Tag: Indianapolis

Indianapolis native Tae Davis transfers to Notre Dame

Add another forward to the roster.

Consistent with his goal of tapping into the state of Indiana’s talent pool, [autotag]Micah Shrewsberry[/autotag] has struck again.

Although the news was made known June 1, Notre Dame finally announced the addition of Indianapolis native and former Seton Hall forward [autotag]Tae Davis[/autotag]. This marks the fourth player with Indiana roots on the Irish’s roster, joining [autotag]J.R. Konieczny[/autotag], [autotag]Markus Burton[/autotag] and [autotag]Logan Imes[/autotag]. The program hasn’t had this many players from the Hoosier State on their roster since the 2015-16 season.

In Davis’ lone season with the Pirates, he averaged 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds over 32 games. He started twice and achieved his season scoring high of 11 points during his first collegiate game against Monmouth. He also had 10 points and seven rebounds in a win over Division II Lincoln.

Davis becomes the 11th player on the 2023-24 roster and the fourth forward for a program that continues to be guard-heavy. Here’s hoping Shrewsberry and his staff can add one more big before the season tips off.

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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Kobayashi set for NASCAR debut with 23XI at Indy

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver and team principal Kamui Kobayashi will make his first start in the NASCAR Cup Series this August at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2021 Le Mans overall winner and two-time Rolex 24 At Daytona winner will drive an 23XI …

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver and team principal Kamui Kobayashi will make his first start in the NASCAR Cup Series this August at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2021 Le Mans overall winner and two-time Rolex 24 At Daytona winner will drive an 23XI Racing-run No. 67 Toyota Camry in this year’s 200 Miles at the Brickyard on Aug. 13 — part of a doubleheader weekend with IndyCar in which both series will share the IMS road course.

“NASCAR is something different in the culture of motorsports compared to Japan and Europe — as a driver, it’s the American dream,” said Kobayashi at today’s announcement at Le Mans, where he is hoping to help score Toyota its sixth win in a row at the Circuit de la Sarthethis weekend.

“I was lucky to be able to race in IMSA the last couple of years. It’s a different form of racing, but I think the racing technology is at a high level. I really appreciate this opportunity from TRD USA and of course Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Gazoo Racing. Toyota has been racing in NASCAR for a long time, but I don’t think any other Japanese driver has raced a Toyota in the Cup Series. I’m very proud of this opportunity.”

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In fact, it will mark the first time in 20 years that a Japanese national will start a NASCAR Cup Series race. The last to do so was Hideo Fukuyama, who made four starts in the Cup Series between 2002-03 — and who, like Kobayashi, was also a successful driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a GT class win in 2000.

David Wilson, president of TRD, U.S.A., driver Kamui Kobayashi of Japan and Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, with the No. 67 Toyota Camry TRD car Kobayashi will drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s truly an honor to have Kamui want to participate in our NASCAR Cup Series program, and we’re thrilled that we could work with our partners at 23XI Racing to give him a competitive Camry TRD for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course event,” said David Wilson, president of TRD USA. “Kamui shares the passion for motorsports that all of us at Toyota and TRD USA live every day so it will be exciting to show him our NASCAR program with him behind the wheel of one of our TRD Camrys.”

Kobayashi’s one-off appearance follows those of Jenson Button, Mike Rockenfeller and Jordan Taylor who have all made recent guest NASCAR starts.

Micah Shrewsberry wants annual game to showcase Notre Dame in Indiana

Are you a fan of this idea?

Since being named Notre Dame coach, [autotag]Micah Shrewsberry[/autotag] has had Indiana at the front of his mind, and not only because he’s from there. Recognizing the state’s rich heritage and talent pool, he’s made it his mission to put the Irish on the same level of recognition as Indiana, Purdue and Butler. It’s not stopping with recruiting either.

In an appearance on “College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein,” Shrewsberry mentioned how he wants at least one of those aforementioned teams involved with the Irish regularly:

This past season was the first without the Crossroads Classic, which had been held in December in Indianapolis for several years. On the Irish’s local media day before the season, [autotag]Mike Brey[/autotag] expressed relief the program didn’t have to deal with it anymore. The Irish finished below .500 all-time in that event, so his feelings were somewhat understandable.

But there’s a new sheriff in town, and Shrewsberry wants to embrace the Irish being part of the Hoosier State, not move away from it. It’s unknown when or if at least one of the former Crossroads Classic participants will be seen on the Irish’s schedule again. A game in Indianapolis probably is more likely to happen first. Whatever happens, Shrewsberry’s pro-Indiana approach could change things for the better in South Bend.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Pete Thamel lists four coaches who could fill Notre Dame opening

Would you like one of these coaches?

Since [autotag]Mike Brey[/autotag] announced his intention to leave Notre Dame in January, various names have floated as his replacement. Our own Nick Shepkowski made his own list of candidates in the immediate aftermath of Brey’s announcement. While it’s nice to keep all options open, it appears the list is starting to narrow down. At least that’s what ESPN’s Pete Thamel said he believes during the most recent episode of College GameDay:

For all we know, this list could be completely bogus with none of the four landing the job. But when you cover college basketball for a living, you’re bound to hear a few whispers about who the next coach might be. For argument’s sake, let’s pretend this list is legitimate and that the search indeed will come down to these four. Then, we can debate as to who would be the best candidate for the Irish for the long haul:

Notre Dame in the Crossroads Classic through the years

The Irish could have fared better during this event.

