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Orange Bowl predictions

The first College Football Playoff semifinal will be in the warmth of Florida as the rest of the national hit by a cold spell in the first full week of the new year.Notre Dame and Penn State clash in the Orange Bowl with the winner advancing to the national title game and a chance to […]

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Orange Bowl predictions

The first College Football Playoff semifinal will be in the warmth of Florida as the rest of the national hit by a cold spell in the first full week of the new year.Notre Dame and Penn State clash in the Orange Bowl with the winner advancing to the national title game and a chance to end its school’s long championship drought. The Irish last ruled college football in 1988. The Nittany Lions won their most-recent title two years prior in 1986.

On the field, both teams mirror each other. They’re two of the best defenses in the country but lack explosiveness on offense when facing quality opponent. It shapes up to be an old school fist fight where a turnover and one big play could be key. So who wins? Our experts make their picks.Another storyline to watch is that both teams are led by Black coaches – Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and James Franklin of Penn State. The matchup means that it is guaranteed a Black coach will be in the Bowl Subdivision national championship game for the first time.

Scooby Axson

Two elite defenses will battle for a spot in the title game. The Orange Bowl may come down to turnovers and which quarterback is best able to handle pressure and extend drives on third down. Penn State has better weapons in the passing game, but Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s legs will be a major asset as the Irish look to extend drives on third down. A low-scoring game comes down to the very end with the Irish pulling it out. Notre Dame 23, Penn State 16.

MAJOR MOMENT: Matchup of Black coaches in Orange Bowl is historicThis is a bad matchup for Penn State, the kind of game in which the Nittany Lions are going to need big plays from their passing game that simply won’t be there because of Notre Dame’s lockdown secondary. Granted the Fighting Irish don’t get many of those, either, but the added dimension of quarterback Riley Leonard’s mobility gives to the offense will be the difference. Notre Dame 26, Penn State 13.

Jordan Mendoza

Which defense will rule the day? Both Penn State and Notre Dame have been able to limit opponents on their way to the semifinal, so each team will have to earn every single point on the scoreboard. Penn State’s offense seems to be more potent than Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish cause mistakes with the most turnovers forced this season. Notre Dame causes fits for Drew Allar and hold on to get past the Nittany Lions in a gritty contest. Notre Dame 20, Penn State 16.

Paul Myerberg

This is expected to be a defensive grinder, so the team that can consistently run the ball and have their quarterback get the ball to the playmakers will win. That usually means that when two top 10 defenses are playing, the first team to 17 will come out victorious. Irish quarterback Riley Leonard doesn’t need to do much through the air, like in the Georgia win, but making plays with his legs will extend drives and be the difference in the game. Notre Dame 24, Penn State 9.

Erick Smith

This is where the reality of the new College Football Playoff format becomes a separator. As impressively as Notre Dame won the first two games, it came at a cost. This is a banged-up football team, with key defensive lineman Rylie Mills suffering a season-ending injury against Indiana and tight end Cooper Flanagan getting hurt against Georgia. Running back Jeremiyah Love and defensive lineman Howard Cross were also having issues against Georgia but appear to be playing. Penn State’s biggest question mark is Abdul Carter, their best defensive player who was forced out of the quarterfinals. If he’s limited, that changes things. But as it stands, I’ll go with the slightly healthier team. Penn State 27, Notre Dame 23.

Eddie Timanus

James Franklin’s history against elite teams is well-documented. Penn State has consistently fallen short in big games and questionable coaching decisions have been a big part of those losses. So does he and the Nittany Lions get over the hump? They’re the better team on offense with Tyler Warren being a unique threat that Notre Dame cannot match and will find difficult to defend. But like most big games matching two elite defenses, this one should be close, and the teams will be separated by a handful of big plays. The Fighting Irish have shown a greater propensity to find ways to win in that manner. You have to like their chances to do it again. Notre Dame 20, Penn State 17.

