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Is Your Paneer Authentic? Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Spot Fake Paneer

Every other day, we see news about adulterated grocery products being openly sold in the market. From dals to spices, nothing is safe and you have to be extra careful before buying them to not harm your health. Another such product is paneer. A staple in Indian cuisine, paneer is loved for its soft texture and creamy flavour. However, with the increasing risk of food adulteration, it is important to check for authenticity. If you are someone who frequently buys packaged or store-bought paneer, then here are some easy tips to check for its authenticity.

Also Read:Can’t Decide Between Butter Paneer And Shahi Paneer? 5 Factors To Help You Choose

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Here Are 5 Easy Tips To Spot Fake Paneer

1. Check Its Aroma and Texture

If you’ve ever tasted raw paneer at home, you’d know how it has a distinct milky smell. This is what sets real paneer apart from fake paneer. Authentic paneer has a fresh aroma with a firm yet crumbly texture. Take a small piece and press it between your fingers. If the paneer feels rubbery, overly smooth, or doesn’t have a signature milky scent, it might be fake or adulterated.

2. Inspect The Packaging

For packaged paneer, the label could be a big giveaway of its authenticity. Always check for quality certifications like the FSSAI mark. Look for specific terms like “imitation” or “analogue” which the manufacturers are required to display if the product isn’t made from pure dairy. This can help you make an informed decision.

3. Do A Heating Test

All you have to do is heat a small piece of paneer in a dry pan. Authentic paneer will brown slightly and crumble in the pan, while fake paneer may melt unevenly, release excess water, or may also appear oily. This simple test can help you confirm the quality of the paneer before incorporating it into your recipes.

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4. Use Iodine To Test Authenticity

Another way to test the authenticity of paneer is by doing a quick iodine test to know if it contains starch or not. Boil a piece of paneer, let it cool, and then add a few drops of iodine tincture to the water. If you see the solution turning blue, it shows the presence of starch in your storebought paneer.

5. Try The Arhar Dal Test

For this test, you need to boil the paneer in water, cool it, and then sprinkle some arhar dal powder on the paneer. Let it sit for 10 minutes. If the paneer changes its colour to a light red colour, it is most likely contaminated with harmful substances like detergent or urea, which are sometimes used in adulteration.

Also Read: Love Pizza? How To Make Authentic Pizza At Home – 7 Easy Tips And Hacks

So, the next time you’re unsure about the authenticity of your paneer, make sure to try these tests to prevent any health concerns.

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January 19, 2025
5 Genius Ways To Spot Fake Hing (Asafoetida)

Food adulteration has unfortunately become all too common, affecting several kitchen staples every day. From ghee and paneer to milk and sweets, no ingredient seems safe anymore. Sadly, our favourite spices are no exception. Hing, also known as asafoetida, is a staple in Indian cooking, loved for its unique aroma and flavour, but it is quite vulnerable to adulteration. Used daily in dishes like dal ka tadka and aromatic curries, hing not only enhances taste but also aids digestion. However, consuming adulterated hing can pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones. This is why it’s crucial to know how to identify pure hing. While it might feel challenging to spot fake hing in a sea of options, these simple tips will help you buy authentic and aromatic hing every time.

Also Read:Why Hing Should Be Added To Foods? Nutritionist Lovneet Batra Answers It

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Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Spot Fake Hing:

1. Texture

If you’re familiar with commonly used spices in Indian cuisine, you’d know that hing has a fine, powdery texture that dissolves easily in dishes. If it feels coarse, it might be mixed with flour or other fillers. Some fake varieties might even clump together, which is a clear sign of added moisture or impurities. To test its texture, rub a small amount between your fingers. If it feels smooth, it’s good to use; if not, it’s time to discard it.

2. Smell

Hing is recognised for its strong, pungent aroma, which some might even find overpowering. Authentic hing should have this exact characteristic. If the smell is weak, mild, or feels synthetic, it might not be pure. If you’re unsure about the smell, try adding a pinch of hing to hot oil – its aroma should intensify. If it doesn’t, your hing might be diluted. Trust your nose to gauge the authenticity of hing.

3. Colour

Pure hing typically has a yellow or light brown hue, which is a sign of its authenticity. If it appears unusually white or has an inconsistent colour, it’s likely mixed with starch, flour, or other ingredients. While some brands use a lighter shade to attract buyers, its unnatural vibrancy can be a red flag. To be sure, always compare the colour with a trusted brand’s product to spot the difference.

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4. Dissolve

Here’s an easy kitchen experiment to test your hing: mix a small amount of it in warm water. Pure hing will dissolve evenly, making the water slightly cloudy. On the other hand, fake or adulterated hing might clump together or leave a residue at the bottom. This quick test works particularly well for powdered hing, where the chances of adulteration are higher.

