Eurovision Song Contest is an international competition that has been running annually since 1956. It's a massive event as a total of 52 countries participated in Eurovision and it's a fun event. Everybody has their own reason for watching it from supporting their own country, celebrating different cultures, enjoying music to appreciating Dustin the Turkey.
You don't need to know details on how voting works or how Eurovision works as we are going to focus on something else. Specifically, the process of choosing the performer. Some countries have a committee that picks a willing performed and some host a competition.
The size and length of the competition differ in each country as every country has their own budget. You can either have Swedish Melodifestivalen or Polish Tu Bije Serce Europy! Wybieramy hit na Eurowizję!. Today, we are going to focus on Poland's history of pre-selections and the latest drama.
Important information.
The post is a bit unique due to the nature of the sources. It's recommended to listen to music videos from 2023 with headphones and without them to get the full experience. There will be mentions of gossip and conspiracies, so wearing a tin foil hat is recommended. Almost all sources are in Polish and they were translated by me. I'm not a professional translator and so I am prone to making mistakes. After a while, this post is going to be edited to include a link to a comment explaining the translation process. Some sources have comments sections and you may encounter triggering content.

Holding onto memories - The history of Poland in Eurovision

Poland debuted in 1994 with "To nie ja" by Edyta Górniak, who was sent by a Polish tv broadcaster known as TVP. The song almost got disqualified, but it wasn't and Górniak got 2nd place for Poland. It was the first time, when Poland was in the top 3 and also currently the last one.
Then there were 5 years of being outside the top 10, which resulted in Poland withdrawing from Eurovision 2000. Poland returned for the 2001 edition, but Piasek's bad performance resulted in Poland withdrawing again.
Then in 2003, Ich Troje with "Keine Grenzen - Żadnych Granic" finally breaks the unlucky strike as they manage to get 7th place. Unfortunately, the unlucky strike comes back. Blue Cafe only manages to get 17th place. Next years are similarly bad. 2 years of not qualifying for the final, 24th place and 3 years of not qualifying. One of the representatives that didn't qualify was Ich Troje, who came back with "Follow my heart".
Poland withdrew again for 2 years, partially due to hosting UEFA Euro with Ukraine. The return of Poland in 2014 was controversial as "My słowianie" by Donatan & Cleo was chosen. The song is basically about how Slavic girls are the best wives as they know how to use body language. It divided Polish viewers. Some treated it as a fun satire of Polish stereotypes (hypersexual girls, poor old-fashioned country, etc.), while others had issues with the song spreading these stereotypes and the sexual nature of the music video. According to one of the biggest Polish newspapers, Britain described the song as a typical weird Eurovision song and they thought it was about bread. Sweden threw sexism allegations, while Germany described the music video as softcore porn.
It also started a discussion about Eurovision and how it's viewed by others. The same newspaper described Polish viewers treating participation in Eurovision as a matter of national pride and how the scale of emotions is similar to a schizophrenic patient running from one end of the room to another. Even when the quality of competition can be questionable.
Donatan&Cleo got 14th place and Poland didn't withdraw. It was probably a good decision as Michał Szpak with his song "Colour of Life" got 8th place in 2016. There were two controversies surrounding Szpak. One of them was a difference between televotes and judges' votes, but the controversy was quickly forgotten. Another controversy is related to TVP, but I will cover it later.
Then Poland got 22nd place and it had 3 songs not qualifying for a final in the row, again. The third song that didn't qualify was "The Ride" by RAFAŁ, which became a meme due to a horrible live performance. It was so bad that many Polish viewers wanted RAFAŁ to not qualify for finals.
The unlucky strike got interrupted by "River" by Ochman, who managed to get 12th place. The live performance became meme due to cheap special effects.

I ain't done yet - Everything about TVP

TVP (Telewizja Polska S.A) is one of the oldest TV broadcasters in Poland and also a controversial one. If you say "politics" and "TVP" in one sentence, you are legally allowed to change your name to Pandora. But you can't escape from TVP, especially if you are interested in music competitions for newcomers. They are associated with one of the biggest music festivals in Poland (Opole Festival) and run three different editions of The Voice (Of Poland, Kids and Senior). Other TV broadcasters don't offer too much. Polsat keeps changing trying different formats and the last music competition was in 2020. TVN has only Got Talent.
Going back to Eurovision, TVP is responsible for anything related to Eurovision. Depending on the year, you may expect either an internal selection carried or a competition. Both of them have their own unique reputation due to many reasons.
The most controversial entry from an internal selection is The Ride from 2021. At that time, most people expected to see Alicja with her song "Empires". Alicja won Szansa na Sukces (a music competition, where singers get a chance to perform somewhere) and she was supposed to participate in Eurovision 2020, but it got cancelled due to covid. Most countries decided to send their 2020 representative, so expectations weren't unreasonable. Yet, TVP decided to do something else and Poland ended up getting multiple memes about RAFAŁ instead of the sweet victory.
However, this doesn't mean that music competitions are without flaws. Some people in TVP wanted to remove Michał Szpak from the competition due to being worried about him potentially winning, but the director Radek Kobiałko and other people organising the competition 2016 decided to stand up against it. The reason behind it is unclear, but Michał Szpak used to be controversial due to his androgynous looks and presentation.
Then there were some minor issues with the first edition Tu Bije Serce Europy!, which were brought up one year later due to the 2023 drama. Some viewers have noticed that one song "Paranoia" by Daria has been promoted by TVP. Daria performed her song before the show. She performed at New Year's Eve's Music Festival by TVP and somebody could say that was TVP's conspiracy to secure Daria's televotes victory. However, Ochman won and some say it was due to the voting consisting of two rounds.
This leads us to 26th February 2023 and the latest drama. Grab your popcorn as we are going back to the past and I am going to serve as your host.

Welcome to the party - The show

It's 17:30 and you are watching TVP 1. The show begins and so it's time to explain to you how the show works.
Tu bije serce Europy! Wybieramy hit na Eurowizję! 2023 works similarly to the previous edition. Every performed could send one song and that song had to meet standard requirements for Eurovision. Specific requirements are under point 6 and other rules, can be read here. Around 300 songs were sent to TVP and only 10 of them could make it to the show.
Each judge has 100 points and they have to judge each contestant... That's how I would explain rules if they weren't changed 4 days before the competition. It was a fully legal move from TVP as rule 39 specifies that TVP has the power to change rules. The explanation was given by TVP and rules were changed to be closer to those in Eurovision.
Now each judge gives points (12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) to contestants. Points are then added together and the contestant with the highest total gets 12 points. The next person gets 10 points, etc. Viewers can still vote and they are still as important as judges. Voting works the same, except viewers don't give points.
Without further ado, let's meet the judges and the contestants.
The judges

• Edyta Górniak - She is our first judge and the chairwoman of judges. She is a singer active since 1990 and she has been at the centre of gossip magazines since her participation in Eurovision. She was a judge in some TVP music competitions such as The Voice of Poland and she performed in many events organised by TVP. She also performed in other shows hosted by other TV broadcasters. Like in the case of many stars, Górniak caused many controversies. One of the things that you should know is the fact that Górniak is spiritual and openly talks about her beliefs.
• Agustin Egurrola - If you are watching a music/dance competition or a music festival on TV, you will probably see him or his name. Egurolla is a famous dancer and choreographer. He worked in many different shows as either a dance choreographer or a judge. His dancers performed at NYE Music Festival 2022.
• Marek Sierocki - So there is a mixture here. He is well known for journalism, hosting some music competitions or being a commentator for those. This includes Eurovision Junior 2021.
• Aneta Woźniak - A new director in TVP. There isn't a lot of information about her and she was mostly involved with TVP ABC (a channel for children).
• Marcin Kusy - A director of Polish radio Jedynka.

The contestants

• Natasza "Lift U Up"- If you ever watched other Polish pre-selections or 365 days, you may know her. Her career is longer than my life and you would probably see her at least once on TVP.
• Kuba Szmajkowski "You Do Me"- A fresh blood in the Polish celebrity world. His career started after performing in The Voice Kids 2017 and he managed to perform in finals. He performed in TVP's New Year's Eve Music Festival 2021 and 2022
• Ahlena "Booty" - A new singer that never for the public. She started composing in 2020 and her first song was "Booty".
• Dominik Dudek "Be Good" - The winner of the latest edition of The Voice of Poland that had a final in November 2022. The show started his career.
• Alicja "New Home" - The winner of pre-selections for Eurovision 2020, which unfortunately didn't happen due to covid. She has won 3 music competitions broadcasted by TVP and her music career has been steady since 2019.
• Felivers "Never Back Down" - Another fresh blood in the music world that has been active for 3-4 years. They performed Uptown Funk at TVP's NYE music festival 2022.
• Maja Hyży "Never Hide" - An established star that has started her music career thanks to TVN's X Factor 2012. She performed with Kuba Szmajkowski in 2021 and 2022 at the same music festival.
• Jann "Gladiator" - His career started in 2020 and performed in an alternative music festival known as Off Festival. Tu Bije Serce Europy! is his TV debiut.
• Blanka "Solo" - 2021 can be considered as the start of her music career. Solo is her second song and she performed it for TVP's NYE Music Festival 2022. She also performed as a guest for You Can Dance - Nowa Generacja 2.
• Yan Majewski "Champion" - Yan is another contestant of The Voice of Poland, specifically the 2021 edition. He later performed at the Grand Prix Festival of young talents 2022, TVP's NYE music festival 2022 and You Can Dance - Nowa Generacja 2.

At this point, you may probably see 3 things that were pointed out by fans and the media. The most obvious one is a lack of songs in Polish. Feliver's song only has one Polish segment and that's it. It has been a point of competition criticism, but it isn't anything abnormal. Poland has sent multiple entries in English and even English & Spanish before.
Another thing that can be noticed is the fact that only Ahlena and Jann don't have ties to TVP. Many contestants have performed for TVP at one point and many of them performed a couple of months before the competition. In the case of Yan Majewski and Blanka, you could see them on TVP a couple of days before the competition.
The third thing would be the quality of the show. While not all videos come directly from TVP, the quality doesn't differ that much from what you would see on TV. Journalists and fans openly talked about their ears bleeding thanks to some performances. There were even jokes about the quality of special effects and anything related to visuals. At this point, Poland's special effects are a meme and you can find videos depicting how the performance of (Insert Eurovision 2023 contestant) would look like if they represented Poland. What doesn't help is the fact that recordings from the audience and journalists tend to have better audio.
From things that you could only see by watching the full show, all contestants got at least one round of applause from the public. The craziest applause was for Jann before and after his performance. The beginning of his introduction could be barely heard and even hosts acknowledged the madness after his performance.
Now let's reveal results. During the show, Edyta Górniak was responsible for revealing results.

Name	Score
Blanka	12
Dominik Dudek	10
Felivers	8
Jann	7
Natasza	6
Alicja	5
Yan Majewski	4
Kuba Szmajkowski	3
Maja Hyży	2
Ahlena	1

This didn't sit well with the public. When Jann's score was revealed, many people started booing. It was so loud that Edyta Górniak had to ask whoever was giving her score to repeat themselves and you could hear it on TV.
There was also another moment of booing and screaming "EDYTA" after the results were revealed. Then it changed to screaming "USTAWKA" (set-up) and one of the hosts had to calm down the public again. Performances of the contestants were replayed and you can guess what happened when Jann's performance was shown. The crowd went for applause this time and became quiet during Blanka's performance.
This brings us to televoting. Rules changed again and now you can send up to 20 SMS from one SIM card. The cost of one SMS is 3.69 zł, which was the equivalent of $0.83 (US), £0.69 or €0.78. The total number of votes is unknown.
So now let's reveal the final score and the televote scores.
​

Name	Total Score	Televote Score
Blanka	22	10
Jann	19	12
Dominik Dudek	18	8
Felivers	14	6
Yan Majewski	11	7
Alicja	10	5
Natasza	8	2
Kuba Szmajkowski	6	3
Maja Hyży	6	4
Ahlena	2	1

Originally, TVP didn't reveal televote scores and viewers only had the total score. The televote ranking has been released by TVP one day later. Number of televotes is still not confirmed. According to one source, TVP has received over 35000 votes. There is also gossip that Jann has received 18000 votes, while Blanka has received only 6000.
But even without specifics, the audience was lukewarm. When 2nd place and 1st place were about to be revealed, the audience was cheering for Jann. When Blanka was revealed, the audience lost its energy. There were some cheers instead of booing, but they weren't too loud.

They mad - Initial reactions

While Blanka's show didn't end with booing, celebrities and social media exploded.
The celebrities' side had reactions ranging from strongly negative to neutral. Ralph Kamiński was openly supporting Jann and even promoted him. He also criticised the format of the show and how only viewers should decide whom to send to Eurovision. He called the situation a "SCANDAL!" and "SHAME!!!".
Michał Szpak was supporting Jann. When the results were revealed, he supposedly end up laughing and swearing on Instagram. During one of his interviews, he openly states that he is in Team Jann but he will be still supporting Blanka. He also added there will be lots of work for Blanka, but he is still hopeful and the song itself is catchy. Maja Hyży, Kuba Szmajkowski, Doda and Roxie Węgiel (Eurovision Junior 2018 winner) share similar views. Their interviews can be reduced to how they were cheering for Jann or another contestant, but it doesn't mean that they will not support Blanka. Then there is a small talk about how she doesn't deserve hate or how her song is catchy.
When ask about songs and singing abilities, Agnieszka Hekiert end up praising Jann's vocal abilities and only said that Blanka's song is a well-produced pop piece. Similarly, Ochman avoided answering a more direct question "Does Blanka sing nicely?".
Another celebrity worth mentioning is Ramona Rey. She also preferred Jann and she was the first celebrity to call out the lack of clarity from TVP regarding how songs for the show were selected. She also called out the lack of Polish songs and mentioned how her rejected song predicted the future.
Even those supporting other contestants had a negative reaction to Blanka. Sandra Kubicka was supporting and promoting Dominik Dudek due to him "singing, playing the guitar, composing and writing his own songs". Her reaction to Blanka was calling her song "disco polo". Disco polo has a similar reputation to modern pop. Some love it and some consider it low-quality music.
Social media was less kind than celebrities. People were either attacking Blanka or TVP. Every tiny move of judges and contestants was analysed. Some even dug through the social media of contestants to make their point about how somebody deserves or doesn't deserve to represent Poland. At that time, you could easily encounter homophobia, racism and conspiracy theories.
Media obviously decided to produce multiple articles about this situation and every website presented something different. It's hard to say if they media the situation worse or better as multiple things have been happening at the same time.
People were divided. For some, Blanka was a twin sister of Ariana Grande that didn't show anything special. That's from one article and from there comments kept getting worse or better. Blanka was either considered a shallow rich girl with a generic song or a singer making others smile with her summer vibes. On another hand, Jann was a talented underdog who was too controversial for TVP or a copy of Måneskin that was singing out of tune.
TVP and others also got lots of comments. Some openly stated that they would be fine with Jann losing, if TVP decided to send either Dominik Dudek or Alicja. Others mentioned the political situation in Poland and how TVP perfectly shows corruption in Poland. One of the things that got pointed out was Blanka having a contract with Warner Music Poland and how TVP could earn money by having Blanka work for them.
Similar theories were slowly popping out and they were discussed by fans. So quickly fix your tin foil hats as we will be moving to the next sections.

Dance along with me - Egurrola's involvement

One of the most popular theories was how judges were voting for Blanka due to personal reasons. Agustin Egurolla and Edyta Górniak were the main focus of these theories.
To start with Egurrola, you can't run away with him as he is always doing something associated with dancing. He either sends his dancers or creates choreographies for multiple shows. Egurolla was supposedly working with Blanka for NYE 2022 music festival and his dancers performed with her for Tu Bije Serce Europy!. There were implications of potential bias and some people pushed this theory further. Supposedly, Egurrola didn't want Jann as Jann wouldn't agree to perform with his dancers and Egurolla wouldn't make money. The extra bit of this theory is based on the fact that Jann created his own choreography and performed without dancers.
Egurolla's controversy got worse thanks to his co-worker, Michał Piróg. Piróg published on his Instagram a picture of him with Egurrola and judges from You Can Dance - Nowa Generacja. In his description he wrote:

"I always sat behind the table and waited for something that would suprise me and enchant me, but there were those who asked beforehand "Who should be the best?"...."

This was later followed up by his comment, which appears to be deleted. Fortunately, the media saved it.

"The chairman, the second man on the picture, the man of the internal businness. Call it as you like"

The post was published a couple of days after the show and most people interpret it as a criticism of what happened in Tu Bije Serce Europy! and the implication that Egurrola had something to do with Blanka's victory.
In the end, the drama surrounding Egurrola died after a reveal that he will not work on Blanka's choreography for Eurovision.

Everybody has somebody - Involvement of Górniak's family

In the case of Górniak, there were multiple dramas surrounding her and her son. They lived for longer than Egurrola's drama due to Edyta's multiple responses and the fact that she was a chairwoman of judges.
Allan Krupa is Edyta's son and he is known as Enso. Most articles refer to him using his real name and so I am going to use it to be more or less consistent.
Going back to the main topic, it has been noticed that Allan was sitting next to Blanka during the competition and one picture was enough to start drama. People quickly started calling Blanka his friend or even lover. However, the first theory that Blanka is his friend became more popular due to Allan already dating somebody.
Allan quickly reacted to negative comments as some people were also attacking his girlfriends. He explained that he didn't even know there were pre-selections and he knew about them after his mother called him a day before. He didn't know other contestants, except for Felivers. He thought that Blanka was just a dancer and she asked him if she can sit next to him.
This wasn't the end as Allan went on some angry rants. Some phrases can't be directly translated without losing their original meaning, so I've tried my best to localise some bits. Check this comment for more information.

"People are writing to me - as if I had a f^^^ing connection to Eurovision - you are re^^^^ed or you are f^^^ing something else"

There was also another rant where he called people NPCs and how they make sh^t on the internet like animals for attention. He ends his rant saying that he understands that pre-selections are a situation of life or death and there is slaughter, when somebody doesn't win.
His story of not knowing Blanka was considered as weird. If it was true, then why Blanka had to search for a seat? Some questioned the legitimacy of this story as Allan has performed at NYE Music Festival 2022 like Blanka and he could theoreotically meet her there.
Allan was later defended by Edyta. He also posted some memes about how he manipulated pre-selections and Eurovision.

