Latest news with #OrangeBowl
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Florida State Football Preview 2025: The Seminoles Hit the Refresh Button
What happened to Florida State? This isn't actually all that program got caught in an all-time bad break perfect storm at the end of 2023 to miss out on the CFP, made worse by a 63-3 Orange Bowl loss to a Georgia team that could've put up 80+ if it tried, and …Because there wasn't enough horrible luck for that Seminole team, it was the last year of the four-team the hits just kept onnnnnnnn coming. X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN Florida State Offense BreakdownFlorida State Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to SeasonAfter suffering the most brutal of gut punches, Florida State seemingly had a good enough team returning to quickly get back on track. Fully motivated, it all instantly fell apart after a last-second loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland. From there, the bad vibes never went away. Oh, and 2024 Florida State played a way harder schedule than it did the year 2023 team was great, starting with a dominant win over Jayden Daniels and a strong LSU team in the opener, but lost in history was how FSU slipped by Clemson because Dabo's 19th-string kicker biffed the game-winning field goal try in regulation. Also forgotten was that the LSU win and the ACC Championship victory over Louisville were the two victories over teams that won ten games. In all, the 2023 team played seven games in the regular season against teams that went bowling. The 2024 team played 11 - Charleston Southern was the lone outlier - including five that won ten games or more. Three of those were against CFP teams, and one was against a Notre Dame squad that played for the national doesn't mean Florida State should've lost to Boston College by 15, or to North Carolina by 24, or to Florida 20, all at home. And now this becomes a wildly interesting experiment. From 12-1, to 1-11, to almost completely starting over, at least with the starters, FSU is loaded with upperclassmen, it's totally reliant on new guys, and that might be exactly what the program should be between 11 to 15 new starters for the opener against Alabama who weren't part of the 2023 fun or the 2024 pity party. Getting Gus Malzahn as the offensive coordinator was a coup, there's a new defensive coordinator, and overall, the refresh should get everything going again. It might be one of those Mike Tyson "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" things with Alabama to kick things off, but there's talent, along with decent depth on the way to a bowl. Remember, FSU has only been to three or those since there's an expanded playoff this time around, just in case head coach Mike Norvell makes it three double-digit winning seasons in four years. But that only happens if he gets a lot more out of his … Florida State Offense BreakdownFlorida State Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame projected to return to the College Football Playoff by Athlon Sports
It's easy to be bullish on Notre Dame as the 2025 college football season approaches, and one national publication projects the Fighting Irish to return to the College Football Playoff. Athlon Sports released its bowl game predictions for every postseason tilt, including the 12-team Playoff, which could be the final time we see the field with this iteration if expansion goes through as expected. This is how the publication has the first round of the CFP stacking up: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Boise StateNo. 6 Georgia vs. No. 11 MiamiNo. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 OregonNo. 8 LSU vs. No. 9 Alabama The first-round features several of last year's teams, with LSU, Miami and Alabama entering the field this year. Athlon Sports has Notre Dame beating the Ducks and advancing to the quarterfinals to play Penn State. If the ND-Oregon matchup does take place, it would be just the third meeting on the gridiron ever and first since 1982. The Ducks have never defeated ND. The Irish won the first meeting in 1976 before the second meeting several years later, which ended in a 13-13 tie in Eugene. Here are the magazine's quarterfinal projections: No. 4 Kansas State vs. No. 5 Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 6 Georgia (Orange Bowl)No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Rose Bowl)No. 1 Texas vs. No. 8 LSU (Sugar Bowl) The magazine projects Penn State to exacts its revenge against the Fighting Irish in Pasadena. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4-star OL Zykie Helton announces commitment
Four-star offensive lineman Zykie Helton has committed to the Georgia Buldlogs over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Helton was previously committed to Alabama from July 2023 to March 2024. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound interior offensive lineman plays high school football for Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia. Helton is the No. 31 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026, per Rivals. The Carrollton star is the No. 54 recruit in Georgia. The 247Sports Composite ranks Helton as the No. 457 recruit in the country. Advertisement Helton joins three-star offensive lineman Zachary Lewis in committing to Georgia football this week. Helton is Georgia's 14th commitment in the class of 2026. The Bulldogs now have the nation's No. 5 recruiting class after Helton's decision. Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (63) reacts against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Helton announced his commitment to Georgia via social media. He joins Carrollton star wide receiver Ryan Mosley in committing to the Bulldogs. Coach Kirby Smart and Georgia have three offensive line commitments in the class of 2026 in Helton, Lewis and four-star offensive tackle Graham Houston. The Bulldogs have the best recruiting class in the SEC. Zykie Helton's commitment announcement Follow UGAWire on Instagram! This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Elite offensive lineman Zykie Helton makes commitment decision
