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Reemphasizing Forum Rules - All Posters Need to Read

Fellow BP posters,

There have been several complaints about standards on the Recruiting Forum and not enforcing the long-standing rules enough. While the BPRT mods try our best to enforce the rules and make this forum the best it can be, we also understand the complaints and feel it necessary to bring this forum back into the standards this site was founded upon. Myself and other mods have had to spend unnecessary time dealing with violations and not that we are trying to earn a medal, but we do this in our limited free time and it gets frustrating.

To be clear, all of the forum rules posted and pinned by @osugrad21 still apply. We are simply emphasizing the specific recurring issues we have seen that need to stop, and give fair warning that if it does not stop then the mods will be more aggressive on correcting the issues. We want everyone to post and don't want to run off good posters, but we've had issues with long-time posters and new posters that have a common theme. Again, all recruiting forum rules apply, but here are the biggest issues we have seen.

1. NO CURSING IN THE RECRUITING FORUM. NONE OF ANY KIND. This has been a core standard from Day 1 of BP. I curse like a sailor but am cognizant of when I am in the recruiting forum. It is not that hard guys. Recruits and their families come in here and we need to clean it up. We are constantly editing posts to take out cursing and we're done just doing that without a warning, then a temporary ban. I don't care if you have posted here for 20 years or its your first time, it will be a warning and if it happens again, then a temporary ban. I will impose that on myself if I break that rule, everybody be accountable.
2. STAY ON TOPIC. Occasional jokes and banter is to be expected, or raising issues tangential to that recruit to some extent. However, threads are going so far off topic and relocating the posts to the proper thread is cumbersome. For example and for current classes, if we miss on an OL, that recruits thread is not the place to decry Frye's recruiting. That belongs in general discussion or Frye's thread. We understand it can be easy to get off track, but lets focus on making individual recruit threads on track.
3. NEGATIVITY. We understand that being negative is not generally a violation of forum rules. The line between criticism and negativity can sometimes be a gray area. However, when you are posting, remember that recruits and their families come into this forum. If you are a fan of Ohio State, do you want them to see a post that further perpetuates the idea (or perhaps myth) that our fans are bad fans and overly negative towards players? Educated criticism is fine, but we are seeing posts go beyond that.

Ohio State vs Valparaiso, 8pm EST. Peacock

Even though we are bummed about the last few games, we are only 1/3 of the way through and I'm not ready to throw in the towel.

Get back on track. Be strong with the ball and don't let anyone push you around. Defense travels so become the best defensive team in the country and be in every game from now on. Let's GO BUCKS!!

125th edition of the Army/Navy game, 3:00 pm CBS, Paramount+

It's not exactly a playoff game and there are no Week 16 games thread so I figured we could discuss here. I know there are a lot of vets on this site so it should be fun.

Army has had a much better year and are favored by a touchdown, Army -7, O/U 39.5. The Under has gone 17-1 in the last 18 meetings, just fyi.

Go MILITARY! (I was a member of both forces so I just want a good game.)

Ohio State vs. #2 Auburn (in Atlanta), Dec. 14 @ 1pm ET, ESPN2

Ohio State vs Auburn: 2024-25 College basketball game preview, TV schedule​

By Joey Loose | Dec 11, 2024​

Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers take on Richmond Spiders at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2024.

Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers take on Richmond Spiders at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2024. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Ohio State meets Auburn in Atlanta as part of the Holiday Hoopsgiving; will the Tigers keep rolling this season or do the Buckeyes get back on track with a marquee victory?

TV schedule: Saturday, December 14, 1:00 pm ET. ESPN2
Arena: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

