The second week of the IHSA football playoffs narrowed Rockford’s field even further, but here are the players who stood out the most this weekend. Whether their teams won or lost, these players all stepped up big:
Alec Schlichting, Lena-Winslow
Schlichting continued his hot streak, rushing for 215 yards and four TDs to spark Lena-Winslow’s 44-14 win over Stockton in the Class 1A second-round playoffs.
Cooper Hoffman, Durand/Pecatonica
Hoffman, the Rivermen senior quarterback, completed 16 of his 22 passes for 134 yards and two TDs with no interceptions as Du/Pec stormed past Paxton Buckley-Loda 33-6. Hoffman also rushed 16 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
Grant Gensler, Rochelle
Gensler ran for 137 yards and four touchdowns on only 15 carries and also had an interception near the goal line in Rochelle’s 38-6 Class 5A victory over Lisle Benet.
Ethan Goodwin, Rochelle
Goodwin had a game-high 12 tackles in Rochelle’s 38-6 win over Lisle Benet as the Hubs (10-1) won 10 games for the first time in 21 years.
More:Illinois high school football: IHSA state football playoffs Round 2 scores
Caden Considine, Byron
Considine not only had 36 carries for 161 yards on the ground during Saturday’s 14-13 Byron defeat, but he also led the defense with 11 tackles and two passes defensed from his linebacker position.
Caiden Gates, Boylan
Gates tied for the team lead in tackles with nine and was Boylan’s leading rusher with 54 yards on four carries in the Titans’ 33-10 loss to Coal City.
Ben Bucher, Belvidere North
Bucher ran for a team-high 52 yards on seven carries, including TD runs of 32 and 7 yards in Belvidere North’s 28-10 win over Wauconda. Bucher has six touchdown runs in two playoff games.
Noah Rooney, Belvidere North
Rooney had two interceptions, including a 48-yard pick six to expand Belvidere North’s lead to 21-10 in an eventual 28-10 Class 6A win over Wauconda and give the Blue Thunder a school-record 10 wins on the season.
Gavin Sanders, Lutheran
While Sanders was bottled up much of the day as far as rushing the ball goes, he did take a pitch and lofted a 51-yard touchdown pass to David Ballard during Lutheran’s 53-29 loss to LeRoy in Saturday’s 1A playoffs.
8-man
Karter Livengood, Milledgeville
The Missiles ran Livengood so much he used up three lines of their scorebook. The 5-11, 195-pound junior ran 30 times for 104 yards and both TDs in a hard-fought 16-12 win over Ridgewood. He also completed four of five passes for 67 yards as Milledgeville reached the 8-man semifinals for the first time. The Missiles (10-1) host Polo (11-0) next week in a rematch of Polo’s 30-14 win in Week 6. Polo clobbered West Carroll 66-0 and has won every game this year by at least 36 points except for that 16-point win against the Missiles.
Polo’s offensive line
The Marcos (11-0) ran for 386 yards on 32 carries in a 66-0 quarterfinal win over West Carroll. Eleven different Polo players carried the ball. None had more than seven carries or more than 77 yards, but all ran wild behind dominant blocking.
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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)
The Ducks are loaded with a solid overall team and talent on both sides of the ball. Guards Nishad Strother and Marcus Harper II are both solid players, but if I had to pick a weaker position group, it would be them. Strother is stiff in the hips, a lunger, and top-heavy in pass protection. He is often caught with his weight forward and struggles with athletic linebackers and defensive tackles, as well as in movement. However, he is a good run blocker, performed well last week against Michigan’s dynamic defensive tackle duo, and stays on his blocks to root people out.
Harper’s pass protection issues are more mental than physical; he seems confused at times about assignments and is often beaten when he pulls as a power pass blocker. In the run game, he struggles to sustain his blocks and faces similar issues with combo blocks. Oregon does a good job of mixing up drops and moving the pocket to help out, and Dillion Gabriel’s quick release and athleticism extend plays.
A coach told me this summer they were concerned about OL depth if any starters were injured, and I agree — it would make their national championship hopes more difficult.
