In a surprising turn of events, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, one of the NFL’s most influential figures, has lost control of a major NFL project. This project, which many anticipated would bring lasting change and significant revenue to the league, is now off the table for Benson, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the details and implications.

For Benson, who has successfully managed both the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, this represents a rare setback. Her leadership has been instrumental in bringing New Orleans sports into the national spotlight, and her philanthropy and dedication to the community have made her one of the most respected figures in sports ownership. This latest development, however, casts a shadow over her recent endeavors, leading many to question what went wrong.

Sources close to the situation indicate that the project was poised to revolutionize how the NFL engages with fans and communities, with a major emphasis on expanding the league’s reach and enhancing fan experiences. While the exact reasons behind the setback remain unclear, some speculate that logistical issues, high costs, or disagreements within the league could have played a role.

For New Orleans fans, the news comes as a disappointment, as many were excited about the potential benefits this project could have brought to the city. Nevertheless, Benson’s track record suggests that this setback will not deter her. Known for her resilience and commitment to New Orleans, Benson is likely to continue pursuing ambitious goals for both her teams and her community.

As details emerge, we will be watching closely to see how this unfolds, and whether Benson will find other ways to leave her mark on the NFL’s future.

CONFIRMED: Why Hurricane QB Cam Ward is certain to win the Heisman Trophy

The new NCAA Heisman odds are out, and according to the sharps, it’s a two-man race between Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward and Colorado Buffaloes two-way player Travis Hunter to decide which player is college football’s best.

Both players sport +185 odds on FanDuel, leading one to believe they’re neck and neck in the Heisman Trophy race heading into Week 11, with Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+350) and running back Ashton Jeanty of Boise State (+500) a somewhat distant third and fourth. Ward and Gabriel are seniors; Hunter and Jeanty have another year of college eligibility ahead of them.

Both players are great, and playing both sides of the ball as Hunter (wide receiver and cornerback) does is an admirable addition to any player’s résumé. But if you ask Miami New Times, the smart money’s on Ward to hear his name called at the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday, December 14. When it comes to which of the two top candidates most deserves the Heisman, there should be no debate.

Here’s why Ward, not Hunter, deserves to hoist the Heisman Trophy at season’s end.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Travis Hunter may play two positions on the football field, but less isn’t always more. Look no further than one of Ward’s targets in Miami to find a player putting up more significant numbers on the offensive side of the football.

Hunter’s receiving stats don’t even exceed Miami’s Xavier Restrepo, who boasts 856 yards and nine touchdowns. Hunter’s versatility is impressive, but numbers matter if we’re talking about a Heisman. Feelings be damned.

Ward’s numbers tell the story of a true Heisman contender. Leading the nation in touchdown passes with 29 and second in total passing yards (3,146), Ward is setting the pace in college football.

Advantage: Cam Ward

MVPs Win Games

The Heisman Trophy winner traditionally comes from teams at the top of the national title hunt. Ward fits the bill, while Hunter and Colorado are barely hanging on to hopes of playing for a conference crown, much less a national title.

Miami is a spotless 9-0, and Ward is the driving force behind multiple comeback victories. Colorado is a 5-2 football team — one win coming via Hail Mary —  and owners of slim playoff hopes, even as the field has expanded to 12 teams this year for the first time.

Ward’s performance has kept Miami on the path to the playoffs. That’s what MVPs do while putting up big numbers. That’s what spells a Heisman winner.

Advantage: Cam Ward

QB > WR/CB

Pressure makes diamonds. But it also makes Heisman Trophy winners.

Travis Hunter may play double the snaps Cam Ward takes each game, but the pressure-per-snap is lopsided in the direction of Miami’s signal caller. There is no more important position in all of sports than quarterback. They’re the pitcher, catcher, and point guard all wrapped in one.

Shadowing wide receivers on the 100th-best team in the NCAA simply does not compare to the pressure of touching the ball on every snap for the University of Miami.

Advantage: Cam Ward

Playoff Picture: Missing Hunter

The NCAA is a business, and like the NFL or NBA, the organization certainly wants to run marketing campaigns around its Heisman Trophy winner playing for a title, not preparing for the CVS Bowl in New Mexico and the NFL draft.

The Heisman should go to a player who elevates his team to greatness, which would mean participating in the expanded 12-team playoff field this season. It’s almost a given that Miami will be a part of that tournament and that Colorado, currently ranked No. 21, will not.

Advantage: Cam Ward

Strength of Opponents

More wins versus better opponents — seems like a box every Heisman Trophy winner would want to check.

If not for Florida State being all-time bad (1-8!), Miami would still have a Top 20 strength of schedule. Still, as of today, it sits in the top 50.

Ward has faced one of the most demanding schedules in the nation and thrived, showing up against top-tier competition and delivering impressive numbers under pressure. He’s climbing all-time leading passer lists after just nine games.

On the flip side, Hunter and Colorado have the 80th-ranked strength of schedule in the nation.

If the idea is to play the best against the best in the biggest games college football has to offer, the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy should be Cam Ward — in a landslide. Not Travis Hunter.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Drops Sends strong warning message Ahead of Week 10 Matchup Against Detroit Lions

This week, C.J. Stroud addressed the media about preparing for Detroit’s defense and finishing games with stronger performances.

BOn Detroit’s defensive strengths:

C.J.: There are two really skilled players—[Lions S] B[rian] Branch, whom I played with in high school and at the All-American Bowl, and he’s always been a great playmaker. He’s got an instinct for finding the ball, just like [Lions S] [Brandon] Joseph. We need to be ready and bring our best game.

On improving late-game performance:

C.J.: I’ve learned that the other team makes plays too, and it’s about responding and withstanding that push. Playing away, it feels like we lack energy in the second half without the crowd’s support.

I think we need to keep the energy up, keep the vibe strong. On the sideline, we should be more pumped, with everyone cheering and celebrating. That’s something we can improve—better celebrations.

Other teams do it, like when [Jets WR] Garrett [Wilson] scored, and everyone on their sideline was up and celebrating. We need to feel that energy too. When our defense makes a big stop, we need to be hyped up, showing that we’re balling out. It has to work both ways, and I really believe that can boost our energy.