Trying to ride the high of last season’s ending, Ohio State (6-3) showed promise in a season-opening victory over Texas but recent weeks have been less prosperous. Jake Diebler’s first full season in command has had its share of challenges, including a recent overtime loss to Pittsburgh and tough showing in road losses against Maryland and Texas A&M. Regardless, this trip to Atlanta brings major opportunity.
Much like last season, the Buckeyes lean heavily on junior guard Bruce Thornton (16.2 ppg, 5.7 apg), a great shooter and the key cog in running this offense. After coming off the bench last year, Devin Royal (14.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg) has taken a nice step forward as a sophomore, carving out a major role in this frontcourt. A few of the newer pieces in the lineup are still adjusting, though freshman John Mobley (12.9 ppg) is satisfying early expectations, shooting 56% from outside the arc.
The Buckeyes have been unranked as a result of their recent defeats, though they sit 29th in KenPom and were 23rd in the most recent NET rankings. This program is still figuring things out for this season, especially with their new faces in the frontcourt not exactly standing out. The offense was putrid just over a week ago against the Terrapins, though the shooting for the most part has been solid this season. In this matchup, Ohio State clearly needs to put together a complete game, much like against Texas in early November.
Things are far clearer at Auburn (8-1), as these Tigers just might be one of the elite teams in the nation this season. This program has already stockpiled impressive wins including Houston, Iowa State, and North Carolina and their lone loss came last week at Duke, a tough place for anyone to win. Much like with the Buckeyes, the Tigers see the opportunity in Atlanta and won’t show up flat.
The leading story with Auburn is clearly Johni Broome (19.6 ppg, 11.9 rpg), the fifth-year senior forward who just might be the best frontcourt player in the entire country. He’s been impressive throughout the Tigers’ awesome opening month. Chad Baker-Mazara (13.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg) is another name to watch, as he’s developed into quite the leader and scorer for Auburn in his second year in town. This senior-laden lineup does have some young talent, as freshman Tahaad Pettiford (11.3 ppg, 2.8 apg) has been playing some inspired ball in recent weeks.
Last week’s loss in Durham only dro

CFP first round vs. Tennessee

A bit of unique scenario with tickets potentially going to public sale and Tennessee fans looking to fill the shoe.

If any STM would be willing to purchase an extra 1-4 tickets during tomorrow’s presale window and make sure they are sold to screaming buckeye fans, I would be eternally grateful. Or if there is a generic presale code to share, that would be great.

I will be trying to get tickets on Thursday if there are any left for the general public sale, but I’m not very confident that will be successful.

Thank you and go bucks!

Non-CFP Bowl Games Discussion Thread

This is for all the postseason games that are NOT in the CFP. I left those in here for TV planning.

Saturday, Dec. 14
South Carolina State vs. Jackson State (Celebration Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ABC
Incarnate Word at South Dakota State (FCS quarterfinals) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Minnesota State at Valdosta State (DII semifinals) | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Bethel (MN) at Susquehanna (DIII quarterfinals) | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Mary-Hardin Baylor at Johns Hopkins (DIII quarterfinals) | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Springfield at North Central (Ill.) (DIII quarterfinals) | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Mount Union at Salisbury (DIII quarterfinals) | 1 p.m. | ESPN+

Navy at No. 22 Army (Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD) | 3 p.m. | CBS

UC Davis at South Dakota (FCS quarterfinals) | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Mercer at North Dakota State (FCS quarterfinals) | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
Slippery Rock at Ferris State (DII semifinals) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
South Alabama vs. Western Michigan (Salute to Veterans Bowl) | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 17
No. 25 Memphis vs. West Virginia (Frisco Bowl) | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 18
James Madison vs. Western Kentucky (Boca Raton Bowl) | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 24 UNLV vs. Cal (LA Bowl) | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 19
Sam Houston vs. Georgia Southern (New Orleans Bowl) | 7 p.m. | ESPN2

Friday, Dec. 20
Ohio vs. Jacksonville State (Cure Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Florida vs. Tulane (Gasparilla Bowl) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN

No. 8 Indiana at No. 5 Notre Dame (College Football Playoff first round) | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 21
No. 10 SMU at No. 4 Penn State (College Football Playoff first round) | 12 p.m. | TNT/MAX

UC Davis/South Dakota vs. Idaho/Montana State (FCS semifinals) | 12 or 3:30 p.m. | ABC
UIW/South Dakota State vs. Mercer/North Dakota State (FCS semifinals) | 12 or 3:30 p.m. | ABC
TBD vs. TBD (DII championship game in McKinney, TX) | 2 p.m. | ESPN2
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No. 16 Clemson at No. 3 Texas (College Football Playoff first round) | 4 p.m. | TNT/MAX
No. 7 Tennessee at No. 6 Ohio State (College Football Playoff first round) | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
TBD vs. TBD (DIII semifinals) | TBA | ESPN+
TBD vs. TBD (DIII semifinals) | TBA | ESPN+