Notre Dame is set to face Indiana in what will be the final Crossroads Classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The four-team event, which includes Purdue and Butler, has been held every December since 2011 but is coming to an end after this season. It’s a pity an event meant to celebrate all things basketball in a state known for the sport will not exist anymore, especially since it hasn’t been around for very long.

However, all things must come to an end, and the time for this one to wrap up is now.

The Irish are 4-6 in the Crossroads Classic, so they will have a losing record all time for the event. Here is how those games have gone:

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis Prediction, Game Preview

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 6 game on Sunday, October 16

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 6, Sunday, October 16

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis How To Watch

Date: Sunday, October 16
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Jacksonville (2-3), Indianapolis (2-2-1)
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Jacksonville vs Indianapolis Game Preview

Why Jacksonville Will Win

Can Indianapolis move the ball at all?

Jonathan Taylor isn’t able to go on his injured ankle. Even so, it’s like the O line is doing enough to pave the way even if the star is okay.

Matt Ryan has been … interesting. There are too many interceptions for an offense that has turned it over too many times, and Jacksonville’s defense needs to take advantage of it.

At least two takeaways are coming.

Yeah, the Jaguar offense hit a scoring wall against Houston last week, but the parts are there, Trevor Lawrence is progressing, and …

– Week 6 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Indianapolis Will Win

The Colt defense is playing great.

It might have been run on a bit too much by the Titans and Broncos, but it’s coming up with third down stops, it’s keeping the downfield plays to a minimum, and it should be good enough to put the pressure on Lawrence to be patient to keep things moving.

After last week’s 13-6 loss to the Texans, Jacksonville will want to come out firing and make up for it. Patience is the key here, and it might not be happening. However …

– Week 6 NFL Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

It’s not like the Indianapolis offense is going to run away and hit in this.

The opener is the opener – everyone is getting their feet wet. After struggling against Washington, the Jacksonville defense was great with the one blip coming against a Philadelphia attack that’s humming.

Don’t expect a slew of points, and that’s where the turnovers kick in. Indianapolis has a much bigger problem with big mistakes than the Jaguars do.

Jacksonville vs Indianapolis Prediction, Line

Jacksonville 20, Indianapolis 16
Line: Indianapolis -2, o/u: 41.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Jacksonville vs Indianapolis Must See Rating: 3

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– Schedules For All 131 Teams

Indianapolis vs Denver Prediction, Game Preview

Indianapolis vs Denver game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 5 game on Thursday, October 6

Indianapolis vs Denver prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 5, Thursday, October 6

Indianapolis vs Denver How To Watch

Date: Thursday, October 6
Game Time: 8:15 ET
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
How To Watch: Prime Video
Record: Indianapolis (1-2), Denver (2-2)
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Indianapolis vs Denver Game Preview

Why Indianapolis Will Win

Now what will Denver do to run the ball?

Leading rusher Javonte Williams is out for the year for the year with a knee injury, Melvin Gordon is having problems hanging on to the ball, and Latavius Murray isn’t around yet to give it a shot.

The Colts don’t need the help – they’re already great at holding up against the run even after Derrick Henry and the Titans rumbled relatively well last week.

This isn’t an explosive Indianapolis offense – to be nice – but Matt Ryan hasn’t been bad, the defense has carried the weight, and this week the opponent fits.

Denver is 30th in the league in scoring, Russell Wilson and the passing game are struggling to get going, and again, the ground game might not be there.

But on the other side …

– Week 5 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Denver Will Win

Now what will Indianapolis do to run the ball?

It’s not like fantasy football owners didn’t see this coming – Jonathan Taylor hasn’t been right, and now he’s out with a high ankle sprain.

The Colts haven’t been able to generate enough of a push on the ground – it’s not for a lack of trying – and now it’ll be up to Nyheim Hines and a rotation to get one of the league’s worst ground attacks moving.

Yeah, Denver is spinning its wheels a bit, and yeah, it’s not scoring enough, but it’s the Greatest Show on Turf compared to the Colts and the lowest scoring offense in the NFL.

So it should come down to …

– Week 5 NFL Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Who can make the most out of its chances?

Getting points will be like pulling teeth, and that’s partly because of each offense’s woes in the red zone. Indianapolis is miserable inside the 20, and it gives up touchdowns too easily when teams get their chances.

Denver is the worst red zone team in the NFL  – at least when it comes to scoring touchdowns – but it’s No. 1 defensively.

Indianapolis will settle for field goals, Denver will come up with one extra touchdown off a deep drive.