You do you and I do me - Edyta's involvement

Just after Blanka's victory, Górniak has been interviewed. She started her interviews by saying that Blanka was chosen by judges and also viewers, when she was expecting to see a change. She then went on a talk about how she thinks that viewers chose Blanka as they need something sunny and international. Also, how people lack something optimistic after all these dramas in their lives.
She then started describing Jann. She described him as demonic, but characteristic and full of charisma. The use of the word "demonic" became controversial and a meme due to being peculiar. What makes the situation worse is the reputation of Edyta when it comes to spirituality. As I've previously mentioned, Górniak is open about her beliefs and she even talked about bad energies, including how Halloween is bad. Funnily, Jann and somebody from his environment knew about this line and even made a joke about his salt necklace and potential exorcism.
To add salt to this situation, a recording from Dobry wieczór Europo! caught Górniak looking away and staring at the ceiling during the performance of Jann.
The day after the show, Edyta wrote a comment on her Instagram post saying that if anybody sees issues with the clarity, they should report them to the producer of the show.
There was also a small misunderstanding of rules from Edyta's side as she said that if people really wanted Jann to win, he would have won as televotes are responsible for 50% of the total score. But according to her, there were probably not enough votes sent to him.
To clarify, Jann got the maximum possible amount of points from viewers and it's unlikely that getting more votes would change anything. So either Górniak was confused by how scores work or she didn't know that Jann has won televote.
Small bits like that started accumulating and started creating a weird picture. During one of the interviews, Edyta stated that judges were questioning a bit if they should vote together or separately. At the end they shared each other's views while hiding their notes and voted separately.
The weirdest thing was the timeline of events presented by Edyta. According to her, votes were collected right away and judges didn't have time to further discuss them. Votes were counted while she was preparing for her guest performance during the ad break. However, later she stated that judges gave their voting cards when she was going to the stage to perform. What doesn't click here is the fact that Górniak was performing after the ad break.
This either means that votes were collected twice (before and after the ad break) or Górniak misremembered the timeline of events. This added fuel to the fire and people kept asking for voting cards. Górniak responded to that stating that she wouldn't have issues with her voting card being revealed. She also revealed that she was receiving results through her earpiece. It had a mixed reaction as TVP didn't reveal anything specific about voting cards and the bit about the earpiece fuelled the theory that somebody was manipulating behind the scenes.
The whole drama with Edyta Górniak was closed by her final comments. In one of the deleted comments she openly said that she is getting hatred for just reading results and some hatred is coming from people due to her being an easier target than the institution. Then there were two comments that you just have to read:

"Regarding the project Eurovision, I've lost my trust to everybody. Even if the rules were about to be change and fixed, I will never go back to this topic. I've seen what was happening last year, I have also seen what people were doing when Rafał was sent to Eurovision. And now the same thing is happening. I feel like a shield that was borrowed by somebody and put at the front of doors. This topic is closed for me."

The other comment:

"I am sure that time will tell and respond to all doubts. [...] I recommend to remember that despite of me being an influential person, I am not a boss of bosses and I can't do everything. [...] I will pray for justice"

You are about to know - Other dramas

So before we talk about Blanka herself, there are some small things worth mentioning. They are mostly based on gossip and they didn't live too long.
According to one of the theories, TVP was setting up MaRina as Poland's representative. She supposedly had to just send her song and everything would be set up. But after her performance at NYE Music Festival 2022, she supposedly withdrew.
From the same source, there is a gossip that one judge had issues with Jann's costume and choreography They supposedly found his costume as too inappropriate and too controversial. His choreography supposedly had some errors. These factors together supposedly created an impression on this judge that Jann would struggle to get points at Eurovision.
Another drama was caused by the release date of the article about Blanka's victory. The article was supposedly released around 2 hours before the competition and some people supposedly have seen it before Blanka's victory was revealed. However, there is no evidence of that and TVP explained the issue with the time of the article. The article supposedly saved the date of creation of the article instead of the release or final edit. The article was created early to publish results as fast as possible and it didn't contain names of contestants.
The final thing worth mentioning is an article talking about how pre-selections in Moldova and Serbia were better than Polish pre-selection. Moldova showed the individual votes of judges and amount of votes sent by viewers, while Serbia released voting cards. Even Lithuania and Latvia were praised.
The cherry on top is a depiction of how much Germany's ranking would change if they followed the rules of Polish pre-selections. Lord of the Lost would get a second, while Will Church (the winner of the judge's voting) would win instead.
This is similar to one theory that the previous representative of Poland, Ochman wouldn't win if the competition followed new rules. This cemented an impression that rules were changed to set up a winner.

It's kinda crazy - Blanka

Since results the reveal of the results, Blanka had to deal with multiple comments and memes. Depending on whom you ask, their perception of Blanka will vary. For some, she became "Bejba" due to her pronunciation of "Babe" and multiple memes. Bejba became viral and Ochman joined the trend. Even Blanka herself embraced the meme by wearing a dress with the text "Bejba". She explained her decision by stating that everybody now calls her bejba.
For some, she became a symbol of everything wrong with TVP and people started searching for evidence of corruption or Blanka being evil.
Somebody pointed out that Blanka's mother was working for TVP as a make-up artist for some shows. But it's possible that she was working for a company that happened to work for TVP and other tv broadcasters. For some, it was treated as evidence that Blanka has direct connections to TVP and there could be some bias.
Then there was another controversy regarding Blanka's social media. She supposedly liked comments that were saying that Jann is from the margin of society, which was interpreted as a classist remark or queerphobia. Just in case, Jann didn't say anything about being LGBTQ+ and only his appearance is relatively androgynous. Going back to the topic, some people defended Blanka stating that she could miss this bit as the comment starts as rather supportive. Some questioned the validity of it as Blanka's relationship with Jann appears to be positive. Blanka complimented Jann, while Jann was one of the first people to cheer her up after the competition and even defended her.
Another controversy was plagiarism. Specifically, there were allegations that Blanka either copied Clean Bandit's Solo or INNA's Up. These allegations remained allegations and that was their end.
The final controversy surrounding Blanka was a petition for Blanka's removal. There were two petitions and one of them has 91170 signatures. People wanted transparency from TVP and to see Jann perform in Eurovision. Blanka reacted to the petition and she was hurt by it.

Never back down - Eurovision

This year, Eurovision was divided into two parts. There were two semi-finals and one final. During the semi-finals, only viewers could vote.
Blanka performed in the second semi-final without massive issues and got 124 points. As a result, she got 3rd place in the second semi-final. It was a gigantic success and she beat the previous representative of Poland. Details can be found on Eurovision website.
Generally speaking, there was a positive reaction. People have praised Blanka for improving her performance, especially her vocals. Solo became one of the most popular Eurovision 2023 songs.
There were only two minor issues worth mentioning. Norway's newspaper Verdens Gang has openly criticised Blanka. Unfortunately, my Norwegian is non-existent and so this translation is straight from Google Translate. The original comment can be found here.

"Polish plastic pop reggae in the category that was once dominated by Swedes in the Stone Age (nineties). Blanka is probably not singing about Norwegian orange soda or a scruffy looking Star Wars hero, but about being completely alone in a relationship. The best thing that can be said about the "Solo" show is that she has the best glove of the finale. She falls out of tune, and loses her tone several times, That she actually thinks she can sing is hopelessly overwhelming. That, and that no adults have stopped this - regardless of the corruption charges."

Even Sweden talked about potential corruption and nepotism. They mentioned that Blanka's choreography was created by Egurolla. Funnily, even Edyta Górniak was mentioned, but she was called Blanka's mother-in-law.
Then there was a final performance, which had a similar reaction. The only difference was the lack of drama from the media and Polish fans even being proud of her. Blanka was placed 24th by judges and she was better than two performers. However, she got 8th place in televoting and it got her 19th place. A bit worse than the previous representative, who got 12th place.

The conclusion

Blanka managed to partially save her face and it's unclear what's going to happen in future. Blanka after Eurovision went on vacation and there hasn't been much news about her.
There was some discussion regarding her placement in televotes ranking and some people in the Eurovision subreddit have used her to make a point about how televoting is bad, while discussing the whole drama that happened due to Loreen's victory. For more information, I recommend checking this write-up.
Other contestants of pre-selections are doing fine and many of them released new songs. Especially Jann is doing well as his fanbase tripled in size and he is going to perform at OGAE Second Chance. Edyta Górniak and her son are still active, while Agustin Egurrola is focusing on his dance studio.
TVP is still controversial due to politics and it will probably remain controversial for a long time due to recent events. Years of bad reputation are hard to erase and most people are ready for another controversy Eurovision controversy.

Tuesday, May 30 - Monday, June 05

Highlights

score	comments	title & link
4,991	437 comments	[Highlight] Chris Johnson turns three touches into 217 yards and 3 TDs, including a play where the Texans leave him completely uncovered (2009)
4,498	625 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 98 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember when Sam Hubbard scored on this 98 yard fumble return for a TD in last season’s AFC Wild Card game against the Ravens. It is the longest fumble recovery for a TD in NFL playoffs history. Bengals win, 24-17.
4,267	449 comments	[Highlight] Jakobi Meyers Laterals To Chandler Jones For A Game Winning Touchdown
3,045	267 comments	[Highlight] After a Falcons TD, Eric Berry gets a Pick 2 off Matt Ryan to put the Chiefs back in the lead (2016)
2,075	285 comments	[Highlight] Rookie QB Troy Aikman, in the process of being giga-fucked by Cardinals LB Anthony Bell, delivers an absolute peach to WR James Dixon for the 75 yard TD.
1,829	107 comments	[Highlight] Deebo Samuel turns a loss into a 51 yard gain
1,589	153 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 96 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember the 96 yard and 101 kickoff returns for a TD by Nyheim Hines against the Patriots last season. This was the first game back for the Bills since the injury of Damar Hamlin. Bills win, 35-23.
1,498	116 comments	[Highlight] Dolphins Guard Robert Hunt's amazing effort for the touchdown . But the touchdown was called back for ineligible receiver downfield. Maybe the greatest ineligible receiver play ever ?
1,486	203 comments	[Highlight] Week 6 of 1990, Jerry Rice goes off against the Falcons and CB Charles Dimry, catching 13 passes for 225 yards and an NFL record 5 touchdowns.
1,478	183 comments	[Highlight] Marcus Jones outscores both the Jets and Patriots offenses in one play for a game winning punt return 2022
1,221	286 comments	[Highlight] Calvin Johnson Vs Randy Moss - Top 50 Of Each
1,187	157 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 99 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember this 99 yard pick 6 by the rookie Jaylen Watson against the Chargers last year. Chiefs win, 27-24.
973	264 comments	[Highlight] Chiefs Intercept Brady to Seal the 2018 AFC Championship- BUT Dee Ford was Offside. Patriots win 37-31 en route to 6th Super Bowl Championship.
924	77 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 95 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember this 95 yard kickoff return for a TD by Cordarrelle Patterson against the Bears back in 2018. Patriots win, 38-31.
858	125 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 94 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember when Martavis Bryant burnt the Bengals defense on this 94 yard touchdown back in 2014. Steelers win, 42-21.
813	84 comments	[Highlight] Today marks 97 days until the 2023 NFL Season Starts! Let’s remember this 97 yard kickoff return for a TD by Kene Nwangwu against the Patriots on Thanksgiving last year. Vikings win, 33-26.
643	235 comments	[Highlight] A very injured Justin Herbert throws an absolute dime on 4th down.
594	122 comments	[Highlight] Where’s Ricky Sanders?
548	143 comments	[Highlight] Carl Nassib's strip sack in OT sets up the game winning TD.
548	75 comments	[Highlight] Diontae Johnson makes an insane one-handed grab down the sideline in OT against the Bengals.
516	49 comments	[Highlight] Frustrated Dallas secondary attempts to stop the “Fun Bunch” from celebrating in the end zone
505	56 comments	(Highlight) Jared Allen makes the incredible one-handed sack while being smothered by an Offensive Lineman

 

Other Videos

score	comments	title & link
639	34 comments	[OC] Play by play analysts can never actually take the time to explain what outside zone is while calling a game, so I made this to help folks understand why every single team in the NFL runs it constantly

 

OC

score	comments	title & link
1,870	444 comments	[OC] Analysis of NFL Mascots (2023 Update)

 

Top comments

score	comment
5,500	seafoamstratocaster said Russ didn't want to hear the cuss words from the crowd.
4,890	ineedahaircutbadly said But Matt Damon told me fortune favors the brave
4,557	Twittenhouse said "Aaron Rodgers is the pretty girl that you gotta tell her she’s pretty every day" - Charles Barkley
4,548	grodges1 said > The legislation will retire $377 million in outstanding stadium bonds for Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium by the end of June — wiping out debt scheduled to be paid off in 2046 and saving Minnesota ta...
3,596	HedJoyer said There was a timeline where I didn't have to watch like 6 Broncos primetime games? Take me there
3,384	HelpfulPhotograph185 said Mahomes is clearly a man who lives with a toddler. Those were the moves of a seasoned parent, always ready to stop chaos at a moment’s notice in public.
3,341	ZachTrillson said wake up babe new packers rodgers beef just dropped
3,285	MrSuperfreak said "And he's also a pretty good passer."
3,263	MatchewRolex said Seattle vs. Pats in 2015 That final play was the first domino in allowing Matt Patricia to become head coach of the Lions
2,699	Roger--Smith said Next time, they might consider investing in something a little less volatile, like stadium nacho cheese futures.

 

Awarded Posts

score/comments	awards	title & link
7,612 - 515 comments	1 All-Seeing Upvote	[Misleading] [Front Office Sports] "The Minnesota Vikings have paid off their debt on U.S. Bank Stadium 23 years early — a move that will save Minnesota taxpayers $226 million in interest."
5,518 - 504 comments	1 Evil Cackle	[Leslie] As of today, June 2, 2023, it has been 10,000 days since the Dallas Cowboys last played in an NFC Championship Game.

 

Awarded Comments

awards	score	comment
1 Gold, 1 Take My Energy, 1 Eureka!	476	ThatGuyWithaReason said Gute will forever be the clown who drafted Rodgers replacement just for him to win back to back MVPs i’d want him fired as well. Packers fans siding with Gute to this day is crazy lmao
1 Gold, 1 Kiss	198	PerseusACluster said Hard not to root for Trask after witnessing his sacrifice aboard the Endar Spire
1 Take My Energy, 1 Starry	142	ThadtheYankee159 said One with the Vikings or Bills XIX cause of Marino Finally, XXXVI, to potentially butterfly away the Patriots dynasty.
1 Silver	949	whereegosdare84 said "It's an absolute pleasure to see, he's even taken it upon himself to introduce himself to everyone in the neighborhood and tell them a little about himself so they know where he is at all times."
1 Ally	181	notmoleliza said Come to Beşiktaş

 

Hi there,
Just getting into the hobby and just looking for some advice.
Looking for soccer cards (UK football).
What’s the best to go for? Seen panini prizm looks good? Panini score? Any other panini? Topps doing anything good
Also anywhere to buy retail at all? Picked up some panini score from smyths which was fun but haven’t seen them anywhere else, no supermarkets or newsagents etc?
Or is it just buy online? And if so what’s the best place for UK online
Sorry for all the questions

It just occurred to me. One of the changes that a supposedy football-ignorant Coach Lasso made when he first arrived at Richmond was to move Sam Obisanya up from defense to an outside midfielder position. Nate's "ESPY play" was designed to take advantage of Sam's newfound offensive skills. So of course, it makes sense that the "ESPY play" would make another appearance in the finale.
​
But the extra significant part was whose team Sam scored against. During the famous Darts Scene, when it appeared that Rupert was on the verge of victory, he stated that the first change he would make to Richmond's lineup card would be to put "Obisanya back on defense WHERE HE BELONGS!" How fitting that Rupert's new team would be vanquished by a goal-scorer who was put in that position by the "hillbilly" who came to England knowing nothing about football.

Preface: There’s really no way to look back at the Chargers’ 2022 season without starting at the end. The team blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars in the wild card round in what can only be described as the peak of decades of cruelty by the football gods directed at the Chargers. In a year that began with Super Bowl aspirations thanks to an extremely talented on-paper roster, and included a regular season of injury after injury after injury (Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, etc.), the finale could not have been more crushing. Criticism and ridicule has rained down on head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and the latter was promptly fired at the end of the season to the rejoicing of fans everywhere.
But now we begin, again. The Super Bowl hopes are very much alive. The roster saw very few changes in free agency as the front office and coaching staff clearly believe the failure of the 2022 season was generally not an issue with the assembled players. But there is a much higher sense of urgency this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say the team is going “all in” on the final cheap year of Justin Herbert’s rookie deal. Contracts have been structured in a way that will force significant cuts after the 2023 season just to get the team to salary cap compliance. This year may be do-or-die for both Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley.

Free Agency Recap

Losses: G Matt Feiler, LB Drue Tranquill, EDGE Kyle Van Noy, QB Chase Daniel, CB Bryce Callahan, WR Deandre Carter, S Nasir Adderley, LB Troy Reeder, DL Breiden Fehoko, WR Michael Bandy, OT Storm Norton
Five starters on this list: Feiler, Tranquill, Callahan, Carter, and Adderley. Letting Drue Tranquill leave is by far the most controversial decision here, especially since he ended up going to the Chiefs. He played very well last year, but seems like the idea here is that he was a factor in the defense’s struggle against the run. Feiler was a disaster last season after a great 2021, and Jamaree Salyer should be an immediate upgrade. Callahan is still a free agent and a reunion is not out of the question. Van Noy was great as a fill-in when Bosa was injured, but the team wants to get younger at the position. Carter was a quiet signing who outperformed his contract and provided much needed depth but again, too old. Adderley was benched in the season finale and then retired. The rest were backups and rotational players.
Additions: LB Eric Kendricks, DL Nick Williams
That’s it, that’s the list. Eric Kendricks steps in as the starter next to Kenneth Murray who he can hopefully help mentor into being a good linebacker. And theoretically, he will be an upgrade in run defense over Drue Tranquill. Williams was signed after the draft as insurance for the injured Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia. He may not make the team. The Chargers used most of the rest of their cap space re-signing free agents like Trey Pipkins, Morgan Fox, and Donald Parham. They still have about $12.5M to work with, pending the upcoming Justin Herbert mega-deal.

Draft Needs

WR: The trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer is one of the best in the league. However, with their contracts, there’s really no chance Allen and Williams will be Chargers in 2024. This group also lacks a speed element.
EDGE: Similar to WR, the starting duo of Bosa and Mack is elite but they are expensive and getting older. The depth behind them is just Chris Rumph.
TE: Gerald Everett is solid but on the last year of his deal. Donald Parham has potential but can’t stay healthy. Tre’ McKitty is a blocking TE who isn’t a very good blocker.
CB: JC Jackson is an enormous question mark, both from a health and performance standpoint. Michael Davis is a free agent after 2023. Ja’Sir Taylor is penciled in as the starting slot corner after very limited playing time last year.
OL: This is the strongest starting five the Chargers have had in a decade but the depth behind them both inside and out is weak.
LB: Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray will start, but Murray is auditioning to be on the team next year and Kendricks is old. The depth behind them is just Nick Niemann and Amen Ogbongbemiga.
S: JT Woods was a 2022 3rd round pick but barely played in 2022. Alohi Gilman stepped up when needed, but relying on him to start is risky.
RB: Austin Ekeler requested a trade, and even though it looked very unlikely to happen, the team needs to think about life after him in 2024. Neither Josh Kelley or Isaiah Spiller have shown they can handle a full workload.
KPR: With Deandre Carter’s departure, the team has no one with real return experience.

