News sport : Sun Bowl: Arizona State and Duke can clinch back-to-back 10-win seasons

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Hyundai Sun Bowl

Arizona State (9-3) vs. Duke (9-3)

El Paso, Texas

Dec. 26, 2014


It’s hard to believe there was a point where Arizona State and Duke were contending for division titles with 8-1 records, but both teams unexpectedly lost two of their final three games to hand over their divisional title hopes.


In the case of No. 15 Arizona State, the Sun Devils were poised to possibly play in the College Football Playoff if it could have won out in November and then toppled Oregon.


While the Sun Bowl is a tough consolation prize after being in the running for a shot at the national title, it does give Arizona State a chance at its first back-to-back 10-win seasons since the early 70s and Duke has a chance for back-to-back 10-win seasons for the firs time in program history.


Arizona State’s offense has been clicking all season even without star starting quarterback Taylor Kelly at times. Kelly, who suffered a foot injury during the middle of the year, will start, but backup Mike Bercovici might play as a change-of-pace option. Regardless of who is the quarterback, the main target will be Jaelen Strong, who led the team with 75 catches and had 1,062 yards, his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. This will be Strong’s final game as a Sun Devil, so he’ll likely want to make it a good one.


Duke boasts a similar offensive weapon in receiver Jamison Crowder, who has 78 catches for 942 yards and six touchdowns and also is a threat on special teams. However, Crowder does not have a consistent quarterback who can get him the ball. Anthony Boone was one of the worst passers in the ACC and struggled mightily in the Blue Devils’ two losses down the stretch with three interceptions to two touchdowns.


The difference in this game is going to come down to quarterback play and diversity on offense. Arizona State has it and Duke does not. Even with Duke’s 8-1 start, it did struggle against some lesser teams and will no doubt have a hard time keeping pace with the Sun Devils potent offense.


Vegas odds: Arizona State (-7.5)


FUN FACT


Duke is looking for its first postseason win since defeating Arkansas in the 1961 Cotton Bowl. A win also would give the Blue Devil their first win against a Top 25 team outside of the ACC since beating Stanford in 1971.


PREDICTIONS


Graham:Taylor Kelly hasn’t played especially well since returning from a foot injury, which gives me a little pause in picking the Sun Devils, but not that much. ASU is a much better team than Duke and I think it runs away with this one early and receiver Jaelen Strong goes out with a bang. ASU 45, Duke 17.


Nick: Devil, devil, you keep playing on my mind. Is it better to be a devil of the blue or a devil of the sun? ASU is the better team, but a Duke win shouldn't be surprising. Arizona State 30, Duke 28.


Sam: Arizona State looked like a team that could crack the College Football Playoff before it lost to Oregon State. The Sun Devils are the better team. As long as they limit the turnovers, they should handle Duke. Arizona State 31, Duke 21.


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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook






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News sport : Military Bowl: It's Cincinnati's strength vs. Virginia Tech's best asset

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Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman

Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (6-6)

Annapolis, Md.

Dec. 27, 2014


No, this isn't a matchup of two former Big East foes.


Yes, both Cincinnati and Virginia Tech were once in the Big East conference, but at separate times. The Hokies left the Big East for the ACC after the 2003 season and Cincinnati joined the Big East from Conference USA after 2004. The two never played each other as conference opponents and last met not too far away in 2012 at FedEx Field, when Cincinnati (under Butch Jones) beat Virginia Tech 27-24.


While Jones is at Tennessee now, Frank Beamer is still at Virginia Tech. Beamer, who is coaching Saturday's game from the press box after throat surgery after the regular season, has led the Hokies to 22 straight bowl games including the Military Bowl. Though we'll admit the streak was looking a bit dicey. The Hokies needed two go-ahead scores against Virginia in the second half to make this game.


The Military Bowl is a matchup of strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness. After beating Ohio State, Virginia Tech's offense has looked paltry (and that may be a nice thing to say). The Hokies are 98th in points scored, 96th in rushing yards and 71st in passing yards. And their yards per play ranking is even worse. The Hokies average 4.6 yards a play, good for 114th in the country out of 128 teams.


While the Bearcats are 70th in the country in rushing yards, the passing attack is No. 13 and is No. 26 in scoring offense. Cincy also averages 6.2 yards per play, which is 27th in FBS.