Monday, Dec. 23
Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA (Myrtle Beach Bowl) | 11 a.m. | ESPN
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl) | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 24
South Florida vs. San Jose State (Hawai'i Bowl) | 8 p.m. | ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 26
Pitt vs. Toledo (GameAbove Sports Bowl) | 2 p.m. | ESPN
Rutgers vs. Kansas State (Rate Bowl) | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN
Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green (68 Ventures Bowl) | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Friday, Dec. 27
Navy vs. Oklahoma (Armed Forces Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt (Birmingham Bowl) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech (Liberty Bowl) | 7 p.m. | ESPN
No. 21 Syracuse vs. Washington State (Holiday Bowl) | 8 p.m. | FOX
USC vs. Texas A&M (Las Vegas Bowl) | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 28
UConn vs. North Carolina (Fenway Bowl) | 11 a.m. | ESPN
Boston College vs. Nebraska (Pinstripe Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ABC
TCU vs. Louisiana (New Mexico Bowl) | 2:15 p.m. | ESPN
No. 13 Miami (Fla.) vs. No. 18 Iowa State (Pop-Tarts Bowl) | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
Colorado State vs. Miami (Ohio) (Arizona Bowl) | 4:30 p.m. | CW Network
NC State vs. East Carolina (Military Bowl) | 5:45 p.m. | ESPN
No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (Alamo Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 22 Army vs. Marshall (Independence Bowl) | 9:15 p.m. | ESPN

Monday, Dec. 30
No. 19 Missouri vs. Iowa (Music City Bowl) | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 31
No. 11 Alabama vs. Michigan (ReliaQuest Bowl) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Louisville vs. Washington (Sun Bowl) | 2 p.m. | CBS
No. 15 South Carolina vs. No. 20 Illinois (Citrus Bowl) | 3 p.m. | ABC
LSU vs. Baylor (Texas Bowl) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 9 Boise State vs. TBD (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Fiesta Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

Wednesday, Jan. 1
No. 12 Arizona State vs. TBD (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Peach Bowl) | 1 p.m. | ESPN
No. 1 Oregon vs. TBD (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Rose Bowl) | 5 p.m. | ESPN
No. 2 Georgia vs. TBD (College Football Playoff quarterfinals — Sugar Bowl) | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN

Thursday, Jan. 2
No. 14 Ole Miss vs. Duke (Gator Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

Friday, Jan. 3
North Texas vs. Texas State (First Responder Bowl) | 4 p.m. | ESPN
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (Duke's Mayo Bowl) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

Saturday, Jan. 4
Liberty vs. Buffalo (Bahamas Bowl) | 11 a.m. | ESPN2

Play Game Bowl Upset Contest for 2024 (Deadline 8 pm Friday)

This contest will be only for this season's bowl games. @muffler dragon was the winner for this year's Upset Contest, which ended last week. Only games that already know the matchup will be included in this contest, so that leaves out the last 7 CFP games.

2007 Bowl Upset Winner - 26.5 points, @Piney
2008 Bowl Upset Winner - 20.0 points, @EgonSchiele
2009 Bowl Upset Winner - 32.0 points, @sears3820
2010 Bowl Upset Winner - 21.5 points, @Piney
2011 Bowl Upset Winner - 12.5 points, @gracelhink & @MD Buckeye, tied
2012 Bowl Upset Winner - 26.0 points, @808 Buck
2013 Bowl Upset Winner - 41.0 points, @AuTX Buckeye (record total)
2014 Bowl Upset Winner - 29.0 points, @Mothra
2015 Bowl Upset Winner - 19.0 points, @osugrad21
2016 Bowl Upset Winner - 37.0 points, @AuTX Buckeye
2017 Bowl Upset Winner - 32.0 points, @TampaBuckeyes
2018 Bowl Upset Winner - 39.5 points, @buckeyemania11 (6 for 6)
2019 Bowl Upset Winner - 21.5 points, @Jake
2020 Bowl Upset Winner - 27.5 points, @BB73
2021 Bowl Upset Winner - 29.5 points, @Jake
2022 Bowl Upset Winner - 20.5 points, @TampaBuckeyes in a tiebreaker
2023 Bowl Upset Winner - 29.0 points, @kn1f3party

Pick 6 Underdogs that you think will win their games outright. If they cover the spread but lose the game, you get no points for that selection. The point spreads in this post are locked for purposes of this contest.