Dan Wolken

ORANGE PREVIEW:Breaking down the Notre Dame-Penn State matchup

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Guilty plea in fatal ATV crash

WILKES-BARRE — A Nanticoke man pled guilty in Luzerne County Court to charges related to a fatal crash involving an all-terrain vehicle driver in 2023. Richard J. Simon Jr., 40, of West Union Street, was charged by Newport Township police with striking an ATV operated by James “Jimmy” Edward Thiemann, 26, on East Kirmar […]

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WILKES-BARRE — A Nanticoke man pled guilty in Luzerne County Court to charges related to a fatal crash involving an all-terrain vehicle driver in 2023.

Richard J. Simon Jr., 40, of West Union Street, was charged by Newport Township police with striking an ATV operated by James “Jimmy” Edward Thiemann, 26, on East Kirmar Avenue on July 30, 2023, according to court records.

Thiemann, of Warrior Run, died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, on Aug. 5, 2023.

Simon, through his attorney, Theron J. Solomon, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor, before Judge Michael T. Vough on Thursday.

Under state sentencing guidelines, Simon could face up to five years in prison but prosecutors did not object to house arrest if Simon is eligible.

Court records say Simon, operating a 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe, was traveling on Alden Mountain Road when he was passed by several ATV drivers, including Thiemann.

Simon and the ATV drivers changed lanes and varied their speeds with Simon briefly driving off the roadway. Simon then struck Thiemann’s ATV that was pushed a distance resulting in Thiemann being thrown to the ground striking his head, court records say.

Simon briefly stopped and was allegedly pulled from his vehicle and attacked, before he managed to flee the scene.

Police did not charge Simon with fleeing the scene or failure to render aid.

Videos of the encounter were recorded on cellular phones by other ATV drivers.

In an unrelated case, Simon also pled guilty to a burglary charge as Nanticoke police accused him with entering a house under renovations on West Union Street and stealing tools, a hot water heater and materials on Jan. 24, 2024, according to court records.

Vough scheduled Simon to be sentenced July 3. Simon remains free on $25,000 bail.



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Daily Hampshire Gazette – UMass hockey: Minutemen add former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo from portal 

UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II The UMass hockey team announced on Wednesday that former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo has joined the Minutemen for the 2025-26 season […]

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UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst.

UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst.
STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II

The UMass hockey team announced on Wednesday that former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo has joined the Minutemen for the 2025-26 season as a transfer. DeAngelo, a 5-foot-11, 179-pounder, is the first confirmed addition for next season’s UMass team.

During his freshman season with the Spartans in 2024-25, DeAngelo potted nine points in 33 games. The Itasca, Illinois native helped Michigan State claim the Big 10 championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

“Mikey DeAngelo comes to UMass after one year at Michigan State where he had a solid season on a very good college hockey team,” Minutemen head coach Greg Carvel said in a statement released by UMass athletics. “Mikey will bring speed and skill to our lineup and will fill one of the spots created by three UMass centers signing NHL contracts after this past season. With the opportunity that exists on our team, we expect Mikey to be a point-getter who plays a responsible game without the puck and plays with a lot of tenacity and plays to our identity as a team. It should be a smooth transition for Mikey, and I am excited to see his impact on our lineup.”

DeAngelo deposited 34 goals and 87 points in 110 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League across two seasons before his college hockey career.



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Chicago Stars soccer team explores move to Evanston

The Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team will depart their usual Bridgeview venue to play a “test run” game at an Evanston lakefront stadium in September as they consider a permanent move there. The City of Evanston has granted approval for the team, which competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, to play all of […]

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Chicago Stars soccer team explores move to Evanston

The Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team will depart their usual Bridgeview venue to play a “test run” game at an Evanston lakefront stadium in September as they consider a permanent move there.

The City of Evanston has granted approval for the team, which competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, to play all of its 16 home matches in 2026 at Northwestern University’s Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The venue is the temporary home of the Wildcat football team, but the soccer club has not committed to playing there next year, said Emmanuel Salazar, spokesman for the Stars.

“We are exploring various options for 2026 and will make that announcement when we have the decision finalized,” Salazar said via email. “Applying for and receiving a zoning certificate from the city of Evanston is part of the process of making and keeping Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium an option for 2026.”

In a “test run” of the idea, Evanston also granted approval for the team to play a match against the Orlando Pride, defending champions of the National Women’s Soccer League, on Sept. 7, said Cynthia Vargas, spokeswoman for the city of Evanston.