On defense, it's flipped. Virginia Tech is 18th in scoring defense and 22nd in opponent yards per play. Cincinnati is 66th in points against and 92nd in the country in ceding yards per play. Which strength will falter?


Vegas odds: Cincinnati (-2.5)


FUN FACT


Virginia Tech last missed a bowl in 1992, when it went 2-8 in its second season in the Big East. While making bowls in the previous 21 seasons, it's never made a bowl at 6-6. So if the Hokies lose to the Bearcats, it'll be Tech's first losing season since that 1992 campaign.


PREDICTIONS


Graham: Cincinnati is riding its longest winning streak in five seasons and Virginia Tech's season has been wrought with inconsistency. I have a hard time seeing the Hokies keep pace in this one. Cincy 31, Virginia tech 21.


Nick: I'm going with the offense in this game as well. Making a bowl was nice for VT to continue the season, but Cincinnati gets to 10 wins. Cincinnati 30, Virginia Tech 23


Sam: Virginia Tech has a pretty tough defense, but its offense really struggles to put points on the board consistently. Gunner Kiel and the Bearcats should be able to put up enough points to pull out a win. Cincinnati 27, Virginia Tech 17.


For more Cincinnati news, visit BearcatReport.com.


For more Virginia Tech, visit HokieHaven.com.


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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Cardinals now plan to start Lindley, not Thomas, in season finale

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Things have gone a bit sideways at quarterback the past six weeks.

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly switched courses again, opting to start Ryan Lindley again at quarterback in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, after head coach Bruce Arians had said it would be rookie Logan Thomas initially.


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The Arizona Republic's Kent Somers is reporting that after a bad week of practice, Thomas — who was named starter on Monday — would not start and that Lindley, who has struggled the past few games, would be back under center.


Thomas got off to a "shaky start" in practice on Wednesday, per Arians, and then must have followed it up with another poor performance during the Christmas session, after which Somers' report came out. Happy holidays? The rookie might not agree with that sentiment right now.


Franchise QB Carson Palmer started most of the season prior to suffering a torn ACL in the Week 10 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Drew Stanton replaced Palmer for two stretches this season, including after Palmer's ACL injury, but Stanton also went down with a knee injury in the rematch against the Rams in Week 15.


Arians said Stanton is 85 percent likely to return for the Cardinals in the playoffs but apparently isn't ready to come back this week, even with a potential first-round bye at stake. The Cardinals have clinched a playoff spot but could lose the division to the Seattle Seahawks this weekend and would have to go on the road and play either Jan. 3 or 4 if they do.


Lindley has completed 22-of-54 passes (40.4 percent) for 246 yards with an interception in his two games (one start) this season. In 225 pass attempts as a pro, dating back to his rookie season of 2012, Lindley has no touchdown passes but eight interceptions.


Thomas has a mere eight NFL pass attempts in his career (one last week) and has completed only one — an 81-yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos, back in Week 5.


The Cardinals must win Sunday and have the Seahawks lose to the Rams in order to win the division. Those hopes, after such a fantastic season, are starting to fade given the team's quarterback quandary.


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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!






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Van Gaal still has title hopes

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists that winning the Premier League title remains a goal for him and the players despite being 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.


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London – Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists that winning the Premier League title remains a goal for him and the players despite being 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea heading into Friday's fixtures.


The 63-year-old Dutchman – who originally said when he took over after the World Cup this year that he foresaw a three year rebuilding process – has overseen a revival in the club's fortunes in recent months after a poor start to his reign which was Manchester United's worst since the 1986/87 season.


However, he takes United into the home game with Newcastle on Friday on the back of a run of six wins and a draw.


“Our goal is still to be the champion at the end of the season. It is always to be first,” Van Gaal said.


Van Gaal, who earlier this year guided the Dutch to the World Cup semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Argentina, has spent 150 million pounds on new players and says that United can do better than the target set by the board at the outset of the season.


The board's goal was for United to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League which is something they failed to achieve last term under the disastrous stewardship of David Moyes, who was sacked towards the end of the season and replaced temporarily by Ryan Giggs.


“With my players and all the staff, we are trying to achieve more than they expect,” said van Gaal. – Sapa-AFP






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Things not looking good for Balotelli

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There is little to celebrate this Christmas for Liverpool. They are in their lowest league position - 10th place - on December 25 since the inaugural Premier League in 1992.


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Manchester, England – There's a very different feel to Christmas Day at Liverpool this season.