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners all-time record vs. 2025 opponents
AI-assisted summary The Oklahoma Sooners finished 2-6 in SEC play in 2024 but had key wins against Auburn and Alabama. Oklahoma has a winning all-time record against seven of their 2025 opponents. The Sooners will play Illinois State for the first time in program history to open the 2025 season. The Oklahoma Sooners are under two months away from their second swim through the SEC. Year one didn't go as planned. The Sooners went 2-6 in conference play but picked up a win on the road over Auburn and knocked Alabama out of playoff contention with a huge 24-3 upset win over the Crimson Tide. The Sooners are hoping for a bit more success this year. Though many believe the schedule to be really tough, the Sooners will be better in 2025 than they were a year ago when injuries ravaged the offensive side of the ball. Upgrades at quarterback, offensive line, and running back should create a much more dynamic offense to help a defense that was one of the best in 2024. The Oklahoma Sooners have a winning record all-time against seven of the 12 teams on their 2025 schedule. There is one team they've never played before. Here's a look at Oklahoma's all-time record against the teams on their 2025 schedule. Illinois State Red Birds -- Norman, Okla. Date: Aug. 30, 2025 Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle All-time record: 0-0 When the Oklahoma Sooners welcome the Illinois State Red Birds to Owen Field to open the season, it will be the first meeting between the two teams. After last year's offensive woes, take Oklahoma plus the points and the over. There will be points. Michigan Wolverines -- Norman, Okla. Date: Sept. 6, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 1-0 Last meeting: (1976 Orange Bowl): OU won 14-6 The Oklahoma Sooners closed the 1975 season with a win over No. 5 Michigan in the Orange Bowl, which propelled them to the AP National Championship. Steve Davis, Joe Washington and Tinker Owens led the Sooners to the win. Washington rushed for 73 yards. Oklahoma had an opportunity at the national title thanks to UCLA's upset win over No. 1 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Said Barry Switzer after the game, 'That inspired us. And we think we are the No. 1 team.' Temple Owls -- Philadelphia Pa. Date: Sept. 13, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 2-1 Last meeting (2024): OU won 51-3 Jackson Arnold threw for four touchdowns in the season opener, three of which went to Deion Burks. But that's about as good as the offense looked all season. Injuries hit the offensive line week one and the Sooners couldn't recover. Date: Sept. 20, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 3-0 Last meeting (2024): OU won 27-21 Michael Hawkins Jr. made a splash in his first collegiate start, showing off the speed and arm strength to create some big plays to lead the Sooners to their first SEC win on the road. Kent State Golden Flashes -- Norman, Okla. Date: Oct. 4, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 1-0 Last meeting (2022): Sooners won 33-3 It was just the second game of the Brent Venables era and the Sooners defense showed out in this one, holding Kent State to just four yards per play. Marvin Mims caught seven passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Texas Longhorns -- Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas Date: Oct. 11, 2025 All-time record: Texas leads 64-51-5 Last meeting (2024): Texas won 34-3 For the second time in the Brent Venables era, the Oklahoma Sooners failed to score a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns. They needed a drive in the final minutes of the game just to get them in position to kick a field goal and avoid the shutout. If there's a game the Sooners need to win on the schedule this year, it's OU-Texas. Date: Oct. 18, 2025 All-time record: South Carolina leads 1-0 Last meeting (2024): South Carolina won 35-9 You can't take anything away from last year's matchup. The Oklahoma Sooners were down 21-0 in the first five minutes of the game due to turnovers on the Sooners' first three possessions. The offensive line had perhaps its worst game of the last 25 years and the offensive performance led to a change at offensive coordinator. Ole Miss Rebels -- Norman, Okla. Date: Oct. 25, 2025 All-time record: Ole Miss 0-2 Last meeting (2024): Ole Miss won 26-14 The Oklahoma Sooner led the Rebels at halftime of last year's game in Oxford. The offense struggled to do anything in the second half. The Sooners couldn't pass protect, and they had a hard time running the ball. The Sooners are hoping for a bounce back offensive line performance in 2025. Tennessee Volunteers -- Knoxville, Tenn. Date: Nov. 1, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 3-2 Last meeting (2024): Tennessee won 25-15 It was an electric atmosphere in Norman for Oklahoma's first SEC conference game. Though the offense sputtered behind three Jackson Arnold turnovers in the first half, we got out first glimpse of Michael Hawkins Jr.. His potential is off the charts. Date: Nov. 15, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 4-2-1 Last meeting (2024): OU won 24-3 Oklahoma threw just 12 passes in their win over Alabama. Jackson Arnold and Xavier Robinson combined to carry the ball 43 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Kip Lewis had his second interception return for a touchdown in the game. Date: Nov. 22, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 67-25-5 Last meeting (2024): Mizzou won 30-23 From 1902 to 1945, neither team had a leg up in the series with a head-to-head record of 16-16-4. Since 1946, the Oklahoma Sooners have gone 51-8-1 over Missouri. Jim Tatum got it started, and Bud Wilkinson turned what was once a tight rivalry into a one-sided affair, winning 14 in a row for Oklahoma, representing the longest winning streak in the series. Date: Nov. 29, 2025 All-time record: LSU leads 3-1 Last meeting (2024): LSU won 37-17 Oklahoma won the first meeting between the two teams back in 1950, but the LSU Tigers have rattled off three in a row in the series since 2004. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X@john9williams.