The Draft

1.21: Quentin Johnston - WR, TCU
In hindsight, this pick should have been more obvious. The Chargers have been very strict about their size thresholds for wide receivers over the years, and despite countless debates about Johnston vs Zay Flowers vs Jordan Addison, the big guy from TCU won out. This was an immediately controversial pick among fans as many believed the speedy Flowers or the crafty Addison would be more suited to filling the biggest need in this position group: speed and separation. But while Johnston may not be your traditional deep threat, his game speed and GPS tracking data suggest a more dynamic skillset than he showed at the combine. And one area where he does beat those two guys that was probably overlooked as a need: run after catch ability. Johnston was elite at that in college, and that looks to be his primary role for the Chargers. New OC Kellen Moore will use him like he did Ceedee Lamb in Dallas. And since he will start the year at number three on the depth chart at best, he won’t be under pressure to carry the offense as a rookie while he learns from the veterans in front of him.
2.54: Tuli Tuipulotu - EDGE, USC
After WR, the Chargers’ clear next biggest need was at EDGE and Tuli was the consensus best available. The team has also shown a penchant for drafting local kids from USC and UCLA over the last few years. He was extremely productive in his final season in college where he put up 13.5 sacks playing both on the edge and the interior. In the draft process, many people questioned if he would bulk up to be a full time DT or slim down to play the EDGE. It ended up being the latter as he weighed 266lbs at the combine. Tuli will provide valuable depth behind Bosa and Mack as a rookie, while also having the opportunity to play inside on passing downs like he did in college.
3.85: Daiyan Henley - LB, Washington State
The Chargers lost two linebackers to free agency: Drue Tranquill and Troy Reeder. Tranquill was the team’s best coverage linebacker, and Reeder was key depth while also being a core special teams player. Enter Daiyan Henley, who could fill both of those roles by himself. With Kenneth Murray likely off the team in 2024, Henley has the opportunity to earn a starting job over the course of the season. He is a recent convert to the linebacker position and there is still much room for growth. At the very least, he will be an immediate special teams contributor. Staley and Telesco both raved about his prowess in that phase of the game after picking him.
*4.125: Derius Davis - WR, TCU *
Another TCU receiver! This pick was definitely a surprise, as many people projected him to be a late day 3 pick. But the Chargers coaching staff said after the draft that they believed he was the best return man available, and that they wanted to draft a starter in the 4th round. Davis was indeed one of the best returners in the country at TCU, and also can add some juice on offense even if he ends up limited to a gadget role. Either way, here’s some killer speed for the Chargers offense.
5.156: Jordan McFadden - OL, Clemson
In the last few drafts, the Chargers have shown a lot of love for late round tackle-to-guard converts. Jamaree Salyer was the steal of the 2022 draft in the sixth round. McFadden played both tackle and guard in college on both sides of the line, and some scouts believe he may even be able to play some center. For the Chargers he will compete with Brenden Jaimes for the swing guard role, and maybe even push Foster Sarrell to be the swing tackle. Key depth for a position group that needed it.
6.200: Scott Matlock - DL, Boise State
Matlock is a solid run defender with some pass rush upside who will get to learn behind a strong trio of veteran starters. And with Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia both rehabbing major knee injuries, he may end up seeing some decent playing time this season. I’m very intrigued by his upside, and Staley has a good track record of getting good play from late round DTs.
7.239: Max Duggan - QB, TCU
The Los Angeles Horned Frogs are ready to take the NFL by storm in 2023 (hopefully to face the Philadelphia Bulldogs in a championship rematch). The Chargers historically have carried three QBs on the active roster, and with only two signed going into the draft, it seemed like a strong possibility they would pick one. So here’s Max Duggan, who despite leading TCU to the Natty was generally not loved by scouts. He has a ton of athletic ability but the finer points of playing QB need to be worked on. There is absolutely potential to be a long term backup to Justin Herbert though, if he can beat out Easton Stick.
Notable UDFAs
Jerrod Clark - DL, Coastal Carolina: Most people expected Clark to be drafted, and the Chargers gave him a lot of money for a UDFA. I would not be surprised at all to see him make the roster as an additional run defender.
Cam Jones - CB, Ohio State: Another guy who could have been drafted, there are depth spots at corner up for grabs and Jones is an intriguing option.
Tiawan Mullen - CB, Indiana: Mullen used to have a pretty high draft stock but fell hard in the process. The Chargers are thin at slot corner and he could earn a role.
Mikel Jones - LB, Syracuse: There’s a wide open competition for ILB5 that will most likely be decided by special teams.

Roster Prediction

QB (3): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick, Max Duggan
RB (5): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree, Zander Horvath
WR (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis
TE (4): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty, Stone Smartt
OT (3): Rashawn Slater, Trey Pipkins, Foster Sarrell
OG (4): Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, Brenden Jaimes, Jordan McFadden
C (2): Corey Linsley, Will Clapp
EDGE (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph
IDL (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark
LB (5): Kenneth Murray, Eric Kendricks, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga
CB (5): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr., JC Jackson, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard
S (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, Mark Webb
K (1): Cameron Dicker
P (1): JK Scott
LS (1): Josh Harris

Conclusion

Super Bowl or bust.

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
HOU	6	0	0	2	2	0	0	1	0	11	19	0	10
TOR	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	4	12	2	9

Box Score

TOR		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
DH	Springer	4	0	0	0	0	2	.252
SS	Bichette	3	0	2	1	0	0	.333
SS	Clement	2	0	1	0	0	0	.400
1B	Guerrero Jr.	4	0	1	1	0	0	.288
PH	Heineman	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125
3B	Chapman, M	3	0	1	0	0	0	.281
RF	Lukes	2	0	0	0	0	1	.188
LF	Varsho	4	1	2	1	0	0	.222
2B	Merrifield	3	0	1	0	0	0	.299
C	Kirk	4	1	1	1	0	0	.260
3B	Biggio	4	0	1	0	0	1	.176
CF	Kiermaier	3	2	2	0	1	0	.302

TOR	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Manoah	0.1	7	6	6	1	0	38-22	6.36
Jackson, J	2.2	2	0	0	0	4	39-31	1.59
Richards, T	1.0	2	2	2	0	2	25-19	3.81
Bass	1.0	3	2	2	0	0	28-19	4.95
García, Y	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	16-10	5.96
Cimber	1.2	1	1	1	0	2	22-15	4.08
Mayza	1.1	4	0	0	0	2	27-19	1.69

HOU		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Dubón	6	1	1	0	0	1	.290
SS	Peña	6	1	2	0	0	3	.254
DH	Alvarez, Y	4	2	2	2	0	1	.278
DH	McCormick	1	1	0	0	0	0	.235
3B	Bregman	5	0	1	0	0	1	.254
RF	Tucker	5	2	3	2	0	0	.284
1B	Abreu, J	4	1	1	0	1	1	.214
LF	Julks	5	1	1	4	0	2	.258
C	Diaz, Y	5	1	4	0	0	1	.284
CF	Meyers	5	1	4	2	0	0	.257

HOU	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Bielak	6.2	10	3	3	1	2	106-67	3.35
Martinez, S	1.1	1	1	1	0	1	21-14	4.30
Stanek	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	20-11	4.79

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
T1	Yordan Alvarez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Cavan Biggio, deflected by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Mauricio Dubon scores. Jeremy Pena to 2nd.	0-1
T1	Kyle Tucker singles on a line drive to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Jeremy Pena scores. Yordan Alvarez to 2nd.	0-2
T1	Corey Julks hits a grand slam (5) to left field. Yordan Alvarez scores. Kyle Tucker scores. Jose Abreu scores.	0-6
B2	Alejandro Kirk homers (3) on a line drive to left center field.	1-6
T4	Yordan Alvarez homers (16) on a fly ball to center field.	1-7
T4	Kyle Tucker homers (8) on a fly ball to left field.	1-8
T5	Jake Meyers homers (6) on a fly ball to right center field. Yainer Diaz scores.	1-10
B5	Bo Bichette singles on a ground ball to first baseman Jose Abreu. Kevin Kiermaier scores.	2-10
B7	Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubles (14) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Corey Julks. Kevin Kiermaier scores. George Springer to 3rd.	3-10
T8	Alex Bregman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Chas McCormick scores. Throwing error by second baseman Whit Merrifield.	3-11
B8	Daulton Varsho homers (10) on a fly ball to right field.	4-11

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Toronto, June 5 vs Astros	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:11	Video
Starting lineups for Astros at Blue Jays - June 5, 2023	0:09	Video
Corey Julks: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:10	Video
Visualizing Corey Julks's swing using bat tracking technology	0:09	Video
Alejandro Kirk: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Alejandro Kirk's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:12	Video
Breaking down Kyle Tucker's home run	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:09	Video
A deep dive into Kyle Tucker's home run	0:09	Video
Jake Meyers: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Jake Meyers's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Brandon Bielak's pitches	0:08	Video
Brandon Bielak's outing against the Blue Jays	0:23	Video
Daulton Varsho: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Daulton Varsho's home run	0:09	Video
Yordan Alvarez's RBI single makes it 1-0 Astros	0:21	Video
Kyle Tucker lines an RBI single to left in the 1st	0:14	Video
Corey Julks drills a grand slam deep to left field	0:28	Video
Alek Manoah attempts to blow the ball foul	0:29	Video
Alejandro Kirk rips a solo smash to left	0:19	Video
Yordan Alvarez drills a long solo home run to center	0:32	Video
Kyle Tucker smashes an opposite-field homer	0:30	Video
Jake Meyers smokes a two-run blast the other way	0:22	Video
Daulton Varsho makes a nice leaping catch	0:25	Video
Bo Bichette's RBI single cuts into the Astros lead	0:22	Video
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drills an RBI double in the 7th	0:24	Video
Brandon Bielak puts together a quality start vs. Jays	0:47	Video
Chas McCormick scores from first on a hit and error	0:31	Video
Daulton Varsho lifts a solo home run in the 8th	0:33	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Bielak (3-2, 3.35 ERA)	Manoah (1-7, 6.36 ERA)

Game ended at 10:12 PM.

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
HOU	6	0	0	2	2	0	0	1	0	11	19	0	10
TOR	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	4	12	2	9

Box Score

TOR		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
DH	Springer	4	0	0	0	0	2	.252
SS	Bichette	3	0	2	1	0	0	.333
SS	Clement	2	0	1	0	0	0	.400
1B	Guerrero Jr.	4	0	1	1	0	0	.288
PH	Heineman	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125
3B	Chapman, M	3	0	1	0	0	0	.281
RF	Lukes	2	0	0	0	0	1	.188
LF	Varsho	4	1	2	1	0	0	.222
2B	Merrifield	3	0	1	0	0	0	.299
C	Kirk	4	1	1	1	0	0	.260
3B	Biggio	4	0	1	0	0	1	.176
CF	Kiermaier	3	2	2	0	1	0	.302

TOR	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Manoah	0.1	7	6	6	1	0	38-22	6.36
Jackson, J	2.2	2	0	0	0	4	39-31	1.59
Richards, T	1.0	2	2	2	0	2	25-19	3.81
Bass	1.0	3	2	2	0	0	28-19	4.95
García, Y	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	16-10	5.96
Cimber	1.2	1	1	1	0	2	22-15	4.08
Mayza	1.1	4	0	0	0	2	27-19	1.69

HOU		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Dubón	6	1	1	0	0	1	.290
SS	Peña	6	1	2	0	0	3	.254
DH	Alvarez, Y	4	2	2	2	0	1	.278
DH	McCormick	1	1	0	0	0	0	.235
3B	Bregman	5	0	1	0	0	1	.254
RF	Tucker	5	2	3	2	0	0	.284
1B	Abreu, J	4	1	1	0	1	1	.214
LF	Julks	5	1	1	4	0	2	.258
C	Diaz, Y	5	1	4	0	0	1	.284
CF	Meyers	5	1	4	2	0	0	.257

HOU	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Bielak	6.2	10	3	3	1	2	106-67	3.35
Martinez, S	1.1	1	1	1	0	1	21-14	4.30
Stanek	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	20-11	4.79

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
T1	Yordan Alvarez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Cavan Biggio, deflected by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Mauricio Dubon scores. Jeremy Pena to 2nd.	0-1
T1	Kyle Tucker singles on a line drive to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Jeremy Pena scores. Yordan Alvarez to 2nd.	0-2
T1	Corey Julks hits a grand slam (5) to left field. Yordan Alvarez scores. Kyle Tucker scores. Jose Abreu scores.	0-6
B2	Alejandro Kirk homers (3) on a line drive to left center field.	1-6
T4	Yordan Alvarez homers (16) on a fly ball to center field.	1-7
T4	Kyle Tucker homers (8) on a fly ball to left field.	1-8
T5	Jake Meyers homers (6) on a fly ball to right center field. Yainer Diaz scores.	1-10
B5	Bo Bichette singles on a ground ball to first baseman Jose Abreu. Kevin Kiermaier scores.	2-10
B7	Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubles (14) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Corey Julks. Kevin Kiermaier scores. George Springer to 3rd.	3-10
T8	Alex Bregman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Chas McCormick scores. Throwing error by second baseman Whit Merrifield.	3-11
B8	Daulton Varsho homers (10) on a fly ball to right field.	4-11

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Toronto, June 5 vs Astros	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:11	Video
Starting lineups for Astros at Blue Jays - June 5, 2023	0:09	Video
Corey Julks: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:10	Video
Visualizing Corey Julks's swing using bat tracking technology	0:09	Video
Alejandro Kirk: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Alejandro Kirk's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:12	Video
Breaking down Kyle Tucker's home run	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:09	Video
A deep dive into Kyle Tucker's home run	0:09	Video
Jake Meyers: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Jake Meyers's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Brandon Bielak's pitches	0:08	Video
Brandon Bielak's outing against the Blue Jays	0:23	Video
Daulton Varsho: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Daulton Varsho's home run	0:09	Video
Yordan Alvarez's RBI single makes it 1-0 Astros	0:21	Video
Kyle Tucker lines an RBI single to left in the 1st	0:14	Video
Corey Julks drills a grand slam deep to left field	0:28	Video
Alek Manoah attempts to blow the ball foul	0:29	Video
Alejandro Kirk rips a solo smash to left	0:19	Video
Yordan Alvarez drills a long solo home run to center	0:32	Video
Kyle Tucker smashes an opposite-field homer	0:30	Video
Jake Meyers smokes a two-run blast the other way	0:22	Video
Daulton Varsho makes a nice leaping catch	0:25	Video
Bo Bichette's RBI single cuts into the Astros lead	0:22	Video
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drills an RBI double in the 7th	0:24	Video
Brandon Bielak puts together a quality start vs. Jays	0:47	Video
Chas McCormick scores from first on a hit and error	0:31	Video
Daulton Varsho lifts a solo home run in the 8th	0:33	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Bielak (3-2, 3.35 ERA)	Manoah (1-7, 6.36 ERA)

Game ended at 9:12 PM.

Astros (35-24) @ Blue Jays (33-27)

First Pitch: 7:07 PM at Rogers Centre

Team	Starter	TV	Radio
Astros	Brandon Bielak (2-2, 3.19 ERA)	ATTH	KBME, TUDN/KLAT (ES)
Blue Jays	Alek Manoah (1-6, 5.46 ERA)	SNET	SN590

MLB	Fangraphs	Baseball Savant	Reddit Stream	Discord	IRC Chat
Gameday	Game Graph	Strikezone Map	Live Comments	Discord	Libera: ##baseball

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
HOU	6	0	0	2	2	0	0	1	0	11	19	0	10
TOR	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	4	12	2	9

Box Score

TOR		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
DH	Springer	4	0	0	0	0	2	.252
SS	Bichette	3	0	2	1	0	0	.333
SS	Clement	2	0	1	0	0	0	.400
1B	Guerrero Jr.	4	0	1	1	0	0	.288
PH	Heineman	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125
3B	Chapman, M	3	0	1	0	0	0	.281
RF	Lukes	2	0	0	0	0	1	.188
LF	Varsho	4	1	2	1	0	0	.222
2B	Merrifield	3	0	1	0	0	0	.299
C	Kirk	4	1	1	1	0	0	.260
3B	Biggio	4	0	1	0	0	1	.176
CF	Kiermaier	3	2	2	0	1	0	.302

TOR	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Manoah	0.1	7	6	6	1	0	38-22	6.36
Jackson, J	2.2	2	0	0	0	4	39-31	1.59
Richards, T	1.0	2	2	2	0	2	25-19	3.81
Bass	1.0	3	2	2	0	0	28-19	4.95
García, Y	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	16-10	5.96
Cimber	1.2	1	1	1	0	2	22-15	4.08
Mayza	1.1	4	0	0	0	2	27-19	1.69

HOU		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Dubón	6	1	1	0	0	1	.290
SS	Peña	6	1	2	0	0	3	.254
DH	Alvarez, Y	4	2	2	2	0	1	.278
DH	McCormick	1	1	0	0	0	0	.235
3B	Bregman	5	0	1	0	0	1	.254
RF	Tucker	5	2	3	2	0	0	.284
1B	Abreu, J	4	1	1	0	1	1	.214
LF	Julks	5	1	1	4	0	2	.258
C	Diaz, Y	5	1	4	0	0	1	.284
CF	Meyers	5	1	4	2	0	0	.257

HOU	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Bielak	6.2	10	3	3	1	2	106-67	3.35
Martinez, S	1.1	1	1	1	0	1	21-14	4.30
Stanek	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	20-11	4.79

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
T1	Yordan Alvarez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Cavan Biggio, deflected by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Mauricio Dubon scores. Jeremy Pena to 2nd.	0-1
T1	Kyle Tucker singles on a line drive to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Jeremy Pena scores. Yordan Alvarez to 2nd.	0-2
T1	Corey Julks hits a grand slam (5) to left field. Yordan Alvarez scores. Kyle Tucker scores. Jose Abreu scores.	0-6
B2	Alejandro Kirk homers (3) on a line drive to left center field.	1-6
T4	Yordan Alvarez homers (16) on a fly ball to center field.	1-7
T4	Kyle Tucker homers (8) on a fly ball to left field.	1-8
T5	Jake Meyers homers (6) on a fly ball to right center field. Yainer Diaz scores.	1-10
B5	Bo Bichette singles on a ground ball to first baseman Jose Abreu. Kevin Kiermaier scores.	2-10
B7	Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubles (14) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Corey Julks. Kevin Kiermaier scores. George Springer to 3rd.	3-10
T8	Alex Bregman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Chas McCormick scores. Throwing error by second baseman Whit Merrifield.	3-11
B8	Daulton Varsho homers (10) on a fly ball to right field.	4-11

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Toronto, June 5 vs Astros	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:11	Video
Starting lineups for Astros at Blue Jays - June 5, 2023	0:09	Video
Corey Julks: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:10	Video
Visualizing Corey Julks's swing using bat tracking technology	0:09	Video
Alejandro Kirk: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Alejandro Kirk's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:12	Video
Breaking down Kyle Tucker's home run	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:09	Video
A deep dive into Kyle Tucker's home run	0:09	Video
Jake Meyers: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Jake Meyers's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Brandon Bielak's pitches	0:08	Video
Brandon Bielak's outing against the Blue Jays	0:23	Video
Daulton Varsho: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Daulton Varsho's home run	0:09	Video
Yordan Alvarez's RBI single makes it 1-0 Astros	0:21	Video
Kyle Tucker lines an RBI single to left in the 1st	0:14	Video
Corey Julks drills a grand slam deep to left field	0:28	Video
Alek Manoah attempts to blow the ball foul	0:29	Video
Alejandro Kirk rips a solo smash to left	0:19	Video
Yordan Alvarez drills a long solo home run to center	0:32	Video
Kyle Tucker smashes an opposite-field homer	0:30	Video
Jake Meyers smokes a two-run blast the other way	0:22	Video
Daulton Varsho makes a nice leaping catch	0:25	Video
Bo Bichette's RBI single cuts into the Astros lead	0:22	Video
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drills an RBI double in the 7th	0:24	Video
Brandon Bielak puts together a quality start vs. Jays	0:47	Video
Chas McCormick scores from first on a hit and error	0:31	Video
Daulton Varsho lifts a solo home run in the 8th	0:33	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Bielak (3-2, 3.35 ERA)	Manoah (1-7, 6.36 ERA)

Game ended at 10:12 PM.
Remember to sort by new to keep up!

