Tag: Senior Day

Notre Dame to finish regular season with senior day against Pittsburgh

The Irish have a few things at stake in their home finale.

Notre Dame has seven players who will earn degrees when they graduate in May. No program in college basketball has more players who are about to graduate. They all will be honored for senior day at Purcell Pavilion after they enter the building as Notre Dame players for the final time. Once the pageantry concludes, they will try and help their team defeat Pittsburgh in a crucial game.

It’s been a while since the Irish celebrated a senior day with a lot at stake, but that’s exactly what’s happening. A win not only would give the program a record 15 conference victories, but it also would clinch the second seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament. A loss would mean having to wait for the outcome of the game between Duke and North Carolina, Mike Krzyzewski’s last at Cameron Indoor Stadium. A Tar Heels win after an Irish loss would give the Irish the third seed, but no worse than that.

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Sources: Notre Dame to hire Al Washington as defensive line coach

Solid hire for the Irish?

As if the Marcus Freeman connection to Ohio State wasn’t enough for Notre Dame’s 2022 season opener, how about some more former Buckeyes? Specifically, recent Buckeyes linebackers coach Al Washington. With Mike Elston having left for Michigan, the Irish suddenly had a vacancy for defensive line coach. According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, the Irish are hiring Washington to fill that vacancy and also become their defensive run coordinator:

Although not nearly as consequential compared to the game in Columbus, senior day at Notre Dame Stadium promises to hold significance for Washington. On that day, the Irish will play Boston College, where he coached for five years. He spent two nonconsecutive seasons as the Eagles’ defensive line coach with three seasons as the running backs coach in between. During his first season with that program, he also was an assistant special teams coach.

It won’t be easy to replace Elston, but we hope Washington has an admirable attempt to do so.

Florida interim DC Christian Robinson praises seniors ahead of final game

23 seniors will be honored ahead of Florida’s game on Saturday against FSU.

Saturday’s game against Florida State will be the final home game for many Florida seniors. 23 players will be honored at a Senior Day ceremony before the game, but Gators interim defensive coordinator Christian Robinson kicked off the adulation early with some tributes on Twitter.

Robinson focused mostly on the linebackers group after being the position coach at Florida for the past four years. Former coach Dan Mullen elevated “C-Rob” to defensive play-caller after the team let go of Todd Grantham. With Mullen out, there’s no telling what his position will be with the team next year if any.

It’s been a rough season on paper for Florida’s defense, but Robinson acknowledged more than just on-the-field attributes that make these seniors special. It’s always sad to see a Gator move on, but tributes like these help contextualize a player’s impact in their short time at the university.

Coach Robinson started with Ventrell Miller, whose final season ended early after an injury in Week 2:

Then came Amari Burney:

Jeremiah Moon returned for a sixth and had his best season yet:

Dylan Meeks, a walk-on transfer from Akron, provided depth for Florida: 

Randy Russell never played due to a heart condition, but Coach Robinson noted his impact on the team:

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List of Texas football players who will be honored for Senior Day vs. Kansas State

This list is quite telling in terms of who is considering returning for next season.

This nightmare of a season is finally winding down, as Texas plays their final game on Friday against Kansas State.

Prior to the game, the school will be honoring a total of 29 players, including seniors and a handful of juniors, that are expected to move on from the program. The reasons could vary from graduation, intentions of transferring, or taking their talents to the NFL.

There are some surprising names on the list that have decided to leave the team, but as Steve Sarkisian has consistently reiterated, the coaching staff is preparing for a high amount of turnover in order to bring in players that better fit the scheme and culture. Here is the full list of players that are being honored prior to the Kansas State game.

Some notable players that will be recognized include starting defensive tackle Keondre Coburn, kicker/punter Cameron Dicker, junior linebacker Ayodele Adeoye, tight end Cade Brewer, and safety B.J. Foster.

Three notable players that will be not be honored, meaning there is a strong chance for return, are linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, defensive back/return man D’Shawn Jamison, and defensive back Anthony Cook.

It is likely that the roster will look completely different next season, but having these familiar faces and experienced players could help the team grow.

Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech: First-Quarter Analysis

This is going great. Like, really great.