5. Packaging

When the above tips don’t seem helpful, rely on established brands for quality and transparency. Authentic hing usually comes in airtight containers with clear labelling, including ingredient information. However, be cautious of misleading descriptions or unusually low prices, as they are often too good to be true. Another key factor to check is certifications and the manufacturing location.

Also Read: This Hing Jeere Ke Aloo Recipe Makes For An Irresistible Addition To Any Meal

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January 5, 2025
Say Goodbye To Tired Eyes: Heres Why Amla Deserves A Spot In Your Diet

In a world where screens dominate our lives, from work desks to endless social media scrolling, eye health has taken a backseat. Redness, dryness, and fatigue are all-too-familiar problems for many of us. While eye drops and pricey treatments seem like the only solutions, there’s a simpler, more natural remedy—amla. Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla is a winter superfood celebrated not just for boosting immunity but also for enhancing eye health. Nutritionist Dr. Komal Bhadouria from SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, explains, “Amla is a special fruit full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing cell damage, which reduces the free radicals that can cause disease in the body.” Let’s dive into how amla can give your eyes the care they need.

Also Read:How To Make Amla Murraba; 5 Health Benefits Of Having Amla In Winter

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5 Ways Amla Can Keep Your Eyes Happy and Healthy

1. Packed With Vitamin C – Your Eye’s Natural Ally

Amla is bursting with vitamin C, which is crucial for maintaining eye health. A 2020 study in the journal Nutrients highlights that vitamin C plays a major role in reducing oxygen levels within the eye, preventing oxidative damage. Consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta adds, “Amla’s natural antioxidants protect against free radicals, nourish the body from within, and strengthen the immune system.” So, adding amla to your routine can keep your eyes looking brighter and healthier for years to come.

2. Fights Eye Fatigue

If long hours on screens leave your eyes tired, amla might be your best friend. Thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this superfruit helps combat digital eye strain symptoms like dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. It’s like a natural refresh button for your eyes!

3. Supports Better Vision

Dealing with high spectacle power? Amla might help. Rich in vitamin A, it supports retinal health, which can improve both day and night vision. Regular consumption could make it easier to see in dim lighting and may even help reduce the severity of night blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency.

4. Helps Prevent Eye Infections

Eye infections like conjunctivitis are annoying and painful, but amla’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help. Whether you consume amla juice or use amla-based eye drops, it can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and protect your eyes from common infections.

5. Slows Down Age-Related Vision Problems

As we grow older, vision problems like macular degeneration can creep in. According to a research paper published in the Open-Access Impact Journal on Aging, amla’s high vitamin C content and powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, can help fight the free radicals responsible for age-related eye damage. Including amla in your diet may just keep your eyes sharp as you age.

Photo: iStock

Easy Ways To Add Amla To Your Diet

1. Juice It: Blend fresh amla juice with a dash of honey or dilute it with water for a refreshing drink.

2. Powder It: Add amla powder to smoothies, warm water, or herbal teas to sneak in a quick nutrition boost.

3. Snack On It: Dried amla with black salt is a tangy, on-the-go treat your taste buds will love.

4. Pickle It: Amla pickles are a delicious way to add a zesty twist to your meals while reaping its benefits.

Also Read: 5 Fun Ways To Include Amla In Your Daily Diet For Strong Immunity

Take care of your eyes the natural way with this winter superfood — your screen-tired eyes will thank you!

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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December 11, 2024
College Football Playoff expert picks: Alabama or SMU in last spot? Notre Dame, Texas or Penn State at No. 5?
The SMU versus Alabama debate for the final at-large bid in the 2025 College Football Playoff has understandably stolen the spotlight entering Selection Sunday. There is also significant consternation about how the first few teams outside the top four conference champions will be decided. Ultimately, how the committee interprets those league title game results will have ripple effects throughout the field.

Let’s start with the debate over the final at-large bid.

Alabama held that spot in last Tuesday’s penultimate CFP Rankings, and it looked in good shape to maintain that slot after CFP chairman Warde Manuel said the rankings were locked for teams not playing conference championship weekend.

However, there was a doomsday scenario: Clemson pulling off an upset over SMU in the ACC Championship Game with the Mustangs playing well enough to warrant a spot in the field.

Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, that’s exactly what happened Saturday night. Clemson freshman kicker Nolan Hauser’s 56-yard walk-off game-winning field goal not only propelled the Tigers into the field as an automatic qualifier but gave SMU a more-than-reasonable chance to receive an at-large bid.

