Blank comments on investigation of fake crowd noise in Atlanta

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Tuesday he has seen enough of the NFL’s investigation of fake crowd noise at Atlanta’s home games to acknowledge wrongdoing.

The NFL is trying to determine if the Falcons pumped artificial crowd noise into the Georgia Dome for home games the last two years. Apparently, the answer is yes.

Blank had a quick response when asked if there was a fine line for crowd noise not allowed by the league.

"It’s not really a fine line," Blank told The Associated Press. "I think what we’ve done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong. Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we’re opposed to, as a league, as a club and as an owner. It’s obviously embarrassing but beyond embarrassing it doesn’t represent our culture and what we’re about."

Read more from original source

Blank comments on investigation of fake crowd noise in Atlanta

TCU restrains Texas to give statement win to CFP committee

TCU rolled into Austin on Thanksgiving trying to give a statement to the College Football Playoff choice committee.

Mission achieved.

Headed with a swarming defense as well as a big-play offense, the Horned Frogs turned within an impressive showing on national television to overcome their instate opponent, 48-10, within a match they commanded throughout.

Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin presented several highlights through the night but did not have his finest appearance of the year against a stingy Longhorns defense that’s been one of the finest in the Big 12 this season. The double-threat quarterback completed 20-of-34 passes for 233 yards while accounting for three complete touchdowns.

Read more from original source

TCU restrains Texas to give statement win to CFP committee

TCU restrains Texas to deliver statement win to CFB committee

TCU rolled into Austin on Thanksgiving appearing to give a statement directed in the College Football Playoff choice committee.

Assignment executed.

Headed with a swarming defense as well as a big-play offense, the Horned Frogs turned within an impressive showing on national television to overcome their instate competition 48-10 during a match they commanded throughout.

Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin presented several highlights through the night but did not have his finest appearance of the year against a stingy Longhorns defense that’s been one of the finest in the Big 12 this season. The double-threat quarterback completed 20-of-34 passes for 233 yards while accounting for three complete touchdowns.

Read more from original source

TCU restrains Texas to deliver statement win to CFB committee

Todd Gurley runs for 138, injured in return from suspension

Mark Richt didn’t exactly ease Todd Gurley back into the mix in the Georgia rushing rotation Saturday. And after a four-game suspension, the star junior looked like his dominant self until a left knee injury ended his night.

Gurley fed on a season-high 29 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown to help the Bulldogs to a 34-7 home drubbing of Auburn, keeping UGA in the hunt for an SEC East title, and as well marking the return of one of college football’s elite talents. But late in the game, Gurley took a carry up the middle and suffered an undisclosed injury to his left knee. He was carted off the field.

In his postgame press conference, Richt acknowledged Gurley hurt his knee, but wasn’t able to shed any light on the severity of the injury.

"Don’t know, I really don’t know," Richt told reporters. "I’m just as curious as everyone else. … He hurt his knee."

Read more from original source

Todd Gurley runs for 138, injured in return from suspension

Utah"s Devontae Booker draws comparison to Tiki Barber

The wait has been worth it for Utah junior tailback Devontae Booker, who has made quite an impression in his first season on the field with the Utes.

>> CFB 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings

He is second in the Pac-12 in rushing at 117.22 yards per game, has eight rushing touchdowns and has had five 100-yard outings; he also has 20 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Booker, who graduated from high school in 2010, signed with Utah out of junior college as part of the 2013 recruiting class but had to sit out last season to get his academics in order.

His production has caught the eye of NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Read more from original source

Utah"s Devontae Booker draws comparison to Tiki Barber

Washington"s Shaq Thompson will flip to shield vs. Arizona

The Shaq Attack is back… on defense.

After two starts at running back, Washington’s Shaq Thompson is headed back to his recognizable beginning job as the Huskies’ play-making outside linebacker ahead of the team’s confrontation against Arizona on Saturday.

>> College Football 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings

"So we are getting our running backs going a little bit, so we are possibly able to balance (Thompson) back over there (on defense) a little bit more," head coach Chris Petersen said Monday at his weekly press conference. & quot;He Will begin on that defensive side and we’ll kind of go from there."

Read more from original source

Washington"s Shaq Thompson will flip to shield vs. Arizona

Can not-miss Minutes: Top school football plays of Week 11

Saturdays during school football season consistently provide a bevy of "Can Not-miss Moments." College Football 24/7 is here to make sure you’ve access to all of the plays fans will be raving about.

Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong pulled off an astonishing 360, one-handed touchdown catch against Notre Dame.

Minnesota trounced Iowa, recaptured the Floyd of Rosedale competition prize, and that had Golden Gophers coach Jerry Kill in a great disposition.

Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight showed off his impressive jumping ability by hurdling a standing Baylor defenseman.