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Novak Djokovic's dad lived ‘secret' life mixing with ‘criminals', involved in ‘car chases' and ‘stories you can't say'
Djokovic also opened up on when he decided to quit tennis and makes major admission about 'Big 3' IT WAS NO DJOK Novak Djokovic's dad lived 'secret' life mixing with 'criminals', involved in 'car chases' and 'stories you can't say' NOVAK DJOKOVIC revealed his dad lived a "secret" life and got involved with "criminals" and "car chases" to help fund his son's career. Djokovic, 38, is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. 7 Novak Djokovic opened up on his dad Srdjan ways of funding his early career Credit: Getty 7 Djokovic grew up in war-torn Serbia Credit: Facebook/Novak Djokovic He boasts a staggering 24 Grand Slam titles, 100 tournaments, 428 weeks as world No1 and £138million in prize money. But it is a far cry from his childhood in war-torn Serbia where he saw dead bodies. Djokovic's family did not have a permanent home when he was a kid due to the bombings in Belgrade. The child sensation could have pursued a career in football or skiing but chose tennis. And his father went to extreme lengths to fund a make-or-break trip to the United States - where he was to compete in some of the biggest junior tournaments and meet for crunch talks with the giant IMG management agency. But it also meant getting into some risky situations for Djokovic's dad and former footballer Srdjank, with whom he admitted his relationship is "complex". Djokovic told Slaven Bilic on his Neuspjeh Prvaka podcast: "The first time I went to America at 15 or 16 to play in the Prince Cup and Orange Bowl, we had never been before and were coming from Serbia where the reputation was not the best. "We simply couldn't afford it - the club helped a bit, the [tennis] federation barely. "For such a big undertaking as travelling to the United States, it was necessary to save up a large amount of money, which at the time, for the trip, accommodation, and everything else, amounted to around $5,000 dollars (£3,680). "To stay there and support everything, it was necessary to ensure that there was enough money, in all aspects. Novak Djokovic digs out French Open rival for 'spying' on him and seeing Champions League trophy "And, at that time, finding that amount was practically impossible. "My father turned to those famous loan sharks, criminals who at the time were the only ones willing to lend money on demand, but at very high interest rates. "When he went to ask for the money, my father said how much he needed and why. They asked, 'Are you in a hurry?' "He said he was in a hurry because the tournaments were starting soon. And they said, 'Well, the interest is… I don't know, 15-20 per cent, but since you're in a hurry, it'll be 30 per cent.' "What could he do? He gritted his teeth, held out his hand and said, 'Well, whatever it is, I'll find a way to pay you back.'" Djokovic also admitted that "there are stories that you can't tell publicly" from those "difficult times" of life. He added: "Car chases and stuff, while trying to survive. "In the end, he managed to pay everything back, but it was a very difficult time. This story, which I didn't know at the time, was kept secret from me." Djokovic's rise to the top of the game ensured he and his family are set up financially for life. As well as the £138m in on-court earnings, he has also supplemented his income with big endorsement deals with the likes of Mercedes, Lacoste and Swiss watch makers Audemars Piguet. In the in-depth sit-down chat with the former West Ham manager, Djokovic also opened up on trying to get the tennis world to "love and accept" him - because he felt like an unwanted child and unappreciated compared to his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He also said he was ready to quit tennis in 2018 after losing his first match at the Miami Open. But watching his wife Jelena and son Stefan play tennis on a family holiday to the Dominican Republic prompted him to get back on the court. He had gone two years without winning a major but stormed back to claim four of the next six and add 12 to his overall tally. 7 Novak is the oldest of three sons born to Dijana and Srdjan Credit: Instagram / @djokernole 7 Djokovic could have chosen a career in football or skiing but chose tennis Credit: Facebook/Novak Djokovic 7 He has won seven Wimbledon titles and 24 majors in total Credit: Getty 7 Djokovic is married to Jelena and they have two children - son Stefan and daughter Tara Credit: Getty