Georgia has the most stacked roster in the country by a wide margin. Although I was tempted to put turnover-prone quarterback Carson Beck as its biggest weakness, I chose the tight end group of Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and Benjamin Yurosek. All three are talented players, but replacing Brock Bowers — the best tight end I’ve seen in my lifetime — has not gone well.
Yurosek has been a disappointment with only three catches in eight games. Delp has been inconsistent as a blocker and has underdelivered in the passing game with nine catches for 120 yards and zero touchdowns, 22 yards after contact, and both a drop and a fumble. Luckie has been the best of the bunch with 13 catches for 183 yards, three touchdowns and a fumble. He’s also a better blocker than he’s given credit for. The Bulldogs need this position to be better.
Ohio State’s tight end room might be worse than their left tackle position, but the receivers can help cover the gap. All-American guard Donovan Jackson stepped in last week and competed well in a tough spot, and he will likely start for the rest of the season after both the starting and backup tackles were injured and ruled out. Jackson is an excellent guard and multi-year starter for the Buckeyes, but it may take time for him to adjust to left tackle, which he hasn’t played since high school. He will do well as a run blocker, but leaving him on an island in pass protection, as they did on third down last week, could spell trouble against elite defenders like Abdul Carter.
OSU will need to help Jackson by chipping with tight ends and backs or sliding protection his way. Jackson’s versatility to move to tackle could help his draft stock in a pinch.
Miami’s secondary has been a work in progress with both positive and negative moments. Safety Jaden Harris and corners Jadais Richard and Daryl Porter Jr. have struggled the most this season. Harris has been targeted 18 times, allowing 10 catches for 95 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two penalties. He has been solid in run support, showing physicality. Richard has played press coverage on about half his snaps and allowed 27 catches for 378 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception with three penalties; he’s now expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Porter has allowed 32 catches for 391 yards and one touchdown with three penalties, but his stats are misleading as he often shadows receivers and is rarely in press coverage.
The Canes are expected to get Damari Brown back soon, which could be a boost heading into the College Football Playoff. While there’s room for improvement, Miami’s secondary will need to elevate its play as competition gets tougher.
Few people expected Quinn Ewers to be the weak link for Texas, but he’s been average at best and missed two games with an oblique injury. I also think he’s in his head somewhat and just has not looked like the same guy since returning from that oblique injury three weeks ago. At the risk of absolutely inflaming my alma mater, I’m saying quarterback is Texas’ biggest need, even with talented Arch Manning behind Ewers.
Ewers benefits from Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling, which creates space and mismatches, but his stats are a product of Sarkisian’s scheme and are mostly underwhelming for a team with such talent. He’s completing 69% of his passes, averaging 231.5 yards per game with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. Concerningly, his average yards per attempt is less than 7.5, with most of his yards coming after the catch. The staff doesn’t seem to trust him to go deep, and the preseason loss of running back CJ Baxter has impacted Texas’ play-action game, reducing their play-action rate by 10% from last year. Ewers also isn’t a running threat, with two fumbles on 12 attempts, and defenses can play 11-on-10 without having to account for him. Ewers will need to improve quickly as Texas faces quality opponents like Texas A&M and playoff-level defenses. The Longhorns have the skill talent and defense to win a national championship. I am worried quarterback will hold them back.
Penn State’s passing game has slightly improved this season, but they still lack a difference-maker at wide receiver. Nobody has the ability to create space or separation.
Transfer Julian Fleming has been a disappointment with 11 catches for 152 yards, three drops, and zero touchdowns. Liam Clifford, averaging fewer than two catches per game, has 14 receptions for 246 yards and one touchdown. Omari Evans has flashed big-play potential but is only seeing about one reception per game. PSU’s leading receiver, Harrison Wallace III, has 24 catches for 395 yards and two touchdowns, placing him 40th in the Big Ten. Recruiting top talent at wideout is challenging when receivers aren’t utilized heavily, but the team’s strong run game and defense have kept the Nittany Lions competitive. Where are the Jahan Dotsons and KJ Hamlers of the world?
