INSIDER
Patriots will go with first-round draft pick Drake Maye and bench QB Jacoby Brissett, AP source says
Read full article: Patriots will go with first-round draft pick Drake Maye and bench QB Jacoby Brissett, AP source saysA person with knowledge of the decision says the New England Patriots are planning to give first-round draft pick Drake Maye his first pro start in the hopes of ending a four-game losing streak under veteran journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Patriots agree to trade QB Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a 6th-round draft pick, AP source says
Read full article: Patriots agree to trade QB Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a 6th-round draft pick, AP source saysThe Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to acquire New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones for a sixth-round pick in next month’s NFL draft according to a person with knowledge of the decision.
Nix closes career with 5 TD passes, No. 8 Oregon rolls over Liberty 45-6 in Fiesta Bowl
Read full article: Nix closes career with 5 TD passes, No. 8 Oregon rolls over Liberty 45-6 in Fiesta BowlBo Nix threw for 363 yards and five touchdowns to cap a recording-breaking career, and No. 8 Oregon closed out a season that started with national title expectations by rolling over No. 18 Liberty 45-6 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Chiefs beat Patriots 27-17 to thrill Taylor Swift, Swifties in crowd
Read full article: Chiefs beat Patriots 27-17 to thrill Taylor Swift, Swifties in crowdRunning back Jerick McKinnon threw for one touchdown and ran for another to help Kansas City beat the New England Patriots 27-17 in front of Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift.
Pro Picks: Steelers will top Patriots in a close, low-scoring game featuring two struggling offenses
Read full article: Pro Picks: Steelers will top Patriots in a close, low-scoring game featuring two struggling offensesMitch Trubisky gets another chance to prove he can be a starting quarterback, stepping in for the injured Kenny Pickett to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.
Giants edge Patriots and their woeful quarterbacks 10-7, aided by late missed field goal
Read full article: Giants edge Patriots and their woeful quarterbacks 10-7, aided by late missed field goalXavier McKinney set up Randy Bullock’s go-ahead 42-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter with New York’s third interception of New England’s woeful pair of quarterbacks, and the Giants won consecutive games for the first time this season, beating the Patriots 10-7.
Jonathan Taylor runs for early TD and Colts hold off Patriots 10-6 in Germany
Read full article: Jonathan Taylor runs for early TD and Colts hold off Patriots 10-6 in GermanyJonathan Taylor ran for a first-quarter touchdown and Mac Jones threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter and the Indianapolis Colts held on for a 10-6 win over New England Patriots in Germany.
Bill Belichick heads a list of NFL coaches on the hot seat that includes Brandon Staley, Ron Rivera
Read full article: Bill Belichick heads a list of NFL coaches on the hot seat that includes Brandon Staley, Ron RiveraJosh McDaniels couldn’t make it past the midpoint of the season before the Las Vegas Raiders decided to make a change.
Mac Jones' late TD pass lifts Patriots over Bills 29-25; Bill Belichick is 3rd coach with 300 wins
Read full article: Mac Jones' late TD pass lifts Patriots over Bills 29-25; Bill Belichick is 3rd coach with 300 winsMac Jones threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki with 12 seconds remaining to lift the New England Patriots to a 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Kamara becomes Saints' career TD leader, Carr throws 2 TDs in 34-0 rout over Patriots
Read full article: Kamara becomes Saints' career TD leader, Carr throws 2 TDs in 34-0 rout over PatriotsAlvin Kamara rushed for a touchdown to become the Saints’ career TD leader, Derek Carr had two scoring passes and New Orleans routed the New England Patriots 34-0.
Cowboys score twice on defense in 38-3 blowout of Patriots, Belichick's worst loss
Read full article: Cowboys score twice on defense in 38-3 blowout of Patriots, Belichick's worst lossDaRon Bland returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown, Leighton Vander Esch scooped up a fumble for a score and the Dallas Cowboys blew out the New England Patriots 38-3.
