Every yr, student-athletes all over the world dedicate their lives to the objective of excelling in each training and athletics. And, whereas many embrace that title to the fullest, deciding what comes subsequent after school athletics stays a significant query all should reply.
In the case of Utah State quarterback Levi Williams, the reply to that age-old inquiry has led him to an formidable and distinctive mission forward of his senior season: hanging up his soccer cleats to choose up a pair of fight boots and be part of Navy SEAL coaching.
Williams, a graduate junior quarterback, spoke Monday about his plan to forego his final yr of eligibility with a view to be part of SEAL coaching as a strategy to keep it up his household’s legacy of navy service.
“I just want to be in a spot where I can protect this great country where we get to play football with the freedom to do that. I think this is the best country in the world. So I’d like to keep it that way and protect it as long as I can.”
If chosen when the choice course of begins in February, Williams’s coaching would start in the summertime, with commencement someday later in 2024, according KSL Sports.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 230 kilos, Williams, a local of Canyon Lake, Texas, will now look to see how his intangible translate to the navy as he continues his pursuit of greatness off the gridiron.
Amazingly, as Williams gears up for his subsequent problem, the QB left maybe his greatest efficiency for the Aggies for his final collegiate recreation. In his first start in two years at USU after three years at Wyoming, Williams tallied 351 yards of complete offense and 5 complete touchdowns in a 44-41 double-overtime highway win over New Mexico to assist the Aggies (6–6) turn into bowl eligible.
In his twenty first NBA season, LeBron James has added yet one more report to his resumé. Earlier on Monday night time’s recreation towards the Philadelphia 76ers, James surpassed legendary basketball participant Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s record to become the league’s all-time chief in minutes performed.
James handed the 66,300 minutes performed mark only a month into the common season. Showing no indicators of slowing down, James has the chance blow the report out of the water, setting the next bar for the following technology. At 38 years outdated and poised to be 39 in December, James continues to play on the highest stage.
In the sport towards the Sixers to surpass the report, the Lakers star surpassed Abdul-Jabbar’s earlier minutes report of 66,297. Third on the listing is Karl Malone who performed 62,700 minutes and Kobe Bryant is in fourth with Dirk Nowitzki following. Chris Paul is the closest energetic participant ot James within the all-time minutes listing, though he’s No. 28. Kevin Durant is the opposite energetic participant, making it within the prime 50. Just final season, James additionally surpassed Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring report. In the present season, James averages 25.5 factors, eight rebounds and 6.6 assists, enjoying simply shy of 34 minutes per recreation.
Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke entered the NCAA switch portal on Monday, in response to a report from 247Sports.
Van Dyke, a junior, has been with the Hurricanes since 2020, that includes in a complete of 32 video games after debuting in reduction of an injured D’Eriq King in 2021. Across 11 video games in 2023, Van Dyke accomplished a career-high 65.8% of his passes, whereas throwing for two,703 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
After 4 years at Miami, Van Dyke will probably be enjoying for a brand new program in 2024 after getting into the switch portal. He has one yr of eligibility remaining.
The 6’4”, 225-pound gunslinger finishes his Hurricanes profession with 7,469 passing yards, 54 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. He’s sixth all-time for this system in passing yards, and fourth in landing passes.
Tyler Van Dyke is getting into the NCAA switch portal after 4 seasons at Miami.
Van Dyke, a former three-star recruit out of Suffield Academy in Glastonbury, Connecticut, had an up-and-down profession throughout his time in Coral Gables. He capped off his Miami profession with a win over Boston College, throughout which he threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
Mike Elko formally took over as head coach of Texas A&M’s soccer program on Monday, having been launched by the workforce throughout a press convention.
Elko, who takes over following the expensive departure of Jimbo Fisher, was welcomed by Aggie trustworthy with a conventional “Aggie War Hymn,” throughout which he could possibly be seen arm in arm with a few of Texas A&M’s brass, taking part within the faculty’s conventional tune.
While Aggies followers are doubtless conversant in the “Aggie War Hymn,” many school soccer followers weren’t they usually had been fairly confused after seeing Elko taking part within the ceremonial chant, taking to social media with loads of reactions.
This video is an ideal shibboleth, as a result of A&M followers will see it as proof that they’re nonetheless the best fanbase within the nation even after going 7-5, and their rivals will see it as proof that they’re greater than somewhat bit kooky. And neither are flawed! https://t.co/SPyPqHmMir
Kentucky working again Ray Davis introduced his plan to enter the 2024 NFL draft on Monday.
The Wildcats working again tweeted a put up on X (previously generally known as Twitter) about his “dream” of enjoying within the NFL.
