The Jasprit Bumrah vs Sam Konstas Round 2 turned about to be an thrilling one yet again after the first round was won by the Australian debutant. Up against each other on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Melbourne, Bumrah and Khawaja had fans glued to their TV sets early morning on Sunday. While Konstas didn’t have to wait for long before opening his account, it was Bumrah who emerged triumphant in the individual battle, bowling out the young opener with a peach of a delivery. Konstas had no answer to Bumrah’s inswinger as the delivery breached his defence and hit the middle stump.
Usually a calm and composed performer, Bumrah produced an emphatic celebration after finding the gap between Konstas bat and pad. The marquee India pacer seemingly mocked Konstas, copying the latter’s crowd-engaging act which he was doing repeatedly over the first three days of the game.
Here’s a look at certain posts, explaining Bumrah’s celebration. Even Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals decided to have a say on the social media chatter around Bumrah’s dismissal.
Sam Konstas pumping the crowd after hitting Bumrah for 18 runs.
Earlier, India were bowled out for 369 in their first innings with Nitish Kumar Reddy scoring 114 as Australia took a 105-run lead in the fourth Test. Reddy made his runs off 189 balls with 11 fours and one six and was the last wicket to fall, caught by Mitchell Starc off Nathan Lyon in only the fourth over of the day.
For Australia, Pat Cummins (3/89), Scott Boland (3/57) and Nathan Lyon (3/96) were the pick of the bowlers.
With PTI Inputs
Topics mentioned in this article
Jasprit Bumrah’s Epic Send-Off To Sam Konstas After Shattering His Middle Stump. Watch
During a recent match, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a thunderous yorker that shattered the middle stump of Australian batsman Sam Konstas. The delivery was so powerful and accurate that it left Konstas completely bamboozled.
As Konstas made his way back to the pavilion, Bumrah gave him an epic send-off, celebrating his wicket in style. The look of satisfaction and triumph on Bumrah’s face was a sight to behold as he showed his fiery passion for the game.
The video of this epic moment has been circulating on social media, with fans praising Bumrah’s skill and sportsmanship. It’s moments like these that make cricket so exciting and unpredictable.
If you haven’t seen the video yet, make sure to check it out and witness Bumrah’s incredible bowling prowess and his epic send-off to Konstas. It’s a must-watch for all cricket enthusiasts!
On the night before the Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas told his batting coach Tahmid Islam that he would only play the scoop against Jasprit Bumrah after he reached 150. But, after a number of early plays and misses against the champion fast bowler on debut at the MCG, Konstas brought forward his plans for the scoop. It hardly surprised Tahmid, Konstas’ 29-year-old batting coach.
Tahmid said as much in a conversation with Bangladeshi journalists on Saturday, a chat arranged by Prime Bank Cricket Club, Tahmid’s team in a short stint in the Dhaka Premier League several years ago. The news of Tahmid being Konstas’ batting coach has made headlines in Bangladesh.
Tahmid, speaking via Zoom, said Konstas’ instincts took over on Test debut. “We were having dinner the night before when he told me that the plan was to only scoop once he got to 150,” Tahmid said. “It wasn’t really part of the plan [to play the shot so early]. But he is someone that plays on instinct. He plays with a lot of freedom. He doesn’t really think of the consequences of what people are going to say if he gets it wrong. I think it is his biggest skill and asset. Whereas loads of players think about the consequences like ‘what if I fail doing it’ or ‘what if I get out playing it’ or ‘the media and coaching staff will have a go at me’.”
“Sam is quite assured in his game. After playing and missing six times in his first ten or 12 balls, he thought that the best way to put pressure on Bumrah was to try to put him off his length. He threw a different challenge at Bumrah, which was really good for Sam. It really shell-shocked India. They weren’t expecting a 19-year-old to come out and play with that sort of freedom.”
Tahmid, who works with Elevate Cricket Coaching, said that he was hardly surprised by Konstas’ choice of shots against a bowler of Bumrah’s class.
“It isn’t a surprise. The reason Australia picked him was to throw India a different challenge. Sam took on the Indian bowling attack, minus Bumrah, during his century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India about three weeks ago. He played with a lot of freedom. He played the reverse-scoop. He ran down the wicket to play back over the bowler’s head.
