#he still chose notre dame over boston

[fannyyann]

"I actually did three years of school in two, and I'm no brainiac, but that was pretty tough."

[aka-willow]

Children of God

Words: 1682

Characters: Willow Wren, Father Jake

Prompt/Tag: “I want to believe there is still some good in you.” x 

Summary: Willow recalls her first month in NYC

Song:   God Help the Outcasts – Ciara Renee, The Hunchback of Notre Dame Ensemble and Cast

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When I ran away from the Facility, I didn’t have a plan beyond getting as far away as possible and not getting caught.

I spent months planning the exact day and time of my escape. A Friday evening, after the regular researchers left for the day and my siblings and I were locked down in the dormitories for the weekend. I would leave right after the check-in at midnight, giving myself four hours before they checked in again at four in the morning and noticed I was gone.

A manhunt wouldn’t be able to be mobilized until the morning, and the head researchers, many of whom traveled a long way for work each week, wouldn’t be assembled until Saturday afternoon. And by then I could be long, long gone.

The journey to New York City was the last time I flew for a while, and as I came down off the meds they fed us at the Facility, I left a trail of destruction behind me. I’m not ready to think about that again.

When I got to New York City, by Saturday evening, I was exhausted, cold, and hungry. I had no coat, no money, and the world’s thinnest sneakers on. This was where the fear set in.

What was I thinking? I thought. I shouldn’t be here. I should be back at the Facility with the others. I could be warm in bed now, breakfast on its way.

But no. That was the Facility talking. That’s not what I want anymore. I need to be on my own. I need to breath fresh air again.

It was snowing and my shoes were already soaked through, each step I took emitting a frozen squish from my wet socks. I didn’t know the city or where I was—the last time I had been outside of the Facility, I was six years old, and I hardly remembered those times.

So I kept walking and weaving through the city, block by block, my stomach practically disintegrating itself.

I started getting desperate, checking locked doors as I passed by in the late night, trying to find just a place to sleep or to sit, somewhere out of the cold. There was one large stone building, with tall wooden doors that I finally found myself on the steps of. I tugged on these doors and pulled one of them open, giving myself just enough space to slip inside. It was a church, with a high ceiling and dim lighting, rows and rows of pews as far as I could see.

I had seen them on television, but never in real life. It was quieter than I thought, a welcome relief from the noise of the city, noise that I still wasn’t used to.

I tucked myself into a pew, ready to sleep until I heard a voice.

“Young man, is everything all right?”

I jackknifed up, my wings shaking against my back and a breath hitched in my throat. “What?”

There was a priest standing across the church near the altar. “Oh, hey it’s okay,” he said.

“Stay away,” I said. “And I’m not a boy.”

“Okay, sorry, sorry I startled you. I won’t come any closer,” said the priest. He was young, still in his twenties. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He smiled a little. “Leave it to them to give the new guy the overnight shift.”

“Is that a thing?”

“We’re one of the only churches in the city open all night,” he said. “Someone has to be here.”

“Oh.”

“Can I get you anything?” he asked. “I’m-I’m, well, we’re really not supposed to have people sleeping here. Father Fletcher wouldn’t like it.”

“I can leave,” I said, reaching for my bag, already preparing to enter the cold again. “I’m sorry, I’m—”

“No, no, you can stay. It’s just… okay, see the pews back there? You can sleep there if you want. It’s out of the way and then you won’t get caught.”

I eyed him warily. “What’s in it for you though?”

He looked confused. “No, it’s a church. That’s what we’re here for. Look, I won’t bother you. I just want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all.”

I picked up my stuff and moved to the quieter, more out of the way row of pews. I didn’t trust him—I didn’t trust anyone at that point. I watched as he sat in the pew on the other side of the church and cracked open a book, the turning of his pages echoing in the large cathedral.

I was awake all night, too afraid to sleep in this strange place, too afraid of this young priest who I didn’t know. Around six, when he started preparing for an early morning mass, I gathered my things and slipped out the door, resolving to find a library to hide out and sleep in for the day.

However, by the end of that Sunday, as the sky darkened and public places began to close, I found myself on the steps of St. Giles Parish again. Once again, I slipped on in and lay down on one of the pews in the back. And I did it again the next night, as well.

