Referee Michael Oliver controversially gave Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red in the first half, reducing the Gunners to 10 men. But they persisted, and Calafiori scored the winning goal just minutes after Joao Gomes of Wolves was sent out for a second yellow card.
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches a touchdown pass against Ohio State during the CFP national-championship game
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches a touchdown pass against Ohio State during the CFP national-championship game on Jan. 11, 2021, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The 25th college football season of the 21st century ended on Monday night when Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the CFP national championship game. SEC Football by the Numbers’ review of the best of the conference’s past quarter-century started with the league’s leaders in passing yards on Wednesday, moved to the players with the most rushing yards on Thursday and continues with the players with the most receiving yards:
At the end of the 20th century, the top five on the SEC’s career chart for receiving yards featured Vanderbilt’s Boo Mitchell, Kentucky’s Craig Yeast, Arkansas’ Anthony Lucas, Tennessee’s Joey Kent and LSU’s Wendell Davis in the one through five positions, respectively. Twenty-five seasons later, those players rank 10th, 13th, 16th, 20th and 25th on the conference’s all-time list for receiving yards.
In the first 67 seasons of SEC football, 33 players accumulated at least 2,000 receiving yards in in their careers. During the 25 seasons of the 21st century, 77 SEC players have reached 2,000 career receiving yards – a difference reflecting changes in the game and making changes in the league’s leaderboard.
Playing at Alabama from 2017 through 2020, wide receiver DeVonta Smith not only became the conference’s all-time leader in receiving yards, he won the only one of the SEC’s 16 Heisman trophies that didn’t go to a quarterback or a running back.
The top 25 SEC players for receiving yards in the past 25 seasons include six from Alabama, three apiece from Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Vanderbilt and two each from Arkansas and Texas A&M. Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and Tennessee are not represented among the 21st century’s top 25 from the conference.
The statistics presented here do not match the official NCAA totals for four players. Until the 2002 season, the NCAA did not count bowl statistics as part of a player’s season or career totals. These rankings include the bowl stats for four players – Georgia’s Fred Gibson, LSU’s Josh Reed and Michael Clayton and Ole Miss’ Chris Collins – whose official totals do not show their participation in bowls during the 2000 and/or 2001 seasons.
In each case, the player’s ranking changed. Particularly noteworthy was Reed, who had 23 receptions for 335 yards and three touchdowns in his missing two bowls. That moved the LSU wide receiver from 11th in 21st century receiving yards on the official list to fourth on the all-games-included list. Gibson moved from 10th to eighth, Collins went from 23rd to 21st and Clayton jumped from 25th to 19th.
The top 25 SEC players for career receiving yards in the 21st century include:
1. DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 2017-2020: 3,965 yards and 46 touchdowns on 235 receptions
2. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt, 2010-2013: 3,759 yards and 24 touchdowns on 262 receptions
3. Amari Cooper, Alabama, 2012-2014: 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns on 228 receptions
4. Josh Reed, LSU, 2000-2001: 3,202 yards and 20 touchdowns on 182 receptions
5. Bryan Edwards, South Carolina, 2016-2019: 3,045 yards and 22 touchdowns on 234 receptions
6. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, 2009-2011: 3,042 yards and 23 touchdowns on 183 receptions
7. Malik Nabers, LSU, 2021-2023: 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns on 189 receptions
8. Fred Gibson, Georgia, 2001-2004: 2,993 yards and 21 receptions on 167 receptions
9. A.J. Brown, Ole Miss, 2016-2018: 2,984 yards and 19 touchdowns on 189 receptions
10. Jarius Wright, Arkansas, 2008-2011: 2,934 yards and 24 touchdowns on 168 receptions
11. D.J. Hall, Alabama, 2004-2007: 2,923 yards and 17 touchdowns on 194 receptions
12. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M, 2015-2017: 2,856 yards and 26 touchdowns on 234 receptions
13. Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas, 2009-2012: 2,854 yards and 18 touchdowns on 175 receptions
14. Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt, 2005-2007: 2,852 yards and 20 touchdowns on 236 receptions
15. Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M, 2014-2016: 2,788 yards and 30 touchdowns on 164 receptions
16. Calvin Ridley, Alabama, 2015-2017: 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns on 224 receptions
16. Kenny McKinley, South Carolina, 2005-2008: 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns on 207 receptions
18. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama, 2017-2019: 2,742 yards and 26 touchdowns on 159 receptions
19. Michael Clayton, LSU, 2001-2003: 2,702 yards and 21 touchdowns on 190 receptions
20. Dan Stricker, Vanderbilt, 2000-2002: 2,693 yards and 19 touchdowns on 170 receptions
21. Chris Collins, Ole Miss, 2000-2003: 2,686 yards and 24 touchdowns on 203 receptions
22. Julio Jones, Alabama, 2008-2010: 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns on 179 receptions
23. Shay Hodge, Ole Miss, 2006-2009: 2,646 yards and 22 touchdowns on 173 receptions
24. A.J. Green, Georgia, 2008-2010: 2,619 yards and 23 touchdowns on 166 receptions
25. Tavarres King, Georgia, 2008-2012: 2,602 yards and 21 touchdowns on 136 receptions
Mikel Arteta was left without two crucial midfielders for Arsenal against Wolves in a crucial Premier League match due to injury news. Distribute
Arsenal have been left once again with a critical group of players missing out as Mikel Merino and skipper Martin Odegaard weren’t available for selection against Wolves. Instead, Mikel Arteta welcomed Ethan Nwaneri back into the starting XI whilst an inexperienced bench was picked. Odegaard is unwell and has had trouble getting back to his best since recovering from an ankle injury in November. He wasn’t feeling well, therefore he was benched for Brighton earlier this month.