Twelve months ago, Liverpool was top of the Premier League - always a significant milestone in the English game - and playing the most exciting brand of football in the country. With striker Luis Suarez pouring in goals and Brendan Rodgers being hailed for his managerial qualities, the club was gearing up for its first genuine title challenge for years.


There is little to celebrate this Christmas. The Reds are in their lowest league position - 10th place - on December 25 since the inaugural Premier League in 1992, out of the Champions League, have misgivings over their main striker Mario Balotelli, have just dropped their first-choice goalkeeper and have been unable to shore up their wobbly defense.


Title? No chance. Top four and a return to the Champions League? Maybe.


Rodgers is facing the biggest test of his 2 1/2-year reign but there have been signs over the past week that Liverpool is on their way back.


And it's all to do with a tinkering of the team's formation and playing style, in an attempt to reproduce the attacking fluency of last season. Rodgers has changed to a 3-4-3 formation, with a quick and energetic forward line lifting the intensity of the team.


Liverpool got the performance but not the result in a 3-0 loss at Manchester United on Dec. 14, but a 3-1 win at Bournemouth in the League quarterfinals and an encouraging display in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Arsenal has given Rodgers and his players some belief.


“We haven't just stumbled across this system,” Rodgers said. “A lot of thinking time and hours have gone in on how we can maximize it. In the last three games it's been much closer, we have to work very hard, players are adapting to the club and performances will get better and better.”


“It's about rediscovering tempo and intensity and we've seen that.”


That doesn't spell good news for Balotelli.


The Italy striker's languid style does not fit into Rodgers' preferred high-tempo game and the front three for Liverpool's last three games has been Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana - quick and lively attacking midfielders who never give defenders a moment's rest.


That hardly describes Balotelli, who has been criticized for his work rate and has yet to score a league goal since joining from AC Milan in August.


“Working with Mario,” Rodgers said, “we see someone who is better in and around the box so that level of intensity and pressing isn't part of his game. You try to get the best out of the players you have and the quality you have.”


With the transfer window opening in January, there is speculation that Balotelli's days at Anfield are numbered. The future of dropped keeper Simon Mignolet is also uncertain.


The Belgium international is in the midst of an “indefinite period” on the sidelines after paying the price for some nervy displays this season. Brad Jones has replaced him and although the Australian has conceded six goals in his three games, Mignolet will remain in the cold.


“I haven't lost any belief in him - he's still an outstanding goalkeeper,” Rodgers said of Mignolet. “I'm sure when the time comes for him to come back in, he'll be a better goalkeeper for it.


“I'll make my mind up on that at the right time.”


Liverpool plays Burnley away on Friday before home games against Swansea and Leicester. It is a favorable schedule as the team looks to close the nine-point gap to fourth-place West Ham.


“There has been a lot of criticism of us,” Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel said, “and I hope it will change and be better in the second half of the season.” – Sapa-AP






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Torres set for Atletico return

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Striker Fernando Torres is poised to return to Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish sports dailies AS and Marca.


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Madrid – Striker Fernando Torres is poised to return to Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish sports dailies AS and Marca.


Torres, 30, played for Atletico as a young forward between 2001and 2007 - scoring 82 goals in 214 matches - before signing for Liverpool. He was sold on to Chelsea in 2011, and then loaned to AC Milan last summer.


AS and Marca said on their websites Thursday that there was “total agreement” between Chelsea, Milan and Atletico about the return of the hugely popular Torres to the Estadio Manzanares.


The former Spain striker is reported to sign an 18-month contract with Atletico, who are third in La Liga and in the round of 16 of the Champions League.


German Burgos, assistant to Atletico coach Diego Simeone, said on Wednesday “it would be marvellous” if Torres could return to Atletico.


As part of the deal, 27 year-old Italian winger Alessio Cerci will reportedly leave Atletico for Milan. – Sapa-dpa






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News sport : Russell Westbrook's big-time game powers Thunder past Spurs

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The NBA's Christmas scheduled lost a little luster when it was declared that Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant would miss the mid-day matchup at the San Antonio Spurs with the sprained ankle that has kept him out of four-straight games. Yet the contest itself was not lacking in star power, because his teammate Russell Westbrook provided more than enough to keep the TV audience interested.