When I returned on the fourth night, there was a folded grey blanket sitting on one of the pews, with a gym bag next to it. I approached it cautiously and unzipped it slowly. Inside, there were a pair of sneakers, as well as a worn winter jacket. And tucked into one of the sneakers, there was cash. A hundred dollars. More than I had ever seen in my life.

I heard shuffling on the other side of the church and whipped around to see the young priest stepping out onto the alter.

“Uh…” I said. “I think someone left these here. There’s money, even.”

“Those are actually a donation. Do you know anyone who could use them?”

I looked back at the blanket and the bag. “Well… maybe.”

“Take it then,” he said. “I was just going to eat my dinner. You hungry?”

“No,” I lied. “I’m good.”

Still, as he went to go eat, I tugged the blanket over me and slept for the first night in a long time.

—————————————————————————–

I spent my first month in New York City sleeping at that church, and it took two weeks before I even had my first real conversation with the young priest, whose name I learned was Father Jake.

“I don’t want to pry,” he asked one night. “But where are your parents? Is anyone worried about you?”

I shook my head.

Father Jake walked over slowly, like someone might approach a skittish animal, and sat in the pew across the aisle from mine. “Well, I’m Father Jake,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay? How did you end up out here?”

Once again, I didn’t answer.

“I’ve been here for six months,” he said. “I wasn’t supposed to get orders this good, but I lucked out. Right place at the right time. I grew up in the neighborhood.”

“I just moved here,” I whispered.

“From where?”

“Boston.”

“I love Boston!” said Father Jake. “Have you even been to the science museum?”

“No.” I don’t know why it was this moment I chose to trust him, but I’m glad I did. “Back before this, they called me October.”

“Is that what you want to be called?”

“No.” What do I want to be called? I’m not October anymore, or Heckergal like my siblings at the Academy called me. I’m neither of those. A memory bubbled up, one from long, long ago. “My dads used to call me Willow,” I said. “That was my real name.”

“Willow?”

I shut my eyes and thought hard. “Wren,” I said, finally. “My name is Willow Wren.”

“Well, Willow,” said Father Jake. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

—————————————————————————–

I spent evenings and early mornings roaming the walls of the cathedral, staring up at the stained glass windows and the statues of a woman holding a tiny baby. It was such a fancy place that I felt that I didn’t belong there. I studied the etchings on the walls and the paintings on the ceilings. Father Jake told me I could talk to God whenever I wanted, but I knew I wasn’t important enough.

But still, I cried sometimes when I thought about the choir’s hymns or when they talked about belonging at service. I didn’t fit in. I didn’t belong here. I looked around at the families and elderly couples and the many others that packed in for services and knew I’d never be as good, or wanted, or deserving as they all were.

So I wandered and wandered, searching for answers, trying to see myself in the little baby born on a cold night to an unwed mother. One with powers yet to be understood. I tried to see myself in that little baby, but try as I might, I couldn’t believe.

—————————————————————————–

Exactly one month after I arrived at St. Giles, I ran into Father Jake at the library early one morning.

“Hey, kid, we need to talk. Someone came looking for you at the parish after you left this morning.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know, this man—he had a video of you from the internet. I recognized your coat.”

Shivers ran down to the base of my spine. “A video of what?”

“You. Flexing your… powers. At a grocery store outside of Boston.”

“I need to go,” I said. “Now. I’m sorry—I told you, I’m no good, I’m—”

“No, wait,” said Father Jake. “Look, I want to help you okay? But we need to get you out of the church. I have a family friend, all right? She’s a lawyer, and she’s helped out mutants before. C’mon, she’s expecting us.”

“Why are you still helping me?” I ask, trying not to cry. “Look at the video. I hurt people. Look, they—”

“I want to believe there is still some good in you.”

[junker-town]

The 30 best men’s college basketball players of the decade, ranked

These are the players that defined college basketball in the 2010s.

Determining the best men’s college basketball players of the decade is no easy task. As we reflect back on college hoops in the 2010s, we wanted to put together a list of the best players the sport has seen over the last 10 years with an emphasis on two things: individual dominance and impact on winning.