SMU (11-2) has fewer losses than Alabama (9-3) but exists in a similar space as Miami (FL) in that it lacks resume-boosting wins. The Mustangs are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, while Alabama has a 3-1 record against teams, including a win over newly crowned SEC champion Georgia. Furthermore, Alabama’s strength of schedule (18th) is considerably better than that of SMU (75th) as the Tide’s opponents had a combined record of 82-50 while the Mustangs’ were 83-75.

The SMU case? Well, it went undefeated during ACC regular-season play (8-0), and its two losses are nowhere near as bad as Alabama’s 21-point defeat to 6-6 Oklahoma (in which Bama scored 3 points) or its road loss to 6-6 Vanderbilt. SMU’s wins against Louisville and Pittsburgh were notable at the time, too.

If Alabama ranked a spot above Miami in the penultimate CFP Rankings, one could surmise it deserves to hold the same spot when compared head-to-head against SMU given the argument is identical. And that may be exactly what happens!

However, SMU finished as a Power Four conference runner-up in a tightly-contested ACC title game it lost 34-31. If the CFP Selection Committee completely dropped SMU out of the field, it would set a dangerous precedent for conference championship games, which are generally major money makers for leagues. It would essentially incentivize teams to not seek out those opportunities so as not to lose and potentially fall all the way out of the playoff field.

Alabama got the benefit of the doubt last season as it received the final spot over undefeated Florida State in a decision that still roils the ACC. This time around, the ACC has a better chance of bouncing an SEC team out for the last at-large bid.

How will the top three at-large bids shake out?

The committee doesn’t simply have to decide what to do with ACC championship loser SMU. It also needs to figure out where to put one-loss Notre Dame, SEC runner-up Texas and Big Ten runner-up Penn State. The Fighting Irish were No. 4 in the penultimate CFP Rankings, while the Longhorns were No. 2 (slated for a first-round bye with an SEC win) and the Nittany Lions placed No. 3 as the second Big Ten team behind No. 1 Oregon.

Texas (11-2) lost to Georgia, 24-19, in the first SEC title game to reach overtime, a contest the Longhorns easily could have won. Penn State (11-2) fell to the Ducks in a one-score 45-37 loss. And then you have Notre Dame (11-1), which did not play Saturday but in theory could slide up if Texas and Penn State both move down.

Texas’ only two losses are to Georgia, giving it the best defeats of the group; however, Penn State’s two losses (Ohio State, Oregon) are in the same neighborhood. Notre Dame has by far the worst loss to Northern Illinois (7-5), a seventh-place MAC team. That it came at home, too, making it the worst loss of any CFP contender.

The ‘Horns are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, a major knock on their resume. The Nittany Lions hold a singular top 25 win (No. 19 Illinois), while the Irish only possesses one top 25 win over AAC champion Army West Point (No. 24). Army’s win Friday night over Tulane only strengthens ND’s argument.

Just like with Alabama and SMU, it will be interesting to see whether the committee chooses to penalize teams that competed in league title games, especially ones that were extremely close. Notre Dame has been steadily moving up the rankings in recent weeks, and there’s an argument it should jump Texas and Penn State. It almost certainly would in a normal week.

However, in this scenario, it feels more likely that the committee will keep Texas and Penn State ahead of Notre Dame. That’s not an insignificant decision, either, given how the field is shaping up.

If Notre Dame ends up as the No. 7 seed, that sets up a possible quarterfinal against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. If Notre Dame instead receives the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, it would likely play Boise State or Arizona State in a quarterfinal.

The tougher question will be how the committee weighs Texas versus Penn State. The resumes are fairly similar, and both lost marquee conference championship games by single scores. Texas was ranked higher than Penn State entering Saturday night, which might end up being the slight edge that puts the ‘Horns in the No. 5 seed.

Keep on reading for expert picks on slots No. 5-7 in the College Football Playoff field along with which team our CBS Sports college football writers believe will receive the final at-large bid. You can also check out a complete slate of 2024-25 bowl projections from bowls expert Jerry Palm.

College Football Playoff projection

The top two seeds of the CFP are all but a formality after Oregon remained undefeated by beating Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game and Georgia knocked off Texas for the second time this season to win the SEC Championship Game. Boise State (Mountain West) and Arizona State (Big 12) will be the other conference champions who receive byes given Clemson (ACC) has three losses.