Read more from original source

Can not-miss Minutes: Top school football plays of Week 11

Shane Carden fights as East Carolina loses to Temple

East Carolina senior quarterback Shane Carden had his worst day of the season Saturday as the Pirates, who have been ranked 23rd in the College Football Playoff choice committee’s positions, were shocked 20-10 by Temple.

It was Temple’s first win over a top-25 team in The Associated Press survey since 1998. The upset came in blustery, wet and chilly conditions (temperatures were in the 40s) in Philadelphia.

The Owls won despite managing only 135 total yards. ECU committed five turnovers — all fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown.

ECU (6-2) had been the highest-graded non-Power Five conference team in the choice committee’s position; the highest-graded non-Power Five team is guaranteed a slot in among the playoff-associated bowls, but the loss nearly surely takes ECU out of the running.

Read more from original source

Shane Carden fights as East Carolina loses to Temple

Can not-miss Minutes: Top plays of Week 9 in college football

Saturdays during the college football season consistently deliver a bevy of "Can Not-miss Moments." College Football 24/7 is here to make sure you’ve access to all of the plays fans will be raving about.

Mississippi State RB Josh Robinson did his greatest pinball impression at Kentucky, breaking seven tackles on this unbelievable run.

Robinson was not the only Bulldogs player making huge plays Saturday. QB Dak Prescott stayed on his feet by performing a fine twist move on his approach to some score from the Wildcats.

Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah scored on this 53-yard run through the Rutgers’ defense.

Read more from original source

Can not-miss Minutes: Top plays of Week 9 in college football

Jason Verrett (shoulder) active for Chargers

The San Diego Chargers declared that Jason Verrett (shoulder) is active for the team’s Thursday night game from the Denver Broncos.

Verrett’s availability is crucial for the Chargers as they confront Peyton Manning and the Broncos’ powerful aerial assault, particularly considering that San Diego will be without expert corner Brandon Flowers.

The first-round pick out of TCU is impressive thus far in his rookie effort. He’s compiled 18 tackles and one interception this year.

For the Broncos, second-round wide receiver Cody Latimer is active for the very first time because the season opener.  Latimer has yet to catch an NFL pass.

Read more from original source

Jason Verrett (shoulder) active for Chargers

DaVaris Daniels announces he"s leaving Notre Dame

Notre Dame wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, who was suspended in August as the school investigated alleged academic fraud, tweeted Tuesday that he is done at Notre Dame.

Not looking to transfer. ND was my team. ND is where my heart was. Unfortunately my time here is done, ready for my future.

His father, former NFL defensive end Phillip Daniels, also announced the news on Twitter and seemed to express displeasure with the length of the process.

Read more from original source

DaVaris Daniels announces he"s leaving Notre Dame

Tony Corrente resigns as Pac-12 head of officiating

The Pac-12’s uphill battle to fix its officiating problem just got a bit tougher.

Citing personal and professional reasons, current NFL head referee Tony Corrente resigned from his post as the Pac-12’s Coordinator of Football Officiating.

"Under Tony’s leadership, our program made great strides in improving the quality, accountability and consistency," Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement on the matter. "While it’s unfortunate that Tony has decided to leave us at this time, I want to express my appreciation for his contribution, and for leaving our officiating program strong and headed in the right direction."

According to San Jose Mercury News writer Jon Wilner, news of Corrente’s resignation caught Pac-12 officials off guard, as they had been hoping to extend his contract.

Read more from original source

Tony Corrente resigns as Pac-12 head of officiating

Jon Gruden's goal after college was to coach at Michigan

Jon Gruden’s stated goal in life was to be Michigan’s coach.

Unfortunately for Wolverines fans who would love to see the Super Bowl-winning coach in Ann Arbor, he expressed that goal a long time ago, when he was in college at Dayton in 1984.

This is from an old University of Dayton football media guide @mgoblog @AceAnbender @Misopogon pic.twitter.com/si400kQZVs

Read more from original source

Jon Gruden"s goal after college was to coach at Michigan

Raiders" Derek Carr harm, replaced by Matt McGloin

A miserable day for the Oakland Raiders was exacerbated when quarterback Derek Carr was sidelined with an obvious left ankle/knee injury in the 3rd quarter.

Carr’s knee was turned at the conclusion of a scramble. Despite a heavy limp, he remained in for one more play before it became clear that he could not place any weight on the leg.

He was quickly sent to the locker room for X rays and is formally questionable to return.

The rookie authored an impressive opening touchdown drive vs. the Miami Dolphins, but neglected to transfer the offense over the next two quarters.

Read more from original source

Raiders" Derek Carr harm, replaced by Matt McGloin

Ameer Abdullah: Jameis Winston has "long way to go" in adulthood

Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah needs what Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston already has — a Heisman Trophy — but it was Abdullah doling out some serious guidance for Winston on Monday.