This list weighs contributions from men’s college basketball players between the 2009-2010 season and the 2018-2019 season. It features one-and-dones like John Wall and Trae Young whose single-season impact on college basketball earned them a spot on this list. It features four-year players like Draymond Green whose body of work includes both dominance and longevity. It includes two players who won multiple national championships.

This ranking doesn’t include the long list of spectacular contributions from women’s college basketball. From Breanna Stewart and her four national championships at UConn to Kelsey Plum’s star-studded career at Washington to Arike Ogunbowale’s big shots at Notre Dame, women’s college basketball players provided so many indelible moments this decade. Read Matt Ellentuck on the four best seasons in women’s college basketball in the 2010s.

30. Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

“Biggie” entered Purdue with sky-high expectations as the program’s first Mr. Basketball from Indiana since Glenn Robinson. He exited after two years with a Big Ten Player of the Year award and an All-American nod to his name. A double-double machine who was immediately unstoppable as an interior scorer and rebounder, Swanigan eventually expanded his skill set to add a three-point shot to his arsenal as a sophomore, when he finished the season averaging 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game on sparkling 62 percent true shooting.

29. Grant Williams, F, Tennessee

Williams was an unheralded recruit with eyes on the Ivy League before Rick Barnes took a chance on him at Tennessee. He turned into one of the great players in the history of the program during his three years in school: a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a consensus All-American, and the leader of a team that tied the record for most wins (31) in program history. Williams was an ace defender and rebounder who doubled as a smart passer and primary scoring option. Big men this accomplished with such high-level skill and smarts don’t come around often.

28. Bonzie Colson, F, Notre Dame

Colson would have led Notre Dame to the NCAA tournament all four years he was in school if not for a foot injury his senior season that caused him to miss two months and tanked the Irish’s at-large chances. At his best, Colson was something like Draymond Light, an undersized big man whose incredible rebounding and defensive chops mixed with crafty scoring ability made him a unique weapon for Mike Brey. He was a lock to be an All-American and contender for the Wooden Award as a senior before the injury.

27. Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State

Morris led all of college basketball in assist-to-turnover ratio from the moment he stepped on the court as a freshman at Iowa State — then he did it again the next three years. In addition to being the preeminent “pure point guard” in the country, Morris was also a double-figure scorer every season after his freshman year. While his teammate Georges Niang (who was also considered for this list) put up bigger raw numbers, there’s a case to be made with superior box score plus-minus and win share numbers that Morris had a greater impact on the Cyclones.

26. Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma

Young grew up in Norman and chose to play for his hometown school at Oklahoma over offers from bluebloods. With the team built around him from day one, Young put together some of the most incredible single-season numbers of the decade: 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game built on a barrage of three-point shooting that drew comparisons to Steph Curry. Young’s production slipped a bit during the second half of his freshman season under the weight of needing to carry the offense on every possession, but his most brilliant moments — four 40+ point games, 11 double-digit assist efforts — helped make him one of the most dazzling one-and-dones in recent memory.

25. Josh Hart, G, Villanova

Villanova averaged 32 wins per season during Hart’s four years in school. Add in a national championship, a Big East Player of the Year award, two Big East tournament MOPs, and a nod as a first team All-American, and Hart’s resume is unassailable. A defensive-minded wing who eventually grew into a primary offensive option, Hart put up huge BPM and win shares numbers all four years with the Wildcats. He was the type of player every coach would love to build their program around.

24. John Wall, PG, Kentucky

Wall was so big and so fast that he felt like he arrived straight out of the future when he showed up at Kentucky. Already blessed with a signature dance and mountains of NBA hype by the time he got to campus, Wall more or less lived up to the hype. He led John Calipari’s first stacked freshman superteam at Kentucky alongside DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe, taking the Wildcats to the Elite Eight before falling to West Virginia. Wall was named a first time All-American and SEC Player of the Year before going on to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

23. Fred VanVleet, G, Wichita State

A two-time Missouri Valley Player of the Year, VanVleet was the hard-nosed point guard who led Wichita State during its golden age under Gregg Marshall. VanVleet was a reserve on the 2013 team that ran all the way to the Final Four before becoming a star as a sophomore the next year on a team that entered the NCAA tournament undefeated at 34-0. The Shockers fell victim to a tough draw against Julius Randle and Kentucky in the round of 32, but FVV would take them back to the Sweet 16 the next year and win another tournament game as a senior. VanVleet and Wichita running mate Ron Baker survive as the decade’s most iconic mid-major superstar duo.