Main hub thread with the full 131 rankings
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tulsa has the smallest enrollment of any FBS school with just 2,728 undergraduate students according to USNews. That’s only slightly more than my high school.
They’ve managed to do very well for themselves though, as they escaped the bottom 50 on this list and are even a top 20 Group of 5 program on here. I’m not sure where all the fans come from, but they had an average attendance of ~20,000 fans per game in 2022, about 5x the size of their total enrollment.

Best Seasons and Highlights

1. 1991: 23. Tulsa: 10-2 (18.820) 2. 2008: 24. Tulsa: 11-3 (16.926) 3. 2010: 26. Tulsa: 10-3 (14.938) 4. 2012: 29. Tulsa: 11-3 (13.544) 5. 2016: 40. Tulsa: 10-3 (10.747) 6. 2007: 35. Tulsa: 10-4 (10.575) 7. 2005: 28. Tulsa: 9-4 (6.470) 8. 2020: 40. Tulsa: 6-3 (4.034) 9. 2011: 42. Tulsa: 8-5 (2.617) 10. 1983: 41. Tulsa: 8-3 (2.096) 11. 1986: 42. Tulsa: 7-4 (-1.907) 12. 2006: 52. Tulsa: 8-5 (-3.768) 13. 2003: 56. Tulsa: 8-5 (-4.363) 14. 2021: 67. Tulsa: 7-6 (-8.867) 15. 1985: 50. Tulsa: 6-5 (-11.078) 16. 1984: 61. Tulsa: 6-5 (-11.874) 17. 1989: 64. Tulsa: 6-6 (-14.350) 18. 1993: 70. Tulsa: 4-6-1 (-20.851) 19. 2015: 85. Tulsa: 6-7 (-22.027) 20. 1988: 72. Tulsa: 4-7 (-22.514) 21. 2019: 90. Tulsa: 4-8 (-22.884) 22. 1996: 79. Tulsa: 4-7 (-25.149) 23. 1998: 75. Tulsa: 4-7 (-25.652) 24. 2022: 104. Tulsa: 5-7 (-26.305) 25. 1992: 85. Tulsa: 4-7 (-26.448) 26. 2009: 89. Tulsa: 5-7 (-26.613) 27. 1995: 81. Tulsa: 4-7 (-30.173) 28. 2000: 87. Tulsa: 5-7 (-30.235) 29. 2004: 89. Tulsa: 4-8 (-32.531) 30. 1987: 94. Tulsa: 3-8 (-39.934) 31. 1990: 92. Tulsa: 3-8 (-41.264) 32. 1994: 89. Tulsa: 3-8 (-41.600) 33. 2018: 111. Tulsa: 3-9 (-42.818) 34. 2013: 105. Tulsa: 3-9 (-42.856) 35. 1997: 101. Tulsa: 2-9 (-47.730) 36. 2017: 117. Tulsa: 2-11 (-49.598) 37. 1999: 108. Tulsa: 2-9 (-52.102) 38. 2014: 122. Tulsa: 2-10 (-53.572) 39. 2002: 115. Tulsa: 1-11 (-62.260) 40. 2001: 115. Tulsa: 1-10 (-62.933) Overall Score: 10413 (81st) 

• 219-256-1 record
• 5 conference titles
• 8-6 bowl record
• 2 consensus All-Americans
• 33 NFL players drafted

Tulsa has 6 double-digit win seasons in the last 32 years, with 5 in the last 15. That success, despite 11 seasons with 3 or less wins, puts them all the way up to #81 on the list. Their 8 bowl wins is the most of any team so far, and 5 conference titles is up there as well. If we look at total history, Tulsa’s actually had major historical success, winning 35 conference titles with a 643-526-28 all-time record. All-time draft greats include NFL Hall of Fame WRs Steven Largent and Drew Pearson (undrafted), and QB Gus Frerotte. Consensus AAs were OL Jerry Ostroski in 1991 and LB Zaven Collins in 2020. Zaven was a freak athlete at 6’5 260 lbs, racking up 4 sacks, 4 TFL, 4 INTs, and 2 defensive TDs in just 8 games. He ranked 2nd in the nation in interception return yards, as a LB, in just 8 games!

Top 5 Seasons

Worst Season: 2001 (1-10 overall, 0-8 WAC)
The good news? They beat Indiana State 51-0 in the opener. The bad news? That was their last win for the next 17 games. Tulsa continued their decade-long struggle, having not had a winning season in 10 years. All losses were by 10+ points, including 10-26 to 2-9 UTEP and 27-63 to 3-9 San Jose State in front of a San Jose crowd of just 6,873. To add insult to injury, Tulsa got little brother’d hard by #3 Oklahoma toward the end of the season, losing 0-58 in Norman. The game was available on PPV, which I hope no Tulsa fan paid for. QBs Josh Blankenship and Tyler Gooch split snaps, with Blankenship having the slightly higher passer rating and Gooch being the better runner. Blankenship’s dad, Bill Blankenship, would go on to become Tulsa’s head coach from 2011-14. Gooch took over full time in 2002 and had a much better season than either of them did in 2001, throwing 17 TD to 8 INT. There weren’t many other great players on the roster. OT Kevin Shaffer was drafted in the 7th round after the season and went on to start 93 games for the Falcons/Browns/Bears.
5. 2016 (10-3 overall, 6-2 American)
2016 Tulsa scored on everyone, and let everyone score on them. The offense was RIDICULOUS. Outside of a 3-48 loss to Ohio State (I guess they didn’t score on everyone), they averaged 45.8 PPG, best in the country in 2016. They became the first team in NCAA history to have a 3000+ yard passer, two 1000+ yard rushers, and two 1000+ yard receivers. QB Dane Evans threw for 3348 yards 32 TD 12 INT in his senior season, finishing as Tulsa’s all-time leading passer with 11,680 yards and 84 TD, and between Russell Wilson and Geno Smith as the 39th all-time leading passer in the NCAA. RB D’Angelo Brewer ran for 1435 yards and 7 TD on 5.4 YPC, while RB James Flanders went for 1629 yards and 18 TD on 6.3 YPC. The top receivers were Keevan Lucas (81 catches for 1180 yards and 15 TD) and Joshua Atkinson (78 catches for 1058 yards and 8 TD). Even 4 out of 5 offensive linemen made 1st/2nd team all-conference! Nobody made it on the defensive side, as they gave up 29.8 PPG as a team.
4. 2012 (11-3 overall, 7-1 Conference USA)
After failing to produce a conference championship team with talented 3-year starting QB GJ Kinne, they did it immediately in 2012 with the less productive but steady QB Cody Green. After an opening 23-38 loss to Iowa State, they went on a 7 game win streak with wins over bowl teams Fresno State and Rice. They had a chance to catch a reeling John L Smith-led Arkansas team to get to 8-1 and become ranked, but couldn’t score in the 4th to fall 15-19. After a 41-7 win over Houston, 2 weeks later OT Brian DeShane proposed to his girlfriend before the UCF game, and the team was so inspired they fought to a 23-21 win. A loss to SMU in the final week of the regular season was meaningless for championship aspirations, as Tulsa had already clinched a spot in the C-USA title game. Up against UCF in a rematch, Tulsa tied the game 27-27 on a 54 yard punt return for TD with just 5:04 left, and won 33-27 on a walkoff rushing TD in OT, claiming their first conference title since 2005. They outdid themselves in the bowl, avenging a season-opening loss to Iowa State, this time scoring 24 straight to win 31-17.
Green was steady, with 2592 passing yards and 17 TD 11 INT. The main offense came from the run game, which you might have to double take reading these stats. Alex Singleton, the 6’0 265 lb power back, ran for 800 yards and 24(!!) TD on just 4.0 YPC. Trey Watts, who weighed 75 pounds less, ran for 1108 yards and just 3 TD on 6.0 YPC. The third option was Ja’Terian Douglas, who had 936 rushing yards and 7 TD on a team-high 6.8 YPC. Hilariously, Singleton and Douglas either didn’t want to catch passes or couldn’t, combining for 4 catches for 17 yards. Watts had 34 for 343. WR Keyarris Garrett led the team with 845 receiving yards, and after an up-and-down career, would go on to lead the NCAA in receiving yards 3 years later with 1588. On defense, DL Jared St. John led C-USA with 11.5 sacks, and Deaundre Brown was 3rd in the conference with 17 total TFL.
3. 2010 (10-3 overall, 6-2 Conference USA)
Todd Graham produced some damn good offenses at Tulsa. This was his 3rd season in 4 years averaging 40+ PPG, ranking 6th in the country with 41.4. GJ Kinne, the current Texas State coach, had a great year in his 2nd season as a starter, earning 1st Team All-CUSA with 3650 passing yards 31 TD 10 INT, and leading the team in rushing with 561 yards with 7 TD. An opening loss to East Carolina was heartbreaking, the Hurricanes up 49-45 with seconds left, decided to call a timeout to defend a hail mary…? It backfired, as East Carolina drew up a play and scored to walk off 51-49. A few weeks later they were 3-3, with a disappointing 1-2 conference record. Hoping to compete for the C-USA title, they were now 2 games behind SMU and didn’t hold the tiebreaker. Still, Tulsa continued to fight. In South Bend facing first year head coach Brian Kelly and Notre Dame, Tulsa somehow held a 28-27 lead in the 4th quarter. Irish QB Tommy Rees drove to the Tulsa 20 in position for a game winning FG, but threw an interception in the end zone to seal a Tulsa win. That’d be a momentum shifter, winning out the rest of the year with wins over 6-5 UTEP, 8-3 Southern Miss, and #24 Hawaii in the bowl 62-35. The Canes took Hawaii’s #24 spot in the final AP Poll.
2. 2008 (11-3 overall, 7-1 Conference USA)
Tulsa’s had some really good offenses. But 2008 was on another level. It seemed like every offense in Oklahoma was going nuclear in 2008, as OU led the nation in PPG, Tulsa finished 2nd, and Oklahoma State 9th. This team averaged a whopping 47.2 PPG, good for 1st overall most years. Similar to the GJ Kinne → Cody Green transition, Tulsa lost all-time leading passer Paul Smith only to become even better as a team with new QB David Johnson. The difference this time though, was Johnson was MUCH better than Green, so there was no dropoff from Smith → Johnson.
Armed with HC Todd Graham and OC Gus Malzahn, Tulsa’s offense was the best in the country through 8 games, going 8-0 averaging 55.6(!!!) PPG. #19 Tulsa went to Arkansas with the BCS in their sights, but the offense fell flat in the 2nd half, scoring just 3 points in a 23-30 loss, ending any BCS bowl hopes. After winning 2 of the last 3 games, Tulsa entered the C-USA championship game at 10-2 facing 8-4 East Carolina. 7(!!!) turnovers from Tulsa ensured a loss, but they did all they could, losing 24-27. Johnson had his worst game of the season by far with 1 TD 5 INT. The year did end on a high, with a 45-13 thrashing of #23 Ball State.
David Johnson ranked 2nd in the nation in passer rating, throwing for 4059 yards 46 TD 18 INT with 10.1 YPA. RB Tarrion Adams ran for 1500+ yards and 14 TD, while WR Brennan Marion went for 1112 receiving yards on just 43 catches, for 25.9 yards per catch, leading the nation for the 2nd straight year. The previous year Marrion was even better, getting 39 catches for 1244 yards and 11 TD for an ABSURD 31.9 yards per catch, setting the NCAA record. He also holds the career record with 28.7 yards per catch.
1. 1991 (10-2 overall, Independent)
This would be Tulsa’s last great season for over a decade. In the early 1990’s, Tulsa dropped health/PE as a major, which over 50% of football players had. This made it hard to attract recruits to an already selective school, and an aging Skelly Stadium, down to its bones, also made it tough to get recruits to sign. Skelly Field is still going strong after 93 years today. But back to 1991—Tulsa was LEGIT. In week 2, Tulsa beat in-state foe Oklahoma State 13-7. After a 17-23 loss to Kansas, Tulsa hosted #15 Texas A&M in front of 30,000 fans. Down 28-10 at halftime, Tulsa rallied back with a late TD to win it 35-34 for their biggest win in over 20 years. They even went toe-to-toe with the national champions that year, Miami (FL), falling 10-34. Afterwards Tulsa was perfect, beating Louisville 40-0, and San Diego State in the bowl 28-17, finishing 10-2 overall with a #21 final ranking. This team turned out to be pretty stacked for such a small school, with 7 NFL Draft selections over the next 3 years, including 2nd round LB and 10-year Detroit Lion Tracy Scroggins, and QB Gus Frerotte. Frerotte was just a backup in ‘91, to starter TJ Rubley. Rubley finished his senior season as Tulsa’s all time leading passer. He was a 3rd string QB for the Packers in 1995, and audibled out of a QB sneak in a 24-24 game with Minnesota to try and throw a pass, only to throw an interception and lose 27-24. He was cut after the game by Mike Holmgren and never played in the NFL again.

5th Quarter

Why has Tulsa been so successful even with such a small enrollment? Do you agree with them being this high? Who was the best QB out of Paul Smith, David Johnson, GJ Kinne, and Dane Evans? Who’s been the best Tulsa player overall in the past 10-20 years? Is it Zaven Collins or someone else?
If you appreciate the effort, please consider subscribing on substack!

Hey Reddit help me!! So i had a credit card through BoA that was automatically paid in full every month, and only set up to receive online statements. I have never had a late payment on a credit card, and I never even carry a balance. Then, one day, this credit card was sold to another company, a Bank of Omaha. They did not keep my preferences for payments or notices, and started sending me stuff in the mail from Bank of Omaha. They even called me to say that I had an account with them. I thought it was all SPAM - I never opened an account with them and I've been scammed before. So I started just immediately throwing their letters away and ignoring their calls as I didn't even know how they got my info.
Once I looked at my score and realized they were making marks against it, I immediately filed a dispute and called Bank of Omaha. Well, it turns out the company I had gotten the credit card from (Bank of America) sold this card to them and never announced anything about it to me, but because the New company, Bank of Omaha had fulfilled their notice requirements I cant get the late payments removed from my credit score. I had them reverse all the late charges, paid the balance due, and closed the account (it was only for like $300 too). But those two late payments out of YEARs of perfect credit has really been a pain. I'm a small business owner and it's really hurting my ability to do things. I'm over 120 points down!
Please Help! Any advice! My disputes have not gone anywhere.

