Tag: Orlando

Notre Dame’s Most Recent Bowl Game Gets Name Change

When Notre Dame and Iowa State met in December it was the Camping World Bowl. Well, it is no longer as the Cheez-It Bowl is headed east.

When Notre Dame and Iowa State squared off back on December 28 they played in what was then called the Camping World Bowl.

It was one of several names the game has had over the years: The Blockbuster Bowl, Carquest Bowl, MicronPC Bowl, MicronPC.com Bowl, Tangerine Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, Russell Athletic Bowl and since 2017, the Camping World Bowl.

Well, that is no more as the annual post-season game played in Orlando now has a different sponsor.

The Cheez-It Bowl.

So the annual game played each December in Phoenix makes the trip east now.

So do with it what you like, just know that if Notre Dame ends the year in Orlando this year, and not in the Citrus Bowl, that they’ll be playing for all of the Cheez-Its.  And if they do, let’s just hope it’s half as entertaining as the 2018 thriller between TCU and California in the Cheez-Its Bowl.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-CaV6XPsdU&w=560&h=315]

State of Florida deems sports ‘essential’; Orlando an option for NBA resumption

Florida emerges as potential NBA reboot site after state department deems pro sports as “essential services.”

The NBA has been on hold since March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic that has the much of the larger world on hold as well. However, there could be some hope for sports returning sooner than some pundits have predicted.

The curve representing the spread of the virus is beginning to show progress, as most Americans are taking the necessary distancing precautions to remain safe and slow down the spread of the virus. These developments have Dallas Mavericks managing partner Mark Cuban believing that the NBA could resume as soon as early June. Then the NBA began putting together a 25-day “return to basketball” plan that gives the teams and players time to get back into shape before it all begins again.

A new wrinkle developed on Tuesday as the state of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management deemed professional sports as an “essential service” in this memo, which extended an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This would appear to mean that professional sports can be played in Florida, in empty gyms and stadiums, and it gives the NBA an option to resume in Orlando, one of the cities recently listed by the New York Post as an option. The league could have the teams descend upon Orlando and begin the playoffs that way in an effort to crown a champion.

Marc Berman wrote:

The obvious destination for a one-site event is UNLV in Las Vegas, which has hosted recent summer leagues with all 30 clubs. Hotels are plentiful. One destination reportedly discussed was the Bahamas. According to an NBA source, there’s also been internal talks about Orlando, Atlantic City, Hawaii and Louisville hosting the playoffs.

This does not mean the imminent return of sports, but it does offer light at the end of a dark tunnel. Until then, please follow CDC guidelines as we all do our part to slow the spread of the virus. [lawrence-related id=29406,29400,29393]

Orlando Magic at Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Orlando Magic at Miami Heat sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (27-34) visit the Miami Heat (39-22) Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Magic-Heat odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Magic have lost two in a row, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers at home Monday by a 130-107 score. The Heat own a three-game win streak, recently making a statement by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 105-89 as a 5-point home dog – it was just Milwaukee’s ninth loss of the season.

This is the final game of the season series, which the Heat lead 2-1. They dropped a 105-85 affair at the Magic Jan. 3 before winning 113-92 at home Jan. 27 and 102-89 on the road Feb. 1.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Magic at Heat: Key injuries

Magic

  • PF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
  • PF Gary Clark (knee) questionable
  • PF Aaron Gordon (knee) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Heat

  • C Meyers Leonard (ankle) out
  • SG Tyler Herro (ankle) out

Magic at Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 107, Magic 96

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. The Heat (-304) are one of the league’s best home teams, going 26-4, but the price is way too high. Every $3.04 wagered on the Heat ML profits only $1 if they win. The Magic (+240) offer a 2.4-to-1 payoff if they win, but Miami is just too good on its home floor this season. PASS and focus on the spread and total.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

A slight lean to the HEAT (-7.5, –106) – even if Gordon plays for the Magic (+7.5, -115). With their impressive straight-up home record, it’s no surprise the Heat are the league’s best home team ATS at 20-9-1. They’re also 17-8-1 ATS as a home favorite. The Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to South Beach, otherwise, they’re just above .500 ATS on the road overall at 16-13-1 this season.

