CONFIRMED: Why Hurricane QB Cam Ward is certain to win the Heisman Trophy - soccerdelights.com
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CONFIRMED: Why Hurricane QB Cam Ward is certain to win the Heisman Trophy

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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.

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BREAKING News: Dolphins have reportedly made final decision on Tyreek Hill and potential trade to Chiefs or Saints

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BREAKING News: Dolphins have reportedly made final decision on Tyreek Hill and potential trade to Chiefs or Saints

The Miami Dolphins have been involved in many rumors about Tyreek Hill’s future with Chiefs and Steelers as possible suitors.

The Miami Dolphins have decided that, for now, they are not going to trade Tyreek Hill. According to a report from Adam Schefter, the wide receiver will not be moved and, despite the rumors, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not on the list of supposed interested teams.

There’s been a lot of Tyreek Hill chatter and a lot of Tyreek Hill speculation. I know it will keep going on and on. Let’s not let facts interfere with a good story. The facts are, the Dolphins haven’t gotten any calls about Tyreek Hill. Zero. The facts are that the Dolphins are not looking to deal Tyreek Hill.”

After the Dolphins were blown out in Indianapolis, and with the frustration Hill has expressed toward the team since last season, many rumors suggested that the wide receiver could be traded to acquire draft capital. Obviously, his talent could turn any team into a Super Bowl contender, but it’s also a fact that the player is currently facing serious off-the-field legal issues.

Is Tyreek Hill going to be traded?

No. Tyreek Hill will not be traded by the Miami Dolphins for now. However, Schefter mentioned that, as often happens, if the losses keep piling up, the story could change soon.

Now, look, we’re not idiots. We understand the Dolphins lost last week in an embarrassing fashion. They think they’re gonna turn it around. But if they don’t, obviously, there may be calls for Tyreek Hill as the trade deadline approaches in late October, early November. But as of today, today, zero, zero discussion about a Tyreek Hill trade, today. Could that change? Sure, absolutely. When teams lose, that changes the conversation and things are always fluid. But Tyreek Hill today? Nothing.”

 

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SHOCKING: Fans react as Aaron Rodgers beats Jets in Steelers debut despite Justin Fields’ impressive performance

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SHOCKING: Fans react as Aaron Rodgers beats Jets in Steelers debut despite Justin Fields’ impressive performance

The New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers delivered one of the best games of Week 1 of the NFL season. The battle between Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers was great, and it left fans in awe.

No one thought the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers would deliver the first shootout of the NFL season but here we are! Justin Fields guided the Jets to a great offensive game, but Aaron Rodgers didn’t fall behind as he had a stellar game of his own. Fans are reacting after what was a surprisingly great game.

After a rollercoaster of a game, it’s normal that fans are going into complete ecstasy -and agony- on social media. User Tone Digs simply said, “Having Aaron Rodgers as your QB is so cool.” Others joke around saying, “Aaron Rodgers once again responsible for another Jets loss,” only this time it’s because Rodgers delivered a masterpiece against his former team, where he struggled.

Comparing Rodgers’ game to what he did, or failed to do with the Jets last season was absolutely imperative to happen. That’s how social media works. “Aaron Rodgers with a better drive than he ever had with the Jets, followed by Justin Fields with a better throw than he ever had with the Steelers,” user Bart Winkler posted.

Justin Fields did everything he could to win the game for the Jets

Fields was also facing his former team. He has been doubted most of his NFL career, so watching him play to this high level of football made fans happy. “Love seeing Justin Fields balling out,” Dave tweeted. Others are defending Fields, saying he finally has a coaching staff that trusts him. “Justin Fields with a coach that doesn’t treat him like s— >>>>.“

Even NFL legend Richard Sherman was in awe of Fields’ performance. “Justin Fields!!! Looks like an Entirely different player!Poised, accurate, and decisive. Using his legs when it’s there and finding the open guy consistently. Remarkable.“

The QBs gave it all on the field

The box score alone doesn’t do justice on what the quarterbacks did. And that’s saying something as the box score stats are really impressive on both sides. Aaron Rodgers completed 22/30 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns. He also guided a drive all the way for Chris Boswell to kick a 60-yard field goal to take the lead.

Fields’ impact has to be measured differently, given the nature of his dual-threat ability. Fields had 266 total yards and also three touchdowns. He scored two using his legs and one pass to Ohio State product Garrett Wilson.

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NFL News: Aaron Rodgers sends clear and emotional message to Mike Tomlin and Steelers after epic win in Week 1 against Justin Fields and Jets

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NFL News: Aaron Rodgers sends clear and emotional message to Mike Tomlin and Steelers after epic win in Week 1 against Justin Fields and Jets

Aaron Rodgers was on the verge of tears after the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off an incredible victory against the New York Jets.

Aaron Rodgers had a spectacular debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He threw for 244 yards, 4 touchdowns, and led an epic 34-32 victory against the New York Jets. During a postgame interview with CBS, the veteran quarterback appeared visibly emotional.

“I love these guys. I love the organization. I love them taking a chance on bringing me in and and believing in me. Give me the opportunity to be out here with my guys. There’s no greater feeling than being on the field and being able to compete. That’s what I was thinking about all those days in the offseason. Opportunities like this. I didn’t think it will be against my former team. I’m really proud of our guys making clutch plays down the stretch.”

