Crazy Rebel(l)s
Thema drucken
29.04.2019 11:39
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Marlon Humphrey would eat lunch with the other Alabama fans in elementary school, proudly sporting his red wig and his fathers old crimson lettermans jacket. The kids who rooted for Auburn sat elsewhere, of course.Its rivalry week around the Southeastern Conference. States -- and school cafeterias, in some cases -- are divided, as was the case at Gwin Elementary when it came Iron Bowl time.Its crazy. Its a really big deal, said Humphrey, now a cornerback for the top-ranked Crimson Tide, where his father Bobby once starred.So are a half-dozen other games between traditional rivals. Not all of them have high national stakes involved, but theyre all big for the respective fans every single time.No. 13 Florida plays No. 15 Florida State before heading to the SEC championship game against Alabama. Georgia hopes for a strong finish to Kirby Smarts first season against Georgia Tech. Mississippi and Mississippi State hope to put a satisfying ending to disappointing seasons, with the Rebels trying to secure bowl eligibility with a sixth win.Like Auburn, Kentucky and South Carolina are trying to pull off huge road upsets. Kentucky faces No. 11 Louisville and the Gamecocks go against No. 4 Clemson.Vanderbilts also seeking a sixth win against Tennessee, the preseason East Division favorite.Whatever kind of season theyve had, it just feels better with a closing win over that hated rival.These games are always quite interesting regardless of record and are always highly competitive, Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said. I know this one will be no different.Not every SEC matchup this week has that same history and magnitude but Arkansas-Missouri Friday and Texas A&M-LSU Thursday night are border games for teams with no active in-state rivalries.---Heres a look at this weeks traditional rivalries involving SEC teams:ALABAMA-AUBURNSeries began: 1893.Series record: Alabama leads 44-35-1.Trophy: James E. Foy V-ODK Sportsmanship Trophy.Why its a big deal: The Iron Bowl largely consumes a state year-round partly because there are no major pro teams in Alabama. For folks in Alabama, and probably the region, at least, its regarded as college footballs greatest rivalry.Best game: No. 4 Auburn 34, No. 1 Alabama 28, 2013. Forever known as the Kick-Six game , it was a back-and-forth game featuring key defensive stops and big plays. Then, of course, Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards on the final play. Plus a trip to the SEC championship game and national title shot was on the line for both.This year: Alabama has already secured a spot in the SEC title game against No. 13 Florida, and is assured of a playoff berth with wins. Auburn could turn this from a solid season to a really good one in the eyes of most fans.---GEORGIA-GEORGIA TECHSeries began: 1893Series record: Georgia leads 65-38-5 according to its records and 65-40-5 according to Georgia Tech, including two wins during World War II which Georgia doesnt count.Trophy: Governors CupWhy its a big deal: Each team is aiming for a strong regular-season finish to cast a positive shine on mostly disappointing records. Georgia is looking to give first-year coach Kirby Smart a win in his debut in the series, which Georgia Tech is looking for its second win in three years.Best game: Georgia Tech 51, Georgia 48, OT, 1999. The teams combined for 1,102 total yards in the highest scoring game in the series. Georgia blocked the Yellow Jackets first field goal attempt in overtime, but Georgia Tech recovered to set up Luke Mangets game-winning 38-yarder.This year: There are many similarities. Each team is 7-4 overall and 4-4 in its conference. Georgia has won three straight, including a 13-7 upset of then-No. 8 Auburn. Georgia Tech has won four of five, including a 30-20 upset of then-No. 18 Virginia Tech. Each team features strong running games. A major difference is the Yellow Jackets are led by senior quarterback Justin Thomas, while freshman Jacob Eason starts for the Bulldogs.-----KENTUCKY-LOUISVILLESeries began: 1912 (resumed in 1994 after a 70-year hiatus).Series record: Tied, 14-14.Trophy: Governors Cup.Why its a big deal: The schools longtime basketball rivalry is obviously bigger but getting a head start on Bluegrass bragging rights never hurts. Kentucky dominated Louisville 220-0 in the series first six games before the Cardinals responded to win 14 of 22 since then with five straight wins. The programs opposite fortunes in recent years have helped fuel its intensity resulting in close games and short tempers, boiling over two years ago in Louisville with a pregame brawl at midfield.Best game: Louisville 44, Kentucky 40, 2014. That contest was the series first as the season finale and the Cardinals trailed 13-0 before reserve quarterback Kyle Bolin entered to throw for 381 yards and three touchdowns in a shootout that denied the Wildcats bowl eligibility. (Note: Louisville did it again last fall with a 38-24 win after trailing 21-0.)This year: Having ended a six-year postseason drought, Kentucky aims to enhance its profile for one of several bowls. No. 11 Louisville had its College Football Playoff hopes dashed with last weeks loss at Houston but remains in the mix for several bowls, including the Orange.