It is the same with Willy. Let’s see how it goes this week, but I’m sure they’ll be in for next week.” With the opportunity to guarantee a spot in the top eight of the Champions League and, consequently, a direct route into the round of 16, as well as the subsequent visit from Manchester City, Arsenal has a busy week ahead of them. In contrast to Europe, the league does not allow for failure. Arsenal is aware that if things don’t go out, they might finish the weekend just one point above fourth. However, if they defeat Wolves, they will have played an additional game and will be within one game of Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest are refusing to give up on their pursuit of Matheus Cunha, with the club now proceeding to make contact with the player.
Striking options became plentiful for Forest after Evangelos Marinakis decided to target a striker to aid Nuno Espirito Santo’s push for European Football.
Yoane Wissa looked to be Forest’s top target in the window, but Forest’s interest in Cunha has overtaken any other rumour to become the key story as we edge closer to deadline day.
Despite Wolves not looking to sell Cunha in January, Marinakis is not willing to move on from the Brazilian who would provide the polar-opposite attributes to Chris Wood whilst almost matching the Kiwi’s goal tally this season.
His current manager Vitor Pereira claimed Cunha is committed to Wolves whilst the rumour mill continues to turn, but Forest are preparing a club-record bid for Cunha to truly test the resolve of the Midlands club.
Whilst the bid would represent a formal approach for the Brazilian star, reports are suggesting that Forest have already made contact with Cunha in a show of urgency.
Rumours and links can be misleading but a fresh update from journalist Eduardo Burgos has truly solidified Marinakis’ intentions regarding Cunha.
Burgos has stated that Forest have “begun informal contacts” in regards to signing Cunha, with a “historic offer” estimated to be imminent from the City Ground.
Burgos reiterated the information that Wolves are not considering selling Cunha but if Forest can continue these informal contacts, the Molineux side may be forced into a decision.
Wolves are looking for £60m for Cunha according to reports which is a figure that the Forest owner doesn’t look to have been put off by, having already broken the Forest record transfer glass this season when Elliot Anderson signed for Forest from Newcastle United.
Clearly, then, Forest aren’t going to give up on Cunha as we enter the final stages of the transfer window, which looks to be a particular problem for Wolves if Burgos’ further information on the situation is to be believed.
It’s understandable to expect that the Brazilian will be confused as to where his future lies currently, with Cunha preferring a move to Arsenal but Forest pushing the agenda much more aggressively than the North London side.
What seems least likely at this stage is that he is happy at Wolves, with Burgos continuing to add: “They [Wolves] trust that he will renew [his contract], but the issue of the clause continues to be the problem.”
Burgos clarified in a later tweet that Wolves had promised a release clause to Cunha in his proposed new deal, highlighting that whether it’s in January or the summer, the Brazilian is looking to leave.
This leaves the saga at somewhat of a crossroads. Espirito Santo will want attacking reinforcements quickly so Forest will continue to pursue Cunha, so the decision lies with Wolves as to whether to cash in now or agree to a potentially less-favourable release clause for a summer sale.
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Happy Thursday, everyone. Alabama folllowed up its disappointing loss to Ole Miss with consecutive 100-point outings against Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Nick Kelly believes that Mo Dioubate’s breakout game may not be an outlier by the end of the season.
Don’t expect 22 points every night, but don’t be surprised to see his role on offense continue to grow.
“Coach, he told me to be more aggressive when I get the ball,” Dioubate said. “He’s given me a little more leeway to go score the ball, so you should be seeing that more … hopefully.”
He’s never been known for his scoring or shooting. Dioubate is, after all, ninth in the rotation in points per game with 4.7. Only Aiden Sherrell averages fewer among players seeing regular time in the rotation. Defense and blue-collar points have been Dioubate’s foundation for getting minutes. He’s the posterchild for blue-collar basketball. But now he might have earned the opportunity to see more chances to score.