“After long talks with my family and friends, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft,” Davis wrote. “This has always been a dream of mine and is a challenge I’m ready to take on. Forever the underdog. #1 Signing out.”
In Kentucky’s fifth consecutive victory towards Louisville within the Governor’s Cup on Saturday, Davis completed with 14 carries for 76 yards and one landing whereas catching 4 passes for 51 yards and two landing receptions.
Davis additionally recorded his twentieth landing of the season within the 38–31 victory, eclipsing former Wildcats working again Benny Snell for probably the most touchdowns (19) throughout a single season in program historical past.
Ray Davis has declared for the NFL Draft, no phrase on if he’ll play within the bowl sport or not. #BBNpic.twitter.com/UhqQi78mxu
Davis registered 186 carries for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns whereas averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season. The 24-year-old began his profession at Temple and performed two seasons for the Owls earlier than transferring to play two seasons at Vanderbilt, after which going to Kentucky.
“Thank you to Vanderbilt and Temple for taking a chance on me and molding me into the player and man I am today,” he wrote in his assertion. “The journey has led me to many blessings and greater things ahead.”
Davis amassed 733 carries for 3,563 yards and 28 touchdowns on the bottom whereas averaging 4.9 yards per carry throughout his five-year faculty profession. Additionally, he compiled 90 receptions for 756 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Although Kentucky (7–5, 3–2 SEC) has secured postseason bowl eligibility, it isn’t sure if Davis will play in this system’s bowl sport right now.
Third Quarter: It’s Championship Week, Embrace the Awkward Tension
There are 10 convention championship video games being contested this week, the final massive hurrah earlier than the annual trickle of bowl video games fills the latter half of December. There have by no means been this many high-stakes convention title video games—each single Power Five matchup may affect the playoff. But past that, the nice realignment wave plus Connor Stalions have mixed to create a most degree of potential awkwardness for postgame trophy displays. The Dash breaks all of it down, from most awkward and contentious to least:
All instances Eastern.
Big Ten (21)
The matchup:Iowa (10–2) vs. Michigan (12–0), Saturday at 8 p.m.
The rigidity: It’s extremely possible that league commissioner Tony Petitti should share a stage with the coach he controversially suspended for the ultimate three video games of the common season, Jim Harbaugh. Petitti additionally must change pleasantries with Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, who fired off a strident protest statement when the punishment was handed down. I don’t assume any single human being within the sport has been booed as onerous in 2023 as Petitti will probably be Saturday night time if the Wolverines win. (And they may win.)
After serving his three-game suspension, Jim Harbaugh will probably be again on the sideline in Indianapolis.
Patrick Breen/USA TODAY NETWORK
And simply in case Iowa wins, don’t anticipate any podium hugs exchanged between athletic director Beth Goetz and the Ferentz household. Goetz pressured out Kirk Ferentz’s son and ineffective offensive coordinator, Brian, in late October however allowed him to complete teaching the season. In response to a well-deserved pink slip and a kinder-than-warranted lengthy goodbye, pouty nepo child Brian has stopped sporting Iowa gear on the sidelines throughout video games—as if he had been by some means an aggrieved social gathering right here whereas overseeing actually the worst offense within the nation. Goetz can be properly inside her rights to inform Brian Ferentz that if he’s not proud to characterize Iowa, he not has to and dismiss him instantly.
The line: Michigan by 23.
How they bought right here: For Iowa, one punt at a time. For Michigan, one survived suspension at a time.
Dash prediction: Michigan 28, Iowa 0. Other than the potential for Harbaugh Theater, this will probably be a horrible recreation to observe. The Hawkeyes will solely possess the ball on Michigan’s facet of midfield if the Wolverines flip it over to them there or have a particular groups failure.
Pac-12 (22)
The matchup:Oregon (11–1) vs. Washington (12–0), Friday at 8 p.m.
The rigidity: Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff is believed to nonetheless exist, although it’s pretty sure that he has not attended a single convention soccer recreation this fall—and for good purpose. His league will not exist in any viable capability subsequent season, crashing right into a realignment iceberg whereas on his inactive watch. And the 2 faculties that dealt the coup de grace to the Pac-12 in August will battle it out for the ultimate convention title. Then Kliavkoff can hand over the trophy to the long run Big Ten members and return to exile.
The line: Oregon by 9.5.
How they bought right here: The onerous means, by way of the deepest convention within the nation. But additionally the entertaining means, with two of one of the best offenses within the nation. The Huskies beat the Ducks by three factors in October in one of many Games of the Year.