Patriots pull QB Mac Jones after 2 turnovers lead directly to Cowboys touchdowns
Read full article: Patriots pull QB Mac Jones after 2 turnovers lead directly to Cowboys touchdownsThe New England Patriots have pulled third-year starting quarterback Mac Jones after two turnovers led directly to touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys.
Jets' Sauce Gardner says he was hit with a cheap shot to his 'private parts' from Patriots' Jones
Read full article: Jets' Sauce Gardner says he was hit with a cheap shot to his 'private parts' from Patriots' JonesNew York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner accused Patriots quarterback Mac Jones of taking things a little too far by hitting him in his "private parts” during New England’s 15-10 victory.
Mostert runs for 2 TDs, Tagovailoa throws for another as Dolphins hold off Patriots 24-17
Read full article: Mostert runs for 2 TDs, Tagovailoa throws for another as Dolphins hold off Patriots 24-17Raheem Mostert had a pair of TD runs, including a 43-yard romp in the fourth quarter, and Tua Tagovailoa added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill to help the Miami Dolphins hold off the New England Patriots 24-17.
Patriots rally for 27-13 win over Cardinals, Murray hurt
Read full article: Patriots rally for 27-13 win over Cardinals, Murray hurtMac Jones threw for 235 yards, Raekwon McMillan had a crucial fumble return for a touchdown and the New England Patriots earned a 27-13 win on Monday night over the Arizona Cardinals, who lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray in the first quarter to a potentially serious knee injury.
Pats' QB Jones believes he deserves to be starter vs. Jets
Read full article: Pats' QB Jones believes he deserves to be starter vs. JetsMac Jones says he wants to start this week against the Jets and believes he deserves to remain in the lineup despite struggling in his return to the field following three-game absence because of an ankle injury.
Fields, Bears score 23 straight points, beat Pats 33-14
Read full article: Fields, Bears score 23 straight points, beat Pats 33-14Justin Fields threw for 179 yards and a touchdown and ran for 82 yards and another score, and the Bears defense forced returning Patriots starter Mac Jones back to the bench to give Chicago a 33-14 victory over New England.
McDaniel era starts with a win, Dolphins top Patriots 20-7
Read full article: McDaniel era starts with a win, Dolphins top Patriots 20-7Tua Tagovailoa passed for 270 yards and a touchdown, and the Miami Dolphins provided an early look at their ability to contend in the AFC East as they beat Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots 20-7 Sunday.
Late FG gives Giants, Daboll 23-21 victory over Patriots
Read full article: Late FG gives Giants, Daboll 23-21 victory over PatriotsGraham Gano hit a 24-yard field goal as time expired, Daniel Jones was solid in limited work and the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 23-21 on Thursday night to open the preseason.
Belichick says Jones will play role in molding new offense
Read full article: Belichick says Jones will play role in molding new offenseWhatever the Patriots offense looks like in the aftermath of former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ departure, Bill Belichick says Mac Jones will have a role in molding it.
Allen-led Bills throttle division rival Patriots, 47-17
Read full article: Allen-led Bills throttle division rival Patriots, 47-17Josh Allen set a franchise record by throwing five touchdown passes and the Buffalo Bills showed who's king of the AFC East with a 47-17 throttling of the New England Patriots in a wild-card playoff game.
Patriots blow past Jaguars 50-10, earn playoff berth
Read full article: Patriots blow past Jaguars 50-10, earn playoff berthRookie quarterback Mac Jones threw three touchdown passes and Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for two scores apiece to put the New England Patriots in the playoffs with their 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
CFP title game QBs: Former 5-star recruit vs. former walk-on
Read full article: CFP title game QBs: Former 5-star recruit vs. former walk-onThe national championship game quarterbacks are a former five-star recruit already with a Heisman Trophy and a former walk-on ending a long journey with his home state team.