New to sports betting? Every $1.06 wagered on the Heat’s spread will profit $1 if they win by 8 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 218.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Orlando has played to eight Overs in a row – allowing an average of 120.3 points per game – and coach Steve Clifford isn’t happy. He stressed “defense” at Tuesday’s practice, and I’m banking on the players to respond.

For the season, the Magic rank third in points allowed at 106.9 PPG, so they obviously can do it. Plus, the Under is 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings AND eight of the last 10 games haven’t reached 207 points.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Feb. 1: 13-4. Strongest plays: 7-2.

Since Nov. 1: 61-38-4. Strongest plays: 34-15.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (33-22) visit the Orlando Magic (24-31) Friday at the Amway Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Mavericks-Magic odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup as both teams will play their first game since the All-Star break.

The Mavericks took the first regular-season, head-to-head meeting 107-106 early in the season, Nov. 6 in Dallas. SG Luka Doncic led seven Mavericks in double-figures with a game-high 27 points in the win.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Mavericks at Magic: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • C Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Magic

  • PF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
  • PG D.J. Augustin (knee) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Mavericks at Magic: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 116, Magic 109

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Mavericks (-176) are one of the league’s best road teams, posting a 17-8 record – plus, they’re 1-0 on a neutral floor. The Magic (+145) are just two games over .500 at home at 15-13. I like Dallas here, but I’m going to PASS and back the spread below.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAVERICKS (-3.5, –115) are the STRONGEST PLAY despite the fact that the home team has won the last 10 in this series. Doncic (28.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG) and Co. are an impressive 9-3-1 ATS as a road favorite this season, while the Magic (+3.5, -106) are 2-8-1 as a home ‘dog.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Mavs spread will profit $1 if they win by four or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 218.5 (-115) is the play. The Mavericks, who rank third in scoring at 116.4 PPG, own the NBA’s top O/U record at 35-20. They played six Overs in a row heading into All-Star Weekend. However, the Magic rank 29th in scoring at 103.9 PPG and feature the league’s No. 1 defense, holding opponents to 105.4 PPG. But I like the OVER here as both teams will be well-rested coming out of the break.

Every $1.15 wagered on the Over will profit $1 if both teams combine for 219 points or more.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 43-29-2. Strongest plays: 24-11.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Seahawks coach Pete Carroll kicks off Pro Bowl Week at Orlando event

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll – who will also head the NFC roster – helped to kick off the 2020 Pro Bowl Week events in Orlando

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, as well as this year’s NFC roster, has arrived in Orlando ahead of the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

Carroll was joined by AFC coach John Harbarbaugh, the 2020 Legends Captains and local figures at Jones High School on Tuesday to welcome and officially kick off the Pro Bowl week of events.

Carroll and his staff were selected to coach the NFC team as the Seahawks finished the year with the best record in the conference to lose in the divisional round of the playoffs.

He will be joined by Seattle’s own signal-caller Russell Wilson and cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who has been called up as an alternate.

Carroll also confirmed linebacker Bobby Wagner would be sitting out Sunday’s game due to a knee injury.

The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday afternoon to wrap up the week. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT and the game can be seen on either ABC or ESPN and via a number of streaming services.

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Pete Carroll, Seahawks staff to coach NFC roster in Pro Bowl

Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks staff will be coaching the NFC roster in the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando on January 26.

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was likely hoping to square off against John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl in Miami this year, but the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando will have to do instead.

After falling to the Packers last Sunday to end their season, Carroll and his staff will be coaching the NFC squad in the exhibition matchup. Harbaugh and his crew will head the AFC team.

The NFC and AFC Pro Bowl coaches are represented by the staff from the teams with the best records who were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.

“Really to see the caliber of the other players,” Carroll explained Monday of the opportunity. “I mean, we’ve been with our guys for six months. To have a chance to compare what these guys are capable of looking like. It’s not going to be the most intense preparation that we’ll ever go through. We’ll be around them. I’m looking forward to the game as much as anything.

“For comparison purposes, it’ll be good.”

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner – who may not participate due to injuries – were selected to this year’s Pro Bowl roster.

