lucky jili Reforms: Group recants, passes vote of confidence on NYSC managementNoneThe Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn't seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, was supposed to serve as Cousins' understudy for a year or two, a plan that was scuttled when Cousins quickly lost the zip and accuracy on his passes and his grip on the starting job. It was hard to argue with making the change after Cousins had nine picks and one touchdown pass in his last five starts — but it was a daring move nonetheless with the Falcons trailing first-place Tampa Bay by a single game with three weeks left. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons' 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes, and the Falcons (8-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers' loss at Dallas on Sunday night. The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would've been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix's lone interception. "He went out and played almost flawless football," coach Raheem Morris said. Cousins will almost certainly be looking for his fourth team in 2025. If the Falcons cut ties as expected, they'll have paid Cousins $90 million for 14 games. Cousins' career earnings are about $321 million and his record is 84-77-2, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs and 7-7 this season. In the spirit of expedited judgments, let's take a gander at how other quarterbacks have fared with their new teams in 2024. Russell Wilson The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the biggest bargain of the season in Wilson, whom they signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.21 million, leaving his former team, the Denver Broncos, on the hook for the remaining $37.79 million of his 2024 salary. Wilson's calf injury in camp forced the Steelers to start Justin Fields, who went 4-2 before Mike Tomlin made the risky switch to Wilson, who's gone 6-3 with 15 TD throws and four interceptions. With the Steelers (10-5) playoff-bound, Wilson will make his first postseason appearance since 2020. The only question is whether it'll be at home as AFC North champ or on the road as a wild-card. They're tied with the Ravens atop the division but currently own the tiebreaker. Sam Darnold This was expected to be a rebuilding year in Minnesota after the Vikings lost Cousins in free agency. They signed Darnold, the third overall pick in 2018, to a $10 million, one-year contract and drafted national champion J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener and has undergone two surgeries, opening the way for Darnold's breakthrough season. Darnold brought a 21-35 career record with him to Minneapolis and all he's done is go 13-2 while setting career highs with 32 touchdown passes, 3,776 passing yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. The Vikings are tied with the Lions atop the packed NFC North and the division crown could come down to Minnesota's season finale at Detroit on Jan. 5. Gardner Minshew The Las Vegas Raiders signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract and he beat out incumbent Aidan O'Connell for the starting gig. But he only went 2-7 and sustained a season-ending broken collarbone in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos, opening the door for O'Connell (1-4) to return. The Raiders' 19-14 win over Jacksonville on Sunday snapped a 10-game skid but might have taken them out of the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. They are 3-12, a game behind the Giants (2-13), who jettisoned QB Daniel Jones less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $160 million contract and have gone with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito instead. Caleb Williams The Chicago Bears had high hopes after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, but it might turn out that the second QB taken — Washington's Jayden Daniels — is better than the first as was the case last year when C.J. Stroud outperformed Carolina's Bryce Young. Williams has a terrific TD-to-INT ratio of 19-5, but the Bears are 4-11 and have lost nine in a row. Their last win came way back on Oct. 13 against Jacksonville. Jayden Daniels The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has led the Washington Commanders (10-5) to the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2020. His bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials with a five-TD performance Sunday in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. For the year, Daniels has 22 TD throws and eight interceptions. Bo Nix The former Auburn and Oregon star hasn't looked much like a rookie after starting an NCAA QB record 61 times in college. The Broncos (9-6) could snap an eight-year playoff drought with a win Sunday at Cincinnati thanks to Nix's steady play, Sean Payton's exhaustive guidance and Denver's traditionally stingy defense. Nix was drafted 12th overall after the Broncos released Wilson despite a a whopping $85 million dead money charge on top of the $37.79 million they're paying Wilson to play for Pittsburgh this year. With 22 TDs and 11 interceptions, Nix has almost matched Russell's win total (11-19) in his two seasons in Denver.

