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  • Mike Pence Stands Out as One of the Few Republicans Willing to Challenge Trump

    Mike Pence Stands Out as One of the Few Republicans Willing to Challenge Trump



    Title: Mike Pence Stands Out as a Republican Brave Enough to Challenge Trump

    Post:

    In the world of politics, it’s not always easy to go against the grain, especially when it comes to challenging the leader of your own party. However, former Vice President Mike Pence has proven himself to be one of the few Republicans willing to speak out against former President Donald Trump.

    Despite their close working relationship during the Trump administration, Pence has not been afraid to stand up for what he believes is right, even if it means going against the wishes of his party’s base. From his refusal to overturn the 2020 election results to his criticism of Trump’s handling of the Capitol riot, Pence has shown a willingness to prioritize truth and integrity over blind loyalty.

    While many Republicans have chosen to remain silent or toe the party line, Pence’s willingness to challenge Trump has set him apart as a figure of integrity and courage in a political landscape rife with division and polarization. As the GOP continues to navigate its post-Trump future, Pence’s example serves as a reminder that standing up for one’s principles is always a commendable and necessary act.



    Tags:

    1. Mike Pence
    2. Republican party
    3. Trump administration
    4. Political challenges
    5. GOP leadership
    6. Conservative politics
    7. Mike Pence vs Trump
    8. Republican dissent
    9. Political resistance
    10. United States politics

    #Mike #Pence #among #Republicans #challenge #Trump

  • Mike Ekeler hired by Nebraska, leaves Tennessee football staff






    After just one season with the Tennessee Volunteers football team, Mike Ekeler has decided to leave and join the coaching staff at his alma mater, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

    Ekeler, who served as the special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach for the Volunteers, is set to take on a similar role with the Cornhuskers. This move marks a homecoming for Ekeler, who played linebacker for Nebraska from 1991 to 1994.

    During his time with Tennessee, Ekeler made a significant impact on the team, helping to improve their special teams unit and mentoring the inside linebackers. His departure is sure to be felt by the Vols, but Nebraska fans are excited to welcome back one of their own.

    As Ekeler embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career, we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors with the Cornhuskers.

    Tags:

    1. Mike Ekeler Nebraska hire
    2. Tennessee football staff changes
    3. Mike Ekeler coaching news
    4. Nebraska football staff update
    5. College football coaching changes
    6. Mike Ekeler Tennessee departure
    7. Nebraska Cornhuskers coaching staff
    8. Tennessee Vols football news
    9. Mike Ekeler career move
    10. NCAA football coaching updates

    #Mike #Ekeler #hired #Nebraska #leaves #Tennessee #football #staff

  • Tennessee Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler Joining Nebraska Football


    Nebraska football may have its replacement to lead special teams.

    According to Volquest with On3, Tennessee special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler is leaving Knoxville to return to Lincoln and coach the Big Red’s special teams. He had spent the last four seasons at Tennessee.

    Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game.

    Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021. / Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

    A native Nebraskan, Ekeler played for Bill Snider at Kansas State in the early 1990s. As a senior, he earned National Special Teams Player of the Year by George Michael Sports Machine, a popular national sports show at the time.

    Ekeler went on to coach at a number of collegiate programs, including Indiana, USC, Georgia, North Carolina, and Kansas. He spent three seasons in Lincoln under coach Bo Pelini, leading the linebackers.

    During his time in Lincoln, Nebraska won or shared the Big 12 Conference North Division every season. Ekeler aided in some of the best Husker defenses of the 21st century. In 2010, Nebraska was fifth nationally in pass defense (153.6), ninth in scoring defense (17.4) and 11th in total defense (306.8). In 2009, the Cornhuskers led the country in scoring defense (10.4) and pass efficiency defense, while ranking seventh in total defense (271.3) and eighth in rushing defense (92.43).

    Nebraska Cornhuskers linebackers coach Mike Ekeler (right) celebrates with Tyler Wortman (53).