Picks are due before the kickoff of the Indiana-Notre Dame game at 8 pm Eastern on Friday, December 20th. There are games starting before that, but obviously you can't pick a game once it's kicked off.

Pick 6 underdogs to win outright
. For each game that you pick correctly, you receive the number of points for the pointspread in that game. The person with the most total points will win this game, and $25,000 SportsBook "vCash".

In the event of a tie, I'll contact the winners and have them pick the total points in the National Championship Game.

FAVORITE.......SPREAD.....UNDERDOG.......Must pick by
S Alabama…………...8.5...……..Western Mich…….Dec 14 9:00 pm ET
Memphis…………………….2.5……………….West Va………….…….Dec 17 9:00 pm ET
James Madison…….7.0…………………Western Ky………….Dec 18 5:30 pm ET
Cal……………………………….4.5……………….UNLV………………………….Dec 18 9:00 pm ET
Ga Southern……………6.5……………….Sam Houston……..Dec 19 7:00 pm ET
Ohio…………………………….2.5……………….Jax St…………………….Dec 20 noon ET
Florida.……………….12.5……………….Tulane…………………..Dec 20 3:30 pm ET
Notre Dame………...7.5.……....Indiana……….……..Dec 20 8:00 pm ET (all picks deadline)

Penn State......8.5....…….SMU
Texas……………………..11.5……………..Clemson
Ohio St…………………..7.5……………..Tennessee
UTSA…………………………….7.0……………….Coastal Car
Northern Ill.…..1.5……………..Fresno St
San Jose St………….2.5……………..USF
Pitt…………………………..9.5……………….Toledo
Kansas St…………………7.0……………..Rutgers
Bowling Green…….6.5……………..Ark St
Oklahoma……………………8.5……………..Navy
Ga Tech…………………….2.5……………..Vandy
Arkansas………………….3.0……………..Texas Tech
Syracuse………………….6.5……………..Wash St
Texas A&M……………..2.5……………….USC Trojans
N Carolina…………….4.5……………..UConn
Nebraska………………….3.5……………….Boston College
TCU……………………………….9.5……………..La Lafayette
Miami FL………………..3.5……………..Iowa St
Miami OH………………..2.5……………..Colo St
N.C. State………………5.5……………..East Carolina
Colorado………………….3.0……………..BYU
Army………………………….12.5……………..Marshall (note, Marshall opted out)
Mizzou……………………..3.5……………..Iowa
Bama………………………….11.5……………..tCun
Louisville…………..5.5……………..Washington
S Carolina………….11.5……………..Illinois
LSU…………………………...3.0……………….Baylor
Ole Miss……………..13.5……………..Duke
Texas St………………….9.5……………….N Texas
Minny………………………….4.5……………..Va Tech
Liberty…………………….2.5……………….Buffalo
/

championship week

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2025 BP Class Review

As predictable as Santa Clause comes down the chimney, here is my BRPT review of this class and we have a collaborative approach that I honestly enjoy. So everyone have at it with your thoughts and contributions. I love this site too much to not continue this tradition. Here are my thoughts on the '24 class now that it is wrapped up. And sticking to tradition, the categories will be the same, but include whatever category you have that I don't list. Keep in mind lets not "bash" anyone and just stick to the review.

General Thoughts


This is an incredible class overall, don't forget that. There will be some caveats to that but our class is solid overall. We have to supplement the OL with the portal and also the DL. But we have some amazing recruits coming in, this might be the best recruiting class we've had on paper. The recent defections though...Offord, Mathis, Merritt...those hurt. But think of Woods and Epi coming in. We are doing good with recruiting talent but we do need some Portal pickups.

Earliest Impact

Faheem Delane at safety, I think he is legit and there's an open spot to compete. I won't list an OL because usually they need a year to get ready. Bo could play right away with the guys that are leaving, Eli Lee could also be an instant contributor and I am liking his play more by the day. Sanchez is one that should play from Day1.