While there is an argument that the Sun Devils should be the No. 3 seed above the Broncos, ASU was ranked five spots lower in the penultimate CFP Rankings. As such, bowls experts Jerry Palm and Brad Crawford both agree the top four seeds — each receiving first-round byes — will shake out as follows:
1. Oregon (13-0)
2. Georgia (11-2)
3. Boise State (12-1)
4. Arizona State (11-2)
College Football Playoff expert picks

Here’s how our college football staff would vote in the key spots — choosing teams Nos. 5-7 and the last at-large bid in the field — if they were members of the CFP Selection Committee.
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December 8, 2024
Food, Art And Vibes: Why Uncles In Vasant Vihar Should Be Your Next Go-To Spot

In Delhi’s ever-evolving cafe culture, quaint little spaces are not just surviving-they’re thriving! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee break or an elaborate brunch, the city offers an array of delightful nooks waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem I recently discovered is Uncle’s, a charming cafe nestled in Vasant Vihar’s Main Market. From the moment I stepped in, it felt like an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The cafe’s all-glass windows adorned with eye-catching artwork struck a perfect balance between minimalism and vibrancy. And the vibe? Absolutely spot on. But what truly sets Uncle’s apart isn’t just their complimentary Uncle Chips chaat-it’s their inventive food menu, bursting with bold flavors and creative twists in every bite.

Seated in a cozy corner, we were handed a special eight-course menu, promising a medley of flavors. We kicked things off with drinks, starting with their signature cocktail Desi Andaz, a delightful concoction of Indian Scotch and potli masala. Soon, we were treated to an extravagant spread featuring combinations that pushed the boundaries of imagination.

Our culinary journey began with Chakna 2.0. Why 2.0, you ask? Because their first offering, the Uncle Chips chaat, was just the warm-up! The Chakna 2.0 platter showcased three innovative dishes-Tangy Noodle Salad, Chilli Cheese Churros, and my personal favorite, Millet and Beetroot Chaat. The tangy noodle salad, with its crispy noodles, fresh veggies, and tamarind dressing, perfectly catered to the Indian palate.

(L-R) Tangy Noodle Salad, Chilli Cheese Churros, and Millet and Beetroot Chaat

But it wasn’t the noodle salad or millet chaat that stole the show-it was the Chilli Cheese Churros. Typically a dessert, this savory rendition was coated in a house-blend spice mix and paired with lemon aioli and chili yogurt. The cheesy churros delivered a delightful explosion of flavors, perfectly complementing the rest of the spread without overpowering it.

Next, we indulged in a plate of Desi Chicken Parm. Yes, you read that right. This glocalized take on the classic dish had everything-crispiness, spiciness, and tanginess. Topped with gooey Himalayan cheese and zesty tomato salsa, every bite was an indulgent yet comforting experience.

Desi Chicken Parm.

Following that, we tried two tandoor specialties: Peppy Paneer Tikka and Hide & Seekh. The paneer tikka, paired with roasted pepper, had just the right hint of spice. However, the Hide & Seekh-batter-fried lamb seekh kebabs served with coriander pesto-fell short. The outer layer was crispy but the meat filling, unfortunately, was too dry for my taste.

Hide & Seekh kebabs.

No meal is complete without carbs, and Uncle’s took this to heart with their next offering-a fusion of kulcha and prawns. Instead of the usual curry, tandoori prawns were served atop soft kulchas. The combination of crispy prawns and pillowy bread was perfectly spiced and balanced.

Kulcha and Prawns.

And just when we thought the feast was over, the main course arrived, featuring Batata Byadagi Blast, Butter Chicken with Chili Cheese Naan, and Coastal-Spiced Pork Belly with Egg Rice. Each dish left me at a loss for words. The baby potatoes cooked in Byadagi chili and coconut curry were creamy and paired beautifully with fluffy sponge dosas. The butter chicken and chili cheese naan duo was divine, but the true highlight was the spiced pork belly with egg rice. Served in a bento box, the tender meat was perfectly seasoned and brought a wave of nostalgia with its presentation.

(L-R) Batata Byadagi Blast and Coastal-Spiced Pork Belly with Egg Rice.

Despite being stuffed, we couldn’t resist the special dessert-The Chipwich. This decadent double chocolate chip cookie sandwich, filled with Wayanad vanilla and Pondicherry chocolate chip ice cream, was pure bliss and the perfect ending to our gastronomic adventure.

The Chipwich.

All in all, my time at Uncle’s was unforgettable. This cozy cafe is the perfect spot to visit with friends, family, or that special someone!

Where: Main Market, 24, Community Center, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi

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December 2, 2024
North Allegheny grad Luke Colella a bright spot for Princeton football

The wait was worth it for North Allegheny graduate Luke Colella.

After biding his time for two seasons at Princeton behind a group of talented pass-catchers, Colella has become the Tigers’ top wide receiver.

Colella, a senior, moved into the starting lineup last season and earned honorable mention all-Ivy League honors and is once again Princeton’s leading receiver.