Dash prediction: Oregon 38, Washington 31. If the Big Ten recreation is the worst aggressive matchup, this one could be one of the best. The Dash doesn’t imagine the undefeated Huskies might be blown out, however there is no such thing as a doubt that the Ducks have performed higher over the latter half of the season. If Dan Lanning can resist committing fourth-down malpractice, Oregon needs to be headed to the playoff … possibly Washington, too. (Though the Huskies would wish some stuff to interrupt proper.)
The rigidity: You would possibly recall that the Seminoles did all the things however secede from the convention in the course of the summer season, ginning up all types of concern over the media grant-of-rights contract that extends to 2036—and which Florida State willingly signed on the time it got here into existence. They threatened to up and go away, regardless of apparently having nowhere to go. The Seminoles rattled sabers for a “success initiative” that offers high-performing faculties in soccer and males’s basketball a shot at higher income, which was voted into existence. For commissioner Jim Phillips, the trophy presentation can be extra nice to the Cardinals—however extra profitable to the Seminoles, who possible will probably be within the playoff with a win in Charlotte.
The line: Florida State by 2.5.
How they bought right here: The Seminoles had been anticipated to be right here, although they needed to endure a late-season damage to star quarterback Jordan Travis. The Cardinals are a shock, after being picked to complete eighth within the league.
Dash prediction: Louisville 31, Florida State 30. Jeff Brohm loves a great upset alternative, and the ‘Noles are vulnerable. The Cardinals’ protection has softened up in current weeks, surrendering greater than six yards per play within the final three video games, however it stays to be seen whether or not Tate Rodemaker can successfully transfer the FSU offense. If the Louisville offense takes care of the ball, it ought to be capable of transfer and rating—the Cardinals are 10–0 when turning it over two or fewer instances this season, 0–2 when committing three turnovers.
The rigidity: Commissioner Brett Yormark, like everybody else within the sport, likes the cash that would come the convention’s means if the Longhorns make the playoff. But there’s additionally this: the Cowboys are staying within the Big 12, the Horns should not. Yormark instructed a Texas Tech booster group earlier this 12 months that he hoped the Red Raiders “take care of business” within the season finale at Texas Friday. Instead, the Horns received 57–7 after which unleashed the trolls on the stadium big screen. There is just no means Texas is passing on the petty whereas leaving this relationship.
Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns may win Texas its first Big 12 title since 2009.
How they bought right here: The Cowboys arrive by a circuitous route that features two blowout losses and one enormous win within the remaining Bedlam recreation. The Longhorns, ultimately, lived as much as the preseason hype.
Dash prediction: Texas 37, Oklahoma State 21. Mike Gundy brings some warlock powers to any recreation through which he’s an underdog, and this matchup definitely is the sort that brings out one of the best in The Mullet. But his protection has been among the many worst within the Big 12 in league play, and Texas has the weapons to use that—even after the damage to working again Jonathon Brooks.
American (25)
The matchup:SMU (10–2) at Tulane (11–1), Saturday at 4 p.m.
The rigidity: AAC commissioner Mike Aresco has been persistently resilient and pragmatic when faculties have left his league—together with SMU, which is hitting the eject button subsequent 12 months for the ACC. But it has to harm to see a faculty so determined to get out that it’s forfeiting lots of of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in income rights (and that college is the closest one to league headquarters). Just because the AAC was assuredly glad to see Tulane defeat outgoing Central Florida for the convention title final 12 months, league honchos would like a repeat this 12 months.
The line: Tulane by 5.5.
How they bought right here: By beating each non-Power Five opponent of their path. SMU was 10–0 towards groups outdoors the P5; Tulane was 11–0. Neither has misplaced since September.
Dash prediction: Tulane 27, SMU 20. These groups have high quality quarterbacks, however they’re additionally the highest two defensive models within the convention. The Dash is aware of this: selecting towards the Green Wave late within the 12 months the previous two seasons has been an invite to be unsuitable, and that’s an invite that must be declined on this occasion.
Southeastern (26)
The matchup:Alabama (11–1) vs. Georgia (12–0), Saturday at 4 p.m.
The rigidity: The SEC, which has led all of faculty soccer in cleaning soap opera drama and scandal since time immemorial, has been downright placid this 12 months. Even boring, in the case of off-the-field shenanigans. So there isn’t quite a lot of rigidity right here, aside from the jarring chance of the SEC champion being neglected of the playoff if Alabama upsets Georgia. Of course, the SEC additionally may find yourself with two within the playoff if Alabama upsets Georgia and issues break proper elsewhere. That end result ensures most Greg Sankey lobbying, however the bird-in-the-hand playoff bid comes with the Bulldogs beating the Crimson Tide.
The line: Georgia by 5.5.