“Sam is someone who will play some shots and put people off their lengths, as opposed to the traditional approach. It was a bit of a gamble. It paid off for Australia. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith were talking about how Sam’s innings gave them the opportunity to go out and express themselves as well. It was the freedom which they probably lacked in the first three games.”
Tahmid, who first took up coaching when he was playing in the Yorkshire Premier League in 2013, said that he first met Konstas when he was 14 years old, at Cranbrook School where Konstas was on a cricket scholarship. “Five years ago, I took up coaching at Cranbrook in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. That’s where Sam got a scholarship to go to school. That’s where we initially met. He was 14 years old. We had this really good connection from the first couple of sessions that we did in school.”
Tahmid narrated the story of how he formulated a plan for his cricketing future with Konstas’ father. “I was having dinner with his dad one night. We had some Greek food, which is their heritage. I put together a bit of a programme for him to try to target for the next phase of his life, which was to play Under-16s cricket in the New South Wales (NSW) system. It was where it all started for him. It was about his technical, mental and tactical game.
“As the journey evolved, we were lucky enough to have Shane Watson involved in the mindset side of things. I worked quite closely with Shane over the last few years. I worked with him in Major League Cricket (MLC) with the San Francisco Unicorns.”
“He is someone that plays on instinct. He plays with a lot of freedom. He doesn’t really think of the consequences of what people are going to say if he gets it wrong.”
Konstas added power to his game in the last 18 months when, alongside Tahmid, he worked on his white-ball skills. “He was always a technically sound player growing up. He had the fundamentals of the game. He wasn’t a very powerful player though,” Tahmid said. “He didn’t score very quickly growing up, so he focused a lot on his white-ball cricket in the last 18 months.
“He made his BBL debut two weeks ago. The focus was to make him a better T20 player. He was contracted last year but didn’t play any games. That’s where his white-ball game really started to develop and come along.”
Tahmid said that his friendship with England batter Harry Brook helped him mould Konstas’ cricket. “Someone that we use [as a reference] is Harry Brook, with whom I was lucky enough to play in Sydney. He is the No. 1 [currently No. 2] Test batter in the world. He is a fantastic all-format player, with whom I am really good friends. I get a lot of information from him, which I relay on to Sam, on how to transition between formats.
“It can be quite challenging but nowadays, you have to switch between formats. Sam plays Big Bash five or six days before the Boxing Day Test. If you don’t have the ability to switch between formats, you will get left behind.”
Of course Konstas also didn’t just come out with the scoops, reverse-hits and ramps overnight. He has worked hard at these shots in the nets. But, Tahmid said, to execute the same shots in a high-profile match at a packed MCG takes a lot of confidence, which remains a defining feature of Konstas. “He has been doing reverse-ramps for five or six years in the nets. It doesn’t happen by mistake. They need a lot of preparation to go out and execute in a game. And when you have clarity from your captain and organisation, it helps you to go out and express yourself. You don’t have the fear of getting dropped.
“I think he was always a confident person. He always wanted to be the best player in the field. He used to tell me after training, ‘what celebrations do you want from me when I get a century tomorrow?’ That’s what he told me before the Boxing Day Test too.”
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
The highly anticipated match between Australia and India in the Big Game Tournament (BGT) saw an exciting clash between Sam Konstas and Jasprit Bumrah. While many were surprised by the intense competition between the two players, coach Tahmid Islam had no doubt that Konstas would give Bumrah a run for his money.
Konstas, known for his aggressive playing style and strategic tactics, proved to be a formidable opponent for Bumrah, who is considered one of the best bowlers in the world. With his precision and speed, Bumrah posed a challenge for Konstas, but the Australian player held his own and showcased his skills on the field.
Coach Tahmid Islam, who has been working closely with Konstas to enhance his game, was confident in his player’s abilities and knew that he was well-prepared to take on Bumrah. The intense match between the two players was a testament to Konstas’ dedication and hard work, as he managed to hold his ground against the Indian bowler.
In the end, the match between Australia and India was a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship, with both players giving it their all. While Bumrah may have ultimately emerged victorious, Konstas’ performance did not go unnoticed, and he certainly proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Coach Tahmid Islam’s belief in his player’s abilities was well-founded, as Konstas showed that he is a true competitor in the world of cricket.
Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s biggest icons, has found himself at the center of controversy during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Australian media, known for its blunt commentary, has been relentless in its criticism, with The West Australian labeling him a “clown” on its back page following a heated confrontation with debutant Sam Konstas. The viral headline has sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike.The incident occurred when the 19-year-old Konstas, making his debut for Australia, worth calling it ‘pure cinema’, displayed immense confidence against a full-strength Indian side. The young opener, already a rising star after his exploits in the ICC U19 World Cup and first-class cricket, stood tall against India’s pace attack, including Jasprit Bumrah.
Kohli, attempting to rattle the debutant, resorted to his trademark aggression, bumping into Konstas and making shoulder-to-shoulder contact.
— JakebWaddell (@JakebWaddell)
However, the tactic backfired spectacularly. Konstas responded with flair, smashing Bumrah for multiple boundaries, including a reverse ramp, and scoring 34 of his total 60 runs off the Indian pacer. The ICC fined Kohli 20 per cent of his match fee and handed him a demerit point for the “unnecessary” contact.The reaction from the cricketing world was swift. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on 7 Cricket, argued that the punishment was too lenient. “Personally, I do not think it [the punishment] was harsh enough,” Ponting said. “It is probably the most-watched day of cricket all year all around the world. Imagine if that happens in a grade game on the weekend now… He is a role model, so I personally do not think that the fine was harsh enough.”
Meanwhile, FOX Sports published an article titled, “‘He won’t be too proud’: Greats speak out on Kohli amid concerns of legacy in Australia,” featuring commentary from cricket legends like Kerry O’Keeffe and Adam Gilchrist. The latter questioned whether fines were an adequate deterrent for wealthy players like Kohli.
Wide World of Sports (WWOS) joined the chorus, with one headline declaring, “Kohli escapes ban for ‘unnecessary’ Konstas bump.” Another article quoted Steve Waugh, who stated, “He was extremely lucky to escape a ban.”
In a scathing piece, SEN Cricket went so far as to suggest that the ICC should act to ensure this is Kohli’s last Test on Australian soil. The headline read, “If the ICC does its job, Boxing Day should be Virat Kohli’s last Test on Australian soil.”
The Sydney Morning Herald highlighted a different angle, explaining how changes to the ICC code of conduct after Australia’s ball-tampering scandal in 2018 helped Kohli avoid suspension.
Its headline, “The secret post-sandpaper-gate change that saved Virat Kohli from suspension,” delved into how physical contact was downgraded from a “level two” to a “level one” offence, leading to lighter penalties.
Kohli’s on-field struggles this series have only added to the criticism. Barring an unbeaten 100 in Perth during the first Test, the 36-year-old has managed just 26 runs in his other four innings, including three single-digit scores. Despite a stellar record at the MCG—316 runs in three Tests at an average of 52.66—fans are growing restless for the star batter to deliver.
The numbers paint a grim picture. Across formats this year, Kohli has scored just 614 runs at an average of 21.92, with a solitary century and two fifties. In Test cricket, he has managed 376 runs in nine matches at an average of 25.06. His overall record in the 2020s has also dipped significantly, with a Test average of 31.67 over 37 matches.
The Australian media has not held back in their criticism of Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli after an incident involving him ‘bumping into’ Australian journalist Sam Konstas during a press conference.
From being hailed as the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest Of All Time) of modern cricket, Kohli has now been labeled as ‘Clown Kohli’ by some Australian media outlets, with many questioning his sportsmanship and behavior both on and off the field.
The incident in question occurred when Konstas asked Kohli a question during a press conference, to which Kohli responded by seemingly bumping into him as he walked past. The video of the incident quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Australian fans and media alike.
While some have defended Kohli’s actions as simply a minor misunderstanding, others have used the incident as further ammunition in their ongoing criticism of the Indian captain. Some have even gone as far as to question his leadership abilities and call for him to be stripped of the captaincy.
It is clear that the Australian media is not holding back in their criticism of Kohli, and it remains to be seen how the Indian captain will respond to these accusations. One thing is for certain – this incident has only added fuel to the fire in the already intense rivalry between India and Australia on the cricket field.
NEW DELHI: Australia opener Sam Konstas may have declared that Virat Kohli is his favourite player in the world and given the Indian batting superstar the clean chit over his shoulder-bump, but things are different when it comes to on field action. The first day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was just not about Konstas’ dazzling debut, but also his on-field confrontation with Kohli.