    Nov. 28, 2008; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebackers coach Mike Ekeler (right) celebrates with Tyler Wortman (53) after Wortman intercepted a pass against the Colorado Buffaloes in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 40-31. / Bruce Thorson-Imagn Images

    Ekeler has coached more than a dozen players who went on to play in the NFL over the past 15 years. At Nebraska, those names include Lavonte David, Phillip Dillard, Cody Glenn, Eric Martin, and Will Compton.

    Ekeler’s Coaching History

    MORE: Nebraska Legacy Reveals Reason For Choosing Old Big 12 Rival Over Huskers

    MORE: Nick Handley Show: Nebrasketball Instant Reaction, Football Lands a Big Transfer

    MORE: After Nebrasketball: Another Ranked Win for Nebraska Men’s Basketball

    MORE: Nebraska Men’s Basketball Upsets No. 16 Oregon in Eugene

    MORE: Adam Carriker Gut Reaction: Transfer O-Lineman Rocco Spindler Commits to Nebraska

    Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



    The University of Nebraska football program has announced the addition of Tennessee’s Special Teams Coordinator, Mike Ekeler, to their coaching staff. Ekeler brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Huskers, having previously coached at schools such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma.

    With Ekeler’s proven track record of success in coaching special teams, Nebraska fans can expect to see significant improvements in this area of the game. Special teams play is often overlooked but can have a major impact on the outcome of a game, and Ekeler’s presence will undoubtedly benefit the Huskers in this aspect.

    Head coach Scott Frost expressed his excitement about Ekeler joining the coaching staff, stating that he is confident in Ekeler’s ability to elevate the special teams unit and contribute to the overall success of the team. Nebraska fans can look forward to seeing Ekeler’s impact on the field in the upcoming season.

    Tags:

    Tennessee Special Teams Coordinator, Mike Ekeler, Nebraska Football, college football, coaching staff, special teams, SEC, Big Ten, coaching news, sports news

    #Tennessee #Special #Teams #Coordinator #Mike #Ekeler #Joining #Nebraska #Football

  • Tennessee special teams coach Mike Ekeler leaving for Nebraska


    Tennessee will have a void to feel on its coaching staff this offseason, after all.

    Mike Ekeler, who has served as the Vols’ special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach the last four seasons, is leaving the program for the same role at Nebraska.

    TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

    InsideNebraska confirmed reports of Ekeler’s departure Monday.

    A Nebraska native, it will be a reunion for Ekeler, who coached at the school as its linebackers coach under former Cornhuskers head coach Bo Pelini from 2008-10.

    Ekeler had assistant coaching stints at Indiana, Southern California, Georgia, North Texas, North Carolina and Kansas before joining Josh Heupel‘s inaugural staff at Tennessee in 2021.

    Ekeler was one of three assistant coaches whose contracts were set to expire at the end of January. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks signed an extension with the Vols late last month after leading a top 10 unit on the way to Tennessee’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

    Ekeler and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez were the remaining coaches who at least had a publicly announced contract extension.

    The Vols’ were nearing spring practices without any coaching turnover for the first time in more than four seasons. Tennessee lost wide receivers coach Kodi Burns to the NFL after one season in 2021 and offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Alex Golesh took the head coaching job at USF following the Vols’ record-setting season in 2022.

    Both running backs coach Jerry Mack and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary left for the same roles in the NFL and Michigan, respectively at the end of the 2023 season.

    In three of those cases, Heupel promoted from within, elevating analyst Kelsey Pope to coach wide receivers and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle to offensive coordinator, while moving Alec Abeln from an analyst role to tight ends coach.

    Tennessee hired De’Rail Sims away from Louisville to coach running backs and William Inge from Washington to fill the linebackers coach role last offseason.

    It remains unclear what direction Heupel will go in to replace Ekeler. The Vols averaged 15.7 yards per punt return in 2024—good for ninth among FBS teams–while allowing 6.7 yards per return.



    Tennessee special teams coach Mike Ekeler has announced that he will be leaving the Volunteers to join the coaching staff at Nebraska. Ekeler, who has been with Tennessee since 2018, has helped lead the special teams unit to great success during his time with the program.