How they bought right here: The Crimson Tide earned their means in weeks in the past however needed to execute their very own model of the Prayer at Jordan-Hare Saturday to maintain nationwide championship hopes alive. The Bulldogs arrive in the identical style as they’ve the earlier two SEC title video games: undefeated and ranked No. 1.
Dash prediction: Georgia 28, Alabama 21. This recreation has so many parts of the 2021 SEC title assembly. Then and now, the Tide is wobbling in off a near-playoff-death expertise towards an underdog Auburn workforce, saved by dramatic quarterback play when all appeared misplaced. Then and now, Georgia is solidly favored not solely on this recreation, however to win the nationwide championship. Then, the Tide shocked the Bulldogs behind an all-world efficiency by Bryce Young, Now, historical past is not going to repeat as a result of Jalen Milroe just isn’t Bryce Young, nor will he win the Heisman Trophy regardless of demanding “that MFer” after the Auburn win. Georgia ‘23 is not as good as Georgia ‘21, but neither is Alabama ‘23 as good as Alabama ‘21. ‘Dogs win.
The tension: The controversy arises from who isn’t competing—James Madison, which “won” the Sun Belt East Division at 11–1 however is ineligible for the league title as a transitioning FCS college. But the 2 groups enjoying within the recreation received’t be anxious about hurting the Dukes’ emotions, with one facet lifting the trophy and proclaiming itself Sun Belt champion.
The line: Troy by 6.5.
How they bought right here: A closing five-game successful streak delivered the Mountaineers. Troy, in the meantime, is 17–0 after September the previous two seasons.
Dash prediction: Troy 24, Appalachian State 17. Under Jon Sumrall, the Trojans have dropped a pair video games early after which forgotten the way to lose the remainder of the best way. He began 1–2 the previous two seasons after which commenced lengthy successful streaks. App State has a proclivity to thriller finishes, however the Mountaineers may have a tough time popping out on prime on this one.
UNLV’s 9 wins this season are probably the most for this system since 1984.
Isaiah J&interval; Downing/USA TODAY Sports
Mountain West (28)
The matchup:Boise State (7–5) at UNLV (9–3), Saturday at 3 p.m.
The rigidity: Not a lot, actually. Commissioner Gloria Nevarez is navigating towards an alliance of types with surviving Pac-2 faculties Oregon State and Washington State, and there will probably be politics in play between Mountain West faculties and people two. Otherwise, it is a fairly cool matchup of the acquainted (Boise) and the recent (UNLV).
The line: Boise by 2.5.
How they bought right here: With the assistance of pc rankings that didn’t spit out a pairing till Sunday. The Broncos rode a late three-game successful streak beneath an interim coach. The Rebels had been a season-long shock beneath a first-year coach.
Dash prediction: Boise State 35, UNLV 31. The Broncos have turn out to be one of many prime working groups within the nation, and the Rebels have been gouged for 577 dashing yards of their final two video games. When unsure, go together with the workforce that can win the bottom recreation.
The rigidity: This recreation needs to be all happiness. It pairs two groups that wandered by way of the impartial wilderness for years, enjoying one another twice in each the 2018 and ’19 seasons to fill out schedules. Now they’re each having epic seasons: for the Aggies, in all probability their greatest since 1960; for the undefeated and ranked Flames, arguably their greatest ever.
The line: Liberty by 10.5.
How they bought right here: By hiring two nice coaches, Jerry Kill at NMSU and Jamey Chadwell at Liberty.
Dash prediction: Liberty 34, New Mexico State 27. This is a rematch of a September recreation received by the Flames, however the Aggies have improved considerably since then. It’s additionally a enjoyable matchup of dynamic, dual-threat quarterbacks, Kaiden Salter of Liberty and Diego Pavia of NMSU. Whichever one executes greatest would possibly find yourself on the successful facet.
The rigidity: There isn’t any rigidity within the MAC. There is barely #MACtion. And Midwest consistency. And a certainty of id. Realignment drama doesn’t contact the MAC. It merely endures.
The line: Toledo by 7.5.
How they bought right here: By being bulletproof since Labor Day. Both groups began 0–1 towards Power Five competitors, and the one loss by both of them since then was the Rockets beating the RedHawks 21–17 in October.
Dash prediction: Toledo 27, Miami 17. The RedHawks have been on a roll, however the Rockets have the higher quarterback in fifth-year standout DeQuan Finn. He will discover a means. The solely crimson flag right here might be if Toledo coach Jason Candle will get down the street with one other college (Syracuse, maybe) in discussing one other job. Coaches who’re job procuring typically don’t fare properly in these circumstances.