If you’re a betting person, putting money on Notre Dame backups receiving a lot of playing time against Georgia Tech might be a safe move. All indications are that senior day at Notre Dame Stadium will go as well as it possibly could. The only question appears to be how much the Irish will win by. That’s how confident Irish fans should be after watching the first quarter and seeing their team take a 24-0 lead.

This game has gone well from the opening kickoff, which Chris Tyree returned for 51 yards into Yellow Jackets territory. That was immediately followed by Jack Coan completing a 38-yard pass to Kevin Austin, putting the ball at the 10-yard line. However, that was as good as the drive got as Coan took sacks on two of the next three plays. Jonathan Doerer got the Irish on the board when he just barely made a 41-yard field goal that cleared the left upright.

The Yellow Jackets got into Irish territory on their first drive, but that’s when the Irish showed the strength of their defense. About to take a sack from Isaiah Foskey, Jordan Yates opted to get the rid of the ball, which was a big mistake. Jack Kiser was right there to take the interception and return the ball 50 yards for his second touchdown of the season. Sometimes, the sack is the best move.

After the Irish’s defense then forced a three-and-out, the offense went out for its second drive and was able to finish what it started this time. The drive nearly stalled out deep in Yellow Jackets territory, but Coan threw a 9-yard pass to Braden Lenzy on fourth-and-2 to get into the red zone. Two plays later, Kyren Williams ran for a 9-yard touchdown. Already, Williams has made a mark in what could be his final game in South Bend.

The Yellow Jackets managed to pick up a first down on their next drive but nothing more. Back on offense, the Irish converted on a third down to keep the game’s next possession going, and that appeared to be it for the first quarter. Instead, Coan then hit an open Michael Mayer for a 52-yard touchdown. Already, the rout is on.

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Is Notre Dame wearing green today vs. Georgia Tech?

Are they? And should they?

It’s senior day for Notre Dame football as the final home game of the 2021 season is about to get underway at Notre Dame Stadium.  In somewhat recent memory, Notre Dame has busted out the green jerseys for home finales (2006, 2018).

I didn’t think twice about it being a possibility until scrolling through Twitter shortly before kickoff and stumbling into the following from Sean Stires of WSBT as he posted it a little over two hours before Saturday’s kickoff:

I actually saw his follow-up tweet to that posted as the Irish took the field for warmups before the game:

I’m guessing that Notre Dame won’t bust out the green today but I don’t think the fact they’re not warming up in green means a whole lot here.  As the story of the green jerseys goes, Notre Dame warmed up in blue that day before entering the locker to find the green jerseys to switch into.

That was also for a perennial powerhouse in USC, not exactly a 3-7 Georgia Tech squad.

But stay tuned, nonetheless.

Related:

College Gameday staff picks for Week 12

Notre Dame-Georgia Tech Staff Predictions

Notre Dame’s Nikola Djogo will enter transfer portal

Nikola Djogo just completed his fourth season at Notre Dame.

Nikola Djogo just completed his fourth season at Notre Dame. Although he was honored during Senior Day, redshirting his freshman season means he has another year of eligibility. Djogo intends to use that year, but he announced Tuesday that it won’t be with the Irish as he has decided to enter the transfer portal.

In his final season with the Irish, Djogo had career highs across the board. The Hamilton, Ontario native averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and shot 53.9 percent from the floor in 24 games. His best game of the season was an 18-point, seven-rebound performance in a Feb. 14 win over Miami.

It’s possible he will continue to improve in his final college basketball season, but he obviously thinks his services will be better served elsewhere. When you’re most likely coming to the end of your competitive playing career, you might as well do so with the best opportunity available. Best of luck to him as he moves on from South Bend.

John Fulkerson leads Vols past Florida on senior day

Recapping UT’s victory over Florida Sunday.

A regular season of ups and downs ended on a high note for Tennessee.

The Volunteers won its 2020-21 regular-season finale Sunday against Florida.

The Vols overcame a 14-point deficit and used a big second half to notch a 65-54 victory over Florida at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Late in the first half, Tennessee (17-7, 10-7 SEC) was behind Florida (13-8, 9-7), 31-17. Tennessee closed the gap to 33-28 by halftime.