    In a statement, Ekeler expressed his gratitude for his time at Tennessee and his excitement for the opportunity to return to Nebraska, where he previously coached from 2008-2010. He thanked the players, coaches, and fans for their support and said he looks forward to the next chapter in his coaching career.

    During his tenure at Tennessee, Ekeler’s special teams unit has been a key part of the team’s success, consistently ranking among the best in the SEC. His departure is sure to be felt by the Volunteers, but Nebraska fans are surely thrilled to welcome him back to the program.

    We wish Coach Ekeler the best of luck in his new role at Nebraska and thank him for his contributions to the Tennessee football program.

    Tags:

    Tennessee football news, Mike Ekeler departure, Nebraska hiring coach, Special teams coach leaving, College football updates

    #Tennessee #special #teams #coach #Mike #Ekeler #leaving #Nebraska

  • Matt Rhule set to hire Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator


    Nebraska football and head coach Matt Rhule have found its next special teams coordinator.

    Inside Nebraska can confirm Mike Ekeler will lead Nebraska’s special teams in 2025. Ekeler spent the past four years on Josh Heupel’s staff at Tennessee as special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

    Ekeler has plenty of ties to the state of Nebraska and the Husker football program. He’s from David City and coached Nebraska’s linebackers for three seasons for Bo Pelini from 2008-10.

    Ekeler replaces former Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley, who Rhule hired to his first staff in December 2022 but was let go by Rhule in early January upon his contract expiring on Dec. 31, 2024. That decision came after the Huskers’ major two-year struggles on special teams, the worst of which came during the 2024 season and ultimately culminated in the biggest breaking point – game-changing mistakes by the special teams units that paved the way for the Huskers’ 13-10 loss at Iowa in November.

    Rhule is now turning to Ekeler in the mission to turn things around on those special teams units.

    RELATED:

    >> Nebraska mid-week press conference with head coach Matt Rhule



    Baylor head coach Matt Rhule is reportedly set to hire Mike Ekeler as the special teams coordinator for the Bears. Ekeler, who most recently served as the inside linebackers coach at North Carolina, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.

    Known for his high energy and attention to detail, Ekeler has a proven track record of success in special teams coaching. He has previously held positions at schools such as Georgia, Nebraska, USC, and Indiana, where he helped develop some of the top special teams units in the country.

    Rhule’s decision to bring Ekeler on board is a strategic move aimed at bolstering Baylor’s special teams performance and overall success on the field. With Ekeler’s leadership and guidance, the Bears are sure to see improvements in their kicking, punting, and return game.

    Fans are excited to see what Ekeler will bring to the table and are hopeful that his addition will help elevate Baylor’s special teams to new heights in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Matt Rhule news
    2. Mike Ekeler special teams coordinator
    3. Carolina Panthers coaching staff
    4. NFL coaching updates
    5. Matt Rhule Mike Ekeler hire
    6. Special teams coach announcement
    7. Panthers special teams coordinator
    8. Coaching changes in the NFL
    9. Carolina Panthers staff updates
    10. Matt Rhule coaching staff updates

    #Matt #Rhule #set #hire #Mike #Ekeler #special #teams #coordinator

  • Patriots QB Drake Maye excited to work with Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels in 2025


    New England’s 2024 season resulted in a 4-13 record, leading to Jerod Mayo’s exit and Vrabel’s hiring.

    Even though Vrabel has not coached since he parted ways with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, he was one of the most experienced coaches in this year’s cycle. In his six seasons in Tennessee, the Titans had a 54-45 record with three playoff trips. Vrabel also won the 2021 AP NFL Coach of the Year award.

    In Vrabel’s introductory news conference as the Patriots head coach, he said he wanted to get “great people around” Maye. One piece of the puzzle in attempting to unlock Maye’s potential is their new offensive coordinator. The Patriots hired Josh McDaniels as the team’s OC, a familiar figure who held the title on two previous occasions in New England.

    Maye praised McDaniels’ coaching history, including his work with Tom Brady.