The two school stars both hail from Alabama and consider each other friends. They were high school competitions in the Birmingham region, however they attended several summer camps jointly and apparently prepared together at exactly the same fitness center.

Nevertheless, Winston has been no stranger to off-the-field problems, as well as the episode that resulted in his suspension from Florida State’s game against Clemson — Winston shouted an obscene phrase within the student union — has seemingly rankled his fellow Heisman Trophy candidate and buddy. The Cornhuskers star directed a message Monday directly at Winston: Grow up.

"(Winston is) a very intelligent young man," Abdullah told the Associated Press. & quot;But he’s made his fair share of errors. It gets to the point at which you are feeling like he needs to begin understanding and take things more seriously because these matters can change what the results are in his future."

Read more from original source

Ameer Abdullah: Jameis Winston has "long way to go" in adulthood

Ike Taylor breaks forearm vs. Panthers

After an impressive first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers are unexpectedly spending more hours helping players off the field than playing onto it.

Expert defensive back Ike Taylor was helped off the field and straight to the locker room using a forearm injury midway through the 3rd quarter. Taylor failed to go back to the match and trainer Mike Tomlin said following the match he’s a broken forearm.

Minutes before, rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier was helped off the field and was out the rest of the match using a right knee injury.

Second year linebacker Jarvis Jones suffered a wrist injury and did not appear in the match again.

Read more from original source

Ike Taylor breaks forearm vs. Panthers

Ike Taylor (forearm) ruled out for remainder of game vs. Panthers

After an impressive first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers are unexpectedly spending more hours helping players off the field than playing onto it.

Expert defensive back Ike Taylor was helped off the field and straight to the locker room using a right forearm injury midway through the 3rd quarter. Taylor was ruled out for the remaining match only minutes after leaving.

Minutes before, rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier was helped off the field and later ruled out for the rest of the match using a right knee injury, the team declared.

Second year linebacker Jarvis Jones suffered a wrist injury before in the match and was likewise ruled out for the rest of the match.

Read more from original source

Ike Taylor (forearm) ruled out for remainder of game vs. Panthers

College Football 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings: Week 5

Aside from Mississippi State, which had an impressive success at LSU, there was not lots of upward motion in the latest CFB 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings. Nevertheless, things are beginning to get very interesting in the top 10 as merely nine points separate first and fourth position, and only 32 between first and seventh.

Points: 169 (5 first place votes) W-L: 3-0 Previous rank: 1

The lanky: No Jameis Winston, no issue? Well, not actually. FSU needed to work overtime, but the Seminoles got the win over Clemson. The remaining ACC looks like easy pickings the remaining way.

Staying schedule: Saturday, Sept. 27 — at N.C. State; Saturday, Oct. 4 — vs. Wake Forest; Saturday, Oct. 11 — at Syracuse; Saturday, Oct. 18 — vs. Notre Dame; Thursday, Oct. 30 — at Louisville; Saturday, Nov. 8 — vs. Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 15 — at Miami (Fla.); Saturday, Nov. 22 — vs. Boston College; Saturday, Nov. 29 — vs. Florida

Read more from original source

College Football 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings: Week 5

Ex-Clemson star Tajh Boyd signals with Miami team in new FXFL

Former Clemson star quarterback Tajh Boyd was cut after being a sixth-round draft pick from the New York Jets, however he is expecting to maintain his career going by signing together with the Florida Blacktips of the newest Fall Experimental Football League.

Boyd was a three-year starter at Clemson, throwing to get a school-record 11,904 yards and an ACC-record 107 touchdowns. However he fought in training camp, to the point where he never actually competed for even the third-team position won by Matt Simms. Boyd was discharged through the Jets’ final cut.

He’s hoping to impress scouts with his play in the FXFL, a fledgling league also looking to impress.

"Our longterm aim would be to set up a partnership with all the NFL," FXFL commissioner Brian Woods told The Associated Press in July, when the league was declared, "and we believe can do this on many programs. It might give them a strategy to work with younger players they do not presently have. We are able to help them train future NFL officials. In the NBA, every referee entering the league comes from NBA Developmental League.

Read more from original source

Ex-Clemson star Tajh Boyd signals with Miami team in new FXFL

Ray Rice appeals indefinite suspension

Ray Rice is not going gently into the night.

The former Baltimore Ravens running back on Tuesday filed an appeal of his indefinite suspension. The NFL Players Association’s attorneys will represent Rice in the appeal.

The NFLPA released a statement Tuesday evening:

"Now, the NFL Players Association officially filed an appeal of the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice from the NFL. This actions taken by our union would be to safeguard the due process rights of all NFL players.

Read more from original source

Ray Rice appeals indefinite suspension