Hi! Does anyone know the policy on sending a private in basic a portable charger? I did already get the green light to send it by a former DS that i know, but was wondering if anything special needs to be done regarding how it is sent? Thanks in advance.
Link to Comment Chain
I'm going to transitioning from the Navy to the Army via an interservice transfer. I have four years, a deployment, and a lot of memories under my belt. I am electing to come back in as an O-1 into the Army as I have no interest in the limited job prospects that an O-3 with no Army experience would bring me, and frankly I don't give a shit -- it's just 4 years. My (fairly promising, at least based on what the Army side said) goal is to eventually be infantry.
Coming in as a new Army officer, what should I expect, both from the position of coming from a different branch and generally as a "new guy" Army officer?
What stuff (most likely) stays the same coming a ship, specifically ship-life? What changes the most?
How best can I take care of my people while still accomplishing the mission? I know this looks very different between branches. It's always a delicate balance.
What does the "daily grind" of a combart arms community look like? What's the "unnecessary BS day-to-day" that you guys get up to? (I can think of plenty of examples in the Navy, but I'm not sure they translate 1:1).
BONUS: What are your best and worst interaction stories with your fresh LTs?
Link to Comment Chain
Im 25 with a bachelors in CyberSecurity, also an Eagle Scout. Have not done much volunteer or team leadership since then. Nor do I have much work experiance.
Am I too uncompetitive for an OCS slot for 17X?
I spoke to a recruiter who mentioned going enlisted at E4 with 17C, then after 1 year of training and 1 of actual work, applying for OCS then.
Is that a realistic scenario or classic recruiter talk getting my hopes up in order to boost elistment numbers?
Prior medical history includes inactive IBS + depression from a couple years back.
Also, what are the timeframes for getting in with both of these options?
Link to Comment Chain
Is it worth getting Emt certified or Paramedic certified before going Army? I got DQ at meps and was told I need to wait a year due to medication I was on last year. I'm trying to find something to fill my time for when I'm able to enlist next year. Is this a good idea or a waste of time?
Link to Comment Chain
I have been recently promoted, and clothing and sales is currently out of stock of my current rank, so I am unable to update my AGSU. We have room and uniform inspections soon, and my first line is attempting to make me wear my AGSU with incorrect rank. I have been looking through AR670-1 as well as AR700-84 trying to see if there is a reg against this, but have been unsuccessful in finding one. If there isn’t, I’ll deal, but I’m not too keen on wearing a previous rank. Any help backed by regs would be appreciated
Link to Comment Chain
I’m going National Guard. I’m still working through the beginning process with my recruiter. Here’s the catch: I wasn’t born in the US. I was born in Kazakhstan.
I was never naturalized because when I was adopted into my family in 2002, the Child Citizenship Act passed in 2000 stating that the amendment is “to provide for the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship when certain conditions have been met.” — I have met these conditions and am a legal citizen of 22 years (Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This amendment states that I also do not need a certificate of citizenship, which I never applied for as I legally do not need one.)
I have a passport, a social security card, a legal photo ID and a birth certificate. I DO HAVE a permanent resident card, but it expired years ago. I was a baby when my parents got it and they never renewed it. However, I am a US Citizen. I’ve lived here my entire life. The problem is, my recruiter insists that I must have that Permanent Resident Card up to date. I would do it in a heartbeat, but it costs $500.
Why is my passport, ID, SS card or birth certificate not enough to prove my citizenship? I’m frustrated and my parents are getting short with me constantly asking about it.
Link to Comment Chain
Kind of a situational question. My wife is scheduled for C Section June 21st and it looks like I may get PCS orders before then. If I do, and the kid comes, what do I do? Soonest my wife’s doc says she can move is 6 weeks postpartum and my wife can’t look after our first kid and newborn while she recovers from surgery. Is there anything I can do to report closer to the end of baby leave? I’m a geobachelor.
Link to Comment Chain
I just have a couple questions about how having a GED will affect my enlistment. I've heard it makes you ineligible for bonuses, but what about contract options? Could I still get an Option 4 contract? Option 19? If not, how many college credits would I need to move into the Tier 1 education category?
also, how do you increase your chances of going to certain schools (Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, etc) if it's not in your contract? Going in as a 68W (Combat Medic) if that makes a difference
Link to Comment Chain
Is there some regulation against sending a SM on a deployment/rotation when they are very close to ETS? Say 6 months out?
Link to Comment Chain
Im a dumbass and made and said a lot of stupid ass shit that some hater who had it out for me has been basically (not really) 'blackmailing' me with that was on my laptop (private, never uploaded) which he hacked into . It was a bunch of questionable shit I said that basically makes me paranoid reasonably that I could possibly be court martial'd but I was never arrested or anything, and I'm sure the guy would upload it again if I joined the Military just to tarnish my good name. I said all this when I was 18 , but basically this dude came to my house and threatened my family with a knife and I responded, 'not so good' , and as a result, I was basically 5150'd and had lied to the people saying I was suicidal resulting in a medical documentation which has made me fearful of ever going to MEPS. So at the time I was 'isolated' so in attempt to expose the fact that there was a legitimate danger I reasonably tried to court attention on Twitter and basically did and said everything that could ever allow me to hold a security clearance before deleting it.
My perception of the event was that he was threatening my family with a knife, but to the outside world, he simply slashed my families tires. Basically he baited me and fell for it. There was much more to the story but if I could go back in time I probably would not have reacted the way I did but I was 18 and my mind was barely developing.
​
I was 5150'd and I was told I could never hold public office and I am barred from the Medical field . This of course was a lie, but it's BASICALLY on my Medical record and it's a huge red flag. So naturally, unable to join the Military, I was unable to complete my mission and of course, was put on medication for some time (7 months) until I can figure out what to do. So I been working warehouse jobs ever since that day . I am 23 years old now, the incident happened when I was 18. I was and still am a cross country runner who is fit and healthy , who can complete the physical requirements just fine but the 'Moral' and 'Medical' is what's preventing me from joining, open to debate. I haven't made the same dumb mistake of reacting to my families tires being slashed since and learned from that experience .
​
Obviously the Police knows what was on my laptop because this dude went around with the unauthorized material he was not allowed to have and actually put the content in DVD's around the city hoping someone would pick it up and read it , and I actually worked at a warehouse which actually had a police officer who worked there at the warehouse to check the hard drives for CP (i dont know the deal about that) , and he found the very same DVD filled with the content of my basically unhinged responses that I never uploaded to the internet .
​
Basically this dude mentally ruined my life but I wasn't the only 1 he has done this to, he has hacked into multiple people's laptops and slashed other people's tires before and distributed information and he has been arrested in the past .
​
I was wondering if I could be court martial'd for unprofessional conduct before I even join the military or am I just overthinking this? I basically had this huge 4 hour clip of a rant about his twitter account on my laptop that was perfectly constitutional legal but if you took things out of context it sounds like something that would have me arrested if I was in the military , and I never uploaded it, nor planned to. maybe it's just all in my head but as you can imagine , the real problem isn't my speeches that were on my laptop but the 5150'd , which was at the time and information I had at my disposable,a completely reasonable reaction to a violent threat.
Link to Comment Chain
PCS’ing to Schofield tomorrow, any tips?
Link to Comment Chain
Does anyone know if you still have to have a physical copy of your profile on you? I remember reading somewhere that you don't and your commander can look at it
Link to Comment Chain
I recently graduated college and am looking for advice in terms of what I should expect/request in my contract for 68W MOS. I got my B.A. in cellular biology in the beginning of May and have been set on enlisting since my junior year; now that I'm in the last couple of steps with my recruiter before going to MEPS, I wanted to know if there was anything I should ask for based on my scores/degree (520 MCAT, 99 ASVAB, 146 GT) in terms of rank or guaranteed admission to schools (such as Airborne) coming in. I am looking at the 2-year contract as of now because I do want to apply to medical school down the line. If I enjoy my time, I am open to staying longer in the Army. However, there are some characteristics I currently need to work on that I know enlistment will provide (as opposed to OCS which would mean an extended contract) in addition to education benefits. Also, the alternative would have been doing a gap year in a lab or clinic which doesn't pay much better and is something I have done my fair share of. Any help is appreciated; thank you.
Link to Comment Chain
This is kind of a weird question but i really want to join the army but my family is telling me that it’s impossible for me to join because unfortunately my parents passed by suicide and that alone will disqualify me. I’ve tried googling it and looking all over the internet to find a. Answer but I can’t find it. Is there any truth to that? Thanks if answered.
Link to Comment Chain
I’m a drill right now and I’m looking at being Force reclassed and looking for a new MOS. I saw 51C and was curious if anyone knew what the day to day looked like? Or if anyone knew of any MOSs that were chill 9-5 jobs.
Link to Comment Chain
How does the average person become an officer in the 75th or special forces? Even for support roles, don't most people have to go through the qualification training and fail?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you ever feel remorse for the innocent civilians you slaughter in the name of imperialism and the military industrial complex?
Link to Comment Chain
I've always had a draw to service, but my athletic opportunities usually kept me from it. Out of high school, I had the opportunity to play college baseball and passed up on trying the academy route. Once I got halfway through college, I wanted to try ROTC, but I was a starter on the baseball team and balls deep in a mechanical engineering course load, so it didn't seem feasible to add to my plate.
Now, I'm going on 24 with 2 years of experience as an ME in product development. Is there a military route for someone like me who does have a college degree, but is beyond the point of an ROTC college program? Is my specific degree useful for the military?
Link to Comment Chain
I'm joining the Army soon, within a month or two. I've come up with an MOS list I made based on what I'm interested in (this is NOT a list of my available jobs based on my ASVAB score, just some jobs that sounded interesting based on the field I was looking into). I was mostly considering Logistics and Supply, but I am open to other potential fields, and jobs that aren't in the list below. Like I said, I want to do something in logistics and supply, but more so, just something non-combative that allows me to travel to most bases. What do you guys think about it? Any recommendations? I do plan to do something in law enforcement after I get out, but my MOS does not have to relate to that. Here is the list. The first two are the ones I'm currently considering, and the ones in parentheses are the ones I'm interested in.
(Cargo Specialist 88H)
(Unit Supply Specialist 92Y)
(Automated Logistics Specialist 92A)
(Ammunition Specialist 89B)
Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist 89A
(Corrections/Detention Specialist 31E)
Culinary Specialist 92G
Medical Logistics Specialist 68J
(Military Police 31B)
(Motor Transport Operator 88M)
Petroleum Supply Specialist 92F
Transportation Management Coordinator 88N
Link to Comment Chain
Can someone please answer this question? If by some chance a person is granted a moral waiver for one felony possession charge on their record Will that allow you to join infantry or be around guns in general? Or would you have to have your firearm rights restored?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you guys still have to have an NBC mask as part of the uniform when out in the field? If yes, do you still practice going into full MOPP gear?
Link to Comment Chain
Completely off topic to Army. Has anyone used a gaems vanguard with the steam deck? Found one for cheap for field purposes but I can't find anything that says it works or not with the deck.
Link to Comment Chain
30 year old with great Asvab and physical tests, no medical problems other than anxiety counseling in 2020. Problem 1: I have a large hand tattoo on my right hand. It’s a animal with some foliage and stuff. It is not on knuckles but descends from half sleeve down wrist and over top of hand.
Issue 2: I was discharged from navy boot camp in 2019. Long story. Mental health and personal reasons. I have an re-4 jfc on my dd 214. ( navy parting gift) I have authorized documents of treatment for my condition signed from doctor and no treatment or problems with mental health since early 2020 and no medication ever needed. Is there any shot I’d get approved for enlistment in the army ? @7hillsrecruiting
Link to Comment Chain
Can someone please describe the process of renrolling into DLC? I did not complete it in the 720 day window however I am not barred from reenlistment (yet).
Link to Comment Chain
Hey there ! I’m working things out to go to sign a 37F contract in the USAR soon since I had a high enough score on my ASVAB, but my recruiter confirmed that I would have to go to FSPC or Fat Camp due to being 2% over what’s allowed for body fat before I attend basic. I don’t mind basically getting paid to workout and learn about nutrition, but I’d love tips and just overall things to prep for before I have to ship out to it.
Link to Comment Chain
i got Fort Sill as my first duty station im a 94T and i have family how is the on post housing or should i just rent a house off post
Link to Comment Chain
I have a uniform question that i can not seem to figure out using ar670-1 or the pam currently i have been wearing my improvised hot weather combat uniform but the one i was issued back in 2019 apparently is the first generation that has the mesh lining in the pants and no velcro on the top of the shoulder pockets and my first line was telling me he doesnt think this is authorized anymore since a newer version was released so he asked me to look into the regulations but i cant find anything saying if i can or cant where it the most i know as of right now is the ihwcu is authorized but i have an older version apparently but its also what they issued me at ocie so im trying to find if anyone can help me out or knows if i can still where this i dont wanna buy a whole other uniform just because this doesnt have velcro on the top of these pockets
Link to Comment Chain
What is the most realistic special operations group someone can join for the average person?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you need a DA Form 1610 to attend the BAC? Fort Moore's website states you cannot attend BAC in a leave status, but how would anyone walk on if that's the case? And soldiers do walk on, I've heard firsthand.
I'm attempting to attend Airborne on leave before I PCS, is it possible? I just commissioned, and will be working for Cadet Command all summer before I PCS to BOLC.
Link to Comment Chain
Can i join the ranger Special forces with a red/green color blind?
Link to Comment Chain
Is someone able to join if blind in one eye
Link to Comment Chain
As a prior enlisted, when I go to meps will the councilor just tell me my duty station I’m headed to after I pick my Mos? Will I have any say? How does that work from your experience
Any personal opinions and experienced insight is appreciated
Link to Comment Chain
If someone becomes an intel officer, can they tryout for the 75th or the special forces?
Link to Comment Chain
I have just returned from TDY, for Family separation pay, do I need to fill out 1561, or is it a special pay request on IPPS-A. Can’t find any answer from S-1, or other SM. Any help would be appreciative.
Link to Comment Chain
I want to join the army, Can I pick a supply Mos with a ASVAB score of 41 and CL of 90 ?? The army website says yes I just wanted to know if the website is accurate. (92A/92y) Mos
Link to Comment Chain
How long does it take for my rank to update in my email? I was promoted to SGT yesterday and it didn't update yet. It updated automatically for others in my unit. Do I need to update my CAC?
Link to Comment Chain
I'm enlisting in the Army Reserve as a 35L and soon to go to basic in a few weeks. I have a couple of questions that are hovering over me since I'm counting down the days to basic training. I'm a lot older then most of the trainees are going to be in basic. I fear if I get injured or recycle for whatever reason. Will they change my mos because I didn't meet the allotted time slot for 35L AlT? Will I become over holdover until the next class? How frequent are the courses if held over? And also to add if any directions toward course work should I start studying to familiarize myself with?
Link to Comment Chain
Anyone have an idea on what finance battalions are? Gonna be shipping out as 36B and I generally understand what the job will entail but lots of the comments I’ve read say “oh they’re reforming 36B into finance battalions”. Is this a good or bad thing?
Link to Comment Chain
Prior service coming in; USMC to Army, E5. I’ve already gotten some good anti-cringe advice on general differences between the branches of service, but if anybody has advice on stuff to bring/not bring to AIT (I only got a bootcamp packing list) or tips I’m all ears.
Link to Comment Chain
Is it common for people to become shorter from the ruck marches?
Link to Comment Chain
Can you have nicotine in AIT, may be useful to add that I’m doing split training where I do basic one summer then do AIT the next.
Link to Comment Chain
How does reclassing work? My window will be hitting soon and it’s time to move on. Will I have any Mos available to me? Duty station as well? I heard a lot about undeover strength Mos and how they affect reclassing. Any info on how it works would be great. Thanks fellas
Link to Comment Chain
Is having a iep when I was in school a disqualifyer if not do I need a waivet
Link to Comment Chain
I can barely do 5 push-ups, and I’m leaving for army basic combat training in 1 week, any recommendations?
Link to Comment Chain
Pollen Allergies @ BCT Jackson
I am shipping out to basic training at the end of June. Has anyone had any experience with sick call during training and/or reception when dealing with seasonal/pollen allergies?
If this affected you, did you get prescribed anything or go to sick call any once in a while? I lived in GA for a stint and the pollen down south was not my friend so trying to prepare for the worst if possible. Not taking any meds right now.
Link to Comment Chain
Can MPs join the 82 Airborne
Link to Comment Chain
just graduated AIT, would it be possible to trade my duty station with another soldier for both of our benefits and we're both consenting ? he's got schofield hawaii and i have fort george meade maryland, im a pv2 he's a PFC and we have the exact same training and MOS? thanks.
Link to Comment Chain