Jones throws 2 TD passes, Patriots roll past Titans 36-13
Read full article: Jones throws 2 TD passes, Patriots roll past Titans 36-13Mac Jones had two touchdown passes, New England’s defense forced four turnovers and the Patriots earned their sixth straight win, rolling past the Tennessee Titans 36-13.
Jones tosses 3 TDs, Mayfield hurt as Pats beat Browns 45-7
Read full article: Jones tosses 3 TDs, Mayfield hurt as Pats beat Browns 45-7Mac Jones threw three touchdown passes, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for a career-high 100 yards and two scores, and the New England Patriots rolled to a 45-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Cam Newton: Focus is on present, the past is 'irrelevant'
Read full article: Cam Newton: Focus is on present, the past is 'irrelevant'Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made it clear in a 30-minute teleconference Friday that he doesn’t hold any grudges about the team releasing him prior to the 2020 season, calling it “irrelevant” to him now.
Phillips pick-six propels Patriots past Chargers 27-24
Read full article: Phillips pick-six propels Patriots past Chargers 27-24Adrian Phillips intercepted two Justin Herbert passes and returned one for the go-ahead touchdown, Nick Folk kicked four field goals and the New England Patriots rallied for a 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Patriots use late field goal to get 25-22 win over Texans
Read full article: Patriots use late field goal to get 25-22 win over TexansRookie Mac Jones threw a touchdown pass to tie it in the fourth quarter and Nick Folk’s 21-yard field goal with 15 seconds left lifted the New England Patriots to a 25-22 win over the Houston Texans.
Jones, Patriots breeze past Jets as Wilson throws 4 INTs
Read full article: Jones, Patriots breeze past Jets as Wilson throws 4 INTsMac Jones was smart and efficient, Damien Harris and James White had touchdown runs and the New England Patriots took advantage of a nightmarish outing by Zach Wilson in a 25-6 victory over the New York Jets.
Newton believes COVID testing mishap contributed to release
Read full article: Newton believes COVID testing mishap contributed to releaseFormer Patriots quarterback Cam Newton says he was caught by surprise by his release by New England and believes his weeklong absence near the end of training camp due to a mishap related to COVID-19 testing protocols contributed to coach Bill Belichick’s decision.
Cam Newton headlines list of NFL players released
Read full article: Cam Newton headlines list of NFL players releasedCam Newton followed Mac Jones along the sideline, holding his right hand up, waiting for the rookie quarterback to slap it after the No. 15 overall pick threw a touchdown in a preseason game Sunday night.
Newton to miss time after traveling to medical appointment
Read full article: Newton to miss time after traveling to medical appointmentThe Patriots say quarterback Cam Newton will miss at least three days of practice this week after traveling to a team-approved, out of town medical appointment over the weekend.
Newton, Jones star at QB for Patriots in 35-0 rout of Eagles
Read full article: Newton, Jones star at QB for Patriots in 35-0 rout of EaglesCam Newton passed for 103 yards and a touchdown, Mac Jones threw for 146 yards and the New England Patriots routed the Philadelphia Eagles 35-0 on Thursday night.
Alabama's Young embraces expectations, says not distractions
Read full article: Alabama's Young embraces expectations, says not distractionsAlabama quarterback Bryce Young has made lucrative deals before starting his first college game, but he doesn’t think that or the preseason hype surrounding him will be a distraction.
Jones, Smith, Harris reconnect at Alabama's pro day No. 2
Read full article: Jones, Smith, Harris reconnect at Alabama's pro day No. 2Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)DeVonta Smith was there for quarterback Mac Jones once again, this time it was at Alabama's latest pro day. “He didn't have to do that,” Jones told the SEC Network, which aired the pro day. '”Jones showcased his arm strength a week after participating in the Crimson Tide's first pro day. “Mac was just on me like, ‘Bro, come catch, come catch, come catch,’” Smith told the network.