Despite being 41 years old, Rodgers proved he can turn the Steelers into Super Bowl contenders. However, the big challenge for Mike Tomlin will be improving a defense that was overwhelmed by the Jets’ running game.

Did the Steelers win today against the Jets?

Yes. The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first game of the 2025 season on the road against the New York Jets. It was a thrilling matchup that was decided in the final seconds with a 60-yard field goal by Chris Boswell with just over a minute left on the clock.

Then, when Justin Fields and the Jets were attempting a late winning drive, Jalen Ramsey made a crucial tackle on fourth down to secure the victory. Two of the stars who arrived in the offseason, Rodgers and Ramsey, shut the door in New York.

 

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Four Saints veterans named the best players to wear their jersey numbers

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Four Saints veterans named the best players to wear their jersey numbers

The New Orleans Saints have a lot of questions surrounding their roster as they enter the 2025 season, but there are a handful of veterans who have proven to still be among the best in the NFL.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently released a list of the top players in the league at every jersey number from 0-99. There were four Saints players included: Alvin Kamara for No. 41, Demario Davis for No. 56, Juwan Johnson for No. 83 and Carl Granderson for No. 96.

Kamara doesn’t have very much competition for being representative of the No. 41 jersey. Other players there include Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Ko Kieft and Dallas Cowboys rookie defender Donovan Ezeiruaku. Even if there were other stars, it would be hard to finish ahead of Kamara, who could once again be one of the NFL’s best running backs this season.

The other players at No. 56 that stand out other than Davis are Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith and Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson, both of whom are very good at football. Davis has finished with at least 100 tackles each year since coming to New Orleans and has earned the NFL’s respect as one of the best linebackers in the sport.

Johnson is still waiting for his true breakout campaign at tight end for the Saints, but he has shown flashes. Still, he is the right choice for No. 83, which is mostly several unproven tight ends and wide receivers.

There are a couple of other defensive linemen who share No. 96 with Granderson, but the only one with a real argument would maybe be New York Jets star Leonard Taylor III. Granderson will need to bring his sack numbers back up in 2025, but he still probably the right choice.

 

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Kellen Moore Embarks On New Era For New Orleans Saints With Hopes Of Resurrecting Glory Days

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INCOMING: Kellen Moore Embarks On New Era For New Orleans Saints With Hopes Of Resurrecting Glory Day

Kellen Moore embarks on new era for New Orleans Saints with hopes of resurrecting glory days

The New Orleans Saints find themselves standing at the crossroads of hope and opportunity as they gear up for the 2024 season, following a disappointing campaign that concluded with a 5-12 record. The franchise has embraced the winds of change with the hiring of head coach Kellen Moore, signaling a commitment to rejuvenation. This offseason has been bustling with transformative moves that may well pave the way for a more promising future.

The current roster reflects a thoughtful blend of experienced veterans and eager newcomers, providing a strong foundation for growth. Talented additions like Tyler Shough and Kelvin Banks Jr. inject youthful dynamism into the squad, creating an environment ripe for progress. Despite the setbacks of the previous season, the NFC South remains relatively accessible, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the only team boasting a winning record at 10-7. This landscape opens a window of opportunity for the Saints to reestablish their competitive edge in the division.

With an emphasis on health and stability, the Saints stand a genuine chance to approach .500 this season. The progress of key players, particularly quarterbacks like Shough and Spencer Rattler, will be vital as they aim to bridge the competitive gap with Tampa Bay.

A Need for Defensive Reinforcements
To enhance their prospects further, strengthening the defense—particularly the secondary—should be a priority. The cornerback position has emerged as a critical area for improvement, leading to speculation surrounding the potential signing of veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. His addition could inject both talent and leadership into a young and developing defense.

Gilmore, a two-time All-Pro and the 2019 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has shown signs of decline recently but remains a force to be reckoned with. In his last season with the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded nine pass breakups, 49 tackles, and one interception, showcasing his enduring capability. His extensive experience in high-stakes situations, underscored by a Super Bowl victory and five Pro Bowl selections, positions him as a significant asset for any franchise.

Stephon Gilmore

The Right Fit for a New Scheme

Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Saints will implement a hybrid defensive scheme mirroring the system in which Gilmore thrived during his time with the New England Patriots. This familiarity could facilitate a seamless transition for Gilmore, allowing him to maximize his contribution to the field.

Gilmore has also expressed a keen interest in mentoring younger players, which makes him an attractive candidate for a cornerback room eager for guidance. His presence would not only enhance the Saints’ defensive unit but also nurture the development of emerging talents like Alontae Taylor, ideally positioned for a slot role.

Bringing a player of Gilmore’s pedigree on board would markedly elevate the Saints’ defensive prowess, addressing one of the most vulnerable positions on the roster. As the team looks ahead to the upcoming season, the potential acquisition of a seasoned cornerback like Gilmore could serve as the crucial missing piece in their quest for supremacy within the NFC South. United by veteran experience and youthful zeal, the Saints are laying the groundwork for a season filled with potential and aspirations for greatness.

 

 

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