Hi! Does anyone know the policy on sending a private in basic a portable charger? I did already get the green light to send it by a former DS that i know, but was wondering if anything special needs to be done regarding how it is sent? Thanks in advance.
Link to Comment Chain
I'm going to transitioning from the Navy to the Army via an interservice transfer. I have four years, a deployment, and a lot of memories under my belt. I am electing to come back in as an O-1 into the Army as I have no interest in the limited job prospects that an O-3 with no Army experience would bring me, and frankly I don't give a shit -- it's just 4 years. My (fairly promising, at least based on what the Army side said) goal is to eventually be infantry.
Coming in as a new Army officer, what should I expect, both from the position of coming from a different branch and generally as a "new guy" Army officer?
What stuff (most likely) stays the same coming a ship, specifically ship-life? What changes the most?
How best can I take care of my people while still accomplishing the mission? I know this looks very different between branches. It's always a delicate balance.
What does the "daily grind" of a combart arms community look like? What's the "unnecessary BS day-to-day" that you guys get up to? (I can think of plenty of examples in the Navy, but I'm not sure they translate 1:1).
BONUS: What are your best and worst interaction stories with your fresh LTs?
Link to Comment Chain
Im 25 with a bachelors in CyberSecurity, also an Eagle Scout. Have not done much volunteer or team leadership since then. Nor do I have much work experiance.
Am I too uncompetitive for an OCS slot for 17X?
I spoke to a recruiter who mentioned going enlisted at E4 with 17C, then after 1 year of training and 1 of actual work, applying for OCS then.
Is that a realistic scenario or classic recruiter talk getting my hopes up in order to boost elistment numbers?
Prior medical history includes inactive IBS + depression from a couple years back.
Also, what are the timeframes for getting in with both of these options?
Link to Comment Chain
Is it worth getting Emt certified or Paramedic certified before going Army? I got DQ at meps and was told I need to wait a year due to medication I was on last year. I'm trying to find something to fill my time for when I'm able to enlist next year. Is this a good idea or a waste of time?
Link to Comment Chain
I have been recently promoted, and clothing and sales is currently out of stock of my current rank, so I am unable to update my AGSU. We have room and uniform inspections soon, and my first line is attempting to make me wear my AGSU with incorrect rank. I have been looking through AR670-1 as well as AR700-84 trying to see if there is a reg against this, but have been unsuccessful in finding one. If there isn’t, I’ll deal, but I’m not too keen on wearing a previous rank. Any help backed by regs would be appreciated
Link to Comment Chain
I’m going National Guard. I’m still working through the beginning process with my recruiter. Here’s the catch: I wasn’t born in the US. I was born in Kazakhstan.
I was never naturalized because when I was adopted into my family in 2002, the Child Citizenship Act passed in 2000 stating that the amendment is “to provide for the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship when certain conditions have been met.” — I have met these conditions and am a legal citizen of 22 years (Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This amendment states that I also do not need a certificate of citizenship, which I never applied for as I legally do not need one.)
I have a passport, a social security card, a legal photo ID and a birth certificate. I DO HAVE a permanent resident card, but it expired years ago. I was a baby when my parents got it and they never renewed it. However, I am a US Citizen. I’ve lived here my entire life. The problem is, my recruiter insists that I must have that Permanent Resident Card up to date. I would do it in a heartbeat, but it costs $500.
Why is my passport, ID, SS card or birth certificate not enough to prove my citizenship? I’m frustrated and my parents are getting short with me constantly asking about it.
Link to Comment Chain
Kind of a situational question. My wife is scheduled for C Section June 21st and it looks like I may get PCS orders before then. If I do, and the kid comes, what do I do? Soonest my wife’s doc says she can move is 6 weeks postpartum and my wife can’t look after our first kid and newborn while she recovers from surgery. Is there anything I can do to report closer to the end of baby leave? I’m a geobachelor.
Link to Comment Chain
I just have a couple questions about how having a GED will affect my enlistment. I've heard it makes you ineligible for bonuses, but what about contract options? Could I still get an Option 4 contract? Option 19? If not, how many college credits would I need to move into the Tier 1 education category?
also, how do you increase your chances of going to certain schools (Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, etc) if it's not in your contract? Going in as a 68W (Combat Medic) if that makes a difference
Link to Comment Chain
Is there some regulation against sending a SM on a deployment/rotation when they are very close to ETS? Say 6 months out?
Link to Comment Chain
Im a dumbass and made and said a lot of stupid ass shit that some hater who had it out for me has been basically (not really) 'blackmailing' me with that was on my laptop (private, never uploaded) which he hacked into . It was a bunch of questionable shit I said that basically makes me paranoid reasonably that I could possibly be court martial'd but I was never arrested or anything, and I'm sure the guy would upload it again if I joined the Military just to tarnish my good name. I said all this when I was 18 , but basically this dude came to my house and threatened my family with a knife and I responded, 'not so good' , and as a result, I was basically 5150'd and had lied to the people saying I was suicidal resulting in a medical documentation which has made me fearful of ever going to MEPS. So at the time I was 'isolated' so in attempt to expose the fact that there was a legitimate danger I reasonably tried to court attention on Twitter and basically did and said everything that could ever allow me to hold a security clearance before deleting it.
My perception of the event was that he was threatening my family with a knife, but to the outside world, he simply slashed my families tires. Basically he baited me and fell for it. There was much more to the story but if I could go back in time I probably would not have reacted the way I did but I was 18 and my mind was barely developing.
​
I was 5150'd and I was told I could never hold public office and I am barred from the Medical field . This of course was a lie, but it's BASICALLY on my Medical record and it's a huge red flag. So naturally, unable to join the Military, I was unable to complete my mission and of course, was put on medication for some time (7 months) until I can figure out what to do. So I been working warehouse jobs ever since that day . I am 23 years old now, the incident happened when I was 18. I was and still am a cross country runner who is fit and healthy , who can complete the physical requirements just fine but the 'Moral' and 'Medical' is what's preventing me from joining, open to debate. I haven't made the same dumb mistake of reacting to my families tires being slashed since and learned from that experience .
​
Obviously the Police knows what was on my laptop because this dude went around with the unauthorized material he was not allowed to have and actually put the content in DVD's around the city hoping someone would pick it up and read it , and I actually worked at a warehouse which actually had a police officer who worked there at the warehouse to check the hard drives for CP (i dont know the deal about that) , and he found the very same DVD filled with the content of my basically unhinged responses that I never uploaded to the internet .
​
Basically this dude mentally ruined my life but I wasn't the only 1 he has done this to, he has hacked into multiple people's laptops and slashed other people's tires before and distributed information and he has been arrested in the past .
​
I was wondering if I could be court martial'd for unprofessional conduct before I even join the military or am I just overthinking this? I basically had this huge 4 hour clip of a rant about his twitter account on my laptop that was perfectly constitutional legal but if you took things out of context it sounds like something that would have me arrested if I was in the military , and I never uploaded it, nor planned to. maybe it's just all in my head but as you can imagine , the real problem isn't my speeches that were on my laptop but the 5150'd , which was at the time and information I had at my disposable,a completely reasonable reaction to a violent threat.
Link to Comment Chain
PCS’ing to Schofield tomorrow, any tips?
Link to Comment Chain
Does anyone know if you still have to have a physical copy of your profile on you? I remember reading somewhere that you don't and your commander can look at it
Link to Comment Chain
I recently graduated college and am looking for advice in terms of what I should expect/request in my contract for 68W MOS. I got my B.A. in cellular biology in the beginning of May and have been set on enlisting since my junior year; now that I'm in the last couple of steps with my recruiter before going to MEPS, I wanted to know if there was anything I should ask for based on my scores/degree (520 MCAT, 99 ASVAB, 146 GT) in terms of rank or guaranteed admission to schools (such as Airborne) coming in. I am looking at the 2-year contract as of now because I do want to apply to medical school down the line. If I enjoy my time, I am open to staying longer in the Army. However, there are some characteristics I currently need to work on that I know enlistment will provide (as opposed to OCS which would mean an extended contract) in addition to education benefits. Also, the alternative would have been doing a gap year in a lab or clinic which doesn't pay much better and is something I have done my fair share of. Any help is appreciated; thank you.
Link to Comment Chain
This is kind of a weird question but i really want to join the army but my family is telling me that it’s impossible for me to join because unfortunately my parents passed by suicide and that alone will disqualify me. I’ve tried googling it and looking all over the internet to find a. Answer but I can’t find it. Is there any truth to that? Thanks if answered.
Link to Comment Chain
I’m a drill right now and I’m looking at being Force reclassed and looking for a new MOS. I saw 51C and was curious if anyone knew what the day to day looked like? Or if anyone knew of any MOSs that were chill 9-5 jobs.
Link to Comment Chain
How does the average person become an officer in the 75th or special forces? Even for support roles, don't most people have to go through the qualification training and fail?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you ever feel remorse for the innocent civilians you slaughter in the name of imperialism and the military industrial complex?
Link to Comment Chain
I've always had a draw to service, but my athletic opportunities usually kept me from it. Out of high school, I had the opportunity to play college baseball and passed up on trying the academy route. Once I got halfway through college, I wanted to try ROTC, but I was a starter on the baseball team and balls deep in a mechanical engineering course load, so it didn't seem feasible to add to my plate.
Now, I'm going on 24 with 2 years of experience as an ME in product development. Is there a military route for someone like me who does have a college degree, but is beyond the point of an ROTC college program? Is my specific degree useful for the military?
Link to Comment Chain
I'm joining the Army soon, within a month or two. I've come up with an MOS list I made based on what I'm interested in (this is NOT a list of my available jobs based on my ASVAB score, just some jobs that sounded interesting based on the field I was looking into). I was mostly considering Logistics and Supply, but I am open to other potential fields, and jobs that aren't in the list below. Like I said, I want to do something in logistics and supply, but more so, just something non-combative that allows me to travel to most bases. What do you guys think about it? Any recommendations? I do plan to do something in law enforcement after I get out, but my MOS does not have to relate to that. Here is the list. The first two are the ones I'm currently considering, and the ones in parentheses are the ones I'm interested in.
(Cargo Specialist 88H)
(Unit Supply Specialist 92Y)
(Automated Logistics Specialist 92A)
(Ammunition Specialist 89B)
Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist 89A
(Corrections/Detention Specialist 31E)
Culinary Specialist 92G
Medical Logistics Specialist 68J
(Military Police 31B)
(Motor Transport Operator 88M)
Petroleum Supply Specialist 92F
Transportation Management Coordinator 88N
Link to Comment Chain
Can someone please answer this question? If by some chance a person is granted a moral waiver for one felony possession charge on their record Will that allow you to join infantry or be around guns in general? Or would you have to have your firearm rights restored?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you guys still have to have an NBC mask as part of the uniform when out in the field? If yes, do you still practice going into full MOPP gear?
Link to Comment Chain
Completely off topic to Army. Has anyone used a gaems vanguard with the steam deck? Found one for cheap for field purposes but I can't find anything that says it works or not with the deck.
Link to Comment Chain
30 year old with great Asvab and physical tests, no medical problems other than anxiety counseling in 2020. Problem 1: I have a large hand tattoo on my right hand. It’s a animal with some foliage and stuff. It is not on knuckles but descends from half sleeve down wrist and over top of hand.
Issue 2: I was discharged from navy boot camp in 2019. Long story. Mental health and personal reasons. I have an re-4 jfc on my dd 214. ( navy parting gift) I have authorized documents of treatment for my condition signed from doctor and no treatment or problems with mental health since early 2020 and no medication ever needed. Is there any shot I’d get approved for enlistment in the army ? @7hillsrecruiting
Link to Comment Chain
Can someone please describe the process of renrolling into DLC? I did not complete it in the 720 day window however I am not barred from reenlistment (yet).
Link to Comment Chain
Hey there ! I’m working things out to go to sign a 37F contract in the USAR soon since I had a high enough score on my ASVAB, but my recruiter confirmed that I would have to go to FSPC or Fat Camp due to being 2% over what’s allowed for body fat before I attend basic. I don’t mind basically getting paid to workout and learn about nutrition, but I’d love tips and just overall things to prep for before I have to ship out to it.
Link to Comment Chain
i got Fort Sill as my first duty station im a 94T and i have family how is the on post housing or should i just rent a house off post
Link to Comment Chain
I have a uniform question that i can not seem to figure out using ar670-1 or the pam currently i have been wearing my improvised hot weather combat uniform but the one i was issued back in 2019 apparently is the first generation that has the mesh lining in the pants and no velcro on the top of the shoulder pockets and my first line was telling me he doesnt think this is authorized anymore since a newer version was released so he asked me to look into the regulations but i cant find anything saying if i can or cant where it the most i know as of right now is the ihwcu is authorized but i have an older version apparently but its also what they issued me at ocie so im trying to find if anyone can help me out or knows if i can still where this i dont wanna buy a whole other uniform just because this doesnt have velcro on the top of these pockets
Link to Comment Chain
What is the most realistic special operations group someone can join for the average person?
Link to Comment Chain
Do you need a DA Form 1610 to attend the BAC? Fort Moore's website states you cannot attend BAC in a leave status, but how would anyone walk on if that's the case? And soldiers do walk on, I've heard firsthand.
I'm attempting to attend Airborne on leave before I PCS, is it possible? I just commissioned, and will be working for Cadet Command all summer before I PCS to BOLC.
Link to Comment Chain
Can i join the ranger Special forces with a red/green color blind?
Link to Comment Chain
Is someone able to join if blind in one eye
Link to Comment Chain
As a prior enlisted, when I go to meps will the councilor just tell me my duty station I’m headed to after I pick my Mos? Will I have any say? How does that work from your experience
Any personal opinions and experienced insight is appreciated
Link to Comment Chain
If someone becomes an intel officer, can they tryout for the 75th or the special forces?
Link to Comment Chain
I have just returned from TDY, for Family separation pay, do I need to fill out 1561, or is it a special pay request on IPPS-A. Can’t find any answer from S-1, or other SM. Any help would be appreciative.
Link to Comment Chain
I want to join the army, Can I pick a supply Mos with a ASVAB score of 41 and CL of 90 ?? The army website says yes I just wanted to know if the website is accurate. (92A/92y) Mos
Link to Comment Chain
How long does it take for my rank to update in my email? I was promoted to SGT yesterday and it didn't update yet. It updated automatically for others in my unit. Do I need to update my CAC?
Link to Comment Chain
I'm enlisting in the Army Reserve as a 35L and soon to go to basic in a few weeks. I have a couple of questions that are hovering over me since I'm counting down the days to basic training. I'm a lot older then most of the trainees are going to be in basic. I fear if I get injured or recycle for whatever reason. Will they change my mos because I didn't meet the allotted time slot for 35L AlT? Will I become over holdover until the next class? How frequent are the courses if held over? And also to add if any directions toward course work should I start studying to familiarize myself with?
Link to Comment Chain
Anyone have an idea on what finance battalions are? Gonna be shipping out as 36B and I generally understand what the job will entail but lots of the comments I’ve read say “oh they’re reforming 36B into finance battalions”. Is this a good or bad thing?
Link to Comment Chain
Prior service coming in; USMC to Army, E5. I’ve already gotten some good anti-cringe advice on general differences between the branches of service, but if anybody has advice on stuff to bring/not bring to AIT (I only got a bootcamp packing list) or tips I’m all ears.
Link to Comment Chain
Is it common for people to become shorter from the ruck marches?
Link to Comment Chain
Can you have nicotine in AIT, may be useful to add that I’m doing split training where I do basic one summer then do AIT the next.
Link to Comment Chain
How does reclassing work? My window will be hitting soon and it’s time to move on. Will I have any Mos available to me? Duty station as well? I heard a lot about undeover strength Mos and how they affect reclassing. Any info on how it works would be great. Thanks fellas
Link to Comment Chain
Is having a iep when I was in school a disqualifyer if not do I need a waivet
Link to Comment Chain
I can barely do 5 push-ups, and I’m leaving for army basic combat training in 1 week, any recommendations?
Link to Comment Chain
Pollen Allergies @ BCT Jackson
I am shipping out to basic training at the end of June. Has anyone had any experience with sick call during training and/or reception when dealing with seasonal/pollen allergies?
If this affected you, did you get prescribed anything or go to sick call any once in a while? I lived in GA for a stint and the pollen down south was not my friend so trying to prepare for the worst if possible. Not taking any meds right now.
Link to Comment Chain
Can MPs join the 82 Airborne
Link to Comment Chain
just graduated AIT, would it be possible to trade my duty station with another soldier for both of our benefits and we're both consenting ? he's got schofield hawaii and i have fort george meade maryland, im a pv2 he's a PFC and we have the exact same training and MOS? thanks.
Link to Comment Chain

Blue Jays (33-27)	Astros (35-24)

First Pitch: 6:07 PM at Rogers Centre

Team	Starter	TV	Radio
Astros	Brandon Bielak (2-2, 3.19 ERA)	ATTH	KBME, TUDN/KLAT (ES)
Blue Jays	Alek Manoah (1-6, 5.46 ERA)	SNET	SN590

MLB	Fangraphs	Reddit Stream	Discord
Gameday	Game Graph	Live Comments	/baseball Discord

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
HOU	6	0	0	2	2	0	0	1	0	11	19	0	10
TOR	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	4	12	2	9

Box Score

TOR		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
DH	Springer	4	0	0	0	0	2	.252
SS	Bichette	3	0	2	1	0	0	.333
SS	Clement	2	0	1	0	0	0	.400
1B	Guerrero Jr.	4	0	1	1	0	0	.288
PH	Heineman	1	0	0	0	0	1	.125
3B	Chapman, M	3	0	1	0	0	0	.281
RF	Lukes	2	0	0	0	0	1	.188
LF	Varsho	4	1	2	1	0	0	.222
2B	Merrifield	3	0	1	0	0	0	.299
C	Kirk	4	1	1	1	0	0	.260
3B	Biggio	4	0	1	0	0	1	.176
CF	Kiermaier	3	2	2	0	1	0	.302

TOR	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Manoah	0.1	7	6	6	1	0	38-22	6.36
Jackson, J	2.2	2	0	0	0	4	39-31	1.59
Richards, T	1.0	2	2	2	0	2	25-19	3.81
Bass	1.0	3	2	2	0	0	28-19	4.95
García, Y	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	16-10	5.96
Cimber	1.2	1	1	1	0	2	22-15	4.08
Mayza	1.1	4	0	0	0	2	27-19	1.69

HOU		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Dubón	6	1	1	0	0	1	.290
SS	Peña	6	1	2	0	0	3	.254
DH	Alvarez, Y	4	2	2	2	0	1	.278
DH	McCormick	1	1	0	0	0	0	.235
3B	Bregman	5	0	1	0	0	1	.254
RF	Tucker	5	2	3	2	0	0	.284
1B	Abreu, J	4	1	1	0	1	1	.214
LF	Julks	5	1	1	4	0	2	.258
C	Diaz, Y	5	1	4	0	0	1	.284
CF	Meyers	5	1	4	2	0	0	.257

HOU	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Bielak	6.2	10	3	3	1	2	106-67	3.35
Martinez, S	1.1	1	1	1	0	1	21-14	4.30
Stanek	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	20-11	4.79

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
T1	Yordan Alvarez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Cavan Biggio, deflected by first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Mauricio Dubon scores. Jeremy Pena to 2nd.	0-1
T1	Kyle Tucker singles on a line drive to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Jeremy Pena scores. Yordan Alvarez to 2nd.	0-2
T1	Corey Julks hits a grand slam (5) to left field. Yordan Alvarez scores. Kyle Tucker scores. Jose Abreu scores.	0-6
B2	Alejandro Kirk homers (3) on a line drive to left center field.	1-6
T4	Yordan Alvarez homers (16) on a fly ball to center field.	1-7
T4	Kyle Tucker homers (8) on a fly ball to left field.	1-8
T5	Jake Meyers homers (6) on a fly ball to right center field. Yainer Diaz scores.	1-10
B5	Bo Bichette singles on a ground ball to first baseman Jose Abreu. Kevin Kiermaier scores.	2-10
B7	Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubles (14) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Corey Julks. Kevin Kiermaier scores. George Springer to 3rd.	3-10
T8	Alex Bregman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Daulton Varsho. Chas McCormick scores. Throwing error by second baseman Whit Merrifield.	3-11
B8	Daulton Varsho homers (10) on a fly ball to right field.	4-11

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Toronto, June 5 vs Astros	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Houston, June 5 vs Blue Jays	0:11	Video
Starting lineups for Astros at Blue Jays - June 5, 2023	0:09	Video
Corey Julks: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:10	Video
Visualizing Corey Julks's swing using bat tracking technology	0:09	Video
Alejandro Kirk: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Alejandro Kirk's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:12	Video
Breaking down Kyle Tucker's home run	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Yordan Alvarez's home run	0:09	Video
A deep dive into Kyle Tucker's home run	0:09	Video
Jake Meyers: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
Analyzing Jake Meyers's home run through bat tracking	0:09	Video
Breaking down Brandon Bielak's pitches	0:08	Video
Brandon Bielak's outing against the Blue Jays	0:23	Video
Daulton Varsho: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:14	Video
A deep dive into Daulton Varsho's home run	0:09	Video
Yordan Alvarez's RBI single makes it 1-0 Astros	0:21	Video
Kyle Tucker lines an RBI single to left in the 1st	0:14	Video
Corey Julks drills a grand slam deep to left field	0:28	Video
Alek Manoah attempts to blow the ball foul	0:29	Video
Alejandro Kirk rips a solo smash to left	0:19	Video
Yordan Alvarez drills a long solo home run to center	0:32	Video
Kyle Tucker smashes an opposite-field homer	0:30	Video
Jake Meyers smokes a two-run blast the other way	0:22	Video
Daulton Varsho makes a nice leaping catch	0:25	Video
Bo Bichette's RBI single cuts into the Astros lead	0:22	Video
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drills an RBI double in the 7th	0:24	Video
Brandon Bielak puts together a quality start vs. Jays	0:47	Video
Chas McCormick scores from first on a hit and error	0:31	Video
Daulton Varsho lifts a solo home run in the 8th	0:33	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Bielak (3-2, 3.35 ERA)	Manoah (1-7, 6.36 ERA)

Attendance	Weather	Wind
	68°F, Overcast	3 mph, L To R

HP	1B	2B	3B
Scott Barry	Gabe Morales	Adam Beck	Dan Iassogna

Game ended at 9:12 PM.
Remember to sort by new to keep up!

Hello Everyone,
Just a few days ago, I (38M) picked up my first credit card ever; it was an American Express Platinum. I read it provided great benefits. But ever since receiving it, I started to watch other videos that listed the best credit card usage for max rewards, and the AmEx Platinum was never listed in them, which made me think I made a mistake of picking the card as my first.
Now I'm wondering if I should pick up another card myself, or ask my spouse to get a new card (she has been using her BoA credit card she got since college, that provides no rewards at all). My whole purpose of getting a card was to take advantage of the points to allow for me to take my family on expensive travels. Hopefully with the experience of the community, you can guide me in making the right decision moving forward.
Below are some of my specifics:
​

• Current cards: AmEx Platinum (opened 5 days ago). Remainder are my debit cards
• FICO Score: 789 (post credit card opening); spouse is around the same
• Income: >$250k annually not including bonuses, spouse earns about $95k annually
• Average Monthly Spend:
  • Mortgage: $2,200
  • Nanny/Daycare: $4,300
  • Shopping/Entertainment: ~$1,000 (mostly Amazon purchases)
  • Dinning/Groceries: ~$2,000 (we dine outside regularly during the weekend)
  • Misc Expenses: ~$2,000 (random expenses we make here and there)
• Open To Business Cards: Yes (company I work for does not have a corporate card)
• Purpose Of Next Card: Travel for the family mostly
• Other non-mentioned items:
  • I received 125,000 points from AmEx to join their Platinum program (I still haven't purchased a single item using their card, so those points haven't been earned yet)
  • I get free Hulu/Disney/Espn+ subscriptions via Verizon, so I don't need those (I see some cards mention this as a benefit)
  • I don't do a lot of traveling (barely made any vacations previously), but may do a bit for my new work
  • I drive a EV, so am in no need for gas credits

Please let me know your thoughts. My initial thoughts were to have my spouse get a free AmEx Gold card to take advantage of the dinning points (for no annual cost), but I don't know if that makes sense in comparison to her getting a Chase Sapphire Preferred/ Capital One Venture X card, and make me a authorized user.

