deskgameHead coach Brent Venables is defensive-minded and should have a solid plan of attack against the triple option. Even with a downsized roster, Oklahoma still has more talent on its sideline. The final score will come down to how the fresh faces perform and how quickly the defense adjusts to an unfamiliar scheme.
deskgameThe Mets didn’t dip into their minor league system to chase big names over the last two seasons, and Stearns has been known for his keen eye on nabbing players that deliver beyond expectations. Prime examples in 2024 included Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and Jose Iglesias, who were all key performers during the NL playoffs. First-year manager Carlos Mendoza proved to be an outstanding skipper.
deskgameNacua has been held back by injuries this year, and had an early ejection last week. But after a historic rookie campaign, expect Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford to prioritize getting him the football.
deskgameMuch of the Longhorns' success in the first round of the CFP was thanks to success at the line of scrimmage. Texas ran 292 yards and four touchdowns, led by RBs Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. A repeat performance would all but guarantee a win for Texas, but it may not be as easy against an ASU defense that allows 118 rushing yards per game.
deskgameDocuments revealed during a lawsuit which states (including New Jersey) filed against the seven major tobacco companies are available online at the University of California, San Francisco. They show a coordinated campaign by Philip Morris and other tobacco interests to deceptively “cultivate” unions and workers to fight their battles for them, specifically -- and successfully - targeting the hotel and restaurant workers union (known as UNITE HERE), which opposes a smoking ban in New Jersey casinos now.