Tennessee’s offensive line has struggled, especially the offensive tackles. Lance Heard, a transfer with limited film from LSU, was expected to be a standout at left tackle but has struggled mightily. He’s missed two games and has given up 14 pressures and two penalties, appearing heavy and unathletic. Right tackle John Campbell Jr. has nine penalties, 11 pressures allowed, and difficulty with inside moves and power rushers. Campbell is a better run blocker, effective at pulling, and plays through the whistle. This week, they face Georgia’s formidable defensive front. Uh-oh.
Indiana has been a surprise team this season, with their roster exceeding expectations. If I had to pick a position of need, it would be tight end. Zach Horton has been solid, with 16 catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns. James Bomba, primarily a blocker, has missed three games and has only one catch. While not dynamic, these tight ends have been reliable and dependable for moving the chains. But on a team without any real flaws, I wonder if a game-changing tight end could be the difference in a Big Ten Championship race.
The Cougars have been solid on both sides of the ball but could benefit from a dominant edge rusher to elevate their defense. They have only 13 sacks this season, ranking 101st nationally, with linebacker Jack Kelly leading the team at four sacks. While Kelly rushes off the edge at times, the defense would be significantly stronger with a true edge threat like an Ezekiel Ansah (throwback).
Tyler Batty has been disruptive, playing both as a 4i and on the edge with 23 pressures generated, but he has struggled to finish, recording just one sack. Isaiah Bagnah has produced similar results, generating 14 pressures with only one sack. BYU primarily bases its defense out of a three-man front, which doesn’t aid in pass-rushing, and while John Nelson has been solid, he operates more effectively as an interior threat.
BYU ranks sixth in the conference in total defense but sits at 11th in sacks—a concern as they face higher-caliber talent. This lack of a consistent edge presence could pose challenges down the road if they secure a playoff berth.
Notre Dame’s offensive tackles are not excelling, which was expected after losing Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL. The Irish have been forced to start true freshman Anthonie Knapp after Charles Jagusah’s fall camp injury. Knapp has allowed 14 pressures, four sacks, and five penalties, though he shows promise for the future. With the College Football Playoff on the line, Knapp’s inexperience could become an issue against top-tier edge rushers, but these reps should pay off for him next season.
INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEGATIVE EXPOSURE TO NIGERIA AT PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES INAUGURATED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, SENATOR JOHN OWAN ENOH, ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMITTEE’S RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee submitted a comprehensive 54-page report featuring testimonies of the personalities involved, digital and documentary evidence and annexures.
Below are the highlights of the committee’s resolutions and recommendations:
Conflicting evidences showed that the Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili’s omission from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is traceable to any one of the following organizations: The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), World Athletics (WA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Committee was very mindful not to WRONGLY INDICT anyone on the basis of conflicting, inconclusive evidences.
Conclusive evidence revealed, however, that the Secretary General of the AFN Mrs. Rita Mosindi, was NEGLIGENT in her duty of communicating to the Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigeria Olympic Committee information about Favour Ofili’s event status in a reliable and timely manner. Mrs. Mosindi should be PENALIZED by the appropriate authority.
Conclusive evidence also revealed that the Technical Director of AFN, Mr Samuel Onikeku demonstrated POOR JUDGEMENT by not reporting nor acting on information about the non-registration of his own athlete, Favour Ofili, for the women’s 100 meters event when he first got a “hint” of the “rumour.” Ofili’s situation might have been rescued if the Technical Director had reported or acted immediately on the information that he received. Mr. Onikeku should be SANCTIONED by the Board of AFN of which he is a member.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AF) by vicarious implication should pay the athlete, Favour Ofili, a symbolic compensation of N&million Naira only (about $5,000 US Dollars) for the disappointment and depression that she suffered on account of her omission from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Mr. Samuel Fadele and Mr. Emmanuel Nweri of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) should be WARNED not to rely on social media applications as a means of important official communication in the future. Physical documents and/or Emails remain the acceptable standards for official communication.