Staked: 193.15u, Profit/Loss: +8.41u, ROI: 4.36%, Parlay Suggestions: 51-21
Scroll down for UFC 289 Breakdowns. Below is just a review of last week’s bets.
UFC Vegas 74
Staked: 18.70u
Profit/Loss: -3.31u
Parlay Suggestions: 3-2
✅ 2u Alex Caceres to Win & Arlovski/Mayes Over 1.5 Rounds (+100)
❌ 2u Jim Miller & Jamie Mullarkey to Win (-125)
✅ 2.5u Jim Miller ITD (-105)
✅ 0.5u Jim Miller in Round 1 (+235)
❌ 2u Abubakar Nurmagomedov to Win (-105)
❌ 1.5u Andrei Arlovski to Win by Decision (+200)
❌ 2u Muin Gafarov to Win (-125)
❌ 3u Luan Lacerda to Win (-125)❌ 1u Luan Lacerda to Win by Submission or Decision (+100)
✅ 2u Philipe Lins to Win (+140)
Once again I was my own worst enemy, making some good reads once I initially dropped the preview (Lins, Caceres, Elliott) but consistently made tweaks in the build-up that sent things south. I really need to be more disciplined and block out the noise once I’ve made my initial conclusions. I remember when I started posting here I was tipping about four bets maximum…now I apparently have action across almost every fight.
Going forward I think I’ll stop analysing each bet in this section, as no-one seems to really comment on that stuff and it just eats into the overall character count.
So let’s get into the PPV.
UFC 289
This is a weird, weird PPV card. I guess they kind of have to have a title fight at the top of the billing over a number-one contender bout as co-main, but to see Mike Malott, Nate Landwehr and Eryk Anders perform before Charles Oliveira…and then Amanda Nunes as the main event, is quite funny. Canadian MMA has been in ruins since GSP and Rory MacDonald left the UFC, and none of the guys on this card are not the one to restore its glory.
I know I say it every time the PPV event rolls around, but MMA oddsmakers are very sharp for these higher profile events. Once again I find myself coming to very similar conclusions for a lot of the fights here, so I very much expect this one to be a much smaller slate for me. Definitely a good idea given what I said in the review of last week.
​
Amanda Nunes v Irene Aldana
There’s a very loud narrative surrounding Amanda Nunes these days, and it’s a hard one to ignore. Having been in the UFC for a decade and holding a title for 7 years, there’s literally nothing left for her to do. She’s had the big money fights that Women’s MMA can offer (Rousey, Cyborg & the “redemption” sequel with Pena), and she doesn’t seem interested in setting up another fight with Shevchenko (who, to be fair, she’s beaten twice). What else is there for Nunes to be motivated for?
Outside the cage, She’s started a family with Nina Ansaroff, who also retired very recently and has spoken about wanting a second child with Nunes. The Brazilian has spoken quite candidly about her aspirations to retire very soon as well, and I believe that she would have laid her gloves in the centre of the Octagon if she’d beaten Pena in their initial meeting. She had to right the wrongs in the sequel, but a victory over Pena at UFC 289 to make it 2-1 in the series was probably enough of a narrative for Nunes to put her career to bed then and there. It’s a bold prediction, but I have a hunch that Nunes has done this whole training camp knowing it’s going to be her last.
Unfortunately, Pena was forced to withdraw and Irene Aldana steps in to challenge for the belt instead. Mexican MMA is absolutely booming right now, with three champions in the last few months, and the stage really feels set for Aldana. She’s always had very impressive boxing, as well as some opportunistic submissions…but her inability to stuff takedowns has often been her undoing in her career. Given that Nunes has relied heavily on her wrestling in recent years (20 takedowns in her last 4 wins), I think it’s fair to say Nunes should once again be favoured here.
Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight have been underdeveloped weight classes for some time now, where the same names that were competing for the belt in like 2019 are still in the top 5 (looking at you Holly Holm!). The next generation seems to have broken through at Flyweight, with Valentina losing her last two title defences (not officially, but I scored the first one quite confidently for Santos). Nunes has been fortunate enough to govern over a division that doesn’t have many of those up-and-coming prospects yet, but those on the rise are still training and competing in a modern MMA context more frequently than the champion – which makes me think the changing of the guard could happen sometime soon. (For more on this, I asked a hypothetical question in the comment section).
So, overall, I think there are a lot of valid asterisks on Nunes’ name at the moment, and I think her career is coming to an end sometime soon, if not after this fight. However, if she’s fighting at her optimum then Aldana’s weaknesses can certainly be exploited, and are enough to deem her the Champion as favourite. With that said, I actually think Aldana could more than hold her own in the striking, so I would already be lining this one closer than Nunes normally is…and after adding in the narrative that surrounds the fight I think it gets even closer.
Therefore, I’ll be playing a 0.5u “value bet” on Aldana. It’s not something I expect to win, but I think her chances of winning are much greater than the odds available.
How I line this fight: Amanda Nunes -175 (64%), Irene Aldana +175 (36%)
Bet or Pass: 0.5u Irene Aldana to Win (+300)
Notable Props: I'd encourage you to play Nunes by Submission or Decision if you wanted to play her.
​
Charles Oliveira v Beneil Dariush
Oh this is a spicy one. Charles Oliveira holds a special place in my heart as being my favourite fighter of all time, and he’s the fighter I’ve definitely made the most money on in my time betting on MMA. At the start of that massive win streak he went on, you could get a decent price on Oliveira ITD against so many prelim guys, and the underdog prices available against Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier were even better.
But, as we know, Islam Makhachev exists and did a sensational job against Oliveira. Such a good job in fact, that I expect it to be footage that Beneil Dariush and his camp have dissected in great detail.
Dariush is an equally exciting fighter to watch. He’s got a brilliant skillset, but he’s not particularly athletic which makes him a very unassuming fighter. He looks like some bloke that works in HR in your office…not an elite Lightweight UFC fighter.
I think Dariush’s BJJ abilities are going to be the key to this fight, as we’ve seen many times in his career already. High level BJJ is a brilliant quality because not only does it make you dangerous at finishing fights, it also improves your defence and provides the platform for a wrestling based offence. We saw Dariush make full use of this in his wins over Tony Ferguson, Carlos Diego Ferreira (x2) and Thiago Moises, as well as his takedown defence on display against Gamrot. I feel like he’s going to be able to dictate where the fight takes place here.
What interests me is the competitiveness of the striking. If you’ve been watching this sport religiously for over seven years, you’ll still remember when Dariush was thought to have a glass jaw, where the likes of Alex Hernandez, Drew Dober and Drakkar Klose hurt him badly with strikes. I feel like Dariush has had quite favourable matchmaking against that weakness on his recent streak, and Oliveira is potentially one of the biggest threats he’s faced on the feet in recent years in terms of power.
On the flipside, Oliveira is still as reckless as ever, and has been knocked down or hurt in each of his last four title fights. Only Makhachev came away with a win in those fights, because his grappling was at a good enough level that he was happy to follow Charles down to the mat when he knocked him down, and capitalised fully to secure the submission soon after. Dariush has sneaky power himself, and if he is able to land a knockdown on Oliveira then I think we see him capitalise too.
The volatility is going to be massive in this fight, as both men are hard hitters with durability concerns (maybe not in a fight ending sense, but they frequently get rocked). With that in mind, I think any sort of finish is going to be very live in this fight. If not, I think you have to give Dariush the decision winning potential, as I think his ability to find top position is greater than Oliveira’s. It’s enough to make Benny the favourite, but not by a whole lot. I think the books have got this one priced spot on, actually.
How I line this fight: Charles Oliveira +110 (48%), Beneil Dariush -110 (52%)
Bet or Pass: Pass
Notable Props: FDGTD is probably a decent parlay piece at -200 or better
Live Betting Lean: I think the longer this fight goes, the more it favours Dariush due to his round winning superiority.
​
Mike Malott v Adam Fugitt
Honestly the fact that I’m breaking down this fight straight after Oliveira v Dariush is hilarious. I wouldn’t even question it if this was on the prelims of an Apex card.
I underestimated Mike Malott in his last fight against Yohan Lainesse, and my take was so bad that I looked like an idiot. He impressed me a lot, and I think he impressed the UFC too for them to give him this spot on the main card.
Malott looks to have really good submission ability, but I’m still a bit concerned that his striking might be a few too many steps behind. People will say things looked improved in the Lainesse fight, but I think that was more a case of Lainesse having no real interest in engaging or committing to his strikes in the early goings (he has become gunshy as to manage cardio). The fight against Mickey Gall was a massive, massive red flag for Malott…no one in the UFC should really be getting outstruck by Gall. That footage was from a year ago though, so there’s a chance he has improved things since then…but I don’t think you can really use the Lainesse fight as evidence of that.
Malott faces Adam Fugitt, who took the ‘sacrificial lamb’ approach to entering the UFC when he was paired up with Michael Morales – who is lowkey a very bright young prospect. It’s important not to judge a fighter by their performance in that type of fight, it’s best to instead treat their sophomore fight as their ‘real’ debut. We saw that with Fugitt, as he dominated Yusaku Kinoshita as a +260 underdog earlier this year.
I was quite impressed with Fugitt in his loss to Morales. His striking clearly wasn’t on Morales’ level, and he’ll have to be careful of Malott’s powerful hands, but he showed decent defensive awareness and had a couple of moments of his own. Fugitt’s a bit too kick heavy for my liking, but it looks like it confuses opponents and actually works well at establishing range. It did exactly that in his Solomon Renfro win.
Malott’s fight against Renfro however, despite only being 90 seconds long, really sums up his abilities as a fighter. He was getting tagged on the feet, but managed to find one moment to land a powerful shot and sinked in a choke in the blink of an eye. He was losing 98% of that fight convincingly.
The big question for this fight revolves around Fugitt’s grappling ability on bottom, and initial takedown defence, as that’s where most of Malott’s win equity is going to be. Unfortunately we have not actually seen him defensive grapple, so honestly it’s impossible to accurately line this fight given how integral it should be. The only inclination I have is that Fugitt’s takedowns have looked really good in his two fights. DC was very impressed with how he got Morales down, and his trips were also looking on point against Kinoshita. He did great work on top as well when he did establish position, and worked his way to a finish efficiently.
However, there can sometimes be a big disparity between a wrestler’s grappling ability on top vs on bottom, which is why BJJ is so important to MMA (see the breakdown of Dariush!). Therefore, complimenting Fugitt’s top position grappling doesn’t mean a whole lot, as he could be atrocious on bottom, and even if he does use wrestling himself he’s going to dive headfirst into Malott’s nasty guillotine.
So in conclusion, you can’t have super strong opinions on this fight, but you can deduce that Malott has more ways to win. If Fugitt isn’t winning via striking, it’s likely he’s not winning at all. Malott, on the other hand, could win with a big shot on the feet, through takedowns and top control of his own, or even from a guard submission on bottom.
Therefore, with Malott being the hometown hero and likely taking all the betting action on the moneyline, I think the books have the liberty to juice his odds a fair bit. -200 is probably an example of that, but it’s not too far off where I’d line this fight. There are still enough unknowns about both men that I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Fugitt pull off the upset, but I think the +170 available on him in return isn’t providing a whole lot of value. Smart work by the oddsmakers.
How I line this fight: Mike Malott -175 (64%), Adam Fugitt +175 (36%)
Bet or Pass: Pass
Notable Props: Malott by Submission would be the bet I’d make at +200 or better if someone told me I had to. Won’t be playing it though.
​
Dan Ige v Nate Landwehr
Well it seems the UFC matchmakers have confirmed their position on Dan Ige. He’s a top 15 gatekeeper now! His string of losses to Evloev, Emmett, Korean Zombie and Kattar did put one too many nails in his title aspiration coffin, but those bounce-back performances against Gavin Tucker and Damon Jackson were pretty impressive to me.
Ige is still a very, very tricky fighter to beat because he’s so well rounded, as most of the top 15 at Featherweight are. Ige faces Nate Landwehr, who has been on an entertaining run of form in the UFC – beating the likes of Ludovit Klein, David Onama and Austin Lingo. Whilst running through his record, it is important to note he went to a close decision in a striking bout against Darren Elkins, and also lost to Herbert Burns and Julian Erosa.
As I say quite often in higher level FeatheBantam/Fly-Weight breakdowns, they’re very tricky divisions to identify skill gaps in. The elite in the division are all very well-rounded offensively and defensively, so it often feels like you’re splitting hairs when you’re trying to find attributes that favour one fighter over the other.
The same can kind of be said here, except Dan Ige has the much better record in terms of actual wins and overall experience. If I imagine Nate Landwehr competing against Ige’s last eight opponents, I genuinely think he might win 1 or 2 of them…whilst Ige has won 4, not been finished in any of the losses and given a good account of himself on each scorecard (except the Evloev loss).
So honestly, the only real thing I feel I can reference here in terms of differentiating between both men is ‘levels’…but I genuinely think that’s enough for Ige to be about -200 here. You can’t go any further than that because this fight should still be reasonably competitive, but given what Ige has done to the opponents he’s stepped down in competition for (Damon Jackson, Gavin Tucker), I think you can have a certain degree of confidence that he should find that extra 10% to clearly win this fight. That equates to around -175 in my mind.
How I line this fight: Dan Ige -175 (64%), Nate Landwehr +175 (36%)
Bet or Pass: Pass
Notable Props: Ige ITD could be of some interest, as he’s started showing real power in his hands, and Landwehr is quite finish-able in his losses.
​
Marc-Andre Barriault v Eryk Anders
Eryk Anders is one of the most frustrating guys to watch. He had so much athleticism and decent skills, but just doesn’t put his best foot forward. Barely any evolution to his game, poor fight IQ…but the occasional glimmers of potential – enough to stop you from writing him off despite his constant underdelivering.
Marc-Andre Barriault is kind of the opposite really. He’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none…but he will do everything in his power to maximise his advantages to turn the fight in his favour. He isn’t a physical specimen and doesn’t really have much power…but he can hustle hard for 15 minutes and use a mixture of striking, takedowns and clinch work to win rounds.
Anders has actually had some of his better performances in recent fights, looking in great shape and form against Kyle Daukaus, arguably beating Jun Yong Park by decision, and outpoint + KO’ing Darren Stewart (x2) beforehand.
If this fight was happening two years ago, MAB would be like -200 here due to his reliability to out-hustle Anders, but his recent performances have been a little bit lacklustre (Hernandez ragdolled him and Chidi Njokuani folded him like a deckchair). Couple that with the fact that Anders FINALLY looks to be growing into the potential he’s always been on the cusp of with a recent change in training camp…I think you’re looking at a closely lined fight here.
I predict this one ends up being a 29-28, possibly split decision type of fight. One man has activity whilst the other has power. The subjectivity of judging will be in full effect and everyone will call this one a robbery, depending on who they bet on.
How I line this fight: Marc-Andre Barriault +100 (50%), Eryk Anders +100 (50%)
Bet or Pass: Pass
Notable Props: Barriault by Decision would probably be my preferred choice.
​
Jasmine Jasudavicius v Miranda Maverick
Miranda Maverick is a Women’s MMA fighter that I hold in very high regard. The back-to-back losses put a real halt to her hype train, but I think she’s easily got Top 10 potential and got robbed against Maycee Barber anyway. I think her style is one that can very easily exploit a lot of opponents in her division. Her striking’s okay, but her wrestling and top pressure are very dominant tools.
She takes on Jasmine Jasudavicius, who has also used her wrestling ability to good effect in the UFC/DWCS so far. Neither woman is a particularly good striker, and I expect this one to turn into a bit of a scramble fest pretty quickly.
Their statures have been very important factors in their grappling successes so far, but for different reasons. JJ is basically a size bully at 5’7 and will have a 4 inch height advantage once again. Maverick, on the other hand, is going to be the stronger of the two during those close quarter engagements, because she’s pretty damn jacked.
I think Maverick should be favoured overall as I think her wrestling is the superior of the two and should lead to more time in top position, but I’m definitely not keen to play her at -275. Miranda’s strengths are also her opponent’s strengths, and facing the lanky size of Jasudavicius could cause her problems when it comes to securing the initial takedowns against those long legs, or keeping safe from guard submissions or maintaining that dominant position in the first place. Also, if they do somehow end up choosing to strike for significant portions, I can’t actually guarantee that Maverick is the better on the feet (reach disadvantage plays a part too).
I do however like Maverick to win this one, but not by the confidence of the current odds. I’m expecting this one to go the distance, but I highly doubt we get a good line on it as Maverick couldn’t even finish Shanna Young last time out.
How I line this fight: Jasmine Jasudavicius +188 (35%), Miranda Maverick -188 (65%)
Bet or Pass: Pass.
Notable Props: Fight goes to decision. It's probably like -400.
​
Blake Bilder v Kyle Nelson
There are a couple of fights on this card where one guy is clearly more populasuccessful/in-form than their opponent, but they’re still only around -200 (Dan Ige & Mike Malott are the best examples). Blake Bilder is the third. Before I jumped into research for all three of these bouts, I was instinctively thinking that I could easily want to bet all three at -200, as that didn’t seem short enough by my initial perception of their names. I came away from Ige and Malott agreeing with the line and feeling grateful that I looked into it…but I still think Blake Bilder’s odds are providing a bit of value.
Kyle Nelson is one of those fodder guys. The UFC are keeping him around to give to prospects and home-town fighters in the hope that they can invest in the future or the event itself. Jai Herbert notched a win for Team UK against Nelson on a UFC London card, Doo Ho Choi got given a softball to get him back on track for a card that was supposed to be in South Korea. Billy Quarantillo got given Nelson to put his name on the map with a highlight reel finish..and now Blake Bilder is being presented the chance to extend his UFC record to 2-0.
Bilder’s already fought a better opponent in the UFC when he beat Shane Young in February. We saw a very high pace being set in the third round of that fight, with both men landing 100+ significant strikes across the fight and Bilder also attempting 7 takedowns. His cardio is clearly quite decent, which will immediately give him the advantage over Nelson – who has often wilted in the latter half of a fight when the pace has been hectic.
Bilder’s a very well-rounded combatant, and has great BJJ once he gets established time on top. He’s a bit of a concern defensively though, where he can be taken down and can also get caught with strikes.
Kyle Nelson, on the other hand, doesn’t really seem to know what kind of fighter he is. He’s been a brawler for all of his UFC career, but comes out to land five takedowns and is seemingly not interested in striking with a Doo Ho Choi who has questionable durability. He didn’t do much at all with those takedowns either and actually put himself in danger in R1 by insisting on grappling.
If Nelson comes out looking to wrestle Bilder, I think they’re at different levels in the grappling and Blake should be able to turn things around in his favour. If they’re striking, I am aware that Nelson’s got fight ending power, but Bilder’s been much more patient and cerebral in his last couple of fights, so I trust him to stay safe and look for his openings. We saw him reactively find a takedown off of Shane Young’s kick, and Nelson’s offense is very body kick heavy.
Overall, I just think Bilder is the better fighter in pretty much every facet of MMA except one-punch power and, as long as he doesn’t get flash KO’d, I think he rolls here. -200 isn’t quite short enough, and I expect money to come in on him between now and fight night. I’ve already got my money down, just in case.
How I line this fight: Blake Bilder -300 (75%), Kyle Nelson +300 (25%)
Bet or Pass: 5u Blake Bilder to Win (-200)
Notable Props: Bilder ITD or R3 could be interesting. I'd probably be interested in that if I didn't have a lot of exposure already.
Aiemann Zahabi v Aoriqileng
There was a time where Aiemann Zahabi was considered one of the worst guys on the roster. Crazy that the standard of UFC fighter has gotten so much worse that that statement seems ridiculous now. To be fair, Zahabi did pull off a respectable upset in beating Ricky Turcios in his last fight..but it seems to be unanimously agreed that Ricky fought like an idiot in that fight and actually beat himself.
Aoriqileng is quite explosive and clearly hits hard, but he’s a bit too keen to hunt for the KO and it hurts his minute-winning ability. Against someone like Zahabi, who is quite composed and process driven (how could you not be when Firas is your family and coach), and I see that being a pretty key part to this fight. The big moments will side with the Mongolian, but Aiemann could just put together the more cohesive performance if he doesn’t get troubled by that explosiveness.
Overall this is just a pretty low level fight between guys who don’t compete very often. I didn’t have a whole lot to say prior to watching tape, and I’ve come away feeling equally uncertain of how this one’s going to end. An easy pass when there are more active and popular fighters for us to form a stronger opinion on.
How I line this fight: I don’t really know.
Bet or Pass: Pass
Notable Props: None
​
Nassourdine Imavov v Chris Curtis
This one instantly feels like a pretty close fight, solely based off both men’s most recent losses. Imavov getting outstruck by Sean Strickland across 25 minutes was a bit of a shock to everyone, myself included. I expected him to lose via cardio dump, but it was actually just lesser volume, a lack of takedowns being attempted and obviously not landing anything of significance on Strickland.
It’s widely known that Chris Curtis and Sean Strickland are close training partners at Xtreme Couture, which I think makes for an added element to this fight. On six days notice, Strickland and the team managed to devise a pretty genius striking gameplan with disruptive rhythm that completely threw Imavov of. Can Chris Curtis do the same? Probably.
Curtis himself has problems of his own in the striking though, namely that his volume and output just aren’t where they often need to be. I’m not sure whether it’s the managing of his gas tank or what, but he just doesn’t seem able to commit to matching his opponent’s tempo across 15 minutes. He threw the first round away against Gastelum, and it cost him the fight. He bitched and moaned about it on Twitter, but social media’s been telling the guy what his problem is for as long as he’s been in the UFC haha.
I do suspect that there’s a little bit of recency bias on Imavov here, as the guy was a pretty well-respected prospect prior to the loss to Strickland. Some will tell you it was misplaced faith, but he certainly doesn’t have tempo issues in the latter half of fights and should probably have the higher volume across 15 minutes. I don’t see him taking Curtis down either, given the 100% takedown defence and the fact Imavov seemingly abandoned it in his last fight. It would be great if he did though!
So yeah, it’s a bit of a close one this. Off pure skillset I lean towards Imavov at like -150, but the asterisk of Curtis’ team being able to easily design a gameplan against the Frenchman gives me enough pause to not want to pick a side here. I’d be more interested in betting overs, if a decent price is available.
How I line this fight: Nassourdine Imavov -137 (58%), Chris Curtis +137 (42%)
Bet or Pass: 1.5u Fight Goes to Decision (-137 or better)
Notable Props: I think this one goes to decision at a pretty high clip.
​
Diana Belbita v Maria Oliveira
My initial thought was “What would compel someone to bet on this fight?”, then I remember I placed 100 quid on Chase Hooper a few weeks ago…and it was a great bet haha! Given how most of my handicapping for this card has seen me in complete agreement with the books, perhaps looking into a lower level fight with significantly less interest could be the place to a strong opinion!?
Nope. I can’t do it. One quick glance at their records was enough for me. Belbita got 30-25’d by a wrestling Molly McCann and submitted by Liana Jojua, whilst Maria Oliveira got soundly beaten on the scorecards by Vanesa Demopoulos and voluntarily asked to stop fighting after 3 minutes against Marina Rodriguez.
This one isn’t good enough to open an Apex card, let alone sit on a PPV. I usually really dislike all the WMMA bashing on this sub, but this one isn’t worth the time.
How I line this fight: No.
Bet or Pass: No.
Notable Props: No.
Live Betting Lean: You could do something productive with that 15 minutes. Lift some weights, make some food, rewatch Ngannou v Lewis instead?
​
Bets
0.5u Irene Aldana to Win (+300)
5u Blake Bilder to Win (-200)
1.5u Imavov v Curtis Goes to Decision (-137 or better) (Might not get this kind of price).
Parlay Do’s: Dan Ige, Blake Bilder, Imavov/Curtis GTD, Maverick/Jasudavicius GTD
Parlay Don’ts: Amanda Nunes, Mike Malott, Miranda Maverick