Playmakers wanted: Defending champ Alabama replacing stars
Read full article: Playmakers wanted: Defending champ Alabama replacing starsSaban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday, March 19, 2021l with an immediate goal. For now, they need to find replacements for three of college football's top offensive weapons. Patterson, File)Nick Saban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday with an immediate goal. He also didn't get a spring practice last year because of the pandemic. The Crimson Tide holds its spring game on April 17 and opens the regular season against Miami on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.
Despite no combine, NFL releases list of who merited invites
Read full article: Despite no combine, NFL releases list of who merited invitesThe last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. Cornerbacks got the most invitations with 44, including all-Americans Shaun Wade of Ohio State, and Patrick Surtain of national champion Alabama.
Alabama follows up title by finalizing star-studded class
Read full article: Alabama follows up title by finalizing star-studded classThe recruiting class that Alabama finalized Wednesday has the highest rating in the history of the 247Sports Composite team rankings, which go back to 2010. Steve Wilfong, the director of recruiting for 247Sports, notes this celebrated Alabama class arrives as most of the Tide’s decorated 2017 class departs. Ad“You’re replacing one of the best recruiting classes ever for what they accomplished with maybe the best recruiting class on paper coming in,” Wiltfong said. While plenty of SEC teams joined Alabama in signing impressive classes, Ohio State stood out from its Big Ten foes. All three were quarterbacks, with Bryce Young enrolling at Alabama, DJ Uiagalelei selecting Clemson and CJ Stroud selecting Ohio State.
Kellen Mond earns MVP honors as National wins Senior Bowl 27-24
Read full article: Kellen Mond earns MVP honors as National wins Senior Bowl 27-24American Team quarterback Kellen Mond of Texas A&M (12) has his throw tipped by National Team offensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa of UCLA (92) during the first half of the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)MOBILE, Ala. – Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond was the Senior Bowl Most Valuable Player but two fellow Southeastern Conference Western Division products made the decisive big play. Fitzpatrick had six catches for 90 yards in the showcase game for senior and graduate NFL prospects, earning offensive player of the game honors. Obviously, kind of shaky at the beginning but it definitely shows a lot of poise to be able to bounce back.”North Carolina running back Michael Carter also had a big game. The game was played for the first time at South Alabama’s new Hancock Whitney Stadium, with Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores leading the National team and Carolina’s Matt Rhule coaching the American team.
Alabama QB Mac Jones heads into Senior Bowl on gimpy ankle
Read full article: Alabama QB Mac Jones heads into Senior Bowl on gimpy ankleThe next game he plays is for his NFL draft stock, provided the Alabama quarterback's gimpy left ankle is good to go. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said the plan is for Jones to dress out and see how his ankle feels. “Just being in that room, I already learned so much about NFL football,” he said. Mond started 44 games for the Aggies, Ehlinger logged 43 starts for the Longhorns,Mond led the Aggies into College Football Playoffs contention in his final season. I just wanted to come and kind of learn more about NFL football and learn a new playbook, which I thought I did a good job with.
NFL draft early entry list has 3 national title-winning QBs
Read full article: NFL draft early entry list has 3 national title-winning QBsNational champion Alabama has five players leaving early after beating Ohio State in the CFP title game on Jan. 11, with All-America quarterback Jones and linebacker Dylan Moses both early graduates. The 30 players with college eligibility remaining after completing their degree requirements had to notify the NFL of their intentions for the draft. Players less than four years removed from high school who have not completed a degree need to be granted special entry to the draft by the NFL. Southern California has the most players leaving early for NFL draft eligibility with six. Stanford and Ohio State matched Alabama with five each.
Bama hires ex-Texans coach O'Brien as offensive coordinator
Read full article: Bama hires ex-Texans coach O'Brien as offensive coordinatorFILE - In this Aug. 21, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien watches during an NFL football training camp in Houston. Alabama has hired former Texans coach O'Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – National champion Alabama has hired former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. O'Brien also served as offensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions and won national coach of the year honors after going 8-4 in 2012. A 28-year coaching veteran and former Brown defensive player, O'Brien was also offensive coordinator at Duke.