The star guard finished with 34 points (14-of-28 FG), 11 assists, five rebounds, and five steals in a 114-106 win after a run of three losses in four games. As noted by Dan Feldman at ProBasketballTalk, no player had achieved those totals since Baron Davis in April 2005. The highlights are just as impressive:





Discussions of Westbrook almost always come around to questions regarding his decision-making late in games and penchant for taking ill-advised shots, but those qualities are also part of why he's so dangerous in the first place. Yet Westbrook exercised some restraint on Christmas, not taking a shot in the final 3:40 as his team iced the game.


Regardless, it's clear that the Thunder would like Durant to get back on the floor soon, even if his status and eventual return remain uncertain. Until then, though, Westbrook will do his best to keep the team in contention.


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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Dwyane Wade and Heat top Cavs in LeBron's return to Miami

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When the Christmas matchup between the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers was announced this summer, it struck most observers as a game in which LeBron James would return to South Beach to remind everyone what they were missing. The reality was a little more complicated.


Playing without the injured Chris Bosh for the seventh game in a row, the Heat thrived early to get out to a 13-point halftime lead before weathering a second-half Cavs comeback to end up with a 101-91 win. Dwyane Wade was the star, putting up 31 points, five assists, five rebounds, two steals, and this very impressive follow dunk over Kevin Love:





Wade looked very comfortable in his old role as the Heat's first option, playing with a spring in his step that was often missing during his last few seasons next to LeBron. The Heat also got an excellent game from Luol Deng, James's de facto replacement, with 25 points (11-of-16 FG), eight rebounds, and eight assists.


LeBron did not seem rattled by any emotions associated with his return to Miami, perhaps because he received a mostly positive welcome from his former home crowd. Yet strong individual stats (30 points, albeit on 10-of-18 FT, with eight assists) did not help Cleveland transcend the issues that have plagued the team for most of this season. In their first game since Anderson Varejao was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, the Cavs struggled to defend the rim (a problem with Varejao, as well) and got little help from players other than LeBron and Kyrie Irving (25 points on 10-of-19 FG).


That's not to say that James should leave Miami believing that he made a mistake this summer — the Cavs are still four games ahead of the Heat in the standings — but it's safe to say that his new team has a lot of room to improve. This loss was a useful reminder of all they have left to do, if not the final word on their season.


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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Miami Heat fans warmly welcome LeBron James back to South Beach (Video)

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Even though LeBron James is just two months into his first season with this year’s version of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it feels as if James never left Ohio. LeBron may have won two titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, but his 2010-14 run with that franchise seems like more the work of a basketball mercenary than anything else.


That wouldn’t seem to stop the Miami faithful from giving him the business upon his first return to South Beach. James and the Cavaliers hit the Heat’s home on Thursday afternoon as part of the NBA’s Christmas Day showcase, and here is the response from the Heat from James’ former hometown crowd:



Not too much vitriol, if we’re honest. At the very worst, the cheers and boos were mixed in equal parts. Certainly nothing like the reception LeBron took in when he played his first game as a member of the Heat when they visited Cleveland for the first time in 2010.


Miami fans, truly, should cheer LeBron James. He made the right basketball decision in 2010 to leave a lacking Cleveland team in order to join the Miami Heat, and he helped gift South Florida with four NBA Finals appearances and two NBA championships. Last July, he made the correct basketball decision to leave an aging and thin Heat squad to pair with Kyrie Irving and eventually Kevin Love in Cleveland.


How correct was (in lower case letters) the decision? His pal Dwyane Wade completely understood James’ jump back to northern Ohio, and bears no ill will toward his former teammate.


The lack of enmity was in clear display just prior to Thursday’s tip-off. Watch:



It’s understandable to boo LeBron James, he did leave a team and city in order to chase down prospects with greater potential. It’s also just as understandable, as the Heat have proven with their in-game video tribute to their former star, to appreciate the fact that the NBA’s best player decided to work out of Miami for four seasons.


(Video via Ben Golliver at Sports Illustrated.)






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News sport : Reports say Cardinals will go with Ryan Lindley at QB after all

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The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly decided that Ryan Lindley is still their best option at quarterback, which should say plenty about rookie Logan Thomas.


Thomas was slated to start in Week 17 after Lindley was wholly ineffective against the Seattle Seahawks last week. Lindley has 225 career attempts with no touchdowns and eight interceptions, the most passes without a touchdown in NFL history. The thought was that things couldn't be any worse with Thomas.


