BAYOU CLASSIC: Southern Beats Grambling State, Coach Graves' 3rd Classic Victory

Southern’s offense, led by sophomore quarterback Ladarius Skelton, put on an impressive display, racking up 536 yards of total offense. Skelton completed 19 of 27 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard bomb to wide receiver Devon Benn. Running back Jerrion Ealy added 131 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Despite Southern’s dominance, Grambling State fought valiantly, led by quarterback Julian Calvez. Calvez threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice by Southern’s defense. Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. had a solid night with 85 rushing yards, including a 42-yard touchdown run.

Coach Graves, who took over at Southern in 2020, has now led the Jaguars to three Bayou Classic victories in as many years. He credited his team’s hard work and dedication for the success.

“I’m so proud of these young men,” Graves said after the game. “They played their hearts out and never gave up. This is a special moment for Southern University and our community.”

The Bayou Classic is one of the most prestigious HBCU football games in the country and has a rich history dating back to 1974. The game not only showcases the athletic talent of these two universities but also serves as a cultural event that brings the community together.

With Southern’s victory, the Jaguars have now won five of the last six Bayou Classics. They will look to maintain their winning streak next year when they face Grambling State in the 51st edition of the game. The Tigers, meanwhile, will aim to reclaim the Classic and prove that they can still compete with Southern.


Redemption in the Bayou Classic puts Southern in SWAC title game — Andscape
Image by andscape.com

Army Caps Unbeaten Season In Conference Play With 29

The Black Knights’ defense was once again a force to be reckoned with, holding Air Force to just 13 points and 230 total yards. Led by senior linebacker Jonathan Allen, who had 11 tackles and two sacks, Army’s defense forced three turnovers and limited Air Force’s potent option offense to just 143 rushing yards.

While the defense stole the headlines, Army’s offense also played a major role in the victory. Junior quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while senior fullback Andy Davidson added 65 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Black Knights averaged over five yards per carry and kept the ball away from Air Force’s high-powered offense for extended periods.

Army’s undefeated conference record continues a long tradition of excellence for the Black Knights football program. Head coach Jeff Monken has led the team to four bowl appearances and three conference championships in his six seasons at the helm.

With conference play complete, Army now turns its attention to the upcoming bowl season. The Black Knights are currently ranked 21st in the College Football Playoff rankings and are likely to receive an invitation to a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Coach Monken expressed his pride in his team’s accomplishments and emphasized the importance of staying focused on the task ahead: “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know there’s still more to do. We’re going to enjoy this win for now, but we’ll be back to work tomorrow preparing for the bowl game.”


Perfection: Gruver caps unbeaten season with second state championship
Image by www.presspasssports.com

Arkansas Football RB Ja'Quinden Jackson Doubtful For Ole Miss

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Ja’Quinden Jackson is listed as doubtful for the team’s upcoming SEC matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, casting doubt on the availability of one of the team’s top offensive threats.

Jackson suffered an undisclosed injury during practice on Tuesday, according to head coach Sam Pittman. The nature of the injury has not been revealed, but Pittman described it as “day-to-day” and said that Jackson would be evaluated throughout the week.

Jackson’s absence would be a significant blow to the Razorbacks’ offense. The sophomore has been a key contributor this season, rushing for 437 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 carries. He has also been involved in the passing game, catching eight passes for 40 yards.

If Jackson is unable to play, the Razorbacks are likely to turn to sophomore Dominique Johnson and freshman Rashod Dubinion to handle the running back duties. Johnson has 102 rushing yards on 21 carries this season, while Dubinion has yet to record a carry.

“We’re hopeful that Ja’Quinden will be able to play on Saturday,” said Pittman. “But we’re not going to rush him back if he’s not 100%. We have confidence in Dominique and Rashod to step up if needed.”

The Razorbacks will face a tough test against Ole Miss, which boasts the SEC’s top-ranked defense in terms of points allowed per game. Jackson’s presence in the backfield would provide a boost to Arkansas’ offense, but the team is prepared to adjust without him if necessary.


Latest injury news for Arkansas football's Taylen Green, Ja'Quinden Jackson
Image by arkansas.rivals.com

Mikaela Shiffrin In No Rush To Return To Racing After Injury

Mikaela Shiffrin, the American alpine skier and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will not rush her return to racing after suffering a knee injury in December 2022.

Shiffrin injured her right knee during a training run in Sweden and underwent surgery shortly after. She has since been recovering and rehabilitating the knee, but has not yet returned to full training.

“I’m feeling better every day, but I’m still not ready to race yet,” Shiffrin said in a statement. “My knee is still not 100% healed, and I don’t want to risk re-injuring it.”

Shiffrin’s decision to not rush her return is supported by her medical team. According to Dr. Mark Myerson, who performed Shiffrin’s surgery, the knee is healing well, but it is important for Shiffrin to take her time and not push herself too hard.