22. Gordon Hayward, G, Butler

Hayward’s college career will mostly be remember for a shot he missed, the halfcourt heave that would have stunned Duke in the national title game were it not a tad long. Hayward was already a bonafide scorer as the Horizon League’s Player of the Year even before Butler’s mesmerizing tournament run, but his offensive performances against talented Kansas State and Michigan State teams made him a national star. It was always destiny that Brad Stevens and Hayward would link up together once again in the NBA on the Boston Celtics.

21. Jared Sullinger, C, Ohio State

Sullinger was a consensus top-three recruit entering Ohio State and lived up to every bit of hype. One of four players this decade to twice be named a consensus All-American, Sullinger was a monster inside scorer and forceful rebounder who averaged a double-double as a freshman and just missed it as a sophomore. Flanked by Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas, Sullinger helped lead Ohio State to the Final Four in his sophomore year before jumping to the NBA. Before he was plagued by back issues, Sullinger felt like the most dependable offensive big man in America.

20. Shabazz Napier, G, UConn

The 2014 UConn Huskies were the most unlikely national champion of the decade and it only happened because Shabazz Napier willed it into existence. A No. 7 seed heading into the tournament, UConn rode Napier’s tough shot-making off the dribble all the way through the field, with his 22 points against Kentucky sealing the title. Napier must have been studying Kemba Walker when he came off the bench to help UConn win the national championship as a freshman. In addition to his two rings, Napier was also a consensus All-American, the AAC Player of the Year, and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 NCAA tournament.

19. Denzel Valentine, G, Michigan State

Valentine’s senior year numbers at Michigan State — 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, 7.5 rebounds per game — have never been equaled since sports-reference started tracking data for the 1992-1993 season. Valentine’s breakout junior year helped Michigan State reach the Final Four, setting the foundation for final season that nearly saw him steal the national player of the year award from Buddy Hield. Valentine felt like he was in complete control of every game he played for the last two years, orchestrating the offense, draining better than 40 percent of his threes, and making an impact on the glass. The Spartans’ first round loss to Middle Tennessee during Valentine’s senior season felt like the biggest upset in tournament history until that whole UMBC thing happened a couple years later.

18. Malcolm Brogdon, G, Virginia

Here’s a brief list of Brogdon’s accomplishments at Virginia: he was a two-time consensus All-American, the ACC Player of the Year, the NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and still earned his master’s degree in public policy during his four years in school. Brogdon was never the most athletic lead guard, but he made up for it as a knockdown shooter and heady passer who made his biggest impact on defense. Virginia has already retired his number. UVA’s charmed run to a national championship in 2019 never could have happened without players like Brogdon to lay the foundation of the program under Tony Bennett.

17. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky

A young Karl Towns was such a big deal as a recruit that a) he was good enough to play on the Dominican Republic’s national team as a 16-year-old, and b) John Calipari agreed to coach DR teams for two years as a way to get closer to him. Calipari’s persistence would pay off when Towns arrived at Kentucky and led the team to an incredible 38-0 start before losing to Wisconsin in the Final Four. The Wildcats were so stacked with talent that season Calipari resorted to a platoon system to get everyone on the floor, but there was never any doubt Towns was the group’s biggest star. Calipari made it his mission to turn Towns into a post scorer, essentially forbidding him to take the three-pointers that he’d make a critical part of his offensive arsenal in the NBA. Despite only finishing fifth on his own team in field goal attempts per game, Towns feels like one of the greatest pure talents to come through college hoops in a long time.