---OLE MISS-MISSISSIPPI STATESeries began: 1901.Series record: Ole Miss leads 63-43-6.Trophy: The Golden Egg.Why its a big deal: The Egg Bowl is the biggest sporting event in Mississippi, pitting two schools that have long been annoyed by one anothers presence. Even in years where both teams are struggling (like this one), a win in the Egg Bowl can put a positive spin on the season. The outcome in some cases can cost a coach his job. In recent history, both Ole Miss Ed Orgeron (2007) and Mississippi States Sylvester Croom (2008) have been fired following humiliating Egg Bowl losses.Best game: Ole Miss 24, Mississippi State 23, 1983. In a game that many call The Immaculate Deflection, Mississippi States 27-yard game-winning field goal attempt in the final seconds looked like it was heading right through the uprights until a huge gust of wind came through the horseshoe-shaped stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, and pushed the ball back short of the uprights.This year: Saturdays matchup is mostly about pride. Ole Miss can assure a bowl berth with its sixth victory, while Mississippi State will try to spoil the party in Oxford and win the Egg Bowl for the first time since 2013.---TENNESSEE-VANDERBILTSeries began: 1892.Series record: Tennessee leads 75-29-5 or 75-30-5 by Vanderbilts count.Trophy: None.Why its a big deal: No nickname and no trophy in this rivalry. But Vanderbilt so dominated this series that Tennessee hired coach Robert Neyland in 1926 with the simple mission of beating the Commodores. Since 1928, Tennessee has lost just 11 games to Vandy with 2 ties. Separated by about 200 miles, Tennessee is the states public university, while Vanderbilt is the Southeastern Conferences lone private school.Best game: Vanderbilt 28, Tennessee 24, 2005. Jay Cutler drove the Commodore down the field for the winning touchdown with 1:11 left to end Tennessees 22-game win streak that was the second-longest between major teams in then-Division I-A. The Commodores got their first win at Neyland Stadium since 1975 and kept the Vols from being bowl eligible for the first time since 1988.This year: Tennessee, with a win and some help from other SEC teams, could go to the Sugar Bowl. Vanderbilt could be bowl eligible before kickoff thanks to its SEC-best APR, but the Commodores want their third win in five years to give coach Derek Mason his best season yet with a sixth win earning bowl eligibility on the field.---FLORIDA-FLORIDA STATESeries began: 1958.Series record: Florida leads 34-24-2Trophy: Florida Cup.Why its a big deal: Once dominated by the Gators, it was especially prominent in the 1990s between Spurriers Florida teams and Bobby Bowdens Seminoles. The teams were both routinely ranked in the Top 10 during the 1990s. Both teams also have other big rivals, like Florida-Georgia and Florida State-Miami.Best game: FSU won a matchup of 1 versus 2 in 1996, 24-21. Spurrier complained that some of the hits on quarterback Danny Wuerffel were late and Bowden responded by saying his guys hit to the echo of the whistle. The teams had a rematch in the Sugar Bowl for the national title, and Florida romped 52-20 for the programs first championship.This year: Florida has already clinched an SEC championship game berth against No. 1 Alabama, with an outside shot at making the playoffs. The Seminoles, who made the playoffs two years ago, are 8-3 and out of the division race.---SOUTH CAROLINA-CLEMSONSeries began: 1896.Series record: Clemson leads 67-42-4.Trophy: Palmetto Bowl TrophyWhy its a big deal: Because theres no pro sports teams in the Palmetto State so the football game between the states two major universities is the marquee sporting event -- something fans salivate over 365 days a year. It once, back in 2004, sparked a sidelines clearing brawl that cost both teams bowl games as punishment.Best game: Clemson 16, South Carolina 14, 2000. With Lou Holtz leading a turnaround season for the Gamecocks, South Carolina held a 14-13 lead in the final minute. Clemson quarterback Woody Dantzler heaved a 50-yard pass to Rod Gardner that set up Aaron Hunts last-second field goal. South Carolina fans say Gardner pushed off, Holtz event slamming officials by saying there were 29 people on the field deciding the game. Replays seemed to show Gardner gaining separation on Andre Goodman with a solid stiff arm.This year: Clemson needs to win to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. Spoiling that dream for No. 4 Clemson would perhaps make this bowl eligible South Carolinas greatest victory.---AP Sports Writers Pete Iacobelli, Charles Odum, David Brandt, Mark Long and Teresa Walker contributed to this report.---More AP college football at www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 . Air Max Clearance . Supported by three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the young right-hander went seven strong innings in the Washington Nationals 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Air Max Wholesale . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. http://www.australiacheapairmax.com/ . You can watch the game live on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Flyers had won seven of eight before dropping their last two outings on consecutive days over the weekend. Philadelphia was handed a 6-3 loss by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon before dropping a 4-1 decision to the Rangers the following night in New York City. Air Max Australia Onine . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. Air Max Australia Cheap . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. MINNEAPOLIS -- CC Sabathia had to work hard for this milestone, just like most of his victories in this challenging season for the New York Yankees. To the Minnesota Twins, well, he was the same overpowering, nearly unbeatable pitcher. Sabathia won his 200th career game to stretch his winning streak over Minnesota to nearly six years, and Robinson Cano hit a tying two-run double to spark the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Twins on Wednesday night. The significance of Sabathias accomplishment at age 32 was lost, at least publicly, on the burly left-hander. "Its hard not to be aware of it, but I dont know if it means anything right now," Sabathia said. "Ill be ready in five days to go again and just try to get No. 201." Cano fueled the three-run sixth against Twins starter PJ Walters (2-5), who was pitching for his job. Trevor Plouffe homered against Sabathia (9-6), but he finished seven innings with seven hits and three walks while striking out nine. The Yankees are missing almost all of their stars, and Sabathias fastball isnt in the upper 90s anymore. The big man can still throw, though. "I think its still a work in progress. I think youre always trying to get better and trying to reinvent yourself," Sabathia said. "Ive still got some work to do, but hopefully I can just keep getting better." Sabathia is 11-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last 12 starts against the Twins. He threw a season-high 121 pitches. "He did really grind this one out," manager Joe Girardi said. "Its just his will. He never gets down on himself. He always believes that he can make the pitch, and eventually he does it." The Twins were on their way to beating Sabathia for the first time since July 29, 2007, the year he won the AL Cy Young award. Brian Dozier drew a leadoff walk in the third and scored on Joe Mauers double, his first extra-base hit in nine games. Shortstop Luis Cruz, signed before the game as a replacement for Jayson Nix -- the latest Yankee to hit the disabled list -- was charged with an error for throwing over first baseman Lyle Overbays head to give the Twins runners at the corners with no outs. But Sabathia bore down after that, striking out Justin Morneau, retiring Plouffe on a fly out and striking out Oswaldo Arcia to finish the inning. With two outs in the fifth, Plouffes drive escaped the outstretched glove of centre fielder Brett Gardner and bounced high off the top of the wall onto the black batter-eye backing behiind it for a 2-0 lead.dddddddddddd That was all the Twins could get, though. "With a guy like CC you have to score those runs, especially against the Yankees," Plouffe said. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth to notch his 28th save in 29 tries in his farewell season. Cano has had at least two hits in each of the first six games of this road trip, batting 14 for 24 with 10 RBIs and four home runs. His streak of going deep ended at three straight games, but the four-time All-Star second baseman didnt stop lifting this lagging, injury-ravaged lineup once again. Aaron Hicks made a fully extended catch of Canos line drive to centre field in the eighth inning, the only time the Twins got him out on the night. After giving the Twins solid performances in his first four starts, Walters fell out of whack, lasting a total of nine innings over his previous three turns while allowing 16 hits, 16 runs and nine walks. The right-hander breezed twice through the batting order, but the leadoff walk in the sixth to Gardner was foreboding. Ichiro Suzuki followed with a double, and then came Canos crushing line drive down the right-field line off a 1-2 slider that caught too much of the plate. "I just hung the breaking ball. Its a pitch I shouldve bounced," Walters said. With first base open, the Twins couldve intentionally walked Cano. He paused when asked why he thinks teams have been pitching to him despite the tear hes on. "The only way you can look at it is its a team thats not in the race. ... Theyre taking their chances: All right, lets pitch to him," Cano said. Caleb Thielbar bailed the Twins out, limiting the damage to Overbays go-ahead sacrifice fly after inheriting a no-out, runners-at-the-corners situation. But the lead was lost. Walters allowed four hits and three walks while striking out three. NOTES: Twins LF Josh Willingham had arthroscopic surgery in the morning to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. ... Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda, out of the rotation temporarily because of a left hip flexor problem, will see the team doctor on Friday. Girardi declined to speculate on when Kuroda, who has been the teams best starter, will take his next turn. ... The Yankees will send RH David Phelps (5-5, 4.95 ERA to the mound in search of the sweep in the finale on Thursday afternoon. Rookie RH Kyle Gibson (1-0, 3.00) will make his second start for the Twins after winning his major league debut last weekend with six strong innings. ' ' ' |
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