Oats said Dioubate has always had the leeway to score, but now Dioubate has more experience.
“He just needed to learn how to do it with the correct spacing when the opportunities are there,” Oats said. “You can’t put your head down and drive into crowds and expect anything good to happen.”
The “off-road package” was quite promising on Tuesday night.
Alabama football finished 17th in the Coaches’ poll. Kalen DeBoer ranked his squad slightly higher at 15.
Alabama’s coach placed the Crimson Tide at No. 15, according to USA Today’s reveal of every coach’s ballot. Teams DeBoer placed ahead of Alabama included SMU and Indiana, both squads UA fans were unhappy made the College Football Playoff over UA.
The season came to an end with Ohio State winning the national championship over Notre Dame Monday in Atlanta. The 2024 season was the first that featured a 12-team playoff, which Alabama was the first team out of, doomed by regular-season losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma.
Adam Rittenberg of ESPN gave Kalen a C- for his Alabama debut season.
I liked that Alabama went away from the Nick Saban tree to replace him and then brought in a coach who knew how to win championships and win big games.
But DeBoer’s adjustment to the environment, roster and expectations became a real challenge. Alabama was wildly unpredictable from game to game and even series to series. The Tide delivered a dramatic win over Georgia, only to fall at Vanderbilt for the first time in four decades. They outlasted South Carolina at home, only to lose at Tennessee and later at Oklahoma, failing to score a touchdown in Norman.
Alabama finished 115th nationally in penalties. Any post-Saban season that doesn’t end with a CFP appearance will be deemed a big disappointment, and Alabama’s bowl loss to Michigan — despite having almost all of its key players participating — was inexcusable. DeBoer will be under an even bigger microscope in Year 2
Seems fair. Alabama had no business putting itself in position to miss the playoff this year. Vandy played a phenomenal game and that one would have mostly been forgotten absent the no-show in Norman.
DeBoer will have a bit more of a chance at building a roster in his own image this offseason. Nobody really knows what we have next year, other than quite a bit of blue chip talent. As such, the predictions are all over the map.
For his money, Alex Scarborough sees some reason for optimism.
Whoever starts at quarterback, the offense figures to be more balanced than it was under the run-heavy direction of Jalen Milroe. Which means more opportunities for more receivers and more carries for the running back.
The hope is that a more balanced offense is more effective.
Adding former Miami receiver Isaiah Horton and former Louisiana running back Dre’Lyn Washington through the portal should help.
And the defense should be in good shape, especially with the return of starters Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, LT Overton, Domani Jackson, Keon Sabb, Tim Keenan and Jah-Marien Latham.
Some young guys need to develop, especially on the defensive line and outside linebacker, but there were some nice transfer pickups which could help: former Florida edge Kelby Collins, former Colorado inside linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green and former Utah corner Cameron Calhoun.
The defense played well down the stretch and should be one of the better units in the nation next season. Quarterback and offensive line will be the keys.
Alabama fans should all want to see the players who will give the team the best chance to win, but it’s tough not to root for Ty Simpson.
It was “a day of reckoning,” Ty Simpson said, even as a quarterback who was no stranger to change, who knew how the football world worked, who saw the year-to-year turnover of his father’s coaching staff.
As the shock lingered, Simpson had to make a decision. He grew up in college football. He knew it was a business. He knew Saban would not coach forever.
“I had no doubt where I wanted to be,” Simpson said.
His goals remained. He wanted to graduate from Alabama, which he did in December 2024. He wants to be the starting quarterback of the Crimson Tide, and he wants to win a national championship.
“I love this place,” Simpson said. “If I didn’t, I would have left, you know what I mean? But I love Tuscaloosa. I love the University of Alabama. I love the fans. I love the program. I love my teammates. And that’s the reason why I stayed.”
In an age where most would have been long gone by now, Ty stayed and waited his turn. What a story it would be if he led the Tide back to the top.
Mel Kiper believes that Alabama will keep the first round streak intact.
“Booker might be the best pure guard in the class,” Kiper wrote. “He’s strong at the point of attack, and no one gets past him. And he’s rugged in the run game, getting to the second level to clear lanes.”
Then the very next pick, Kiper projects the Cincinnati Bengals will take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Otherwise, Kiper doesn’t see any other Alabama players selected on the first day of the draft. He mentioned Milroe potentially for the Los Angeles Rams at No. 26 as one of the options at quarterback for the Rams to draft and develop. But Kiper ultimately predicted the Rams will draft Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
Last, a local sports media personality in Pittsburgh believes that the Steelers may have their eyes on Milroe.
This makes some sense as a team that has to deal with Lamar Jackson twice a year. Jalen will obviously be a project for whichever team takes him. The main reason that he may get a first round look is that first rounders carry a fifth year team option at a somewhat reasonable rate, which is valuable for a project passer.