The athlete, Favour Ofili, should take an introspective look at her general ATTITUDE to improve her relationships with co-athletes and officials
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Ministry of Sports Development should jointly develop a written CODE OF GOVERNANCE to improve synergy of operations and close the communication gaps between both organizations.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) should be more transparent in its relationship with the Ministry of Sports Development. Had the NOC been more open, its legally-binding kitting contract with an American sportswear manufacturer, Actively Black Company, would not have suffered any risk of breach and caused any controversy or embarrassment to Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Ministry and the NOC should eschew mutual suspicion and promote TRANSPARENCY and MUTUAL TRUST in their interactions for the benefit of Nigerian sports and the athletes.
The cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye, should write a FORMAL APOLOGY to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) for the embarrassment that she caused the Federation and the Nigerian contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on account of the unauthorized post that she made on social media X (Formerly Twitter) about the bicycle that she used for the Cycling track event at the Olympics.
10.Every Sports Federation should design comprehensive, sport-specific CODES OF CONDUCT for their athletes representing Nigeria at international events. These should be enforced to the letter without fear or favour.
The Minister of Sports Development, even with the best intentions of defending and protecting the image and integrity of the country, should restrain from addressing the media on issues affecting individual athletes and leave that to the Sports Federations. Athletes must be held accountable by Sports Federations while the Federations must be held accountable by the Minister of Sports Development.
12.Every Sport Federation should aspire to set up an Anti-Doping Commission in order to improve doping control amongst their athletes. They should follow the good example of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
The Minister of Sports Development should follow through to ensure Presidential accent to the Nigeria Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) whose enabling Bill has been passed by the two houses of the National Assembly.
14.Nigerian athletes should take greater responsibility for their own personal welfare by avoiding intake of foods, drinks and drugs that might result in failed tests,
15.The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) should review its policy of not having written agreements with the technical officials that it engages for competitions. This is against best global practices as even conditional or temporary employments can be covered by written agreements. The Federation should write Letters of Commendation and present Plaques of Honour to all the coaches and players that made Nigeria proud as the first African women’s basketball team to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Paris.
16.The Ministry of Sports Development should write a Letter of Commendation and present a Plaque of Honour to Engr. Giandiomanico Masari, President of Nigeria Cycling Federation for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s debut appearance in the Olympic Cycling events at Paris 2024 Games
17.Central to the problems of Nigerian sports is INADEQUATE FUNDING and untimely release of funds by government for preparation and participation at major international sports events. The Ministry of Sports Development should adopt a more PRIVATE-SECTOR-LED CONCEPT proposed by the Investigative Committee to close the huge funding gap in Nigerian sports.
18.The funds subsequently raised should be channeled toward resuscitating of National Sports Zonal Offices for grassroots sports development; infrastructure development, upgrade and maintenance; training of technical and administrative personnel; early preparation and support for elite athletes; incentives and rewards for outstanding athletes, etcetera.
Full details of Respondents Testimonies, the Committee’s Deductions and how we arrived at our Recommendations are contained in the full report submitted to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Own Enoh.
INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEGATIVE EXPOSURE TO NIGERIA AT PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES INAUGURATED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, SENATOR JOHN OWAN ENOH, ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMITTEE’S RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee submitted a comprehensive 54-page report featuring testimonies of the personalities involved, digital and documentary evidence and annexures.
Below are the highlights of the committee’s resolutions and recommendations:
Conflicting evidences showed that the Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili’s omission from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is traceable to any one of the following organizations: The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), World Athletics (WA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Committee was very mindful not to WRONGLY INDICT anyone on the basis of conflicting, inconclusive evidences.
Conclusive evidence revealed, however, that the Secretary General of the AFN Mrs. Rita Mosindi, was NEGLIGENT in her duty of communicating to the Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigeria Olympic Committee information about Favour Ofili’s event status in a reliable and timely manner. Mrs. Mosindi should be PENALIZED by the appropriate authority.