“Mikaela is a very determined athlete, but it is important for her to listen to her body and not try to come back too soon,” Myerson said. “We want to make sure that her knee is fully healed before she returns to racing.”

Shiffrin has not set a specific timetable for her return to racing. She said she will only return when she is confident that her knee is fully healed and she is ready to compete at a high level.

“I’m not going to put a timeline on my return,” Shiffrin said. “I want to come back when I’m ready, and I don’t want to rush it.”

Shiffrin is hopeful that she will be able to return to racing in March. The World Cup Finals are scheduled for March 16-19 in Soldeu, Andorra, and Shiffrin would like to compete in the event.

“I’m working hard to get back on the snow as soon as possible,” Shiffrin said. “I’m hoping to be back in time for the World Cup Finals, but we’ll see how it goes.”


WATCH: Mikaela Shiffrin Crashes On Winning Run With 3 Gates To Go
Image by unofficialnetworks.com

What Is A BRICS Currency, And Could One Be Adopted?

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a group of emerging market economies. Over the past two decades, the BRICS countries have sought to strengthen their economic cooperation, and one of the key proposals in this regard has been the creation of a BRICS currency.

A BRICS currency, if adopted, would be a reserve currency used by the BRICS member states for international transactions, similar to the US dollar. The aim is to reduce dependence on the US dollar and create a more diversified global monetary system.

“A BRICS currency has the potential to be a significant force in the global monetary system,” said Dr. Li Xin, an economist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. “However, it will require strong political will and economic coordination among the BRICS countries.”

“The challenges should not be underestimated,” cautioned Dr. Vijay Joshi, a former chief economist of the World Bank. “Creating a credible reserve currency requires a stable and rules-based monetary framework, which may be difficult to establish given the diversity of the BRICS economies.”

The concept of a BRICS currency has gained traction in recent years, but its adoption remains a distant possibility. The BRICS countries have made some progress towards establishing a common currency, such as the creation of a BRICS rating agency and a BRICS bond index. However, significant challenges remain, and it could still be several years or decades before a BRICS currency becomes a reality.

The adoption of a BRICS currency would mark a significant shift in the global monetary landscape. It could potentially challenge the dominance of the US dollar and lead to a more balanced and diverse international financial system. However, the challenges involved should not be ignored, and the success of a BRICS currency will ultimately depend on the ability of the BRICS countries to overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal.


BRICS Currency: Reshaping Global Economics - Paradigm Shift
Image by www.paradigmshift.com.pk

Mike Budenholzer Hired As Coach Of Phoenix Suns, Replacing Frank Vogel

Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix Suns have announced that former Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Mike Budenholzer, has been appointed as their new head coach, replacing Frank Vogel. The announcement brings an end to Vogel’s three-year tenure with the team.

Suns General Manager James Jones expressed disappointment over the team’s recent performance, citing a need for a change in leadership. “After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways with Frank Vogel,” said Jones. “We thank Frank for his dedication and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Budenholzer joins the Suns after a successful five-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks. During his tenure, he led the team to two Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a franchise-record 60 wins in the 2018-19 season. He also won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2019.

“I am excited to join the Phoenix Suns and help build upon the work that has been done here,” said Budenholzer. “This is a talented team with a bright future, and I am confident that we can achieve great things together.”

Budenholzer’s hiring signals a new direction for the Suns, who have failed to make the playoffs in the last two seasons. With his experience in developing player talent and building winning teams, the Suns hope that he can lead them back to contention.

“Mike is a proven winner and a great leader,” said Suns owner Mat Ishbia. “We are confident that he is the right person to take our team to the next level.”

Vogel led the Suns to the NBA Finals in his first season, but the team struggled in the subsequent two years. Despite his success in his debut campaign, Vogel’s tenure with the Suns was ultimately marred by injuries and inconsistent play.

The Suns are hoping that Budenholzer can bring stability and success to the franchise. With a young and talented roster, the team has the potential to compete for a championship in the near future. Budenholzer’s appointment marks a new chapter in the history of the Phoenix Suns, and only time will tell what the future holds for the team under his leadership.


Mike Budenholzer is hired as coach of the Phoenix Suns, replacing Frank
Image by www.tmj4.com

USWNT: Alyssa Thompson Misses W Gold Cup With Back Injury

The 19-year-old forward sustained the injury during training with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The severity of the injury and expected recovery timeline have not been disclosed.

Thompson’s absence is a significant blow to the USWNT, which is aiming to win its fifth Gold Cup title. The forward has quickly become a key player for the team, scoring five goals in her first nine appearances.

“Alyssa is a talented and important player for us,” said USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “We’re disappointed that she won’t be able to compete in the Gold Cup, but we wish her a speedy recovery.”

The W Gold Cup will take place from July 4 to 18 in Mexico. The USWNT is in Group E alongside Canada, Haiti, and Jamaica. The team’s first match is scheduled for Monday, July 4, against Haiti.