New Texas Longhorns coach Sarkisian defends ‘The Eyes of Texas’
Read full article: New Texas Longhorns coach Sarkisian defends ‘The Eyes of Texas’(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AUSTIN, Texas – Fresh off a national title with Alabama, Steve Sarkisian plans big changes to Texas’ football program. Sarkisian said that while discussion about "The Eyes of Texas "and other issues are welcome, “'The Eyes of Texas' is our school song. We support that song.”Sarkisian spoke as the Longhorns coach for the first time a day after helping Alabama win its sixth national championship in 12 seasons. Texas, without a conference championship since 2009, is itching to see if Sarkisian can produce similar results in Austin. Asked about scheduling A&M again, Sarkisian said “I would love to play that game.”Sarkisian is Texas’ fourth head coach since 2009.
Alabama's Nick Saban already working on chasing title No. 8
Read full article: Alabama's Nick Saban already working on chasing title No. 8(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Nick Saban wasn't ready to contemplate his legacy moments after capturing a record seventh national championship “because you're always looking forward.”It was time to start chasing No. "It’s an ongoing process, building a team," Saban said. Only Florida in the SEC championship game came closer than 15 points. “There’s no team that will ever play an SEC schedule like that.”The 2009 Alabama team that went 14-0 is Saban's only other undefeated group. “I came back to get a degree and to win a national championship,” Smith said.
Perfect Alabama finishes No. 1 in AP Top 25 for 12th time
Read full article: Perfect Alabama finishes No. 1 in AP Top 25 for 12th time(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Alabama finished the season No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the 12th time, extending its record by completing the program’s first perfect season since 2009. With 12 AP titles overall — Paul “Bear” Bryant was coach for five and Gene Stallings for one — Alabama has four more than Notre Dame, in second place with eight. The Big 12 finished with a perfect record in five bowl games. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25___This story has been updated to correct the number of national titles for Alabama to 12, not.
Unstoppable Tide: Alabama routs Ohio St for national title
Read full article: Unstoppable Tide: Alabama routs Ohio St for national title1 Alabama won the College Football Playoff national championship game 52-24 against No. 7 overall, breaking a tie with Alabama great Paul “Bear” Bryant for the most by a major college coach. “To me this is the ultimate team,” Saban said. “To me this team accomplished more than almost any team," Saban said. “Heaven's knows what he would have done if he played the whole game,” Saban said.
Bama's Waddle back practicing, status for title game unclear
Read full article: Bama's Waddle back practicing, status for title game unclearNow the question is will he be able to play in the title game Monday night against Ohio State? “I think you absolutely have to prepare as if he's going to play,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson posted photos on Twitter showing her visiting with coach Ryan Day and the team in the school's indoor practice facility. WEST COAST EXPORTSThe West Coast will be well represented in the national championship game among the players, if not the football programs themselves. Alabama All-America tailback Najee Harris, Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and Buckeyes All-America guard Wyatt Davis are all from California.
Alabama's Smith becomes 1st WR to win Heisman in 29 years
Read full article: Alabama's Smith becomes 1st WR to win Heisman in 29 yearsSmith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly quarterbacks have had on the award by beating out three of them. “Just to be one of the very few that played receiver to win the Heisman, it means a lot to me,” Smith said. Smith is the third Alabama player to win the Heisman, all since 2009. 1 receiver, Smith shined. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Alabama, Ohio State travel different paths to title game
Read full article: Alabama, Ohio State travel different paths to title gameOhio State won 49-28. “This team, this program, we persevered through so much,” Ohio State running back Trey Sermon said Monday. In addition to Sarkisian's imminent departure, Alabama has to take care of some Heisman Trophy business while preparing for the matchup with Ohio State. Ohio State (7-0) won that meeting en route to the national title. OHIO STATEOverview: Like many teams, Ohio State faced major obstacles during the pandemic.