“There’s no place like home,” and Dorothy Gale’s ruby slippers are set to have a new one in three days. The ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” are being auctioned off for $1.15 million, nearly two decades after they were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota. The sparkly pair of heels are currently bidding at $1.15 million, with the next minimum bid at $1.2 million, according to Heritage Auctions . There are three days remaining in the auction, which will conclude on Dec. 7. Judy Garland’s character, Dorothy Gale, wore the iconic red slippers in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Michael Shaw purchased the slippers in 1970 , but former mobster Terry Jon Martin stole them in 2005 while they were on loan at the Judy Garland Museum. The FBI found the shoes in 2018 in Minneapolis while investigating “a scheme to defraud and extort the Markel Corporation, the owner of the slippers,” according to a press release from the agency. RECOMMENDED • lehighvalleylive .com Nordstrom has this cozy UGG slipper on sale for only $75 in a massive Cyber Monday deal Dec. 2, 2024, 12:15 p.m. UGG has these 8 Black Friday deals still in stock, with up to 30% off the Ultra Mini Platform Dec. 4, 2024, 2:45 p.m. The Shaw slippers are a match to the sequin and rhinestone pair that are currently on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History . Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

Aaron Rodgers not shutting his season down despite disappointing run of gamesSeniorsPlus President and CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter addresses a crowd Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. SeniorsPlus has launched a $5.5 million campaign for a new building to provide more programming space. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal LEWISTON — With more than half of the funds already raised, SeniorsPlus launched its $5.5 million capital campaign to construct a building off Mollison Way for its programs. The Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties operates programs to help older adults age in their homes. It is outgrowing its current spaces, according to CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter. With $1.5 million in federal funds, thanks to U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, a $900,000 grant from Maine Connectivity Authority, funds from Androscoggin and Franklin counties, funds from Lewiston and other corporate and individual donations, the organization has just $2.1 million more to raise to meet its goal, according to Sawyer-Manter. “We think there’s a very generous community here in our area and we’re hoping that people will step up and help us make our goal,” she said. “I’d like to get this building built debt free, because I want all the services going forward to be, all the money to be used on the services and not have to be paying a mortgage, so the goal is to build it and have it be debt free.” With an ambitious goal to break ground this spring, the organization will continue to fundraise and reach its goal, even during construction, she said. Its Meals on Wheels program provides prepared meals to older adults; Its education program helps teach older adults about internet safety, how to use electronic devices, Medicare counseling, financial education and other topics. Now, volunteers struggle to work in the kitchen to prepare the meals at its current rented location, she said. A wall runs down the middle of the kitchen, making communication difficult, the freezers and coolers require a lot of bending and lifting, and the space is small. Meals on Wheels serves about 650 clients total and the organization has started to form a waitlist for the program because there is so much demand, she said. Holly Zielinski, SeniorsPlus board of directors chairperson, addresses people Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston. The agency has launched a $5.5 million campaign for a new building to provide more programming space. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal In the new building, the kitchen will be bigger, open and have walk-in freezers and coolers so volunteers can use rolling carts to move food, she said. Currently, there is only one space for education programs at its headquarters, making it impossible to schedule multiple classes at a time, she said. The new building will have a large education room that can be partitioned so more than one class at a time can be hosted. Upgraded technology will be one of the biggest additions in the new building, allowing older adults to use the internet, computers and other technology to conduct telehealth appointments, meet with lawyers and anyone they might need to communicate with but cannot do so from home, she said. Staying connected with people is a big part of aging well at home, she said. The stress caused by isolation can have negative health impacts on older adults, so the organization aims to help facilitate connections, friendships and social interaction. “What we’re very concerned about is social isolation and a lot of people are certainly very at risk of social isolation, if not, really in the midst of social isolation,” she said. “So all of the things that we do, whether it’s the meals being delivered to the home, the social dining aspect, people coming and attending a class that’s all protective factors against social isolation, which can help people have better health.” One of the capital campaign’s largest donors, Maine Connectivity Authority, supports organizations providing services to close the digital divide to populations who face large barriers getting connected to the internet or digital devices – older adults being one of those populations, according to Maine Connectivity Authority Digital Equity Manager Jessica Perez. The organization likes the efforts SeniorsPlus is making to educate older adults about digital