“I think I’m playing well and doing the best I can,” he said. “At the end of the day, I wanted to improve from last year and help improve the record of the team and leave a legacy, whether individually or team-wise.”

One season after posting 47 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns as a first-year starter, Colella has 30 receptions and ranks in the top 10 in the Ivy League in receiving yards (418) and receiving TDs (five).

The former first-team all-conference selection at North Allegheny has been a bright spot for Princeton (2-6, 1-4 Ivy League), which is headed toward its first losing season since 2011.

“I feel like I’m doing what I can and doing the best I can to help the team win,” Colella said. “It’s been a little bit of a rocky road this year. I’m just focusing on how I can help the team.”

Colella had to wait to help the team after arriving at Princeton following a standout career at North Allegheny. His first season was canceled due to the pandemic. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder played in one game as a freshman in ‘21 and then caught three passes for 6 yards as a sophomore while earning his keep on special teams.

The obstacles to playing time were understandable. Colella shared the wide receiver room with some of the top pass-catchers in Princeton history, including Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas.

“I think any kid who’s had a successful high school career and they come to college and they get told it’s not your time, I think it’s difficult for anybody,” Colella said. “For me personally, at the time I didn’t understand the impact of it, but I was thankful having guys in the receiver room who helped me along the way. … Guys who mentored me and told me to keep my head down and that my time would come.”

As a first-year starter in ‘23, Colella caught a touchdown in his first start against San Diego, had seven receptions for 121 yards and two TDs against Yale and five receptions for 98 yards in a 21-14 win over nationally ranked Harvard.

This season’s highlights include a 37-yard TD catch in a 30-13 win over Howard and six receptions for 96 yards and a TD in a 29-17 victory over Brown.

Princeton coach Bob Surace praised Colella for staying the course.

“It’s one of those challenges where the guys are used to being the star in high school and … had to get on special teams and work their way up,” Surace told reporters earlier this season. “To see Luke go from being that guy, he’s had to take every step and he’s been very good.”

Colella’s days at Princeton are almost over. He will play his final game at the school Nov. 23 against visiting Penn. Colella, who graduates next month with a degree in history, has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

“One way or another,” he said, “wherever I land, I am for sure planning on playing another year of football.”

Although he had to wait to get on the field, Colella is thankful for the path it led him on.

“At the end of the day, I’m just so grateful for this place,” he said. “If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today. It’s a really special place, and I’m grateful for everything that I’ve accomplished here and every opportunity that I’ve been given.”

John Grupp is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.

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November 16, 2024
NU secures runner-up spot in NE Zone Inter-University Football Tournament | MorungExpress

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 15 (MExN): The North East Zone Inter-University (Men’s) Football Tournament, hosted by Nagaland University (NU) at its headquarters in Lumami, concluded today with a grand finale. National Sports University (NSU), Manipur, emerged as champions, while Nagaland University claimed the runner-up position. Dibrugarh University secured third place, followed by Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, in fourth.

The tournament, held under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), marked a significant milestone as NU hosted the event for the first time in its 30-year history. NU’s football team also achieved a historic milestone by finishing among the top four teams.

According to NU PRO Peter Ki, 14 university teams from the eight northeastern states participated in the knockout rounds from November 11 to 13. The top four teams then competed in league matches on November 14 and 15 to determine their final rankings.

Individual accolades were awarded during the tournament, with NU’s Rankathung recognized as the best goalkeeper, NSU’s Jetlee as the best striker, and Tapas Saikia of Dibrugarh University declared player of the tournament.

The closing ceremony, held after the final match, featured Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Thsuvisie Phoji as the special guest. Phoji praised NU for successfully organizing the tournament and highlighted the role of sports in promoting unity and peace in the region. He emphasized the Northeast’s legacy in producing exceptional athletes and urged players to carry forward the values of sportsmanship and solidarity.

Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, served as the chief guest and commended the sports section for its efforts. He acknowledged the challenges faced by athletes from the Northeast, such as limited infrastructure and training opportunities, and encouraged players to persevere and aim for national recognition. Patnaik expressed NU’s willingness to host the Women’s Football Tournament next year, aiming to further develop sports infrastructure at the university.

The Organizing Secretary, Dr. Harish Kumar Tiwari, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, particularly the players from the participating universities. He announced that the top four teams will represent the Northeast Zone at the All India Inter-Zonal Tournament at GNA University, Phagwara, Punjab, from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The event was chaired by Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, NU, and concluded with a vote of thanks by NU Football Coach Watimenba Longchar.

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November 15, 2024
College Football Playoff rankings revealed: Oregon takes top spot, who snuck into top 12?

Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami and Texas were the top five ranked teams Tuesday night in the first College Football Playoff rankings under a 12-team format, with No. 13 SMU, No. 14 Texas A&M and No. 15 LSU starting the championship race just outside the cutoff to make the newly expanded field.