    “Coach McDaniels, obviously, what he’s done there and the success he’s had. Fortunate to be able to have a guy come in who’s done it at a high level and learn from him coaching one of the best ever and the best ever, in my opinion, Tom (Brady),” Maye said of working with McDaniels. “Got a great chance to go back and all those years of film you have in a little database, it’s all their play calls and all coach McDaniels’ stuff and what he did with Tom. It’s fortunate for me to go back and study it up and get ready for this next season.”

    Now, Vrabel and McDaniels will be tasked to turn things around in New England while cultivating a promising signal-caller in Maye.



    In an exciting turn of events, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in the 2025 season.

    Maye, a highly touted prospect coming out of college, has been making waves in the NFL with his impressive skills and leadership on the field. Now, he will have the chance to learn from two experienced and successful coaches in Vrabel and McDaniels.

    Vrabel, a former NFL player turned coach, has led the Patriots to multiple playoff appearances and is known for his tough, no-nonsense approach to coaching. McDaniels, on the other hand, is a brilliant offensive mind who has helped develop some of the league’s top quarterbacks.

    With these two coaching powerhouses in his corner, Maye is sure to continue to grow and thrive in the NFL. Patriots fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for their talented young quarterback under the guidance of Vrabel and McDaniels. Stay tuned for an exciting 2025 season! #Patriots #DrakeMaye #MikeVrabel #JoshMcDaniels #NFL

    Tags:

    Patriots QB Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots, Patriots quarterback, NFL, football, 2025 season, player news, coaching staff, team collaboration, exciting opportunity

    #Patriots #Drake #Maye #excited #work #Mike #Vrabel #Josh #McDaniels

  • Drake Maye excited to work with new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel: ‘He’s been awesome’


    The New England Patriots have their quarterback of the future. Drake Maye played well in 2024 despite being thrown into poor circumstances, completing 66.6% of his passes at an average of 6.7 yards per attempt, with 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 13 starts. He also ran for 421 yards and two additional scores on his 54 carries. Considering the offensive line in front of him and the pass-catching corps at his disposal, it was a pretty fantastic rookie season.

    But the Patriots themselves were kind of a disaster, and so the Jerod Mayo-led coaching staff was let go after just one season. To replace Mayo, the Patriots reached back into the past to hire Mike Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans whose best years as a player also came in New England. And Vrabel himself reached into the past for an offensive coordinator, bringing in longtime former Pats OC Josh McDaniels to run the offense.

    And Maye is excited to work with them both.

    “Yeah, he reached out to me and we got on the phone. He’s been awesome,” Maye said of Vrabel, via Sirius XM. “Obviously, a guy who’s done it and played in the league and won a Super Bowl, you have a respect of what he’s done and seeing what he’s done. I think the biggest thing is he’s been a head coach and he knows what it’s like. So excited to get up to New England and get things going.”

    As for McDaniels, he seemed enthused by the idea of playing for a guy who helped direct the successes of the player who is considered by many to be the greatest quarterback of all time.

    “Coach McDaniels, obviously, what he’s done there and the success he’s had. Fortunate to be able to have a guy come in who’s done it at a high level and learn from him coaching one of the best ever and the best ever, in my opinion, Tom [Brady],” Maye said. “Got a great chance to go back and all those years of film you have in a little database, it’s all their play calls and all coach McDaniels’ stuff and what he did with Tom. It’s fortunate for me to go back and study it up and get ready for this next season.”

    Maye has a chance to build on what he did as a rookie, through the Patriots. The Patriots should at the very least be a better-coached team in 2025 than they were in 2024, and that should help Maye raise his baseline level of play. They’ll need to give him a great deal more help if they want him to fulfill his potential, though, and that’s something that will have to be done this offseason.





    Drake Maye, the rookie quarterback for the New England Patriots, is thrilled to be working with the team’s new head coach, Mike Vrabel. In a recent interview, Maye expressed his excitement about playing under Vrabel’s leadership, saying, “He’s been awesome so far. I can already tell that he’s a great coach and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this season.”

    Vrabel, who was hired by the Patriots earlier this year, has already made a positive impression on the team with his energy, enthusiasm, and innovative coaching style. Maye is looking forward to learning from Vrabel and believes that the new head coach will help him reach his full potential as a player.