Except, after seeing Thomas in practice, the Cardinals decided that things could in fact get worse.


[Join FanDuel.com's $2.5M Week 17 fantasy league: $25 to enter; top 21,840 teams paid]


Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reported that after a poor practice on Wednesday for Thomas, the team has decided to start Lindley. Given how bad Lindley has been every time we've seen him play in the NFL, one can only imagine how awful Thomas' practice must have been for the Cardinals to already pull the plug on that plan.


This week's game against San Francisco has meaning for the Cardinals. if they win and the St. Louis Rams upset the Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals win the NFC West. It's unlikely the Seahawks lose, but the Cardinals have clinched a playoff berth either way. The question is, who will be their quarterback when they get there?


The Cardinals are hopeful Drew Stanton returns from a knee injury for the playoffs. Even though Stanton has been mostly ineffective, he's clearly better than Lindley or Thomas. Thomas was drafted in the fourth round out of Virginia Tech, but has completed just one of nine passes (the one completion was an 81-yard touchdown, however) and he is considered a project. That the Cardinals feel like they can't even start him over Lindley isn't a great sign for where he is in his development.


The most likely scenario for the Cardinals is they get the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs and travel to play at Atlanta or Carolina, who play each other on Sunday for the NFC South title. Whoever wins between Carolina and Atlanta will be the second team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record. But given the Cardinals' predicament at quarterback, it will be a major challenge for them to beat anyone this postseason.


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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!






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News sport : Quincy Acy ruins Christmas with his hard foul and half-punch on John Wall (Video)

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It’s been a long an enervating year for the New York Knicks so far this season, so one can’t blame the members of this squad for being a little huffy at having to work at Noon on Christmas Day before a nationally televised audience.


With in place, there’s no excuse for what Quincy Acy came through in the fourth quarter of New York’s one-sided loss to the Washington Wizards on Thursday. With the Knicks working in the midst their best run of what could have been a blowout, Acy decided to ruin every bit of momentum his team had with this needless foul on John Wall and eventual half-punch.


Watch:



Acy may have a reputation as New York’s resident enforcer, presuming the Knicks have such a thing, but he is a genuinely good dude. This was an odd out of character moment that seemed out of place, but apparently this is the sort of thing that happens when you’re mired in a 5-26 season, one on national display on a holiday.


Though Acy didn’t completely follow through with the punch, the national setting and his hard foul prior to the skirmish will likely result in a suspension.


It’s unfortunate that the NBA’s Christmas showcase featured a terrible game marred by a fight instigated by a member of one of the league’s worst teams, but this is what happens when you slavishly commit to running New York Knick games by habit.






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City, Chelsea now EPL top dogs

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Manchester City and Chelsea, England's nouveaux riches, appear poised to dominate the Premier League in 2015.


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London – Manchester City and Chelsea, England's nouveaux riches, appear poised to dominate the Premier League in 2015, with traditional powerhouses Manchester United and Liverpool working their way through periods of transition.


United began this year as champions and Liverpool came agonisingly close to succeeding them, but it was City who prevailed in the 2013-14 title race and it is Chelsea who approach the New Year in pole position.


In truth, United's grip on power had weakened long before the clock struck midnight on January 1, as they lurched from calamity to calamity under David Moyes, hapless successor to legendary manager Alex Ferguson.


The axe finally fell in April, when Moyes was sacked 10 months into a six-year contract. Under the temporary guidance of Ryan Giggs, United eventually finished seventh Ä their lowest placing since 1990.


The straight-talking Louis van Gaal, architect of Holland's third-place finish at the World Cup, succeeded Moyes in July and after spending £150 million ($234.4 million, 188.6 million euros) on new players Ä including £59.7 million British-record signing Angel di Maria Ä United have started to move in the right direction.


The same cannot be said of Liverpool, who could not have imagined the trauma that awaited them as they took to the field against Chelsea on an overcast afternoon at Anfield on April 27.


Five points clear at the summit, Brendan Rodgers's side required seven points from their last three games to secure a first title since 1990 after a thrilling run of 11 straight wins that had captured neutral hearts.


But a freak slip by Steven Gerrard enabled Demba Ba to set Chelsea on their way to a 2-0 win and when Liverpool blew a 3-0


lead at Crystal Palace eight days later, the title was City's for the taking.


Following a dismal World Cup, Gerrard said he had been through “the worst three months of my life”.