Sam Konstas on Kohli altercation: ‘I was doing my gloves, he accidentally bumped me’
Virat was fined 20 percent of his match fees and given a demerit point by the ICC for a Level One breach of the ICC code of conduct as a result of that incident. However, the 19-year-old home debutant downplayed the incident, claiming the Indian superstar had bumped into him by accident. In the Indian first innings, Virat batted patiently in his 86-ball stay at the crease accumulating 36 runs and looked totally focused to not to fall to the trap outside the off-stump. There were many instances when Virat left deliveries bowled by Mitchell Starc outside the off-stump and giving the Aussie pacer a smile. But Virat ran out of patience after his mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal that resulted in the Indian opener’s run out for 82. The Aussies finally had the last laugh as Kohli edged a Scot Bland delivery for wicket-keeper Alex Carey to take a simple catch again losing the game of patience. And now a video is viral on the internet that shows how Konstas celebrated after the dismissal of the former Indian captain. In the video, Konstas is showing asking the MCG crowd to cheer on the dismissal, much like Virat does when he asks the crowd to cheer the Indian bowlers.
The Kohli-Konstas on-field rivalry is emblematic of cricket’s beauty-where established stars and young challengers push each other to new heights. This contest isn’t just about skill; it’s a mental battle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground took an interesting turn when Virat Kohli was dismissed by Sam Konstas. The Australian fast bowler’s reaction to getting the prized wicket was caught on camera and it has been making rounds on social media.
In the video, Sam Konstas can be seen celebrating Kohli’s wicket with great enthusiasm, pumping his fist and letting out a loud roar. The intensity and emotion in Konstas’ reaction truly highlight the significance of getting a player like Kohli out, especially in a high-stakes series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Fans of both teams have been sharing the video and discussing Konstas’ passionate celebration. Some have praised his competitive spirit and determination, while others have criticized him for being too aggressive. Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that Kohli’s wicket was a crucial moment in the match and Konstas’ reaction captured the intensity of the moment perfectly.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the rivalry between India and Australia shapes up and whether we will witness more such moments of high drama and emotion on the cricket field. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on this epic clash between two cricketing giants.
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Among those cheering on the local quick’s arrival were a pair of men dressed as banana and a fan wearing a Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL shirt. Both were yelling with joy among the plethora of green and gold paraphernalia around them.
Boland, a local Victorian, has only played a dozen Test matches, but is evidently treasured as much as legends like Merv Hughes and the late Shane Warne — with the latter duo well-renowned for their on and off-field antics.
As Boland began warming up in the second session of Day 2 at the ‘G (in between signing autographs), a local battler stood up proudly to cheers of: ‘Skull, skull, skull, skull!’.
Always a fan favourite, is Scott Boland (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
He hadn’t gotten out of his chair because Kerry ‘Skull’ O’Keeffe was in the vicinity though — he was just thirsty. Really thirsty.
The Australian public’s love affair with Bay 13 (and beer) began way before this year’s Boxing Day Test. In fact, 36 years ago, it was Hughes who introduced the world to the now-famous side stretch down at fine leg.
It is an image etched in the memory of so many loyal cricket fans and undoubtedly left those who used to mimic the menacing quick as sore as the local favourite once sobriety kicked back in the following day.
Merv Hughes’ iconic stretching gesture in front of Bay 13 all the way back in 1988.Source: SuppliedFans mimic Head as he impersonates Merv Hughes during day two of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the MCG on December 27, 2023 (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Eleven years after Hughes’ antics, legend leg-spinner Warne was forced to approach the aforementioned section… in a helmet.
Midway through an ODI against England, so brutal was the Bay 13 crowd, that Warne (wrongly) feared he could get hit by his own home crowd.
Warne, who was at first sitting in the change rooms while chaos unfolded, was remarkably called upon by then-England captain Alec Stewart to come out and stop the crowd before they caused any serious harm.
‘Warnie’ strolled out to the middle, borrowed the helmet of batter Mark Waugh who was at the crease, and politely pleaded with the crowd to tone it down a notch and stop throwing rubbish at rival bowler Darren Gough. It was as simple as that.
Helmet in hand, ‘The King’ was able to single-handedly tame Bay 13’s antics, and for once let the Poms off easy!Source: News Corp Australia
Fast forward to 2024, and it’s now Boland who rules the roost in their presence. And there’s no doubt that Bay 13 loves “Boland because he’s a Victorian”.