    With Vrabel at the helm, the Patriots are gearing up for a successful season and Maye is excited to be a part of the team’s journey. Stay tuned for more updates on Maye’s progress as he continues to work with Coach Vrabel and the rest of the Patriots coaching staff.

    Tags:

    Drake Maye, Patriots, Mike Vrabel, new head coach, NFL, football, player, excitement, collaboration, teamwork, interview, quotes, press conference

    #Drake #Maye #excited #work #Patriots #coach #Mike #Vrabel #Hes #awesome

  • Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis at UFC Fight Night 250 | Preview & Prediction


    Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

    Two streaking fighters meet in the UFC’s lightweight division to kick off the main card at UFC Fight Night 250 as Fares Ziam takes on Mike Davis

    Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis Facts

    When is UFC Fight Night 250? UK – the preliminary card starts at 2:00pm on Saturday 1st February 2025, followed by the main card at 5:00pm / USA – 9:00am/12:00pm ET and 6:00am/9:00am PT

    Where is UFC Fight Night 250? ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 250? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 250

    What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 250 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

    Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 250? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

    For viewers in the United States, UFC Fight Night 250 will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!

    What time are Fares Ziam and Mike Davis expected to walk out? Saturday 1st February, 2025, 5:15pm UK / 12:15pm US ET / 9:15am US PT / 8:15pm local

    UFC Fight Night 250 Main Card

    Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov (Middleweight)

    Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Michael Page (Middleweight)

    Sergei Pavlovich vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (Heavyweight)

    Said Nurmagomedov vs Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)

    Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis (Lightweight)

    UFC Fight Night 250 Prelims

    Muhammad Naimov vs Kaan Ofli (Featherweight)

    Shamil Gaziev  vs Thomas Peterson (Heavyweight)

    Terrance McKinney vs Damir Hadzovic (Lightweight)

    Jasmine Jasudavicius vs Mayra Bueno Silva (Women’s Flyweight)

    Bogdan Grad vs Lucas Alexander (Featherweight)

    Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Jamal Pogues (Heavyweight)

    Fares Ziam: Fresh off Performance of the Night display

    Fares Ziam (16-4) had won his three previous fights by decision but he made a real statement last time out as he stopped Matt Frevola with a knee to earn a Performance of the Night bonus in September. That put a marker down for the lightweight who has won six of his last seven bouts in the UFC and his only loss was a submission defeat at the hands of Terrance McKinney. The win over Frevola was the first fight of a new four-bout contract and he will now look to kick on in the division and make some strides up the rankings.

    Mike Davis: New Yorker on four-fight win streak

    Mike Davis (11-2) showed he had not missed a beat after 18 months out of action as he returned last March to pick up a submission win over Natan Levy. That was his fourth win in a row but his inactivity means this is just his fifth fight in the last five years and he will be eager to make up for lost time after a series of injury issues. He comes off a torn bicep which ruled him out of a fight last July but now takes on Ziam as he looks to make it five in a row.

    Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis Prediction

    This card has a series of really closely-matched bouts on it and this one between Fares Ziam and Mike Davis is another of those.

    Both fighters have won their last four fights and it will be interesting to see who can keep their streak going.

    Ziam has been a bit more pragmatic in the manner of his victories and at times he has had to grind his way to victory. Davis has impressed a bit more with a couple of stoppages and he does possess good knockout power in his striking.

    There really is little to choose between the two fighters but we like Ziam’s activity. It will not be easy for Davis coming off another injury especially against a high-calibre opponent. Ziam may just be worth a punt and as the marginal underdog, we feel like the value is on him in this one.

    Prediction: Fares Ziam to win



    Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis at UFC Fight Night 250 | Preview & Prediction

    This weekend at UFC Fight Night 250, two exciting lightweight prospects will clash as Fares Ziam takes on Mike Davis in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.

    Fares Ziam, hailing from France, is a talented striker with a crisp jab and excellent footwork. He has shown great potential in his UFC career so far, with a well-rounded skill set that includes solid takedown defense and slick submissions.