Inspired by man-mountain Yaya Toure, City amassed 102 league goals, while success against Sunderland in the League Cup final meant that manager Manuel Pellegrini ended his first season in England with two trophies.


“If you want to be a big club, this must be one of so many,” said City captain Vincent Kompany after lifting the league trophy for the second time in three years.


The summer brought more pain for Liverpool with the sale of player of the season Luis Suarez to Barcelona, while a lavish recruitment drive costing around £116 million brought squad depth but not star quality.


With Daniel Sturridge injured and new signing Mario Balotelli misfiring, Liverpool fell off the pace in the league and limped out of the Champions League in the group phase.


Arsenal ended a nine-year trophy drought by coming from behind to beat Hull City 3-2 in the FA Cup final thanks to an extra-time goal from the reborn Aaron Ramsey, but the old frailties remained.


The north London club lost 5-1 at Liverpool, were destroyed 6-0 by Chelsea in manager Arsene Wenger's 1 000th game, and have shown patchy form this season despite the brilliance of star signing Alexis Sanchez.


Constrained by Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations, City and Chelsea – both owned by super-rich foreign investors – were obliged to move prudently in the transfer market.


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who had described his team as “the little horse” in last season's title race, skilfully used the proceeds from player sales to re-shape his squad.


Headline acquisitions Diego Costa and former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas slotted in seamlessly as Chelsea made a sensational start to 2014-15, winning 10 and drawing two of their first 12 games.


But in recent weeks they have come under threat from City, who restricted themselves to just one big-money signing in the form of £32 million French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.


Norwich City, Fulham and Cardiff City went down, with Leicester City, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers replacing them.


If Southampton were the surprise success story, thriving despite losing a host of players to bigger clubs, French striker Nicolas Anelka and Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew were the villains of the year.


Anelka was sacked by West Bromwich Albion after his allegedly anti-Semitic 'quenelle' salute earned him a five-game ban, while Pardew got a seven-match suspension for headbutting Hull midfielder David Meyler.


Meanwhile, allegations that Malky Mackay exchanged racist and sexist text messages with a colleague prior to his dismissal as Cardiff manager showed England still had work to do in the fight against discrimination. – Sapa-AFP






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News sport : Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams to return for senior year

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Jonathan Williams, Arkansas’ leading rusher, will return to the Razorbacks in 2015.


After being evaluated by the NFL Draft Advisory Board, the junior announced Wednesday that he will return for his senior season.



“I am very excited to return to Arkansas for my senior season and help bring the Razorback football program back to where it belongs,” Williams said in a statement. “Coach (Bret) Bielema and Coach (Joel) Thomas have been very supportive of me and my family throughout this process.


“My faith, family and education are very important to me and all three played a major role in my decision. I have many goals that I want to pursue, on and off the field. Graduating from the University of Arkansas is very important to me, and I look forward to running through the ‘A’ again in 2015.”


The 6-foot, 225-pound Williams gained 1,085 yards on 188 carries with 11 touchdowns to lead the Razorbacks, who went 6-6 in year two under head coach Bret Bielema. He along with sophomore Alex Collins (1024 yards, 12 TDs) will make for a formidable backfield for the Razorbacks in 2015.


“I’m always excited for players to chase NFL dreams,” Bielema said. “For Jonathan, that meant another year of growth on and off the field and a degree to carry him through life. I’m excited to have him here for another year that will help take him to new heights.”


In three seasons with the program, Williams has totaled 2,216 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’ll have a chance to add to that total when the Razorbacks take on Texas in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl on Dec. 29 in Houston.


For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : Florida State RB Dalvin Cook listed as an associate in assault case

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Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports) Florida State freshman standout running back Dalvin Cook was named in an aggravated assault case from July, according to a statement from the Tallahassee Police Department.


The case is still active and involves two men who “are alleged to have brandished a firearm at a neighbor on July 17, 2014.” Cook, FSU’s leading rusher with 905 yards, is “listed as an associate in the case,” TPD said.


Following a public records request from the ESPN’s Outside the Lines, the Tallahassee Police Department provided police records that contain the names of 360 specifically named Florida State athletes.


The public records request was filed by an ESPN reporter in September 2014. After the request was processed, the TPD Records Department provided ESPN with “over 300 police reports where the name provided by the reporter was mentioned as a witness, victim, suspect, reporting party, etc.”