Conclusive evidence also revealed that the Technical Director of AFN, Mr Samuel Onikeku demonstrated POOR JUDGEMENT by not reporting nor acting on information about the non-registration of his own athlete, Favour Ofili, for the women’s 100 meters event when he first got a “hint” of the “rumour.” Ofili’s situation might have been rescued if the Technical Director had reported or acted immediately on the information that he received. Mr. Onikeku should be SANCTIONED by the Board of AFN of which he is a member.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AF) by vicarious implication should pay the athlete, Favour Ofili, a symbolic compensation of N&million Naira only (about $5,000 US Dollars) for the disappointment and depression that she suffered on account of her omission from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Mr. Samuel Fadele and Mr. Emmanuel Nweri of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) should be WARNED not to rely on social media applications as a means of important official communication in the future. Physical documents and/or Emails remain the acceptable standards for official communication.
The athlete, Favour Ofili, should take an introspective look at her general ATTITUDE to improve her relationships with co-athletes and officials
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Ministry of Sports Development should jointly develop a written CODE OF GOVERNANCE to improve synergy of operations and close the communication gaps between both organizations.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) should be more transparent in its relationship with the Ministry of Sports Development. Had the NOC been more open, its legally-binding kitting contract with an American sportswear manufacturer, Actively Black Company, would not have suffered any risk of breach and caused any controversy or embarrassment to Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Ministry and the NOC should eschew mutual suspicion and promote TRANSPARENCY and MUTUAL TRUST in their interactions for the benefit of Nigerian sports and the athletes.
The cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye, should write a FORMAL APOLOGY to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) for the embarrassment that she caused the Federation and the Nigerian contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on account of the unauthorized post that she made on social media X (Formerly Twitter) about the bicycle that she used for the Cycling track event at the Olympics.
10.Every Sports Federation should design comprehensive, sport-specific CODES OF CONDUCT for their athletes representing Nigeria at international events. These should be enforced to the letter without fear or favour.
The Minister of Sports Development, even with the best intentions of defending and protecting the image and integrity of the country, should restrain from addressing the media on issues affecting individual athletes and leave that to the Sports Federations. Athletes must be held accountable by Sports Federations while the Federations must be held accountable by the Minister of Sports Development.
12.Every Sport Federation should aspire to set up an Anti-Doping Commission in order to improve doping control amongst their athletes. They should follow the good example of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
The Minister of Sports Development should follow through to ensure Presidential accent to the Nigeria Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) whose enabling Bill has been passed by the two houses of the National Assembly.
14.Nigerian athletes should take greater responsibility for their own personal welfare by avoiding intake of foods, drinks and drugs that might result in failed tests,
15.The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) should review its policy of not having written agreements with the technical officials that it engages for competitions. This is against best global practices as even conditional or temporary employments can be covered by written agreements. The Federation should write Letters of Commendation and present Plaques of Honour to all the coaches and players that made Nigeria proud as the first African women’s basketball team to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Paris.
16.The Ministry of Sports Development should write a Letter of Commendation and present a Plaque of Honour to Engr. Giandiomanico Masari, President of Nigeria Cycling Federation for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s debut appearance in the Olympic Cycling events at Paris 2024 Games
17.Central to the problems of Nigerian sports is INADEQUATE FUNDING and untimely release of funds by government for preparation and participation at major international sports events. The Ministry of Sports Development should adopt a more PRIVATE-SECTOR-LED CONCEPT proposed by the Investigative Committee to close the huge funding gap in Nigerian sports.
18.The funds subsequently raised should be channeled toward resuscitating of National Sports Zonal Offices for grassroots sports development; infrastructure development, upgrade and maintenance; training of technical and administrative personnel; early preparation and support for elite athletes; incentives and rewards for outstanding athletes, etcetera.
Full details of Respondents Testimonies, the Committee’s Deductions and how we arrived at our Recommendations are contained in the full report submitted to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Own Enoh.
Football school. Better late than never, but never late is better. It only took 9 week for the Indiana football team to get a little respect, and they are now ranked #8 in the country. That’s not a typo, it’s the year 2024, and your Hoosiers are a top 10 football program. Rankings are the most fugazi thing going in college athletics (other than NIL programs being one degree of separation from drug dealers), but it would simply be nice to get an iota of recognition. The fact that IU hasn’t trailed for a second until week 9 where they went into the biggest trap game of all time against Michigan State is bonkers (they won by 37 by the way.) This is coming off a game where IU spanked a Big 10 opponent with their backup quarterback.