    On the other hand, Mike Davis, an American fighter known for his explosive striking and aggressive style, will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss. Davis is a dangerous opponent with knockout power in both hands and a relentless pace that can overwhelm his opponents.

    In this matchup, I believe that Fares Ziam’s technical striking and defensive abilities will give him the edge over Mike Davis. Ziam’s ability to control the distance and pick his shots will be crucial in this fight, as he looks to outpoint Davis and secure the victory.

    Prediction: Fares Ziam by unanimous decision

    Don’t miss this exciting lightweight showdown at UFC Fight Night 250, as Fares Ziam and Mike Davis look to make a statement in the stacked 155-pound division. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling fight night!

    Tags:

    Fares Ziam, Mike Davis, UFC Fight Night 250, MMA prediction, UFC preview, UFC fight analysis, Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis fight breakdown, UFC fight card, UFC event preview, MMA fight prediction, Fares Ziam vs Mike Davis odds, UFC betting tips

    #Fares #Ziam #Mike #Davis #UFC #Fight #Night #Preview #Prediction

  • Mike Woodson defends Trey Galloway


    Indiana basketball is in the midst of a struggling stretch, including four losses in its last five games, and the dissatisfaction from IU’s fanbase has only grown in recent weeks. The most notable example came two weeks ago during IU’s 25-point loss against Illinois in Bloomington, where droves of fans left the game at halftime, chants of “fire Woodson” rained down, and boos echoed throughout Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

    During the game, though, a portion of the crowd’s disdain was directed toward Trey Galloway. The fifth-year guard was audibly booed in the first half after being substituted out and walking toward Indiana’s bench.

    Galloway, who underwent offseason knee surgery, has been inconsistent throughout much of this season. Over the last five games, Galloway is averaging 6.0 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. His shooting averages have slipped significantly during that span, shooting just 31.4 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from 2-point range (7-of-18) and 23.5 percent from 3-point range (4-of-17).

    On his radio show Monday night, Indiana coach Mike Woodson addressed the negativity directed toward Galloway and defended him.

    “It’s just not right that the fans are doing what they’re doing to him,” Woodson said, “because I think he’s working his butt off. He plays hard, he tries to do the right things. He doesn’t always get it right, I mean, I get that.”

    Galloway was a mainstay in Indiana’s starting lineup for a majority of the season until recently. After IU suffered consecutive 25-point losses against Illinois and Iowa, Woodson opted to change the starting lineup in a road game at Ohio State and moved Galloway to the bench in favor of fifth-year guard Anthony Leal. Galloway has come off the bench in each of Indiana’s games since then.

    “I love him to death. His teammates love him,” Woodson said. “I know when I put him out there he’s going to work his butt off and play hard for us. He makes mistakes just like all players make mistakes, but some of those mistakes you just gotta live with them.”

    Galloway is not even a full year removed from his knee surgery last spring. He was limited for much of Indiana’s offseason workouts and preseason practices, but he returned to the court in time for IU’s season-opener Nov. 6 against SIU-Edwardsville.

    While Galloway has not mentioned his knee recovery as a reason for his struggles this season, his production has notably dipped this season after a career-best 2023-24 campaign. Galloway is averaging 3.5 fewer points, 0.5 fewer assists and 7.4 fewer minutess this season compared to last season. He’s also shooting 5.5 percent worse from the field and 12.1 percent worse from 2-point range with improvements in his 3-point rate (26.0 percent to 35.0 percent) and free-throw rate (53.3 percent to 63.3 percent).

    “Listen, I love everything about Trey Galloway,” Woodson said. “I’ve always loved Trey Galloway. Since I’ve had him he’s been probably one of the hardest working young men that I’ve coached.”

    Added Woodson: “I’ll go to war with Trey all day long, every day.”



    In the wake of recent criticism surrounding freshman guard Trey Galloway’s performance on the court, Indiana University head coach Mike Woodson has come to his defense.

    In a press conference, Woodson praised Galloway’s work ethic, dedication, and overall impact on the team. He emphasized that Galloway is a key player for the Hoosiers and has contributed significantly to their success this season.