After the cases were reviewed in accordance with Florida Public Records Law, the material was provided to ESPN and local media.


“We are committed to ensuring that every citizen of this community, including our university students, know that we take every report of possible criminal activity seriously,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo. “We have an obligation, under state law, to respond to national media requests such as this and have done so professionally and with a commitment to openness.”


The TPD has faced scrutiny amid allegations of alleged favoritism toward Florida State athletes. The New York Times reported on a pattern of leniency from TPD toward Florida State football players, including an incident when cornerback P.J. Williams was said to have fled the scene of a hit and run accident.


Florida State (13-0) will play Oregon (12-1) in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day for the right to advance to the College Football Playoff title game.


For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!







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News sport : The 2014 SEC coaches Christmas party

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,

The holiday season brings holiday parties, so we wondered what would happen if the SEC coaches all had a Christmas party. So this is our best guess as to what would take place if all 14 coaches shared an evening together. No, this isn't real. And yes, this is being hosted by Nick Saban.


*Knock*

*Lane Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Saban: Hugh, you're the first one here. Merry Christmas.


Hugh Freeze: I'm also the only coach to beat you this season. So I figured I'd arrive early and bring back those memories.


Saban: That's thoughtful of you. You can give your coat to AJ if you'd like. He's taking coats tonight.


*AJ McCarron takes Freeze's coat and takes it upstairs.*


Freeze: Does everyone have a responsibility? It was good to chat with Lane at the door.


Saban: He's a great offensive mind, and I figured that opening the door would give him a chance to recharge himself.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Kiffin: There's a man here with a gold hooded sweatshirt and gold sweatpants.


Gary Pinkel: What up, yo? It's G-Pink from the A-Kron!



Saban: Did beating you in the SEC Championship Game traumatize you, Gary?


*Will Muschamp and Gus Malzahn walk in together wearing matching sweater vests right after Pinkel. Kiffin raises his arms*


Malzahn: Will and I wanted to stop by before we head to the Waffle House for a real Christmas dinner.


Muschamp: I'm still invited, aren't I?


Saban: Not really, but I'm not going to kick you out. I embarrassed you enough earlier this year.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Steve Spurrier: Howdy Lane, just checkin' in on my way to Shreveport. I figure I only got two or three of these left, you know, so I better make the most of it.


*McCarron takes Spurrier's coat. As he's doing so, Butch Jones walks in.*


Spurrier: Hey there, AJ? How's ol' Trevor Knight doing? You talk to him much after that asskicking? Sure sucks that your last football game ever happened like that. Better be careful. Knight's probably a better coat-taker than you are.


*Dan Mullen walks out of bathroom*


Mullen: Hey y'all, s*****r's full.



Saban: When did you get here? And where's the plunger?


Freeze: Did you clog it with the pile of crap you showed against us and Alabama, Mullen?


Spurrier: Hey Hugh, how's that C+ team GPA working out for you? That GPA was just like your season. Improved, but still lower than expectations.


Freeze: You're going to Shreveport, Steve. We're going to Atlanta.


Pinkel: They might as well be the same place. And I remember South Carolina's last trip to Shreveport very well.


Jones: Guys, I'm just so happy we're going to a bowl game.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Mark Richt: Hey guys, I brought Chris Conley's Star Wars movie to watch. Plus I have a bunch of autographs here from Todd Gurley. He said he wanted to give each of you a Christmas present. I drew some portraits of each of you and he signed each of them.


*Sandstorm starts blaring from the street and gets closer. Kevin Sumlin approaches the door with a boombox. Kiffin raises his arms in the air after answering the door.*


Sumlin: What up Spurrier, how's it going? We run this party.


Spurrier: I think you better get a trademark on that phrase pretty quick there, Kevin. How's ol' Kenny Trill doing?


Sumlin: Who's that?


*Derek Mason and Mark Stoops walk in as Sumlin is talking with Spurrier. No one notices.*


Saban: Appetizers are ready, everyone. Oatmeal Creme Pies are on the left, and some of Miss Terry's favorites are in the kitchen. The corn dogs are next to the Oatmeal Creme Pies.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Les Miles: Ah, I knew I was at the right place. I could smell the corn dogs from the street. I knew I wasn't at Tiger Stadium.


Saban: Glad you could make it, Les. The grass smoothies are next to the blender. Everyone's here, right? Wait, where's Bret?