Has IU played the toughest schedule in the world? No, but when you’re leading the FBS in points differential and completely shitting down the throats of your opponents, what more does a team have to do to get respect? Notre Dame lost AT HOME to Northern Fucking Illinois and until this week they were ranked higher than the Hoosiers. Oh, they beat Navy on a neutral sight? Wow. Cool. Nothing but love for Navy, but give me a break. Notre Dame is living off their name, and the fact that people still get a hard on for the movie Rudy. Even the Ohio States of the world who have only lost to a great Oregon team have looked like dog shit against lesser opponents. Some of those opponents OSU ekeed out wins against, IU hung a 50 burger on. A wins a win, but no one has been winning like the Hoosiers, and blowout wins should mean something for the rankings.
Despite IU being ready for every game, and blowing the doors off every opponent, the only way to truly get recognized is to beat Ohio State in a few weeks. Any team in the country would be reading their own headlines, start getting an ego, and slip up, but IU hasn’t missed a beat this season with Cig holding the reigns. The way Cig has the blinders on his team to focus only on the next opponent is like the ghost of Bobby Knight has taken human form in a football coach. So with the defending National Champs coming to Bloomington next week, I know the team will be ready and not looking ahead to Ohio State. In the word’s of Coach Cig – This team is disciplined, relentless, and never satisfied. Other programs might have more notoriety, and a higher bank roll which helps them land the best recruits, but Indiana is THE BEST OVERALL TEAM in college football. If your program has a problem with it, come play the Hoosiers. In Cig We Trust.
Indiana Football Can Do All Things Through Cig Who Strengthens Us – Hoosiers 9:0
In a profession where passion meets creativity, choosing a career in culinary arts can be as rewarding as it is demanding. Choosing a career in culinary arts is not for the faint-hearted but for those with dedication and a creative spirit. The road to becoming a successful chef is paved with challenges, yet, the rewards of creating extraordinary food experiences can make it all worthwhile. For aspiring chefs, the path may seem exciting, but it also comes with its share of challenges that need to be understood before setting on this journey.
How To Become A Successful Chef?
1. Passion for Food
At the heart of any successful culinary career is a genuine love for food. The ability to experiment with flavours and ingredients is crucial to staying motivated in the long run. A chef’s passion fuels their creativity to thrive in a high-pressure kitchen, where long hours and demanding schedules can be overwhelming. It’s this relentless drive that has helped chefs like Siddharth Parab push the boundaries of traditional cuisine and explore new techniques. Without an enduring passion for food, the demands of the job can quickly become overwhelming.
Also Read:These Chefs Were Almost Anything But Cooks – Their Shocking Career Backstories Revealed
2. Culinary Education
Formal culinary training can be a great stepping stone for anyone serious about a career in this field. Enrolling in a culinary school or joining professional cooking classes gives you the foundational skills necessary to excel in the kitchen. These programmes provide a hands-on experience, allowing budding chefs to gain confidence in preparing a wide range of dishes. Beyond the basics, education opens the door to understanding international cuisines, advanced techniques and even the science behind cooking, all of which are essential in modern kitchens. Aspiring chefs can also learn to appreciate the importance of food safety, nutrition and kitchen management.
3. Work Experience
While education provides a foundation, nothing prepares you for the realities of working in a kitchen like professional experience. Standing for long hours, meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple tasks simultaneously are part of daily life. Chef Parab’s journey to becoming a renowned Executive Chef involved years of hard work and learning from different kitchen setups. Starting at the bottom and working your way up through various roles is an integral part of the journey and helps chefs develop both technical and interpersonal skills.