    Woodson also noted that Galloway’s versatility, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset to the team, despite any struggles he may face on the court.

    Overall, Woodson’s unwavering support for Galloway sends a strong message to critics and fans alike that he believes in the young player’s potential and is confident in his abilities to continue making positive contributions to the team.

    Tags:

    Mike Woodson, Trey Galloway, Indiana basketball, NCAA, college basketball, player defense, coach player relationship, sports news

    #Mike #Woodson #defends #Trey #Galloway

  • Atlanta Falcons’ rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr., applauded by former coach Mike Smith, sparks hope for a resurgence in the franchise’s future


    Atlanta Falcons’ Rising Star: Michael Penix Jr.

    In his recent debut as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Penix Jr. showcased remarkable potential, drawing admiration from former head coach Mike Smith. Smith, a seasoned figure in the football realm, commended Penix for his leadership qualities and impressive arm strength, which became evident during his three-game stint to close the regular season.

    Penix’s performance, stepping in for the established Kirk Cousins, was nothing short of promising. Throughout his starts, he exhibited a completion rate of 58%, accumulating 737 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a rushing score. This display of skill and composure under pressure solidified the belief that Penix, the eighth overall draft pick in 2024, could be the long-awaited answer to the Falcons’ quarterback conundrum.

    Raheem Morris’ Optimism for the Future

    Looking ahead, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed his enthusiasm for what Penix can bring to the team in the upcoming seasons. Morris’s confidence in Penix’s ability to lead the offense reflects a strategic shift in the Falcons’ quarterback landscape, hinting at a potential changing of the guard.

    As the Falcons contemplate their next moves regarding Cousins, options abound, from trading or releasing him to retaining him as a backup. However, with Penix poised to take the reins in 2025, the organization seems committed to nurturing his talent and fostering a new era of Falcons football.

    Mike Smith’s Insightful Perspective

    Drawing from his coaching tenure with the Falcons, Smith brings a unique perspective to the discussion surrounding Penix’s emergence. Having been instrumental in drafting franchise quarterback Matt Ryan in 2008, Smith understands the significance of identifying and developing young quarterback talent.

    Smith’s vote of confidence in Penix as the future face of the Falcons’ offense underscores the belief that, despite current challenges such as salary cap constraints and dead money issues, Atlanta is on the right path towards revitalizing its team dynamics. The endorsement from a seasoned coach like Smith serves as a testament to Penix’s potential to steer the Falcons towards a brighter future on the gridiron.

    In conclusion, Michael Penix Jr.’s meteoric rise in the Atlanta Falcons’ ranks symbolizes a beacon of hope for the franchise and its loyal fan base. With supportive figures like Raheem Morris and Mike Smith backing his journey, Penix stands poised to usher in a new era of success and resilience for the Falcons, marking a promising chapter in the team’s storied history.



    The Atlanta Falcons may have found their future star in rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The young sensation has already caught the eye of former coach Mike Smith, who has praised Penix’s talent and potential to lead the team to success.

    Smith, who coached the Falcons from 2008 to 2014, recently spoke highly of Penix’s abilities, saying, “Michael Penix Jr. is a special talent and has the potential to be a game-changer for the Falcons. His athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ make him a unique talent that can take this team to new heights.”

    Penix, who was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of this year’s NFL draft, has already shown flashes of brilliance in training camp and preseason games. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver pinpoint passes has impressed coaches and teammates alike.

    With Penix at the helm, the Falcons have a promising future ahead. His dynamic playmaking ability and leadership qualities have sparked hope for a resurgence in the franchise’s fortunes. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the young quarterback can bring to the team and are excited about the potential for success in the upcoming season.

    As the Falcons prepare for a new era under Penix’s leadership, there is a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the team. With the support of former coach Mike Smith and a talented roster around him, Penix has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the franchise and lead them to glory once again.

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    Atlanta Falcons, Michael Penix Jr., rookie sensation, former coach Mike Smith, resurgence, franchise, future, football, NFL, Atlanta sports, quarterback, draft pick, rookie season, success, hope, Atlanta Falcons roster, NFL news.

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