Spurrier: Probably interviewing for Michigan. When a man's trying to play Big Ten Bingo, you can't stop him.


Mason: Man, this appetizer stinks. Going to have to try another one.


Sumlin: You're crazy, Mason. This appetizer is delicious. It may be the best appetizer since the 2012 appetizers.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Bielema: Sorry I'm late, Can't go too fast when you're trying to get somewhere. I'm all about safety, you know. The more parties you go to, the more times you could get hurt.


Spurrier: Knew it.


Malzahn: You'll never learn, will you, Bielema? The faster you go, the more you can get accomplished. Watch this.


*Malzahn starts dancing.*



*Jones joins in.*



*So does Pinkel.*



Mason: Man, this appetizer stinks. Going to have to try another one.


*Mark Richt has set up a viewing party in Saban's den. No one has joined him.*


Richt: GUYS! GUYS! MY CAMEO IS ABOUT TO START. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT.


Saban: I've got my boat khakis on if anyone wants to go tubing. Just let me know and I'll start the process of going out to the boat.


Mason: Man, this appetizer stinks. Going to have to try another one.


Stoops: Mason, appetizers aren't quarterbacks. You can't just take one bite and then look for something better. Eat what's on your plate before trying another one.


Sumlin: No, Mason's right. I thought this appetizer was amazing, but after two bites it's terrible. Going to have to make a switch here pretty soon.


*Knock*

*Kiffin raises arms in the air after answering the door.*


Kiffin: Who the hell are you?


Chad Kelly: I'm Chad Kelly, only the greatest quarterback in the history of the game. Take my coat, McCarron.


Kiffin: Coach Nick, should I let him in?


Saban: I have no idea who that is. No.


Kiffin: Get out of here, dude.


Kelly: NO. DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? YOU CAN'T MAKE ME LEAVE.


Kiffin: Leave.


Kelly: I'M GONNA GO OUT TO MY TRUCK.


Kiffin: Freeze, this is your problem. Can you take care of this?


*Freeze walks towards the door.*


Freeze: Dammit, this is the last time I sign a quarterback from East Mississippi Community College.


Richt: I'm gonna go curl. Who's with me?


Pinkel: I'll join you.


Sumlin: Hey Will, no hard feelings. Can you hook me up with a defensive coordinator?


Muschamp: Let me see what I can do, you're certainly more appealing than North Carolina.


*Saban reaches for an appetizer. A man identifying himself as Al from Dadeville bursts through the door before Kiffin can close it after Kelly and Freeze leave.*


Al from Dadeville: NO. DON'T EAT IT SAINT NICK. THOSE HAVE BEEN POISONED.


Saban: The hell? What are you doing here, Harvey? You said you had to help make the food as part of your community service but I said you couldn't be here for the party.


Al from Dadeville: Well I poisoned those appetizers thinking those would be what Gus and Will would eat first. I'm just trying to help you in the Iron Bowl.


Saban: Thanks for the heads up. I'll put these away. I trust you didn't poison anything else?


Al from Dadeville: No sir. The Bama in my blood overcame me momentarily. I'll leave now.


Spurrier: Boy howdy, this is a great party. I think I'll be here another 4-5 parties.


Bielema: Woo pig sooie!


Sumlin: What was that?


Bielema: Sorry, just happens sometimes. I can't control it.


*By this time, Stoops has fallen asleep in the corner.*


Spurrier: Boy, if that ain't Kentucky's season in a nutshell right there, I don't know what is.


Sumlin: So you're saying this party has been South Carolina in a nutshell? Mediocre?


Saban: You wish your defense was mediocre.


Sumlin: Will, this is why you have to hook me up.


Muschamp: I'll do what I can. I can see what Mack's up to, if you want. He could have a recommendation.


*Pinkel and Richt return from curling. Mullen has emerged from unclogging the toilet.*


Mullen: Who won? Richt: 34-0. Wasn't even close. Didn't even have my best stone, either. Left that at home.


Saban: It's time to eat. Les, will you lead us in prayer?


Miles: Gladly. Gather round, gentlemen. This Christmas holiday is for everyone, like election day. It's not like Columbus Day, which is for the Italians. Or St. Patrick's Day, which is for the Irish. Or Thanksgiving, which is just for the Americans. After all, we are in Alabama. Be grateful for what you have in life, as I am grateful for you, all of my baes. May we all be best baes in 2015.


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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!







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