Not that he ever needed winning over, but it was his iconic spell of 6/7 on Test debut against England in 2022 that cemented his current status, alongside his loveable and humble personality.
Now playing in his second Boxing Day Test, on the back of a Josh Hazlewood calf strain, the cult hero bowled well for his first spell of the day, conceding just 15 runs from his eight-over shift.
And in the final session, even debutant Sam Konstas got the crowd stretching, cheering and all-in-all riled up as his teammates charged in on an ever-flattening MCG pitch.
All the anticipation and all the theatre led up perfectly to Boland’s first wicket of the match, where he nicked off Indian veteran Virat Kohli less than 20 minutes before stumps on Day 2.
Unsurprisingly to say the least, Bay 13 — along with the rest of the Melbourne crowd — erupted into hysterics as Alex Carey held on to the regulation catch and further renditions of Boland-themed chants ensued.
Those antics resurfaced merely minutes later when Boland removed nightwatchman Akash Deep for a 13-ball duck, courtesy of a ripping catch at leg gully by Nathan Lyon.
Boland ended the day with exquisite figures of 2/24, with the whole of the sporting Colosseum clapping him in to bowl for the last half an hour of play.
And in what was a full circle moment, he was greeted with waves, cheers and whistles by the MCC Members at the other end of the ground after bowling the penultimate over of Day 2. The energy around the whole ground was beyond contagious.
The most vocal of fans in the MCG’s Bay 13 may no longer be quite as rogue but the infamous section still holds the same passion that it always has with its beer snakes, endless chants and extravagant dress-ups.
The Bay 13 faithful were in full flight on Friday afternoon in anticipation of Scott Boland’s opening Boxing Day spell.Source: Supplied
Inside Bay 13 on Boxing Day: A Day to Remember
The atmosphere at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground was electric on Boxing Day as Australia took on India in a thrilling match. The crowd in Bay 13 was in for a treat as they were entertained by the energetic Sam Konstas, who led chants and kept the crowd engaged throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing Scott Boland in action, taking crucial wickets and thrilling the crowd with his bowling prowess. The crowd erupted in cheers every time he struck, showing their unwavering support for the Aussie bowler.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes was spotted in Bay 13, stretching and warming up the crowd with his infectious energy. The fans were delighted to see the cricket legend in their midst, adding to the excitement of the day.
However, the festive atmosphere was momentarily disrupted when Shane Warne had to step in and call out to the crowd to stop throwing rubbish onto the field. The cricketing legend’s intervention helped maintain order and ensure that the game could continue without any further interruptions.
As the day progressed, the crowd in Bay 13 remained vocal and passionate, cheering on the Australian team and creating an unforgettable atmosphere at the MCG. The latest news and updates from the match were shared amongst the fans, adding to the excitement and anticipation of what was to come.
Overall, Boxing Day at Bay 13 was a day to remember, filled with thrilling cricket action, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
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Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman has found himself on availability reports after needing to get his hip replaced following the end of the regular season. But it appears Pittman is on the road to recovery.
Ahead of the Liberty Bowl, Pittman shared an update on his health following the hip replacement and shared that he’s going to continue to use a cane while coaching on the sidelines at the bowl game. This comes after he initially shared he needed the surgery in November.
“I can walk without a cane about 20 yards, maybe,” Sam Pittman said. “I’m going to have it on the sideline just, I don’t know, maybe it’s a security blanket, maybe I need it, I don’t know.”
Sam Pittman was forced to coach the Missouri game from the boxes, which in a bad weather environment it was speculated that he wanted to be more sure of his footing. That came despite knowing since prior to the start of the season that he was going to need the surgery.
Now, it sounds like he’s beginning to feel better on his new hip and he should be able to coach from the sidelines again, with the assistance of his cane. However, he still does have time to change his approach before the game.
“But I’m sleeping a lot better,” Pittman said. “If I knew then what I knew now, 20 days after the total hip, I would have just bit the bullet late June when I found out and would have been able to be more active during the season, but I feel like I’m getting there.”
When Pittman initially explained his need for hip surgery, he shared that he had a chip in the bone that was causing him some soreness. Since getting the procedure done, he’s now been in bowl preparation while also dealing with the transfer portal. That was something that Pittman noted before Christmas.