The Sept. 7 match comes the day after Northwestern football plays its home opener against Western Illinois University. The Wildcats are playing at Martin Field while Ryan Field is rebuilt. The Stars currently play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

Salazar declined to answer questions about the club’s interest in the lakefront site, whether it is considering any other sites and when it plans to make a decision on its 2026 home games. He referred any questions to a statement released by the team on May 19.

The statement confirms the Sept. 7 match, calling it the “Lakefront Faceoff” and suggesting the match “demonstrates the club’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating positive connections with local communities, including Northwestern University and the residents of the city of Evanston.”

“This match at Martin Stadium gives us the opportunity to bring our world-class athletes to the city of Evanston to showcase their abilities to (a) new and returning fanbase at a wonderful location on the lakefront,” Club President Karen Leetzow said in the release.

Leetzow thanked the city and the university for the opportunity.

“We’re dedicated to creating a can’t-miss event this September for new and returning fans and finding ways to work with local businesses and community organizations to integrate our club and the beautiful game with all Evanston has to offer,” she said.

Although the club has not yet committed to playing there in 2026, it will collaborate with local schools and organizations to bring events to kids and local businesses, including youth soccer clinics and a “summit for young professionals focused on leadership in women’s sports,” the release said.

“Evanston families and youth will have special opportunities to engage with the Stars throughout the season,” it said.

In the release, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said he is excited about the Sept. 7 match.

“We are excited to bring a premier women’s soccer franchise to our city, and look forward to welcoming to Evanston not only the players and staff but also their fans,” Biss said.

As for 2026, Evanston has approved a zoning application to allow a temporary use of the lakefront field between March and November, Vargas said. The Stars must reapply if they want to use the field beyond 2026, she said.

If the team chooses to play at the field in 2026, Evanston will evaluate whether the temporary stadium is suitable for additional use, Vargas said.

“The city would need to assess any impacts from the 2026 season and may require modifications to the transportation management and operations plan or other conditions to grant further temporary use of the facility,” she said.

The lakefront stadium, which also hosts soccer and lacrosse matches, is closer to the Northwestern campus than Ryan Field, which is surrounded by homes.

“The lakefront stadium is more separated from residential homes, reducing the immediate disruptions to residents; however, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate community concerns,” Vargas said.

“The city of Evanston is committed to working with community members and Chicago Stars to proactively address impacts before the first event in September and use that to inform a transportation management and operations plan for the 2026 season.”

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Bradley University names new dean for College of Education of Health Sciences

PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University has named a new dean for its College of Education of Health Sciences. Dr. Jeffrey Wanko will begin his new role on July 15th. Wanko recently served as Associate Provost at Miami University in Ohio.  He has also served in roles that include an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in […]

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PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University has named a new dean for its College of Education of Health Sciences.

Dr. Jeffrey Wanko will begin his new role on July 15th.

Wanko recently served as Associate Provost at Miami University in Ohio.  He has also served in roles that include an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Education, Health, and Society.

Wanko has a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Miami University.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, and students to build on the university’s successes and to champion innovation, equity, and engagement in teaching, research, and service,” Wanko said in a statement.

Wanko takes over for Dr. Kathy Shapley, who has served as dean in the interim for the past year.





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Alabama Gymnastics Associate Head Coach Justin Spring Wins Emmy

Alabama gymnastics associate head coach Justin Spring was awarded an Emmy on Wednesday night as part of NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad won the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event category, with Spring recognized as an event analyst. “What an […]

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Alabama gymnastics associate head coach Justin Spring was awarded an Emmy on Wednesday night as part of NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad won the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event category, with Spring recognized as an event analyst.

“What an unexpected honor to win an Emmy for something that felt like such a privilege in my life!” Spring said in a press release on Thursday. “Commenting the Olympic Games was a dream come true. This award is so deserving for all the producers, researchers and the whole NBC team that made the experience amazing and unforgettable for our country!”

Spring provided live analysis of the men’s gymnastics competition, where the U.S. men’s team secured its first Olympic medal (bronze) since Spring’s own podium finish 16 years prior.