4. Specialisation and Creativity
One of the most exciting aspects of a culinary career is the opportunity to specialise. Whether you’re drawn to pastry, fine dining or experimental cuisine, finding your niche can help set you apart in the industry. Specialising allows chefs to dig deep into specific techniques and styles, which can lead to mastery in that area. Specialisations not only boost your expertise but also make you stand out in this competitive industry.
Also Read:Exciting Careers For Food Enthusiasts Who Do Not Want To Cook
5. Creativity is Key
Culinary arts is, above all, a creative field. Being open to new ideas, experimenting with different cuisines and learning diverse cooking styles are what keep chefs ahead of trends. Aspiring chefs should not be afraid to experiment and sometimes even fail in order to find their own voice in the kitchen. The ability to think outside the box is what turns a good chef into a great one and this creativity can come from exploring different ingredients, techniques and global cuisines.
6. Physical Demands
The physical demands of working in a kitchen cannot be understated. Long hours on your feet, working in hot and often cramped conditions are all part and parcel of the job. It’s a physically and mentally challenging profession that requires endurance and resilience. Yet, for those who are passionate about their craft, the rewards often outweigh the hardships.
7. Networking and Mentorship
In an industry where who you know can be just as important as what you know, networking is essential. Building relationships with other chefs, industry professionals and mentors can lead to job opportunities and invaluable learning experiences. Aspiring chefs should attend food festivals, participate in culinary competitions and join professional organisations to expand their network. Mentorship from experienced chefs can provide crucial guidance and help navigate the challenges of the profession.
About the author: Chef Siddharth Parab, Executive Chef at SpiceKlub USA in Cupertino, California, has carved a name for himself in the culinary world.
Darryn Peterson, the top-ranked guard in the class of 2025, is all set to decide between Kansas, Kansas State, Ohio State and USC this Friday.
A 6-foot-5 guard from Ohio who is playing his senior season at Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep, Peterson’s decision will be carried live on CBS Sports HQ, the CBS Sports app and the 247Sports YouTube Channel at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
Peterson has taken official visits to each of his four finalists. Peterson visited Kansas on June 23, USC on Aug. 2, Ohio State on Aug. 30 and Kansas State on Sept. 27.
Peterson is ranked No. 3 overall in the 2025 class and is considered the No. 1 combo guard in the class.
Earlier this week Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler visited with Peterson’s family while USC head coach Eric Musselman was in on Tuesday. Jayhawks head coach Bill Self was expected to be the last coach to visit with Peterson and his family when he dropped by on Wednesday night.
A high-profile recruitment, Peterson is one of many top-ranked prospects in the 2025 class nearing a decision. Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer, ranked No. 2 and No. 21 overall, came off the board on Oct. 11 and committed to Duke.
247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein provides this scouting report on Peterson:
Peterson is a big guard with good positional size, length, and strength. He’s 6-foot-5, with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, and a cut-up and defined frame. What differentiates him most though is an effortless ability to score and make plays from a variety of spots on the floor, all within the flow of the game.
Peterson is extremely versatile. He’s a true combo guard who is equally effective playing on or off the ball. He has natural poise as a handler with now only rare moments when he can be rattled by pressure from smaller guards. He’s also a true multi-level scorer who can simultaneously see the floor, make reads, and pass well. He has a very smooth pull-up game, can overpower most opposing guards off the dribble, take smaller defenders into the post, and also thrive in ball-screens. His understanding of how to get to his spots is second to none and that’s why he’s such an efficient scorer, even in high volume, especially inside the arc (24 points per game in 3SSB play on 50% shooting from the floor and 57% on two-point field goals). He also has good natural instincts and has already developed an NBA caliber intellect when it comes to drawing fouls and getting easy points at the free-throw line.
While he was nearly a 90% shooter at the free-throw line, he was just under 31% from behind the arc. He has a mechanically clean and projectable stroke, but is still working to become a more consistent three-point shooter, particularly off the catch. He’s a good athlete, but doesn’t necessarily have overwhelming or dynamic pop when attempting to separate or explode at the rim. He plays with a ton of on-ball volume right now, and will inevitably have to learn to play less with the ball in his hands at the next level, even as a primary playmaker.