matters, she said. “We’re really excited about the work that SeniorsPlus is doing and we are excited to support them in having services for older adults in Lewiston and beyond,” she said. “And we’re excited that we can collaborate with them on the elements related to digital equity, is what we call it, along with elements to bring older adults into the workforce, to ensure that they can manage their health successfully and to have educational opportunities for their enrichment and beyond.” The new building will also have a patio for Tai Chi, a space for volunteers to grab coffee and a snack, computers for clients and volunteers to use, a congregate dining room, along with other spaces in the building meant to connect people and provide better storage and organization for its programs, Sawyer-Manter said. Though nursing homes and assisted living facilities serve an important role, most older adults do not want to live in one of those facilities and having a place where they can socialize, learn and get help can increase their longevity and happiness, she said. “If we can keep people at home as long as possible, that’s what we want to do,” she said. “As independently as they can be and not everyone is independent, a lot of our Meals on Wheels folks are very disabled, they can’t make a meal for themselves, but they’re happy because they’re home, they’re with their pets.” Though many operations of its programs will be moved into the new building, its Wilton and Norway satellite offices will stay open. Some operations will still remain at its primary location on Falcon Road in Lewiston – the new building will be constructed adjacent to its primary office. To make a donation visit the Seniors Plus website . Comments are not available on this story. 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Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah

LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. “Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world.” Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team,” Michael Andretti posted on social media. “I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!” The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you! The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti’s dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA . The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they’ve already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti’s application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1’s current grid. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. “Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024,” F1 said in a statement. “Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1."Social media users are misrepresenting a Vermont Supreme Court ruling , claiming that it gives schools permission to vaccinate children even if their parents do not consent. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont's high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents' wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella's suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella's son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school's assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct" that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn't want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn't say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court's mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.” John Klar, who also represents the Politellas, went a step further, telling the AP that the Vermont Supreme Court ruling means that “as a matter of law” schools can get away with vaccinating students without parental consent and that parents can only sue on the federal level if death or serious bodily injury results. — Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.

The Mohajir Culture Day was celebrated in Karachi and Hyderabad on Tuesday. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had announced plans to celebrate 'Mouhajir Culture Day' on Dec 24 in an effort to honour the cultural heritage and contributions of the Mohajir community. Urdu speaking youth in traditional kurta pajama took out rallies, while the central event took place at Governor House. Addressing the gathering, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori remarked that, for the first time, Mohajir Culture Day was being celebrated at state level. He said, "Our elders made great sacrifices, leaving behind their homes to migrate to the new country Pakistan." To this day, he said, this community continues to contribute to Pakistan through its sacrifices. "We ask every political party to work together on a single agenda - stabilise Pakistan economically and ensure it stands on its own feet." Governor Tessori emphasised, "The foundation of this movement is built on its martyrs and the missing persons. Our lives and efforts are devoted to Pakistan." MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said "for years, cultural days of Sindhi, Baloch, and other communities have been celebrated at the Governor House. Today, we are celebrating Mohajir Culture Day, which in fact is Pakistan's Culture Day." He said that the Mohajir people are the bearers of the national language and the custodians of the heritage of Pakistan movement. If anyone dares to cast an evil eye on it, they will be dealt with. Let me warn people living in this city along the sea, respect the limits." Siddiqui further declared, "Mohajirs are the true heirs of this nation. We do not need a certificate of loyalty. Our culture is our strength, and we will make it Pakistan's strength. Those who tried to obstruct migrants' progress have now given up." Senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar remarked, "for the first time, Mohajir Culture Day is being celebrated in a state institution. Over 70 years past the