Most Star Potential

TSC. Not even close. There is a reason he is #1 on almost every site. I will be brief because I can be for this one. Kid is a star and a great leader. Easy answer of a 1+1 scenario.

Most Intriguing

I'll go with a really unsexy pick with Max Roy. Kid is so talented but just needs S&C development.

Biggest Reach

Never my favorite topic (a repeat, I know), but Isiah West. I see one year and a transfer. I will be glad to be wrong if I am.

Sleeper

Easy pick here for me with Lennon. Kid is a great talent and overlooked because of competition. Look out for him in a year or two. Roy at DT is another that I think can be a star with some S&C. Woods could also be pretty dang good with some coaching and technique.

Biggest Surprise Commitment

Easy answer with Epi. Not only a surprise, but really needed. Good job staff. Now get another in the Portal and we are good. The DL class as a whole is really good, but we do need another DE in the Portal

The Ones Who Got Away

You could start with the obvious Offord, Mathis and Merritt train that doesn't land you in the 614. But Brew will be my pick at DB. We needed him and he was basically a legacy. I think we will be fine at DB with the talent we have acquired, in '24 and otherwise. But Brew just haunts me and that might just be personal.

What This Class Lacks

DE and OL once again. The Portal could shift that sentiment but we have, have, have to do a better job here in recruiting and stop hoping for the best in the Portal. You can't have your top DE's decommit or top targets string you along a routine schedule and not land your top OL prospects. There, I said it. If the staff can use the Portal to overcome those flaws, great. But until they do, not a passing grade on the trenches other than DT (Carter, Roy and Odom . I love the OL and DL we did get, but I am nervous on numbers if we don't win in the Portal. Getting Epi at DE was a very good recovery, but we needed 3 imo and Merritt/Mathis both decommitting hurt no matter how you try to explain it away with money bags.

What This Class Has

It is one of the best classes we have ever had on paper. We need the portal for the trenches and it should be obvious. Combine those two and we are set. Can't have too much of a negative outlook on what could be the best class in the country.

2025 Outlook & Objectives - Offense and Defense

Sayin and TSC look good. One of those guys will work. I can definitely say Brown or LK are not it...don't want to dog on them, but they aren't that guy. I like the players we have on both sides of the ball. This was an outstanding class and I want to end with that so there is no misunderstanding.

Week 15 CCG Games Discussion Thread

Week 15​

Friday, Dec. 6
7 p.m. | Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State | Conference USA Championship Game | CBSSN
8 p.m. | No. 17 Tulane at Army | AAC Championship Game | ABC
8 p.m. | No. 11 Boise State vs. No. 22 UNLV | Mountain West Championship Game | FOX

Saturday, Dec. 7


12 p.m. | No. 16 Arizona State vs. No. 18 Iowa State | Big 12 Championship Game (Arlington, Texas) | ABC
12 p.m. | Miami (OH) vs. Ohio University | MAC Championship Game (Detroit, Michigan) | ESPN

2 p.m. | Southern at Jackson State (SWAC Championship) | ESPN2
2 p.m. | Montana at South Dakota State (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Rhode Island at Mercer (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Villanova at UIW (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
3 p.m. | UT Martin at Montana State (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Abilene Christian at North Dakota State (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Tarleton State at South Dakota (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+

4 p.m. | No. 3 Texas vs. No. 7 Georgia | SEC Championship Game (Atlanta) | ABC
4 p.m. | Illinois State at UC Davis (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Louisiana vs. Marshall | Sun Belt Championship Game | ESPN

8 p.m. | No. 9 SMU vs. No. 12 Clemson| ACC Championship Game (Charlotte, North Carolina) | ABC
8 p.m. | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Penn State | Big Ten Championship Game (Indianapolis) | CBS

9 p.m. | Lehigh at Idaho (FCS playoffs second round) | ESPN+

Ohio State at Maryland, Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 @ 6:30 PM, BTN

Maryland basketball shows more promising signs in another blowout win

In its final tuneup before the Big Ten schedule begins, Maryland basketball cruised past another overmatched opponent from a lower level of college basketball. The Terps tied a program record with their fifth win by 30 points or more.