The Pro Bowl is set to kick off at 12:00 p.m. PT on January 26 from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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Tua Tagovailoa arrives with Crimson Tide in Orlando for Citrus Bowl

On Thursday, the Alabama Crimson Tide arrived in Orlando, Florida to continue preparing for Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl matchup against the Michigan Wolverines. Welcome to Orlando! @CitrusBowl #RollTide pic.twitter.com/soX4SvqewF – Alabama Football …

On Thursday, the Alabama Crimson Tide arrived in Orlando, Florida to continue preparing for Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl matchup against the Michigan Wolverines.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also posted a picture on his story on Instagram which showed that, he too, was with the team in Orlando.

Alabama opens as a 6.5 point favorite over Michigan, according to BetMGM.com.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the very latest with all things Alabama!

Roll Tide!

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Notre Dame Football: Santa Awards Two Scholarships to Walk-Ons

With Mrs. Claus by his side and Brian Kelly speaking for him, Santa dropped off two presents for the young men earlier this week.

Santa has been busy the last few days but did find the time to make a stop in Orlando to give out a couple of presents to two members of the Notre Dame football team.

Those two are Mick Asaff, a walk-on running back from Atlanta and Colin Grunhard, a walk-on offensive lineman from Kansas.

With Mrs. Claus by his side and Brian Kelly speaking for him, Santa dropped off two presents for the young men earlier this week.

These never get old to me and my favorite part may be seeing how excited the scholarship players are to see their teammates who have given so much time, energy and effort get rewarded.

Assaf has 34 yards on 10 carries for his career and Grunhard, son of Tim (played at Notre Dame from 86-89, later with the Kansas Chiefs) has appeared in eight games over the last two years.

Notre Dame Football – Camping World Bowl Schedule

Not going to lie:  Obviously excited for one more game for the 2019 season to get here but now I really want to go drive a go-kart before Christmas.  

Notre Dame’s 10-2 football team leaves South Bend today to spend Christmas in Orlando as they prepare for the 7-5 Iowa State Cyclones in the Camping World Bowl.  When will you hear from Brian Kelly and some of the players before the game?

Today is the travel day from South Bend while plenty is planned both in preparation and in fun off the field this week.  Here’s how that will look for the Fighting Irish (all times ET):

Monday, Dec. 23 – Travel Day

Tuesday, Dec. 24 – First On-Site Practice (Boone High School)

  • 11:30 a.m. – Brian Kelly and a selected player will meet the media before practice gets underway at noon. The first three periods of practice will be open to the media at Boone High School in Orlando.

Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Second On-Site Practice (Boone High School)

  • 11:30 a.m. – Brian Kelly and selected student-athlete will address the media before noon practice again just as Jesus would want it on his birthday.

Thursday, Dec. 26 – Day For Kids & Third On-Site Practice (Camping World Stadium)

  • Day for Kids Event (9-11 a.m.) at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL1h9aiHVR8&w=560&h=315]

  • 1:30 p.m. – Coach Kelly available upon arrival before practice begins at 2 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 27 – Head Coaches Press Conference (Rosen Plaza Hotel)/Pep Rally (Pointe Orlando)

  • Coach Kelly & Iowa State Head Coach Matt Campbell will hold a joint press conference (9 a.m.) at the Rosen Plaza Hotel

  • Notre Dame pep rally at 4:45 p.m. at Pointe Orlando

Not going to lie:  I’m obviously excited for one more game for the 2019 season to get here but now I really want to go drive a go-kart before Christmas.

Also worth noting – with Christmas coming up we’ll all be busy but keep it here as we’ll have reaction from each day ahead of game day as Notre Dame seeks just their eighth 11-win season in school history.

Notre Dame Football: Iowa State Sells Out Camping World Bowl Allotment

If they traveled to San Antonio by the masses to see their Cyclones play Washington State you could bet your rear end they were going to travel to Orlando to see them take on Notre Dame.

We told you on Sunday that part of the reason Iowa State was so appealing to the Camping World Bowl was because they’ve got a passionate fan-base that makes up for a less-than-stellar team history.

We mentioned how Iowa State fans helped pack the Alamo Bowl last year and the Liberty Bowl previous to that.

You can go ahead and add the Camping World Bowl to that list.

It’s hardly surprising. If they traveled to San Antonio by the masses to see their Cyclones play Washington State you could bet your rear end they were going to travel to Orlando to see them take on Notre Dame.

In case you’re curious there are tickets available on the Notre Dame Athletic website at the time of this posting, listed between $79 and $190.