Alabama in record 5th CFP title game vs 1st champ Ohio State
Read full article: Alabama in record 5th CFP title game vs 1st champ Ohio StateOhio State is back for the first time since winning the inaugural title in the CFP era. After the SEC champion Crimson Tide rolled past Notre Dame 31-14 in a Rose Bowl played deep in the heart of Texas, the No. 3 Buckeyes of the Big Ten beat Clemson 49-28 in the other CFP semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. The Tigers were trying, like Alabama, to get to the title game for the fifth time in the seven seasons of the four-team playoff. Alabama was the top seed in the first four-team playoff, but Ohio State beat the Tide 42-35 in the semifinal Sugar Bowl.
Clemson star QB Lawrence sputters in Superdome again
Read full article: Clemson star QB Lawrence sputters in Superdome againAnd with that, Lawrence’s bid to finish an extraordinary college football career with his second national championship in three seasons slipped away. 2 Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. “Obviously they kicked our butt tonight," Lawrence said. Lawrence is one of four finalists, along with Alabama QB Mac Jones, Crimson Tide receiver Davonta Smith and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Still, he'll be remembered as one of the faces of college football — on the field and off — during a tumultuous junior year.
Roll Tide! No. 1 Alabama beats Notre Dame 31-14 in Rose Bowl
Read full article: Roll Tide! No. 1 Alabama beats Notre Dame 31-14 in Rose Bowl(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)ARLINGTON, Texas – A truly untraditional Rose Bowl setting, a very common result for Alabama in the College Football Playoff. 4 Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal Rose Bowl played inside about 1,400 miles from Pasadena, California. “I don't think there’s anything quite like the Rose Bowl, the tradition, the setting, the mountains. 3 Ohio State, which beat Clemson 49-28 in the other CFP semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. PERFECT AT COWS HOMEAlabama is 5-0 at AT&T Stadium, with a pair of convincing CFP semifinal wins there.
No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Notre Dame move CFP clash to Texas
Read full article: No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Notre Dame move CFP clash to Texas(AP Photo/Michael Woods)ARLINGTON, Texas – Playing a Rose Bowl game deep in the heart of Texas is anything but normal. Top-ranked Alabama being in a College Football Playoff semifinal game is nothing new. We don't listen to the narratives about what Notre Dame can and can't do,” Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly said Thursday. When the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium was a semifinal two years ago, Notre Dame lost 30-3 to eventual national champion Clemson in its only previous CFP appearance. FRIENDLY FOESAlabama RB Harris and Notre Dame QB Book, who grew up 90 miles from each other in Northern California, once were 7-on-7 teammates for TMP of Sacramento.
Tide's DeVonta Smith the 1st WR to win AP Player of the Year
Read full article: Tide's DeVonta Smith the 1st WR to win AP Player of the YearDeVonta Smith is The Associated Press college football player of the year, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since it was established in 1998, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. Jones received nine first-place votes and 67 points as he and Smith became the first teammates to finish 1-2 in the voting for AP player of the year. Smith is also the first Alabama player to win the award. Derrick Henry won the 2015 Heisman for the Tide, but Stanford's Christian McCaffrey was AP player of the year. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-Americans
Read full article: Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-AmericansLawrence, the likely first pick in the next NFL draft, made AP All-America for the first time in his career. ___The 2020 AP All-America team:FIRST TEAMOffenseQuarterback — Mac Jones, junior, Alabama. Running backs — Najee Harris, senior, Alabama; Breece Hall, sophomore, Iowa State. Guards — Ben Cleveland, senior, Georgia; Tommy Kraemer, senior, Notre Dame. Safeties — Kyle Hamilton, sophomore, Notre Dame; Tykee Smith, sophomore, West Virginia.