In its final tuneup before the Big Ten schedule begins, Maryland basketball cruised past another overmatched opponent from a lower level of college basketball. The Terps tied a program record with their fifth win by 30 points or more, handling Alcorn State, 96-58.

Mid-half run seals the deal early ... There was a tiny smattering of fans in the stands, no surprise given students have been gone for Thanksgiving break, it's an NFL Sunday and the opponent was an 0-8 team from a school most only know as the alma mater of former NFL star Steve McNair. This game was scheduled to get a sweat in during the break, bridging the gap between the holiday and the Big Ten opener against Ohio State this week. So with no energy in the building, it wasn't surprising to see a flat start by the Terps, who saw Alcorn State (0-9) go on a 12-1 run to take the lead.

But Maryland abruptly turned it on. DeShawn Harris-Smith knocked down a free throw and then was the beneficiary of the latest sweet pass by Derik Queen, who found him cutting to the basket for a layup. Rodney Rice (12 points, five assists) missed a couple of threes but was undeterred, driving to the basket for a fastbreak layup to give Maryland a 20-18 lead. Queen showed off his face-up game, knocking down a 15-footer from atop the key. Rice drilled a three, Queen blocked a shot and Rice whipped the ball to Jay Young for a run-out layup. With that, the Terps had retaken control of the game, making seven of nine shots during their run.
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Miguel started his Maryland career slowly, shooting less than 50 percent in each of the first four games and sometimes taking questionable shots. But he appears to be getting more comfortable with his new teammates. He shot 5-for-10 and has been above 50 percent while scoring at least 13 points in three of the past four games. Never bashful about hunting his shot, he showed unselfishness in the second half by passing on an open breakaway layup and lobbing the ball to Gapare for a dunk.

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Julian Reese started the season a bit slowly, perhaps because he was getting used to playing alongside another big man in Queen. He continued to look increasingly comfortable and assertive today, though, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds on 2-for-4 shooting. The senior center posted his 25th career double-double with more than 13 minutes left and made 10 of 12 from the free throw line, a welcome sight given his struggles there. He made his first three free throws and after a miss was negated by an Alcorn State lane violation, made his fourth. Then he swatted a shot and set a screen for Rice, freeing him to knock down an open jumper. Later in the half, he remained perfect at the line, making his fifth and sixth free throws.

In the past six games, Reese is averaging 14.8 points on 67 percent shooting.

Tafara Gapare's recent emergence has added even more balance and firepower. Coming off that breakout 19-point game against Bucknell, the reserve forward posted nine points, eight rebounds and seven blocks, again showing off his bounciness near the rim. Gapare looks like an increasingly impactful player off the bench this year and potentially a key starter next season.

Maryland's passing is improving fast and it was seamless today. The Terps unselfishly whipped the ball around sharply all afternoon, recording 25 assists on 32 made baskets, an elite ratio. Queen (6-of-9 for 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks) again showed off his unusual passing ability, dropping several dimes.It's easy to see their chemistry growing. Rice posted five assists in the first half and is increasingly looking like a reliable secondary ballhandler, which some wouldn't have predicted based on his reputation as a shooter.

They entered the day ranked 11th nationally in both turnovers per game (11.7) and turnovers forced (17.1), a formula for winning lots of games.

They also had their best 3-point shooting day of the young season, going 11 for 23. That's been a weakness. Seven players made at least one. It won't be nearly this easy against Big Ten teams.

Late in the game, Harris-Smith (10 points) might've generated some much-needed confidence, driving for a layup on the break and then knocking down a three. Seconds later, Young hit from the same spot to extend their lead to 38 points.

Up next ... After a run of mostly overmatched opponents Maryland used to gain cohesiveness, the Terps will have an opportunity to gauge where they stand when Ohio State visits on Wednesday. The Buckeyes (5-2) are coming off a deflating loss against Pitt, during which they squandered late leads in regulation and overtime.

Just sayin': Maryland is 7-1 beating Manhattan, Mount St. Mary's, Florida A&M, Canisius, Villanova, Bucknell, and Alcorn State; while losing to #15 Marquette (the only ranked team that have played).

I saw a picture of their Infinity Center (below), are the yellow shirts all students or did they have some free give away t-shirt promotion?

maryland-terrapins-tickets-1.jpg

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