The Vols slowly turned things into its favor as it outscored the Gators, 37-21, after the break.

Tennessee’s victory claims a No. 4 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The Vols will have a double-bye and return to the court Friday at 2 p.m. EST against an opponent to be determined.

With the win, UT avenged a 75-49 loss to the Gators in Gainesville earlier this season.

Mar 7, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers forward John Fulkerson (10) and guard Yves Pons (35) are recognized on senior day before the game against the Florida Gators at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Seniors John Fulkerson and Yves Pons came up big to close things out.

Fulkerson posted one of his best efforts of the campaign as he scored 14 points, pulled down seven rebounds, dished out four assists and recorded a steal.

The Kingsport, Tennessee native slapped the floor as he left the court. The contest was in all likelihood his final game at Thompson-Boling Arena. He choked back tears as he was saluted by fans and teammates while departing.

Pons, meanwhile, scored five points and grabbed eight boards for Tennessee.

Victor Bailey Jr. and Keon Johnson also poured in 14 points for the Big Orange. Josiah-Jordan James finished the contest with eight points for the Vols.

Tyree Appleby led the Gators with 19 points and Colin Castleton had 11.

PHOTOS: Tennessee basketball 2020-21 regular season

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Notre Dame has great Senior Day, keeps Florida State from winning ACC

It’s been a long time since Notre Dame has been able to hold its own against a ranked opponent throughout.

It’s been a long time since Notre Dame has been able to hold its own against a ranked opponent throughout. Ending that drought by denying your opponent a chance to clinch the ACC championship is a good way to do so. That happened Saturday as the Irish led No. 11 Florida State throughout an 83-73 win on Senior Day. The Irish’s last win over a ranked team came against No. 6 Wichita State during the Maui Invitational in 2017.

The Irish (10-14, 7-11) led by as much as 20 and never fully let control of the game get away. There was concern when the Seminoles (15-5, 11-4) got to within four with two-and-a-half minutes to play. However, the Irish came up with some key steals and rebounds while also being able to milk the clock. When it was over, the Irish were locked into the 11th seed of the ACC Tournament and will open play Tuesday against Wake Forest, the 14th seed.

Prentiss Hubb had a rough shooting day at 6 of 17 from the field, but he scored the 1,000th point of his collegiate career and led everyone with 22 points and five assists. Dane Goodwin came within a rebound of a double-double while scoring 15 points off the bench. The Irish got 11 points apiece from Nikola Djogo and Nate Laszewski. Juwan Durham also was consistent, totaling nine points and nine boards in his final game at Purcell Pavilion.

Notre Dame Men Earn Senior Day Win in Shamrock Invitational

After getting off to such a strong start against Missouri State in the Shamrock Invitational on Thursday, Friday merely was a curtain call.

After getting off to such a strong start against Missouri State in the Shamrock Invitational on Thursday, Friday merely was a curtain call. As it also was Senior Day, the day began with a ceremony to honor those who are moving on. Then, the Irish won in every category to earn a 268-86 victory.

Austin Flaute was the winner in both the 1-meter (350.18) and 3-meter (379.43) diving events. On the swimming side, the Irish increased their NCAA B-Cuts for the meet to nine. Winners were Jack Hoagland in the 1,650-meter freestyle (14 minutes, 59.49 seconds), Jack Fitzpatrick in the 200 backstroke (1:45.09), Cason Wilburn in the 100 freestyle (43.60), Tyler Christianson in the 200 breaststroke (1:55.49) and Max Miranda in the 200 butterfly (1:46.99).

The women began their portion of the meet Friday against Akron, and they hold an 84-26 lead after six events. It began with a win in the 200 freestyle relay (1:30.78) by the team of Coleen Gillian, Cailey Grunhard, Rachel Wittmer and Carly Quast. Skylar Fore joined Gillian, Quast and Grunhard to win the 400 medley relay in 3:35.90. Individual winners were Gillian in the 200 individual medley (1:57.46), Grunhard in the 50 freestyle (23.23) and Luciana Thomas in the 500 freestyle (4:46.48).