Heisman finalists: Tide teammates plus Lawrence and Trask
Read full article: Heisman finalists: Tide teammates plus Lawrence and Trask(AP Photo/Brian Blanco, File)Alabama teammates Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith along with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Florida’s Kyle Trask have been named finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Jones and Smith are the eighth set of teammates to be finalists together since the tradition started in 1982. Smith is trying to become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Michigan's Desmond Howard in 1991. Jones or Smith would become Alabama's third Heisman winner, but first that is not a running back. Iowa State running back Breece Hall was sixth, followed by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
Harris scores 5 TDs, No. 1 Bama escapes No. 11 Florida 52-46
Read full article: Harris scores 5 TDs, No. 1 Bama escapes No. 11 Florida 52-4611 Florida in a 52-46 shootout for the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday night. “The resiliency this team has shown this season to win 11 games is pretty phenomenal.”After falling behind 35-17 by halftime, Florida (8-3, No. Alabama had won every game in the pandemic-affected season by at least 15 points until Florida gave the Tide a scare. Florida: The Gators might’ve pulled off the upset if not for some crucial mistakes in the first half. But Florida also had two silly penalties on apparent third-down stops, extending a pair of drives that turned into touchdowns.
Smith, Pitts are the real stars of SEC's Alabama, Florida
Read full article: Smith, Pitts are the real stars of SEC's Alabama, FloridaAlabama receiver DeVonta Smith and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts are the real stars of the leagues most potent offenses. Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts are the real stars of the league’s most potent offenses. “He’s great at the point of attack.”Added Smith: “Pitts, he just makes unbelievable plays.”Pitts was in the middle of a cautious and costly decision last week. Pitts is a lock for the Mackey Award given annually to college football’s top tight end. But anyone who has watched even a little bit of Alabama and Florida this season knows who the real stars are.
Smith's TD return sparks No. 1 Tide's 52-3 tour of Arkansas
Read full article: Smith's TD return sparks No. 1 Tide's 52-3 tour of ArkansasAlabama punt returner DeVonta Smith (6) returns a punt for a touchdown against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. – DeVonta Smith returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown as No. 1 Alabama scored 28 points in a span of 11 minutes in the first half and rolled past Arkansas 52-3 on Saturday. Mac Jones, whose day was finished in the third quarter, threw for 208 yards on 24 of 29 passing for Alabama. Alabama: Another trip to Atlanta for the SEC title game, the Tide's third in five years.
Jones bolsters Heisman case; No. 1 Alabama beats LSU 55-17
Read full article: Jones bolsters Heisman case; No. 1 Alabama beats LSU 55-171 Alabama used a slew of explosive plays to run away from LSU 55-17 on Saturday night. Jones threw three of his touchdown passes to Louisiana native DeVonta Smith, who went to the same high school as Louisiana Gov. Smith's first two touchdowns went for 65 and 61 yards to cap three-play, 75-yard drives for Alabama (9-0, 9-0 SEC). Each score pulled LSU as close as two touchdowns, but the Tide answered each with the two deep connections between Jones and Smith. LSU: Visits sixth-ranked Florida in a game rescheduled from Oct. 17 because of a COVID-19 outbreak affecting the Gators.
Week 14: Ohio State returns and BYU-Coastal square off
Read full article: Week 14: Ohio State returns and BYU-Coastal square offOhio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Indiana during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. 3 Ohio State is playing as much as who will be play playing for the Buckeyes this weekend. Ohio State seems to be on track to play at Michigan State on Saturday after a spike in COVID-19 cases in the program forced a cancellation of last week's road trip to Illinois. If Ohio State has one more game canceled it would be unable to meet the Big Ten's minimum game played to be eligible for the conference title game. UNDER THE RADARNebraska at PurdueNeither team is in the Big West race, but the interesting thing is the Boilermakers (2-3) have won two straight against the Cornhuskers (1-4).
College Football Picks: UGA vs. 'Bama and BYU's tough test
Read full article: College Football Picks: UGA vs. 'Bama and BYU's tough testAlabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) hands off to running back Najee Harris (22) during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Alabama won 63-48. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)