“Justin has a remarkable ability to make people feel part of a journey,” Alabama gymnastics head coach Ashley Johnston said in the press release. “Through an enthusiastic, storytelling approach to his broadcast analysis, he doesn’t just share the sport, but brings it to life. He’s a difference maker and his energy makes you believe in something bigger than yourself, as his passion for the sport of gymnastics can be felt by everyone around him. I couldn’t be prouder of him for earning this well-deserved honor.”

Softball Super Regional: No. 15 Alabama at No. 2 Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., 4 p.m. CT, ESPN2

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CFP Seeding Change Shows Who Carries the Big Sticks in College Football

99 days

May 23, 1970: Carney Laslie, an Alabama football tackle in 1930-32 and a member of Coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant’s staffs at Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Alabama, died of an apparent blood clot at the age of 61. — Bryant Museum

May 23, 2011: Sports Illustrated published its story on the Tuscaloosa tornado, with Javier Arenas standing in its aftermath on the cover.

“Carney (Laslie) meant as much as any one person, particularly back when we were starting and trying to get established. In those days, we worked day and night, but Carney never faltered.”

– Paul W. “Bear” Bryant





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Donald Trump listens to Nick Saban as college sports commission plans change

The Alabama legend was only recently put in charge of co-chairing the president’s commission into college athletics following successful meetings between the two, yet things have already taken a turn Plans for Nick Saban to co-chair Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics have been put on hold Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics appears to […]

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The Alabama legend was only recently put in charge of co-chairing the president’s commission into college athletics following successful meetings between the two, yet things have already taken a turn

Nick Saban
Plans for Nick Saban to co-chair Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics have been put on hold

Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics appears to have hit a roadblock after the Nick Saban-led initiative was put on hold this week.

Earlier this month, various reports stated that the U.S. President had put the Alabama legend in charge of co-chairing his commission following crunch name, image and likeness (NIL) reform meetings ahead of a commencement address at the University of Texas for the Class of 2025.

The move was set to see Saban serve alongside Texas businessman Cody Campbell, founder of Texas Tech’s Matador Club NIL collective and chairman of the Texas Tech board of regents, where the commission would examine prominent issues facing college sports, most notably the transfer portal.

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The move came after Saban’s concern about NIL and the influx of money damaging college sports influenced Trump to take a stand. It was even claimed that the 78-year-old was considering an executive order after the Crimson Tide legend noted how the college sports landscape has changed for the worse.

Since that first meeting with the president, however, Saban has sought to distance himself from the idea of such a commission, repeatedly telling reporters how he believed it to be unnecessary, and that those in charge of college sports could get together and solve problems without a formal government-backed body getting involved.

As a result, it has now been reported that the presidential commission into college sports has come to a grinding halt. According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the Saban-led project now appears unlikely to come into being any time soon, although there is emphasis on it being “paused” rather than completely cancelled.

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Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Dellenger noted how the move could be “possibly rooted in its potential impact in Senate negotiations over college sports legislation.”

In a follow-up post, he added that it remains unclear how long the pause will extend and that any delay could result from giving five U.S. senators, led by Ted Cruz and Cory Booker, “more time to possibly reach an agreement on federal legislation.”

It would appear, though, that the decision from the White House comes off the back of Saban aiming to distance himself from the matter. Speaking to SEC Network last week, he said: “First of all, I don’t know a lot about the commission.

“Secondly, I’m not sure we really need a commission. A lot of people know exactly what the issues are in college football and exactly what we need to do to fix them. I think the key to the drill is getting people together so we can move it forward.”

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban and President Donald Trump
Former Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban isn’t convinced on a potential major change to college sports(Image: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Following up on his comments at his ‘Nick’s Kids Golf Tournament’ in Birmingham, Alabama, Saban also admitted that he would help President Trump in a consultancy role if needed.

“I know there’s been a lot of stuff out there about some commission or whatever. I don’t think we need a commission. I’ve said that before,” Saban said via Mike Rodak.

“I’m all for being a consultant to anybody who would think that my experience would be beneficial to helping create some of those solutions.”



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