No. 12 Boise State (7-1) is the highest-ranked of the teams from outside the Power 4 conferences.

After the Ducks (9-0), Buckeyes (7-1), Bulldogs (7-1), Hurricanes (9-0) and Longhorns (7-1), Penn State (7-1) was No. 6, Tennessee (7-1) was No. 7 and Indiana (9-0) was No. 8. Ninth-ranked BYU (8-0) and No. 10 Notre Dame (7-1) round out the first ten while Alabama (6-2) comes in at No. 11.

The Crimson Tide play at LSU (6-2) on Saturday, which could turn out to be an elimination game for the SEC rivals.

College Football Playoff Top 25

The selection committee’s top 12 was almost identical to the AP Top 25, other than Georgia and Ohio State flipping spots in the CFP rankings. The Bulldogs are No. 2 in the AP rankings.

Committee chairman Warde Manuel, athletic director at Michigan, said the margin between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs was slim, but Ohio State’s consistency won out.

“It was a close analysis, but in the end, we just felt that Ohio State was a more consistent performer at this point in time and … their only loss is to No. 1 Oregon, and that’s how we came out with the decision,” he said.

BYU of the Big 12 was the lowest-ranked of the unbeaten Power 4 conference teams, one spot behind Indiana and five behind Miami, the highest-ranked ACC team.

Miami has just one victory against another team in the committee’s rankings (No. 22 Louisville) while BYU has two (No. 13 SMU and No. 19 Kansas State).

“And so it really came down to more of an eye test, as it related to looking at both teams and the committee as we rank them, saw them in that fashion, and it came out in that order,” Manuel said.

The 13-member selection committee released the first of five Top 25s that will lead up to the only rankings that truly matter on Dec. 8, when the first 12-team bracket is revealed. For the first 10 seasons of the Playoff, only the committee’s top-four teams played for the national title.

The five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the field even if they fall outside the committee’s top 12. The top four seeds, given first-round byes, are reserved for the four highest-ranked conference champs, no matter their overall ranking.

Using these initial rankings, the top four seeds would be Oregon as the projected Big Ten champ, Georgia from the SEC, Miami from the ACC and BYU from the Big 12. The top four seeds receive byes into the quarterfinals, which will be played Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 in the Fiesta, Peach, Sugar and Rose bowls.

In the new format, teams five through eight host first-round games against the nine through 12 seeds. Those games are scheduled for Dec. 20-21.

The semifinals are set for the Cotton and Orange bowls on Jan. 9-10, and the championship game is Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

Big 2 conferences separate themselves

As of right now, the ACC and Big 12 are one-bid leagues.

The SEC has four teams in the top 12 with Georgia, Texas, Tennessee and Alabama, plus three more lurking in LSU, Texas A&M and No. 16 Mississippi.

Several of those teams still have to play each other, including Georgia at Ole Miss on Saturday. Georgia also plays Tennessee, while Texas and Texas A&M meet in the regular-season finale.

Even if some of the SEC teams knock each other off down the stretch, the conference seems well situated to get four teams in the playoff.

Likewise, the Big Ten has four teams in the field in the initial rankings with Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana, but no other teams in the top 25. However, of the four, only Ohio State and Indiana still have a meeting left on the schedule.

As for the ACC, SMU (8-1) at No. 13 gives the conference another realistic contender for an at-large bid. Pitt (7-1) at No. 18 seems like a long shot.

The Big 12 has three teams bunched in the 17 to 20 range, with No. 17 Iowa State, No. 19 Kansas State and No. 20 Colorado.

Prime position for Colorado

The Buffaloes (6-2) are very much in the playoff race in Year 2 under coach Deion Sanders, but Colorado’s only path to the bracket is probably via a Big 12 title — which the Buffs are well situated to win.

With only one conference loss so far, and only games they should be favored in ahead, quarterback Sheduer Sanders, Heisman Trophy hopeful Travis Hunter and the Buffs only need a little help to reach the Big 12 title game.

But a nonconference loss to Nebraska and no victories against ranked teams will likely relegate CU to the outskirts of the at-large discussion.

Group of Five represented

Boise State’s No. 12 ranking is notable because it is high enough to open the possibility that the Broncos — if they do win out and win the Mountain West — could be seeded higher than 12th and maybe even make a case to be a top-four seed if the Big 12 has a champion with multiple losses.

No. 25 Army (8-0) is the only other Group of Five team ranked. The leaders of the American Athletic Conference haven’t played a particularly challenging schedule, but the Black Knights have a chance to make a statement later this month with a nonconference game against Notre Dame.