With this week being Nuke Week (AKA Wild Card Week), I want to do something special here... and oh, boy. Do I have something special cooking here. This post might be a little esoteric since it does talk about the National Arena League, which is the third tier among the indoor football leagues out there (The IFL is top tier and CIF - Champions Indoor Football - is slightly ahead of them). But, this post about the Albany Empire - back-to-back NAL Champions and the final champion of the Arena League 2.0, and their new owner, Antonio Brown. His father, Arena League Hall of Fame legend 'Touchdown' Eddie Brown, is also here as the GM of the Empire. How this season has gone so far is the stuff of nightmares... and (hopefully) shitposting legends.
Let's begin on this timeline...
March 3rd - An announcement is made that Antonio Brown would join the Albany Empire as part owner and his father, 'Touchdown' Eddie Brown, would become the VP of Football Operations. Eddie is a Arena League legend, named to the list of the Top 20 players in Arena Football history in 2006. His name is synonymous with the Albany area - he helped lead the Firebirds (remember them?) to an Arenabowl victory. Local legends helping run the biggest powerhouse in the NAL? Oh, this is too good to be real...
April 6th - AB says he wants to move the team to Saratoga... must want to bet on the ponies or something. No big deal, I guess... except that the coach, Tom Menas, was ran out of town for some unknown reason. The offensive coordinator, Damon Ware, takes over. This will not be the last time you hear of Menas, trust me.
April 16th - Right before the regular season begins, the controversy begins. AB says he's the sole owner of the Empire, but one of the other owners, Mike Kwarta, said otherwise. He and AB each own 47.5% of the team while a minority owner owns the remaining 5%. AB says he paid $1.5 million in workers' comp insurance while Kwarta said "Wait a second... your math is way off, man. I've paid about half that for workers' comp insurance." While all of this going on, the Empire opened their regular season (they had a bye week in Week 1) with a dominating victory over the Orlando Predators (remember them??).
April 19th - Things are going to get complicated pretty quickly, so hang on tight and keep your arms and legs inside the roller coaster at all times. Let's begin... deep breath ...AB is now the sole majority owner of the Empire, buying the 47.5% share that Mike Kwarta owned for a $1 (Cue the guy from the original Robocop who would buy that for a dollar). This sounds all great and dandy... but, there's more to this then meets the eye.
May 1st - A day after a tough loss to the Carolina Cobras, shit hits the fan: The players haven't been paid since April 21st and the coach, who verified that, was also sent packing. Among the players not getting paid were WR Darius Prince, last season's league MVP and (at that time) league leader in TD catches at 10; QB Sam Castronova, who (at that time) lead the league with 241 passing yards per game; and defensive captains Brandon Sesay, Dwayne Hollis and Nick Haag. All of them (along with another player) were suspended due to an incident after the Carolina game - aggravated harassment. As for the payment issue? Well, that came from issues stemming from the processor after Kwarta and most of the front office left after that $1 deal to give AB majority ownership.
May 2nd - Guess who's back? Back again? Guess who's back? Back again?? Yep, it's Tom Menas - the coach who was given the boot before the season began - makes his return to try and turn around the 1-2 Empire in their quest for a three-peat.
May 3rd - Remember when I said there was more then meets the eye with the AB deal? Oh, this is where things get fun. Turns out he has nothing to do with the team - the team is under the control of the Antonio El-Allah Express Trust Enterprise, which is the domestic arm of the Antonio El-Allah Express Trust. Antonio El-Allah, a foreign national, is the trustee of this organization. A letter was sent to the Times-Union that reads:

“I Brown, Antonio Tavaris a foreign national but not a citizen of the United States at birth, am writing to you regarding recent reports that have been circulating in the media regarding my supposed ownership of the Albany Empire team," the letter begins. "I want to make it very clear that I am not the owner of this team, and any claims to the contrary are completely false."

Antonio Tavaris Brown is the full name of AB, but the whole foreign national thing? Yeah, that's false. Pro Football Resource mentions he was born in Miami to American parents and the rule they cited only applies under certain circumstances, all of which involve American Samoa and some place called Swains Island, which I've never heard of until now. And that trust? It's connected to another company, Big Boomin Investment Co. LLC, out of freaking DUBAI! This is something you see with real estate investments, not ownership of a professional football team. There must be some big ass skeletons in this closet.
While the ownership issues are going on, the team preps for their game with the West Texas Warbirds, one of two new members in the NAL this season. They're doing this without Damon Ware, who left the team to go to Orlando, and their QB Sam Castronova. He was one of the eight suspended players from that bus incident and left the team for Jacksonville (Keep an eye on this end, it'll be a big part of what's coming). Despite all this, Albany came close to winning but lost 41-38.
May 10th - Oh, there were minority owners as well. Let's meet the von Schillers, Charlotte and Steve. This couple were season ticket owners before they met up with Mike Kwarta and bought 5% of the team as a way to help grow the franchise's presence in the Capital Region. Since AB bought out Kwarta's share, it's been hell for the couple. They've been very negative to them and the von Schiller's do have a reason to question AB's motives: They wanted to make the best of having AB being part owner, and were hoping he would be a decent person (Oh, you poor naive souls...) and go from there. Well, it's gone downhill from here.
May 17th - In a move that even Narcissus would think was too much, AB plans to get on the field for their next home against the other newbie of the NAL, the Fayetteville (North Carolina) Mustangs. The rules states that there's nothing against a owner who wants to play... so, yeah. Go for it.
May 20th - Karma came in swiftly as Sam Castronova carved up his former team mates as he scored 6 touchdowns to lead Jacksonville to a 79-34 routing of Albany. This ass kicking was so bad that Menas was shit canned a 2nd time in a season. He's replaced by a high school coach in Pete Porcelli, who played in Albany back in the days of the original Arena League.
May 23rd - Jonathan Bane, a recent addition to the team who was over-matched against Jacksonville the week before, leaves the team thanks in large part to the lack of structure, communication and professionalism on the team (No... the hell you say)
May 27th - AB does suit up... in the Barney Stinson style of suiting up. Yes, he doesn't play at all as the Empire fall to the expansion Mustangs 49-27. The Empire, back-to-back NAL Champions, are now 1-5 on the season. Things cannot get any worst, can they? Oh, yes they can!
May 29th - The debut for Porcelli was also his last game as an associate of AB basically told him that he was demoted to line coach. Porcelli told him to eat a bag of dicks and left the team. AB caught wind of this and let that associate know in simple terms that he's not supposed to do that.
June 1st - Man #4, come on down! You've been selected to play 'Who wants to coach this shit show?' with your host, AB! Man #4 is Terry Foster, the defensive coordinator for the Iowa Barnstomers (remember them???) in the IFL. If his defensive coordinator skills are anything (dead last in scoring defense, dead last in rushing defense, dead last in passing efficiency defense and dead last in overall defense), then Albany is bound to be in a world of pure hurt.
Friday (Yes, this recent Friday) - AB just can't stop doing stupid shit. He gets tossed from the Holiday Inn the team is staying at over loud music and the sweet, sweet stink of weed. He sent a video to the Times-Union saying that he got kicked out of the Holiday Inn Marriott (surefire sign of being high on that wacky tobaccy, if you ask me) and saying that he was trespassing, even though he's been there for 60 days. He then sent a longer text talking about how he was friendly with the owner of said Holiday Inn and thanks to a “mutual love for the city and growing business.” (read: I'm rich, please give me free shit), the owner allowed AB and the Empire to stay at the hotel. Well, things have gotten sour with the hotel as he claims that he was "bombarded" by the hotel staff and the police without any warning, conversation or professionalism (Ha... this clown complaining about a lack of professionalism... Ha). To add more into this brewing putrid pot of shit, one of AB's associates sent a text to the Times-Union saying that "our attorneys will be reaching out soon to … the Times Union for misleading and false advertisement. Just FYI.” Oh, by the way... this is all going on during their bye week.

TRUE ROMANCE - ROTTEN IN DENMARK BY MOVIES REMASTERED
Original Runtime: 1:58:31 MR Cut Runtime: 2:14:35 Extra Footage: 26:33 1920x804p h264 encoder AAC 5.1 Surround Sound Type: Fanmix
Releases only on MR Discord to initiate members how own the original Blue-ray. Invite link here: https://discord.gg/EBdQVXhDUh
SYNOPSIS: "True Romance" is a gritty and exhilarating crime film directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. The story revolves around Clarence Worley, a lonely and comic book-loving movie nerd who falls in love with a beautiful call girl named Alabama. After a night of passion, they decide to elope, but their plans take an unexpected turn when Clarence accidentally steals a suitcase full of cocaine belonging to Alabama's pimp. As they navigate a treacherous underworld, pursued by various criminals and law enforcement, the young couple embarks on a wild and violent journey to sell the drugs and secure their future together. Filled with sharp dialogue, intense action, and unforgettable characters, "True Romance" is a thrilling tale of love, loyalty, and survival in the face of overwhelming danger.
INTENTIONS: I originally compiled the Quentin Tarantino screen play edit but after completing it I preferred the chronological order way better. It felt more in keeping with this storyline. So, I’ve made a hybrid of Tarantino’s, The Theatrical cut and the Directors version to tell the story I love from this amazing couple.
While I’ve tried to add as much footage as possible, I was able to remove a lot of the dotlace from the deleted scenes but they’re not perfect. They were in very poor quality but we’ve upscaled them and tried to highlight as much detail as possible using Topaz and other software. Thanks to Skenera for the help.
​
I'M CURRENTLY HAVING RENDERING ISSUES BUT AIM TO COMPLETE THIS BY VALENTINE'S DAY...
​
***True Romance - Rotten in Denmark (Changes)***
​
• Insert Fanedit warning
​
• Insert MR logo
​
• Add Movies Remastered title card
​
• Add Percy Sledge – “When a Man Loves a Woman” to match Tarantino Cut
​
• Add Radio Searching channel sound
​
• Rebuilt the intro to suit the new score
​
• Add City noise in all surround channels
​
• Add new “Rotten in Denmark” title
​
• Rearrange homeless people B-Roll to match lyrics of the song “Sleep out in the rain”
​
• Add new Police surround sounds
​
• Add crackling fire surround sounds
​
• Add Traffic sounds
​
• Add Movies Remastered and Skenera to opening titles
​
• Add New Police Siren sound. Pan from left to right to match scene
​
• Add Snowy Detroit scenes for new intro
​
• Colourgrade new footage
​
• Add new Titles for added soundtrack
​
• Add City sounds in all surround channels
​
• Add Deleted cinema scene featuring Jack Black
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Add surround reverb to audio
​
• Add new background sound to match end credit scene from “The Street Fighter” movie playing
​
• Add deleted comic book store extended scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene.
​
• Add Charles & Eddie “Wounded Bird” to match scene
​
• Add reverb to soundtrack to match scene
​
• Add surround audio layers to match scene
​
• Add fade to black to match Tarantino’s original title cards between scenes
​
• Add Janis Joplin “Cry Baby”. Many people have added other tracks to this scene but Alabama actually hums this tune in the bath.
​
• Add deleted bathtub scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Enhance center channel audio
​
• Split audio in stereo channel and add room reverb
​
• Add city sounds in surround channels
​
• Add fade to black
​
• Add city noises to surround channel to have siren sound that wakes Clarence.
​
• Continue city noises throughout scene in all surround channels
​
• Add Hanz Zimmer “You’re so Cool” track to match scene
​
• Add Extended deleted rooftop scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Enhance center audio channel
​
• Add audio in stereo channels
​
• Add reverb to stereo channels
​
• Add city noises to all surround channels
​
• Add police sirens sounds
​
• Add dog barking sounds
​
• Add fade to black
​
• Add “Motorcity” title card
​
• Add Skinny Boy “They can’t get enough” track
​
• Change soundtrack level higher when deleted scene started
​
• Add Drexal extended deleted scene with Samuel L Jackson.
​
• Rebuild scene using both Theatrical cut, Directors cut and deleted scene footage to get the cleanest scene available.
​
• Add city sounds to surround channels
​
• Add fade to black
​
• Add more violent club scene between Clarence and Drexal from Directors cut.
​
• Switch audio to directors cut
​
• Colourgrade directors cut to match Theatrical cut
​
• Add TV cut away shot from Directors cut as it has more detail than the theatrical version.
​
• Colourgrade scene to match Theatrical cut
​
• Add fade to black after meeting Clarence’s father
​
• Add “Hollywood” title card to match Tarantino’s cut
​
• Add “Clarence and Alabama Hit L.A.” title card
​
• Add Aero Smith “The Other Side” track to match scene
​
• Add Extended Hollywood Car journey deleted scene.
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Fix ratio issue with deleted scene
​
• Enhance center dialogue audio
​
• Add traffic sounds in surround channels
​
• Add TV ad sound to give scene more depth.
​
• Add American 90s MGM Rockin’ Rollercoaster ad
​
• Add extended Hollywood Hotel talk with Clarence scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Enhance dialogue center channel
​
• Add stereo audio channels with room reverb
​
• Add “Freejack” movie scene audio to match what Alabama is watching on TV in surround channels
​
• Add “You couldn’t catch the clap if you lived in a Whore house” line from Freejack scene (because its a great line)
​
• Add scenes from Directors cut feature Alabama and the Gangster. Many options to pick between takes here. Nice to have the options.
​
• Switch to Directors cut audio while using shots from Theatrical cut
​
• Colourgrade Directors cut footage
​
• Fix ratio issue with Director’s cut
​
• Add cut away clip of Clarence humming in the car in order to use as much directors cut footage as possible.
​
• Add some Directors cut shots of Clarence in the Burger place
​
• Add extended director cut shots of Alabama getting her ass kicked in the hotel room.
​
• Colourgrade Directors cut footage
​
• Switch back to theatrical cut audio
​
• Use Alabama laying on the floor shot from Directors cut
​
• Option to stick with Gangster close up or have another shot of Alabama on the floor so I went with Alabama as we can feel her pain more by cutting back.
​
• Switch to Directors cut audio
​
• Add slightly longer shot (9 frames) of Alabama setting fire to gangster’s face.
​
• Colourgrade Director’s cut and fix ratio issues
​
• Add extended shots a Alabama losing it in rage from Directors Cut.
​
• Cut back to theatrical cut when Clarence enters the room.
​
• Add “Gangsters talk in an Elevator” delete scene. (Original footage is pretty bad but I’ve enhanced it the best I could.
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Fix ratio issues with deleted scene
​
• Add 1930s elevator sounds in surround channels
​
• Add 1930s elevator floor bell sounds in surround channels
​
• Enhance Center dialogue channel
​
• Add stereo audio channels
​
• Add room reverb to stereo dialogue channels
​
• Add elevator door opening sound
​
• Add daytime city sounds to scene in surround
​
• Cut back to Theatrical cut audio.
​
• Add “The Big Day” title card
​
• Add fade to black
​
• Add “Cop Wire” deleted scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Fix ratio issue with deleted scene
​
• Add hotel background sounds in surround.
​
• Add police sirens and background noise in surround channels
​
• Enhance center channel dialogue
​
• Add Stereo dialogue channels with room reverb
​
• Cut back to theatrical cut of everyone in the car
​
• Add “Walking to Meeting” deleted scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Fix ratio issue
​
• Add Hanz Zimmer “You’re so cool” soundtrack to continue current scene.
​
• Enhance center dialogue channel
​
• Add outdoor city sounds in surround channels
​
• Add “Elliott Peptalk” deleted scene
​
• Colourgrade deleted scene
​
• Fix ratio issue with deleted scene
​
• Enhance center dialogue channel
​
• Add stereo dialogue with room reverb
​
• Add busy hotel reception sounds in surround channels to Elliott cut away scenes
​
• Layer hotel sounds over meeting with Clarence and Elliott
​
• Cut to Directors cut shot between Elliott and Lee
​
• Colourgrade Directors cut scenes
​
• Fix ratio issues with directors footage.
​
• Switch to Directors cut audio through hotel scene.
​
• I couldn’t fix the tiny soundtrack jump that’s actually in both released versions of the movie. I’ve no idea why they did a weird crossfade on the scene where the cop gets shot in the stomach.
​
• Cut between Theatrical and Directors cut shots to show more violent action closeups.
​
• Option to have Gangster come back from the dead to shoot the cop or have Alabama. So, I decided to have Alabama kill the cop for justice after killing the security guard.
​
• Fix colourgrade issues between Theatrical and Directors cuts. Each scenes colour feels completely different so hopefully now it’ll feel more balanced.
​
• Option to keep Clarence death or have him come back like in the original. I decide to have a happy ending for this couple. Mainly because Alabama seems really bitter and out of character for the alternative ending, and the fact I much prefer them having a Child called Elvis.
​
THE END