– CFN Week 6 College Football Expert Picks

Indianapolis vs Denver Prediction, Line

Denver 20, Indianapolis 16
Line: Denver -3.5, o/u: 42
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Indianapolis vs Denver Must See Rating: 3

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings
– Schedules For All 131 Teams

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Prediction, Game Preview

Indianapolis vs Houston game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Indianapolis vs Houston prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Indianapolis vs Houston How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Indianapolis (0-0), Houston (0-0)
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– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Indianapolis vs Houston Game Preview

Why Indianapolis Will Win

Do the Texans have the linebackers to deal with Jonathan Taylor and the running game that’s about to roll?

The Indianapolis offensive line is still great, the attack upgraded the quarterback – yes, it did – with Matt Ryan, and 28 is once again going to be the focal point of an attack that’s going to control the clock.

Run with Taylor, let Ryan hit his third down throws, rely on the defense that will once again be great at taking the ball away to force a whole bunch of Texan mistakes.

– Week 1 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Houston Will Win

Houston has some quietly interesting skill parts.

The receivers need an upgrade, but Davis Mills isn’t bad if he gets time – really, he’s good, and Minnesota whiffed by taking Kellen Mond over him – and now Dameon Pierce looks like he might be a strong back behind a not-totally-miserable line.

If the O can do ANYTHING consistently well against the Colt D, the pass rush should be able to get to Ryan just enough to matter. Indianapolis has Taylor, but that receiving corps isn’t anything special.

– Week 1 NFL Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Houston is going to be plucky.

Forget what happened at Illinois – Lovie Smith is a pro coach, and he’s about to improve the defense. The offense, again, is going, to bring some pop, and it all will go away on one 64-yard Jonathan Taylor touchdown run late in the third quarter.

– NFL Team Schedules

Indianapolis vs Houston Prediction, Line

Indianapolis 28, Houston 20
Line: Indianapolis -7, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Indianapolis vs Houston Must See Rating: 2.5
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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– Predictions of Every Game
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– Schedules For All 131 Teams

Caleb Swanigan leads Purdue past Notre Dame in 2016 Crossroads Classic

RIP to a terrific player.

The basketball world is stunned by the news that former Purdue All-American and NBA player Caleb Swanigan is dead at 25. In two seasons with the Boilermakers, Swanigan averaged 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds a game. He was a 2017 first-round selection of the Portland Trail Blazers and played 65 games for them over three seasons. He also was a Sacramento King for 10 games in between.

Swanigan played one game against Notre Dame. That occurred during the 2016 edition of the now-defunct Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis. Facing an Irish team that was coming off back-to-back Elite Eights, Swanigan was the straw that stirred the Boilermakers that day as he had a game-high 26 points to go with 10 rebounds in an 86-81 win. Meanwhile, the Irish got 23 points from [autotag]Bonzie Colson[/autotag] and 22 from [autotag]Matt Farrell[/autotag].

Our thoughts and prayers go to the Swanigan family during this difficult time. He might only have faced the Irish once, but his mark on basketball in Indiana never will be forgotten.

Cowboys lose combine hosting bid; event to remain in Indy for now

Even Mike McCarthy had gone on record in praise of Indianapolis as the host city; it will remain at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2023 and 2024. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Despite a bid to bring the increasingly popular multi-day event to both AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco, the NFL scouting combine will be back home again in Indiana, at least for the next two years.

From the spring meeting in Atlanta, the league Tuesday confirmed a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that the combine would be back in Indianapolis in 2023 and 2024. The Hoosier State’s capital city has been the site of the annual event since 1987.

The league opened up combine hosting duties for the first time late last year. Indianapolis launched an effort to retain the event, and Dallas and Los Angeles each submitted a bid to bring the late-winter spectacle to their city.

But according to league’s press release:

“After close review by our internal team, the Fan Engagement & Major Events Advisory Committee, and the National Invitational Camp staff, Indianapolis remains the best city to host and grow the NFL combine in 2023 and 2024.”

“Indy’s vision brings together its long legacy of successfully hosting the Combine and executing the evaluation process,” the announcement continues, “with an exciting focus on innovating and further growing the event from a fan and media perspective.”

A significant number of NFL coaches, front office staff, and media representatives made no secret of their desire for the combine to stay put in Indianapolis, citing easy access to all facilities under one roof (or at least connected via skyway or underground tunnels) and the walkability of the compact downtown area.

While the Cowboys have world-class facilities at both their home stadium and their team headquarters, Arlington and Frisco are over separated by over 35 miles of freeway. Using both locations would have presented logistical challenges as players, team personnel, and media members would have had Metroplex traffic to contend with in an already-heavily-scheduled week.

Team owner Jerry Jones has said openly that he had The Star complex constructed with an event like the combine in mind.

But even Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy went on record with a tip of his cap to his Hoosier hosts.

“I love Indianapolis,” McCarthy said earlier this year. “I don’t think you can not appreciate what Indianapolis means to the National Football League… I love the setup here. I think it’s great. So I’ve always enjoyed coming here and I think they do a great job hosting the combine.”

Visit Indy, the official tourism site of Indianapolis, says this year’s combine generated an estimated $9.6 million in economic impact for the city.

It also saw the highest fan attendance in its history, with fans allowed into the lower bowl of Lucas Oil Stadium to watch workouts. The city’s bid for 2023 and 2024 reportedly includes a new and improved fan experience outside the stadium.

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