No. 21 Washington State is a unique case. The Cougars are still in the Pac-12, but since the conference only has two teams, its champion is not eligible for one of those five automatic bids.

Required reading

(Photo: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images)

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November 6, 2024
PHOTO GALLERY | Scholastic volleyball/soccer/hockey roundup | Conemaugh Township sweeps Windber for spot in District 5 Class 1A title match | Sports

Volleyball

High School Girls

District 5 Tournament

Class 1A Semifinals

Conemaugh Township 3, Windber 0: In Davidsville, Sarah Swank netted 15 kills and eight digs, and Ava Byer added 10 kills and eight digs as the second-seeded Indians defeated the sixth-seeded Ramblers 25-17, 25-20, 25-21.

Conemaugh Township will advance to the District 5 Class 1A championship match against top-seeded Berlin Brothersvalley.

Conemaugh Township’s Laikyn Reynolds had 10 kills, Brianna Shetler had 15 digs, Averie Seibert had 20 assists, and Mary Matera had nine assists.

Windber’s Liliana Grillo had 11 points, two blocks, five kills and 17 assists. Maggie Manippo had nine points, five kills and 11 digs. Jordyn Bobak had five blocks and five kills, and Summer Campbell had seven points and three kills.

The Ramblers’ Autumn Walz had eight points, three blocks, two kills and nine digs, and Skylee Miller had nine points and 12 digs.

Berlin Brothersvalley 3, Meyersdale 0: In Berlin, the top-seeded Mountaineers won in three sets over the fifth-seeded Red Raiders 25-14, 25-12, 25-18.

Lexi Fairman had 28 assists and three aces. Elena Ritchey had eight kills, Kaylee Shaffer had seven kills, and Sydney Walker had six kills. Cayley Poorbaugh and Addy Glessner combined for 27 digs.

Berlin Brothersvalley will face Conemaugh Township in the District 5-1A championship match on Wednesday at Windber High School.

District 6 Tournament

Class 1A Quarterfinals

Bishop Carroll Catholic 3, Juniata Valley 0: In Alexandria, the fifth-seeded Huskies swept the fourth-seeded Green Hornets.

Olivia Gregg had 19 kills for Bishop Carroll Catholic. Greta Krumenacker had 34 assists, Sophie Becuet had nine digs and Sam Buynack had 11 digs.

Ferndale 3, Conemaugh Valley 1: The third-seeded Yellow Jackets defeated the sixth-seeded Blue Jays 25-23, 25-23, 13-25, 26-24.

Conemaugh Valley’s Olivia Vogel had 41 assists and 14 digs, and Kristin Szymusiak had 21 kills, 18 digs and 15 service points. Maddie McCleester had 34 digs, Sydney Heinlein had 10 digs, Makenna Campagna had 12 kills, and Jacey Crowe had 21 digs and 19 service points for the Blue Jays.

Ferndale will advance to play Northern Cambria.

Northern Cambria 3, Glendale 0: In Northern Cambria, Kiera Boring collected her 1,000th career assist, and Brenna McCracken had three aces, 11 service points, nine kills, one block and six digs as the second-seeded Colts beat the seventh-seeded Vikings 25-17, 25-17, 25-18.

Emilee DePetro had five kills and five digs, and Riley Olish had seven kills and two blocks for Northern Cambria. Kiera Boring had an ace, 25 assists and 10 digs, and Ava Lieb had 10 kills and 11 digs for the Colts.

Sophia Fry had 14 digs, nine service points and two aces, and Julie Dumm had four kills and one block.

Northern Cambria will advance to play Ferndale.

Soccer

High School Girls

District 5 Tournament

Class 1A Semifinals

Conemaugh Township 2, Windber 0: In Davidsville, the second-seeded host Indians shut out the sixth-seeded Ramblers to reach the District 5-1A title game.

Conemaugh Township will face top-seeded McConnellsburg at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Northern Bedford County High School.

Izzy Slezak scored two goals for 16-3-1 Conemaugh Township. Ashlyn Fetterman provided two assists and tied the program’s career record for assists with 88 (Alyssa Hoffman, 2010 graduate).

District 6 Tournament

Class 2A Semifinals

Cambria Heights 3, Juniata 0: In Patton, the second-seeded Highlanders shut out the sixth-seeded Indians to advance to the district title game for the first time in program history.

Cambria Heights received goals by Brooklyn Galinis, Morgan Ross and Hannah Hite. Maria Wendekier made 12 saves in the shutout.

The Highlanders advance to face Huntingdon, a 2-1 winner over Penns Valley.

