage, a lot of... yeah, I have a long history."
#income #time
At a record 21% APR, carrying medical copays on credit cards makes debt repayment nearly impossible at Philip's current income level.
Ramsey argues Philip moving to full-time work at the national median wage of $1,251 per week would roughly double his household income.
Two retirees, same $1 million, same 4% rule, buy one finished with $1.4 million, the other hit $0 in 12 years. Our free reader guide explains the flaw that separated them, and the income-first method built to avoid it.
On July 23, a caller named Philip told Dave Ramsey he could not stop taking on new debt. He is 49, works part-time as a grocery store courtesy clerk in Southern California, and shares a household income of roughly $40,000 to $45,000 with his wife. The debt was credit cards and routine medical bills, copays, doctor visits, dental care. When asked why he was not working full-time, Philip said, "A lot of emotional stuff, a lot of baggage, a lot of... yeah, I have a long history."
#income #time
6 days ago
By Clare Jim and Danial Azhar
HONG KONG/JOHOR, Malaysia, July 24 (Reuters) - After leapfrogging Singapore to become the region's fastest-growing data centre hub, Malaysia is facing intensifying scrutiny as the resources debate that has complicated the industry's growth spreads to emerging Asia.
Protests over a data centre complex in Johor state's southern tip — the epicentre of the boom — were the first of their kind in the country. In Selangor, the richest and most populous state, debate about the burden on communities has become politicised.
"Two years ago, it was just about building capacity," said Cheam Tat Inn, managing director at the Malaysian arm of U.S. data centre operator Equinix.
"The conversation today is more like, How will you use power? Are you looking at renewables? They want to see how you're going to grow sustainably and responsibly."
#johor #debate #clare
HONG KONG/JOHOR, Malaysia, July 24 (Reuters) - After leapfrogging Singapore to become the region's fastest-growing data centre hub, Malaysia is facing intensifying scrutiny as the resources debate that has complicated the industry's growth spreads to emerging Asia.
Protests over a data centre complex in Johor state's southern tip — the epicentre of the boom — were the first of their kind in the country. In Selangor, the richest and most populous state, debate about the burden on communities has become politicised.
"Two years ago, it was just about building capacity," said Cheam Tat Inn, managing director at the Malaysian arm of U.S. data centre operator Equinix.
"The conversation today is more like, How will you use power? Are you looking at renewables? They want to see how you're going to grow sustainably and responsibly."
#johor #debate #clare
6 days ago
While Tropical Storm Bertha continues to spin in the Gulf, Hurricane Fausto is churning up rough seas in the Pacific, and could impact Hawaii next week, forecasters said.
Although the center of the 80-mph hurricane is more than 1,000 miles from the U.S. West Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, "swells generated by Fausto are affecting portions of the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and the coast of southern California."
"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the hurricane center said.
The National Weather Service office in San Diego warned of "elevated surf" and "strong currents" for beachgoers there from Thursday through Sunday.
Next week, the weather across Hawaii "will depend on the eventual track and intensity of Tropical Cyclone Fausto," the weather service office in Honolulu said.
#fausto #hawaii #national
Although the center of the 80-mph hurricane is more than 1,000 miles from the U.S. West Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, "swells generated by Fausto are affecting portions of the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and the coast of southern California."
"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the hurricane center said.
The National Weather Service office in San Diego warned of "elevated surf" and "strong currents" for beachgoers there from Thursday through Sunday.
Next week, the weather across Hawaii "will depend on the eventual track and intensity of Tropical Cyclone Fausto," the weather service office in Honolulu said.
#fausto #hawaii #national
7 days ago
Interested in Norfolk Southern Corporation? Here are five stocks we like better.
Norfolk Southern posted a stronger-than-expected Q2, with adjusted EPS of $3.52, a 65.5% adjusted operating ratio, and 7% growth in both net income and earnings per share. Revenue set records as volumes improved across merchandise, intermodal, and coal.
Executives said volume growth is creating near-term service pressure, but the railroad is already seeing improvement in July. The company is focusing on better originations, lower terminal dwell, faster train velocity, and tactical operating changes to restore network fluidity.
Cost and fuel inflation are pushing up full-year expense guidance, with 2026 operating expenses now expected at $8.8 billion to $8.9 billion, up from the prior range. Norfolk Southern kept capital spending at about $1.9 billion and reiterated at least $150 million in 2026 cost reductions.