“I think, you know – I want everybody to know now I had my hip surgery on Tuesday and I was in the office on Wednesday now. So, this portal, what’s going on with the portal right now had nothing to do with my hip surgery,” Pittman said. “I’ve been in every single day since I had it because I was told that, if I was, you know, tough enough, I could do it. Fortunately, I was.”
The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Liberty Bowl on Friday, December 27th at 7:00 p.m. EST from Memphis, Tennessee.
Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman provided an update on his health status as he prepares for the upcoming Liberty Bowl game against Kansas State. Pittman recently underwent hip surgery and had been recovering well leading up to the game.
In a statement released by the Arkansas athletic department, Pittman expressed his gratitude for the support and well-wishes he has received since his surgery. He mentioned that he is feeling strong and confident heading into the bowl game, and assured fans that he is fully committed to leading the Razorbacks to victory.
Pittman’s positive attitude and determination to coach his team despite his recent health setbacks have inspired both players and fans alike. With his leadership and guidance, the Razorbacks are poised to give it their all in the Liberty Bowl and make their coach proud.
As kickoff approaches, the Arkansas community is rallying behind Pittman and the team, confident that they have what it takes to secure a win in the Liberty Bowl. Stay tuned for more updates on Coach Pittman’s health status and the Razorbacks’ performance in the game. Go Hogs! #WPS #LibertyBowl #SamPittman
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has an added accessory to his Liberty Bowl wardrobe Friday night.
The Razorbacks (6-6) are facing Texas Tech (8-3) to close the 2024 season, and Pittman is coaching with a cane on the sideline. The Arkansas head coach had a hip replacement on Dec. 3, and while he says he is making good progress toward a full recovery, he still needs the cane for extended time on his feet.
“I can walk without a cane about 20 yards, maybe,” Pittman said Monday. “I’m going to have it on the sideline just, I don’t know, maybe it’s a security blanket, maybe I need it, I don’t know, but I’m sleeping a lot better.”
Pittman knew he needed surgery in the summer, but he elected to wait until the end of the season to undergo the procedure. He had a noticeable limp all season, and didn’t participate in the Hogs’ tradition of ‘running through the A’ at home games.
The 62-year old head coach didn’t have to miss any time in preparation for a potential bowl game or recruiting out of the transfer portal, but Pittman recently admitted he wished he had the surgery in the summer.
“This season’s been rough just simply because it’s been a little bit, honestly, of survival on the sideline with my hip, which is not fair to the team or anything. It’s just when you’re hurt, you’re hurt,” he said.
Pittman coached from the booth in Arkansas’ regular-season finale, a 28-21 road loss to Missouri.
Friday marks the conclusion of Pittman’s fifth year with Arkansas. He is 29-31 with the Razorbacks and is seeking a 3-0 record in bowl games.
Arkansas football’s head coach Sam Pittman has been spotted using a cane during the team’s preparations for the upcoming Liberty Bowl, leaving many fans wondering why. Pittman, who has been dealing with a hip injury, has been using the cane as a precautionary measure to help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort he is experiencing.
Despite his injury, Pittman remains dedicated to leading his team to victory in the Liberty Bowl. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to his players and fans alike, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the team and the game of football.
As Arkansas gears up to face off against their opponent in the Liberty Bowl, Pittman’s use of the cane serves as a reminder of the challenges and obstacles that can arise in the world of sports. His perseverance and leadership in the face of adversity are a testament to his character and his unwavering passion for the game.
Regardless of the outcome of the Liberty Bowl, one thing is certain – Sam Pittman’s presence on the sidelines, cane in hand, will continue to inspire and motivate his team to give their all on the field.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It was so convincing as an error that there was little thought to delete it.
The story had been turned in during the early morning hours and drowsiness is undefeated when it comes to causing unforced errors by even the best of reporters in stories. Texas Tech being the underdog against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl was quickly highlighted and deleted without much of a thought.
However, a short while after the story published sans Red Raiders underdog status, a haunting nagging feeling crept in. Sports Illustrated writer Bob Stephens is a veteran writer and tends to err on the side of being overly meticulous when it comes to making sure his facts are right, so, while the deletion of the claim that Vegas has Arkansas favored over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl essentially changed nothing in the story, certainty was needed.