Hockey

Laurel Mountain League

Thursday

Central Cambria 4, Altoona 3: In Altoona, Kayden Park, Owen Martin, Thomas Smith and Austin Semelsberger each scored goals as the Red Devils edged the Mountain Lions at Galactic Ice.

Central Cambria’s Maximus Stiles made 16 saves on 19 shots.

Owen Wasovich, Carter Panick and Cayden Helsel each scored a goal for Altoona.

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October 29, 2024
No. 20 Penn men’s soccer secures spot in Ivy League tournament with win over Dartmouth

The Quakers celebrated senior night by securing coach Brian Gill’s 50th career win.

By Samantha Wickham

18 hours ago

Penn men’s soccer celebrates after a goal against Dartmouth on Oct. 26.

Credit: Zach Rodger

In a clash of colors, the Red and Blue prevailed over the Big Green with a 3-2 triumph on senior day. In fitting fashion, it was three seniors who made the difference on the night. No. 20 Penn men’s soccer’s (11-2-1, 5-0 Ivy) win over Dartmouth (5-6-3, 2-2-1 Ivy) protects its perfect record at Rhodes Field during regular season play.

The Red and Blue got off to a quick start with the first goal scored just two minutes into the match when a Penn corner deflected off the Dartmouth defense and found senior forward Stas Korzeniowski. Korzeniowski was able to hook the ball cleanly into the back of the net for his 11th of the season.

“I’m so glad that I was able to put my stamp on the game as early as I did, and that also builds confidence in the group to keep chasing another goal,” Korzeniowski said.

Dartmouth gained some momentum with dangerous positioning in the box in the 8th minute, but were unable to capitalize. Another opportunity for the Big Green arose following a pass between Penn defense that was intercepted, but the shot went wide. After more back and forth and few shots on goal, the silence was broken when a cross reached Penn sophomore Jack-Ryan Jeremiah in the box, but the following shot was parried by Dartmouth goalie Costi Christodoulou.

With 20 minutes remaining in the half, Penn offense picked up speed with a series of threatening possessions in the box. A chaotic few minutes of Quaker control ended with nothing to show for their efforts, when a foul called on Penn senior midfielder Brandon Curran cut the Big Green a break allowing them to clear the ball from further dangerous opportunities for the Quakers.

In response, a dangerous cross found Dartmouth forward Trenton Blake, but Penn sophomore goalie Phillip Falcon III was able to secure the save.

The game slowed down momentarily, with both team’s defensive efforts preventing any threatening opportunities despite the back and forth and physical nature of the game.

Penn’s patience paid off when a yellow card on Dartmouth defender Sebastián Mañón, drawn by Korzeniowski, resulted in a free kick for the Quakers. With just under five in the half, the kick found freshman forward Romeo Dahlen who was able to dish it to senior defender Leo Burney inside the six for a shot that extended the lead for the Red and Blue.

The second half started slow, with possession by both teams but little activity near goal. There was no doubt, however, that Dartmouth was looking to increase intensity and make up their deficit. The first shot of the half came from Penn junior forward Jack Wagoner, missing wide. On the counter, Dartmouth forward Douglas Arveskär got off a shot on goal that Falcon was fortunately able to get a hand on.

Credit: Zach Rodger

Junior defender Oliver Pratt prepares to get on the field in the game against Dartmouth on Oct. 26.

The Red and Blue were not as lucky with the next Dartmouth shot though, when Dartmouth forward Vasilis Moiras was able to find the back of the net from far out in the 54th minute. Just ten minutes later, a quick shift to Dartmouth possession and slight breakdown in Penn defense meant Moiras was again able to take advantage yet again, tying the game for the Big Green with a second goal.

With 25 minutes left in the match, the Quakers offensive efforts again were rewarded when a perfectly placed corner found Penn senior midfielder Brandon Curran who was able to finish from the center of the six.

The Big Green attempted to retaliate with another shot from Moiras headed for the top center of the net, but Falcon was able to protect the Quaker lead with another save. Minutes later, Moiras tried again from far left, but the shot went straight to Falcon.

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Penn dropped back with under ten minutes left, and the Red and Blue defense was able to hold off the last ditch efforts of the Big Green. In the last three minutes, the Quakers regained control of the ball and were able to comfortably finish the game, defending their undefeated record at home and clinching coach Brian Gill’s 50th career win for the program.

“5-0 [in Ivy Play] is as good as it can get five games in. And we want to host the Ivy League tournament here, so we also want to go and win the regular season,” Korzeniowski said. “Our approach is the same as it has been every game, taking one game at a time, slowly climbing the mountain, and hopefully we find ourselves in the position that we’ve been aspiring to.”

The Quakers have lofty goals and have two more Ivy battles to conquer, with a game at Yale on Saturday next up.

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October 29, 2024