This Railroad Stock Is Chugging Along to a New All-Time High
#expected
Norfolk Southern posted a stronger-than-expected Q2, with adjusted EPS of $3.52, a 65.5% adjusted operating ratio, and 7% growth in both net income and earnings per share. Revenue set records as volumes improved across merchandise, intermodal, and coal.
Executives said volume growth is creating near-term service pressure, but the railroad is already seeing improvement in July. The company is focusing on better originations, lower terminal dwell, faster train velocity, and tactical operating changes to restore network fluidity.
Cost and fuel inflation are pushing up full-year expense guidance, with 2026 operating expenses now expected at $8.8 billion to $8.9 billion, up from the prior range. Norfolk Southern kept capital spending at about $1.9 billion and reiterated at least $150 million in 2026 cost reductions.
This Railroad Stock Is Chugging Along to a New All-Time High
#expected
7 days ago
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a very exciting year of college football in Southern California. The USC Trojans have added to their roster and have expectations of making the College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history and the UCLA Bruins are beginning a new chapter with new head coach Bob Chesney.
Things aren't all rosy for the Trojans though, USC booster Brian Kennedy is suing USC after the school, according to Kennedy, breached their agreement. USC's former practice field was named Brian Kennedy Field, after Kennedy donated several million dollars to the university's athletic programs, but over the past two years, the Trojans demolished Brian Kennedy Field along with signage that highlighted Kennedy's contributions.
California Post writer Edward Lewis broke the story on Wednesday, which states that Kennedy paid $400,000 back in the 1990s. Kennedy has since had a falling out with the university, which culminated in 2020 when he used an expletive to describe USC's current football program.
Those hard feelings still persist, with the California Post obtaining Kennedy's lawsuit.
"Plaintiff suffered harm as a result of Defendant's actions," Kennedy's lawsuit stated, "Including reputational harm, embarrassment, humiliation and the loss of the benefit of the deal made with Defendant and the condition upon which Plaintiff paid $400,000."
#california #field #plaintiff
Things aren't all rosy for the Trojans though, USC booster Brian Kennedy is suing USC after the school, according to Kennedy, breached their agreement. USC's former practice field was named Brian Kennedy Field, after Kennedy donated several million dollars to the university's athletic programs, but over the past two years, the Trojans demolished Brian Kennedy Field along with signage that highlighted Kennedy's contributions.
California Post writer Edward Lewis broke the story on Wednesday, which states that Kennedy paid $400,000 back in the 1990s. Kennedy has since had a falling out with the university, which culminated in 2020 when he used an expletive to describe USC's current football program.
Those hard feelings still persist, with the California Post obtaining Kennedy's lawsuit.
"Plaintiff suffered harm as a result of Defendant's actions," Kennedy's lawsuit stated, "Including reputational harm, embarrassment, humiliation and the loss of the benefit of the deal made with Defendant and the condition upon which Plaintiff paid $400,000."
#california #field #plaintiff
7 days ago
By
July 22, 2026 7:57 pm ET
Listen
(2 min)
Union Pacific UNP 4.02%
increase; up pointing triangle
reached a deal with Canadian National Railway CNR 2.05%
increase; up pointing triangle
to give the Montreal railroad further access in the Midwest in exchange for ending its opposition to Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion merger with Norfolk Southern NSC 5.32%
increase; up pointing triangle
.
#increase #pointing #canadian #railway
July 22, 2026 7:57 pm ET
Listen
(2 min)
Union Pacific UNP 4.02%
increase; up pointing triangle
reached a deal with Canadian National Railway CNR 2.05%
increase; up pointing triangle
to give the Montreal railroad further access in the Midwest in exchange for ending its opposition to Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion merger with Norfolk Southern NSC 5.32%
increase; up pointing triangle
.
#increase #pointing #canadian #railway
8 days ago
Is this where we are in 2026? I know there is a culture war raging across the United States, but we're talking about Texas here — TEXAS.
But let's back up for a second…
The college football playoff is the all consuming driver in the sport now. There's no way around it, and we have nothing to blame except for everyone. Conferences, networks, fans, coaches, politicians, alumni… everyone is to blame for trying to make the CFP bigger than the sport itself. We've lost sight of what we are and what we have been for decades.