Turns out, as outlandish as it may seem when the story was submitted earlier this week, Stephens was right. The Razorbacks are favored by 2.5 over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl. With no gamblers on staff, point spreads rarely get anything more that a cursory glance at best.
However, with Texas Tech at 8-4 with wins over second round playoff team Arizona State, an almost playoff bound Iowa State and a win over an Oklahoma State team for which the Hogs account for 1/3 of its wins, there was no reason to think about point spreads in terms of who is favored to actually win. Arkansas has a depleted receiving corp, backfield and offensive line, all important to actually scoring points.
The NFL draft and transfer portral not only deprived offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino of weapons, but Ole MIss, Michigan, Purdue, SMU, Oklahoma, Texas and Kentucky ran off with 11 of the Hogs’ top players. On top of that, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has been buried in transfer portal business in an effort to make sure 2025 at least begins with a reason for his team to think there’s at least a chance at a winning record.
So, what has been going on out in Lubbock to make oddsmakers think the Razorbacks should win this thing?
LACK OF A QUARTERBACK
Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) throws against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. / Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
As would be advised by even the worst agents, players with NFL prospects shouldn’t risk potential injury in bowl games. While Behren Morton won’t be featured in the upcoming draft, the numbers he put up this season make him a strong prospect come next draft.
Morton tortured defenses by throwing for 3,325 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was good enough to make them a legitimate threat to claim the Big 12’s lone playoff spot.
The injury came against TCU back in October. Although he was able to return for the rest of the season, it was decided it was best not only for Morton’s NFL future, but the future of the Red Raiders program as well. Skipping out on a meaningless bowl game greatly increases the odds he will be ready for spring practices where he will get to build chemistry with a surprisingly strong transfer portal class headed to Lubbock.
In Morton’s place will be freshman Will Hammond, a former 4-star and Top 300 recruit from Hutto, Texas. Hammond is 15-of-23 on the year for 191 yards. For perspective, former Arkansas back-up Malachi Singleton was 21-of-28 for 358 yards.
TOP RECEIVER GONE
Texas Tech Red Raiders tight end Josh Kelly (3) rushes against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. / Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
As is the case for Arkansas and pretty much every other team not in the playoffs, Texas Tech’s leading receiver won’t be playing in the Liberty Bowl. Josh Kelly, who led the Red Raiders in overall receiving yards and catches with 89 for 1,023, is off preparing for the NFL draft.
However, it should be noted that options Nos. 2 and 3, Caleb Douglas and Coy Eakin, are expected to play. Douglas averaged 14 yards per catch and Eakin 13.4, both significantly higher than Kelly, and they each put up six touchdowns while combining for 100 catches for 1,367 yards.
That means there won’t be nearly as much drop-off at the position, if any, when compared to Arkansas. Quarterback Taylen Green has only one of his top four receivers from this season, Isaac TeSlaa, as an available throwing target.
It should also be noted that Taj Brooks, Texas Tech leading rusher an a significant threat in the passing game, is in Memphis and technically slated to play. He’s declared for the NFL draft, so head coach Joey McGuire has been reluctant to declare Brooks will carry a heavy workload.
TOP ASSISTANTS GONE
Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter gives instructions during football practice at the Sports Performance Center. / Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Texas Tech fired defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter and secondary coach Marcel Yates at the end of the season. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to take the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic. However, it should be noted that while interims will officially make the calls during the actual game, new coordinators Shiel Wood and Mack Leftwich have been around and available for input.
So, while Vegas may lean heavily toward Bobby Petrino and Travis Williams against a pair of interims, it’s not as lopsided as it looks on paper from a coaching experience standpoint. And, yes, Texas Tech is without its starting quarterback, leading receiver and a couple of part-time starters in the offensive line, but Arkansas barely has receivers, tight ends or running backs.
Coaching experience can only go so far. There has to actually be someone to coach.
PERCEIVED HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Because Memphis is so close to Arkansas it has a counterpart to its west just across the border, the thought is Razorbacks fans will pack out the Liberty Bowl. After all, surely an underserved portion of the fan base in the eastern half of the state will seize the opportunity to see their beloved Hogs.
However, there are two factors at play here. First off is a solid case of apathy combined with a Liberty Bowl stadium that is currently a giant construction zone.
