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Happy Thursday, everyone. There isn’t a lot going on today, outside of Tua Tagovailoa availing himself to the local media for a 2:30 CT press conference in which he is not expected to share any news about his NFL future. This should be an update on how he’s progressing and he may share some additional thoughts on the decision making process, but don’t expect anything too exciting.
Finebaum pissed off some Utes yesterday.
"Let's be honest, the country does not want to see Utah in the College Football Playoff."@finebaum sparing no feelings this morning pic.twitter.com/rz1tEzBtek
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 4, 2019
I’m not a Finebaum fan, but I see no lies here.
A few other links for you:
USA Today has a Bryce Young highlight and notes that he threw for 4,123 yards, 53 TDs, and only 3 INT this season.
Detroit Free Press posits that Michigan vs. Alabama would be a “dream scenario” for the Citrus Bowl.
Christopher Walsh notes in his Roll Call that today is the anniversary of Alabama being crowned national champions by the AP for the first time, back in 1961. There are several interesting nuggets in that piece.
Brett Hudson of Tuscaloosa News has Bama’s bowl outlook for you after the committee’s shenanigans.
Edwin Stanton of Tuscaloosa News notes that Alabama commit Kristian Story is playing for a state title.
The Ringer discusses the impact that potential DPOY Minkah Fitzpatrick has had on the Steelers since his midseason trade.
Last, you may have heard yesterday that next year’s season opening opponent, the USC Trojans, decided to keep head coach Clay Helton after his firing had been assumed by many since the start of the season. Well, Dan Wolken has some #sauces:
The bottom line is that money was a huge factor in the decision making at USC. Not just the Helton buyout but the cost of luring a top coach. People who were in the mix for the AD job left the process convinced USC couldn’t afford a James Franklin
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 4, 2019
In general, the news that Helton would be retained was not received well by the fan base, or at least the online portion of it. To be frank, this sounds a lot like Gus Malzahn: fans don’t like him, wins just enough to keep his job, can’t afford to can him.
Quite the conundrum.
That’s about it for today. Have a great day.
Roll Tide.