Don't get me wrong — I too enjoy the college football playoff, but not once have I ever uttered with meaning that it's more important than the season itself. There's a difference.
Still, there is so much tied into the CFP that it's no big mystery as to why programs start doing stupid things — which brings me to the New Age Cowards. It doesn't matter of it's a southern California surfer bro or a Texas panhandle oil bro… the bros are running scared.
#texas #sport #everyone #itself
But let's back up for a second…
The college football playoff is the all consuming driver in the sport now. There's no way around it, and we have nothing to blame except for everyone. Conferences, networks, fans, coaches, politicians, alumni… everyone is to blame for trying to make the CFP bigger than the sport itself. We've lost sight of what we are and what we have been for decades.
Don't get me wrong — I too enjoy the college football playoff, but not once have I ever uttered with meaning that it's more important than the season itself. There's a difference.
Still, there is so much tied into the CFP that it's no big mystery as to why programs start doing stupid things — which brings me to the New Age Cowards. It doesn't matter of it's a southern California surfer bro or a Texas panhandle oil bro… the bros are running scared.
#texas #sport #everyone #itself
8 days ago
New Mexico offensive ****** yst Kiel McDonald is leaving to coach Texas State's running backs, head coach Jason Eck confirmed to the Journal on Thursday.
McDonald, 43, will coach the Bobcats' running backs after joining the Lobos' staff earlier this season as a volunteer offensive ****** istant. Prior to UNM, he served as the running backs coach at Southern Cal, Utah and the Los Angeles Chargers.
A former cornerback at Sacramento State and Idaho, McDonald played under Eck for one season with the Vandals in 2006. The latter served as Idaho's tight ends coach and run game coordinator at the time.
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreiderabqjournal.com or via X at lenaweereider.
#coach #mcdonald #running
McDonald, 43, will coach the Bobcats' running backs after joining the Lobos' staff earlier this season as a volunteer offensive ****** istant. Prior to UNM, he served as the running backs coach at Southern Cal, Utah and the Los Angeles Chargers.
A former cornerback at Sacramento State and Idaho, McDonald played under Eck for one season with the Vandals in 2006. The latter served as Idaho's tight ends coach and run game coordinator at the time.
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreiderabqjournal.com or via X at lenaweereider.
#coach #mcdonald #running
8 days ago
LAS VEGAS — For a defense as talented and deep as New Mexico's, one key question remains with fall camp less than two weeks away: After since-departed defensive linemen Keyshawn James-Newby and Brett Karhu terrorized opposing offenses to the tune of 16.5 sacks last season — nearly half of UNM's league-leading 36 — what Lobos can help replace that staggering level of production?
Last week, Brian Booker made one thing clear: He wants to be a big part of the answer.
Speaking at Mountain West Media Days, UNM's fifth-year interior defensive lineman said he's hoping to make more plays than last season while still serving as one of the Lobos' most effective run defenders.
A preseason All-Mountain West honoree, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Booker made 19 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a starting role last season after transferring to UNM from Texas Southern. But if the Mansfield, Texas native was more than adequate playing the run, Booker entered the offseason feeling he left a "lot of meat on the table."
"I could have had so much (more)," he said last Wednesday at Palms Casino Resort. "… I gave it all I could give, but sometimes it didn't pay off, you know what I'm saying? It's just a more personal thing for me — I left a lot of plays on the table, a lot of sacks, a lot of (tackles for loss), that kind of thing."
#sacks #lobos #west #defensive
Last week, Brian Booker made one thing clear: He wants to be a big part of the answer.
Speaking at Mountain West Media Days, UNM's fifth-year interior defensive lineman said he's hoping to make more plays than last season while still serving as one of the Lobos' most effective run defenders.
A preseason All-Mountain West honoree, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Booker made 19 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a starting role last season after transferring to UNM from Texas Southern. But if the Mansfield, Texas native was more than adequate playing the run, Booker entered the offseason feeling he left a "lot of meat on the table."
"I could have had so much (more)," he said last Wednesday at Palms Casino Resort. "… I gave it all I could give, but sometimes it didn't pay off, you know what I'm saying? It's just a more personal thing for me — I left a lot of plays on the table, a lot of sacks, a lot of (tackles for loss), that kind of thing."
#sacks #lobos #west #defensive