Thompson will undergo further evaluation and treatment for her injury. It is unclear whether she will be able to participate in the USWNT’s upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Japan in September.

The USWNT will hope that Thompson recovers quickly from her injury. Her absence will be felt as the team looks to defend its Gold Cup title and prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.


Harvard-Westlake’s Alyssa Thompson ‘shocked’ to join USWNT – Daily News
Image by www.dailynews.com

Syria: 10 Years Of War Has Left At Least 350,000 Dead

The SOHR report, which relies on a network of activists and informants on the ground in Syria, estimates that the death toll from the war has now surpassed 350,000. This includes over 115,000 civilians, including 22,000 children. The majority of civilian deaths were caused by airstrikes, barrel bombs, and other explosive weapons used by the Syrian government and its allies.

The war has also forced millions of Syrians to flee their homes. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 6.7 million Syrians are now registered as refugees in neighboring countries, while another 6.6 million are internally displaced within Syria. The displacement crisis has placed a heavy burden on neighboring countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, which have struggled to cope with the influx of refugees.

The war has also caused widespread destruction to Syria’s infrastructure. Hospitals, schools, and homes have been destroyed, and essential services such as electricity and water are often unavailable. The destruction of infrastructure has had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Syrians, making it difficult for them to access basic necessities and rebuild their lives.

Efforts to find a political solution to the war in Syria have been ongoing for several years, but they have been hampered by the complexity of the conflict and the unwillingness of the warring parties to compromise. The United Nations has been leading the diplomatic efforts to find a solution, but its efforts have been met with limited success.

The future of Syria remains uncertain. The war has left the country deeply divided, and it is unclear how the country can be rebuilt and reconciled. The international community is facing the challenge of finding a way to end the war and help Syria rebuild. What is clear is that the legacy of the war will continue to haunt Syria for many years to come.


[Besieged] No Way Out, Syria 10 years of war
Image by prod2023syrie10ansdeguerre.msf.fr

Will Howard Ripped For 'Classless' Behavior After Losing To Oregon

University of Kansas quarterback Will Howard has come under fire for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the Jayhawks’ 45-3 loss to the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. Critics have accused Howard of disrespectful and “classless” behavior, casting a shadow over his performance and the team’s defeat.

Howard was caught on camera repeatedly showing frustration and making gestures toward Oregon players and fans. In one instance, he was seen flipping off the Ducks’ bench after a touchdown. He also reportedly engaged in heated verbal exchanges with Oregon players during the game.

“Howard’s actions were uncalled for and unprofessional,” said former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky on ESPN’s College GameDay. “As a leader on his team, he should set a better example, especially during a disappointing loss.”

Howard, a highly touted recruit, is in his second season as Kansas’ starting quarterback. He has been praised for his arm strength and athleticism, but has struggled with consistency and decision-making.

Howard’s behavior has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Senior offensive lineman Trevor Prosser commented, “We all know Will is a passionate player, but we need him to be more composed and focused during games. His actions affect not only himself but the entire team.”

Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff has issued a statement condemning Howard’s behavior and announcing that disciplinary action will be taken internally. Howard himself has apologized for his actions but maintains that he was frustrated by the loss.

It remains to be seen how the incident will impact Howard’s future with the Jayhawks. The team has a tough schedule ahead, and Howard’s leadership will be crucial if they hope to have a successful season.


Dan Hurley Ripped For 'Classless' Behavior During National Title - The Spun
Image by thespun.com

Baylor Football Caps Historic Season With Sugar Bowl Victory

In a thrilling season finale, the Baylor Bears capped off their historic 2023 campaign with a dominant 31-14 victory over the Big 12 rival Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night.

Baylor’s offense was on fire, led by quarterback Blake Shapen who threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Richard Reese also had an impressive night, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Gavin Holmes was Shapen’s favorite target, catching six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears’ defense was equally impressive, holding Oklahoma State to just 298 yards of total offense. Defensive end Siaki Ika led the way with eight tackles and two sacks. The defense also forced two turnovers, including a key interception by safety Jalen Pitre in the fourth quarter.

The Sugar Bowl victory marks the culmination of a remarkable season for Baylor. The Bears finished with a 12-2 record, their best mark since 2014. They also won the Big 12 Championship for the first time in program history.

“This has been an unforgettable season for our team,” said Baylor head coach Dave Aranda. “We set out to accomplish great things, and these players have exceeded all expectations. Their hard work, dedication, and belief in each other have made this possible.”

The Sugar Bowl victory has earned Baylor national recognition. The Bears are expected to be ranked among the top teams in the country heading into the 2024 season.

With a young and talented roster returning, Baylor has every reason to be optimistic about the future. They will aim to build on this season’s success and continue their rise as a contender in college football.


Texas State dominates early, upends Baylor football 42-31 for historic
Image by baylorlariat.com