formation of Pakistan, the migrants continue to face the issue of identity. Why is it necessary to inquire about their parents' domiciles in addition to their own?" MQM-P leader Anees Qaimkhani shared, "my forefathers came to Pakistan, sacrificing the lives of two million people. They came here at the request of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I came here to become Pakistani and live in Pakistan. While others take pride in being Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, or Baloch, my elders taught me to take the greatest pride in being Pakistani. Pakistan runs in my blood." MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said, "There is much to say, but today I thank Allah for the fact that, in prominent state institutions across Pakistan, the slogan of 'Mohajir' is being chanted. As long as migrants are alive, they will give their lives to protect Pakistan." The event concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks, and artists also showcased their talents, adding to the festivities. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourFirst downs and second guesses: It feels like the last time I went to a bowl game, Bob Devaney and Bear Bryant were flipping a coin to see who would go to the Orange and Sugar Bowls. All signs point to the Nebraska-Iowa winner on Friday heading to the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Fla. That’s the bowl speculation. Man, I’ve missed it. The ReliaQuest is the former Outback Bowl, which has never had Nebraska. I always heard that the Outback Bowl served steaks in the press box. These guys will make sure your laptop doesn’t get hacked. It’s a good matchup, with the Big Ten going against the SEC. Which is why Music City would be my preference for a spot if NU doesn’t win on Friday. Some of the potential SEC teams I’ve seen in Nashville are LSU, Oklahoma, Missouri, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. The Huskers against any of them would be a dream matchup. Of course, the last bowl game Nebraska played in was the Music City Bowl, losing to Tennessee in 2016. My memory of that week was hitting the music honky-tonks on Broadway Street and realizing that none of them had TV’s. You were there to listen to music. What a concept. I’ll be happy with any bowl. First-time-in-a-long time bowlers can’t be choosers. Nebraska’s name pops up in several different bowl projections. There’s the Pinstripe Bowl (USA Today) vs. Pitt and vs. Georgia Tech (ESPN), the Duke’s Bowl in Charlotte vs. Syracuse (Action Network) and vs. Georgia Tech (ESPN), Nebraska vs. Texas Tech in the Rate (Phoenix) Bowl and in the Music City Bowl vs. LSU (247Sports). The Huskers will be happy to play in any of them. A good thing about the Duke’s is a Jan. 3 date. But that might be an awkward fit with coach Matt Rhule heading back to the city and stadium where he was fired two years ago. That storyline would dominate the week. Whatever happens, perfect. It’s just nice to be speculating again. I have to admit, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl looks intriguing. Is there a trophy? One day, someone very smart will come up with an NIL Bowl, which will pay the players involved. That’s sort of what Creighton is doing this week, participating in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The tourney will put $1 million into the CU Bird Club collective. Meanwhile, Coach Greg McDermott will earn his money this week and beyond, until point guard Steven Ashworth recovers fully from an ankle injury suffered against Nebraska. Wonder if Mac will have a committee approach to running the offense, including Pop Isaacs and freshman Ty Davis. Fred Hoiberg said on Monday that he has used “tough coaching” with his team twice in the last week — the day after the loss to St. Mary’s and again on Sunday to make sure his Huskers have come down from their win over Creighton. When a coach gets on his team like that, he knows they can handle it. That’s interesting because a good portion of this year’s NU team is new. Hoiberg is obviously going after an older, tougher-mindset kind of player in the portal. It works. Wow, how cool will it be to have Lindsay Krause, Kendra Wait and Ally Batenhorst all on the Omaha Supernovas this season? And Merritt Beason, the No. 1 overall pick to Atlanta in the Pro Volleyball Federation Draft, and Norah Sis, the overall No. 3 pick to Orlando, coming back to Omaha to play. I wonder how John Cook and Kirsten Bernthal Booth feel about having a pro draft in the middle of the season, with the NCAA tournament next week? I’m guessing the players will be focused. But what if the NFL Draft was now? And the NBA Draft was in February? All the talk this season about Nebraska Class A football being in trouble, and yet I couldn’t wait for the Westside-Millard South game on Monday night. It seems to me that there have always been two or three teams better than everyone else. When I arrived here in 1991, it was Omaha Creighton Prep and Lincoln Southeast. Then it was Prep and Millard North. And Millard West. And Omaha North. Westside. Gretna. The difference is the disparity between the top and the middle of Class A is now widening. You see more blowout games. You didn’t used to see those. The transfer issue is a factor, sure. So is OPS shutting down in 2020. And some new schools in districts where the population (and talent) in the district split into different schools. Based on conversations with several coaches, I would add specialization to the list. A lot of football programs have lost kids to playing other sports, like baseball and basketball, full-time. I still love the Friday Night lights, the marching bands, the student sections, all that. And, marquee matchups at state. There’s still a lot of good things going on. Should there be a Nebraska-Creighton basketball traveling trophy? I can’t think of one. But the teams should wear blue and red every year.