Peterson is a solid and competitive on-ball defender with very good playmaking metrics off the ball as well (3.4 stocks per game). He is also an elite perimeter rebounder (7.4 per game) with the size, strength, and length to eventually be a multi-positional defender.
Overall, there’s just not another guard in the country right now who can match Peterson’s combination of size, length, strength, real functional versatility, and effortless ability to get to his spots that can make the game look easy at times.
Dekota Schubert wasn’t shy about why she returned to Hastings College for a fifth year of eligibility.
“It was completely (for) soccer,” the super senior said through a smile last week.
It definitely wasn’t for school. For one, HC doesn’t offer the kind of post-grad education Schubert is seeking — she wants to be a chiropractor when she grows up.
She has plenty of time to do that. The clock, however, is ticking on what has been one of the best women’s soccer careers in the history of the Bronco program, which will turn 30 two seasons from now.
Soon Schubert, who plans to leave school at semester’s end with plenty more than a bachelor’s degree’s worth of credits in her backpack, will lace up her boots for the final time in crimson and white.
She and the No. 17 Broncos hope it’s some time in December. The 9th — the day of the NAIA national championship — if they should be so lucky. The aspirations are high at Lloyd Wilson Field.
Last year, Schubert led the Hastings College back to the NAIA final site for the first time since 2018. That’s where the Broncos’ 2023 story ended, and, to some degree, where Schubert’s final chapter began.
“When we lost last year at nationals, I just wasn’t satisfied,” she said, “and just felt like I had more to offer.”
Coach Jade Ovendale thought the opposite. Having been at the helm for exactly as long as Schubert’s been a Bronco, Ovendale was prepared for their run together to sadly be over.
“I honestly thought she wasn’t gonna come back, especially when we went to the Sweet 16,” Ovendale said. “I thought this was a nice way to end her career.”
An emotional Schubert, in the immediate aftermath of the 4-0 loss to Central Methodist, emphatically announced that wasn’t her last game as a Bronco.
Ovendale wanted her to think it over through the holidays.
When they met after the winter break, Schubert’s desires remained the same.
The Castle Rock, Colo., native wants team success as bad as anyone — conference championships have returned as the program’s standard after a five-year drought.
She also knew, through a little math, she was close to some individual history.
After last season, Schubert had 51 career goals and 38 assists, which put her at 140 career points. That was 35 points from Megan Kruse’s career points mark set during her four year career from 2013-16.
“I knew I was that close to those records and had more I wanted to accomplish, I guess,” Schubert said.
On Oct. 19, 16 games into the season, Schubert overtook Kruse on the points list with a game-winning goal in the final minute to top Dordt 2-1.
“On a corner (kick), as well,” Ovendale said. “She’s had so many of them. It doesn’t matter what you write up on tactics, it was just a moment of magic and why we all love sports.”
As it stands, Schubert’s 175 points rank her second in Great Plains Athletic Conference history behind Concordia’s Jennifer Davis (203).
Schubert needs five more goals to overtake Kruse (69) in career goals. She already is the assists leader, besting Kruse last season.
That’s more to chase for Schubert, who has helped the Broncos so far to a 12-1-5 record, including a spotless 8-0-3 in conference play.
The pursuit, from a team perspective, is now on to pull off a “double-double” of conference championships. That is winning the regular season and the tournament titles, which has not been done since 2018.
With Schubert’s game-winner against Dordt, the Broncos clinched the regular season crown for a second consecutive fall — the first time they’ve done so since 2015-16.
Hastings missed out on the conference tournament championship last season by losing to Dordt in the semifinals.
“We are really motivated to win both,” Schubert said.
Added Ovendale: “Going through conference undefeated is still a goal of ours. I think that’s something the girls want to do, as well.”
For Schubert, a three-time first-team selection in the GPAC and All-American honorable mention (2022), she’d also like to be recognized as the league’s best.
“I would love to be GPAC player of the year, but if I don’t get it that’s OK,” Schubert said. “The only thing I care about is my team and winning conference and nationals. Whatever happens with that stuff it is what it is. I just want to succeed as a team.”