Arkansas fans are showing mild curiosity in what’s being built for next season, but haven’t shown much interest in what’s left of a 6-6 team. Plus, the last time the Hogs showed up in Memphis, the plumbing didn’t even work as portable restrooms crowded the landscape.
Not exactly a solid combination for families to spend hundreds of dollars on bowl game tickets to give out as Christmas gifts. It’s preferred by most to simply watch it on ESPN with the option to do literally anything other than spend a day in Memphis should the game go poorly.
The second factor is the disadvantage Arkansas faces if Razorbacks fans do fill up the stadium. The last thing the Hogs need is for it to feel like Fayetteville.
The past several seasons have proven Pittman’s teams perform at a much higher level in hostile environments than in Razorback Stadium. It’s almost a guaranteed loss when a current Power Four school (or Liberty) comes to town.
The only saving grace for Arkansas is Pittman seems to find a way to make creme brulee out of the stinkiest of delta mud come bowl season. His teams always appear prepared and convinced non-playoff bowl games really matter.
DEFYING VEGAS
Still, despite all of this, it is hard not to believe Vegas has this one wrong. There are so many red flags against Arkansas that indicate there’s too much of a mountain to climb to pull this one out.
Yes, all those players who haven’t had a chance to shine are going to be overly motivated to put out good tape, but internal motivation can only go so far. Surely they have wanted to do as much all season long, yet have rarely earned that opportunity.
In an off-field war of attrition, Texas Tech has won the battle. Unless Green, Rodney Hill, Braylen Russell and Issac TeSLaa combine to each play out of their minds despite a makeshift offensive line, there’s not a lot of reason to think this one is going to go the Razorbacks’ way.
However, there are no other games going on at that time and tickets to the live action “Lion King” prequel are sold out pretty much everywhere, so fans will just have to hope for the best because there’s no other alternative.
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There are a few reasons why Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks are surprisingly favored against Texas Tech in their upcoming matchup.
First, Arkansas has shown significant improvement under Pittman’s leadership. In just his second season as head coach, Pittman has already led the Razorbacks to a 3-0 start, including an impressive win over Texas. The team’s strong performance so far this season has given them momentum and confidence heading into the game against Texas Tech.
Second, Arkansas has a strong defense that has been able to shut down opposing offenses. Led by defensive coordinator Barry Odom, the Razorbacks have been able to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers. This strong defensive play has been a key factor in Arkansas’s success this season.
Lastly, Texas Tech has struggled offensively in their first few games, averaging just 24 points per game. If the Red Raiders are unable to get their offense going against Arkansas’s stout defense, the Razorbacks could have the upper hand in the game.
Overall, the combination of Arkansas’s improved performance under Pittman, their strong defense, and Texas Tech’s offensive struggles have led to the Razorbacks being favored in this matchup. It will be interesting to see if they can continue their winning streak and come out on top against Texas Tech.
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Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail and Julia Roberts have worked together multiple times already. She starred in the series Homecoming, which he co-created; he was an executive producer on the limited series Gaslit, which she starred in; and she starred in his thriller Leave the World Behind, which was a big hit for the Netflix streaming service, landing on their list of Top 10 Most Popular Movies. As of right now, Leave the World Behind stands as Netflix’s fifth most popular English-language film of all time, with 143.4 million views. Esmail and Roberts are set to continue their working relationship with another thriller, this one called Panic Carefully, and Deadline reports that Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision) has signed on to star in the film alongside Roberts.
Esmail will be directing Panic Carefully from his own screenplay. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project is being described as “a paranoid…
Exciting news for fans of suspenseful thrillers! Julia Roberts and Elizabeth Olsen are set to star in a new project from acclaimed director Sam Esmail. The film, titled “Panic Carefully,” promises to be a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat experience.
Roberts and Olsen are both talented actresses known for their captivating performances, so seeing them share the screen in a thriller is sure to be a treat for audiences. Esmail, who is best known for his work on the hit TV series “Mr. Robot,” is sure to bring his signature style and intensity to this project.
Details about the plot of “Panic Carefully” are being kept under wraps for now, but with these three talented individuals involved, it’s safe to say that this is a project worth keeping an eye on. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new thriller starring Julia Roberts and Elizabeth Olsen.
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Panic Carefully, Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Olsen, Sam Esmail, thriller, movie, Hollywood, casting news, upcoming film, entertainment industry, celebrity news