16. Frank Mason III, G, Kansas

Perhaps we should have known Mason would turn into a legend when he got his own theme song shortly after arriving at Kansas. Initially the forgotten man in a Jayhawks recruiting class that also included McDonald’s All-Americans Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, and Wayne Selden, Mason would eventually grow into dynamic 5’11 point guard who could shoot from anywhere and played with a toughness that belied his size. After averaging 21 points and five assists as a senior, Mason swept the national player of the year awards in 2017. ‘

15. Doug McDermott, F, Creighton

All Doug McDermott did during his four years at Creighton was rewrite college basketball’s record books while drawing comparisons to Larry Bird. At 6’8, McDermott was a prolific and efficient scorer who used his combination of size and elite shooting ability to punish opponents. He left Creighton as college basketball’s No. 5 all-time leading scorer and as the sport’s first three-time All-American since Patrick Ewing.

14. Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke

Jahlil Okafor was a man born in the wrong decade for the NBA, but his incredible post-scoring touch still worked to devastating effect during his one college season at Duke. It’s possible college basketball hasn’t seen an interior scorer this gifted since Shaq. A massive 270-pound center with huge hands, long arms, and soft touch, Okafor was damn near automatic when he established deep paint position on offense. The gravity of his post-ups allowed his Blue Devils teammates to thrive. Behind Okafor, Duke outlasted Wisconsin to win the national title with 60 of the team’s 68 points coming from four freshmen.

13. Frank Kaminsky, C, Wisconsin

Kaminsky was only considered the No. 11 recruit in the state of the Illinois when he entered Wisconsin as a three-star prospect. He would go on to have perhaps the most impressive career of any player in the program’s esteemed history. A 7-foot shooter who felt like he was born to play in Bo Ryan’s offensive system, Kaminsky made a major jump to become a First Team All-Big Ten player as a junior before blossoming into the national player of the year as a senior. He took the Badgers all the way to the national championship game, a run headlined by knocking off a 38-0 Kentucky team in the Final Four.

12. Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU

Jimmer Fredette was something like college basketball’s answer to Tim Tebow at the turn of the decade: a legitimate national sensation who felt like he was plastered across every television in the country. Fredette used impossibly deep shooting range to go some remarkable scoring tears: in his last 20 games as a senior, he put up three 40-point games and one 52-point performance in the conference tournament on his way to averaging 29 points per game for the season. He led BYU to the NCAA tournament all four of his years in school, including the program’s first run to the Sweet 16 since 1981.

11. Victor Oladipo, G, Indiana

Oladipo entered Indiana as a three-star recruit outside the top-100 of prospect rankings before blossoming into an explosive two-way guard during his three seasons at Indiana. He first earned minutes under Tom Cream as a defensive stopper as a sophomore. By his junior year, he was regularly carrying the scoring load for the top-ranked Hoosiers and stunning crowds with his above-the-rim acrobatics. By leveraging his incredible athleticism on both ends, Oladipo turned into one of the most impactful players of the decade. He put together the best box score plus-minus for a guard and fifth-best overall since 2010-11.

10. Brandon Clarke, F, Gonzaga

Clarke’s transfer from San Jose State to Gonzaga felt like an afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was. Despite not even being the biggest name on his own team during his one season in Spokane (that would be Rui Hachimura), Clarke established himself as the best defensive player in the country while also being a historically efficient scorer. A truly elite athlete, Clarke’s pogo stick hops made him an intimidating shot blocker and mesmerizing alley-oop threat. His massive two-way impact was illustrated in his sterling box score plus-minus rating, which surpassed even Anthony Davis to be the second highest of the last 10 years behind only Zion Williamson. Expect Clarke to be productive from day one in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies.

9. Evan Turner, G, Ohio State

Here’s how good Turner was during his final season at Ohio State as a junior: his numbers — 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and six assists per game — have never been matched since sports-reference’s data sample started in 1992-1993. His rare combination of size, inside-out scoring, and the ability to run the team as a de facto point guard made him arguably the most complete college guard of the last 10 years. Buckeyes fans will never forget his deep buzzer-beater to stun Michigan in the Big Ten tournament. Turner has had a long but unspectacular pro career after riding his monster junior season to become the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA, but at the college level it felt like he could do it all.

8. Russ Smith, G, Louisville

Few nicknames in the modern age have ever felt as fitting as “Russdiculous” did for Russ Smith. Known for his signature speed and high-flying forays to the rim, Smith was the catalyst for Rick Pitino’s best Louisville teams, including the 2013 national champions. In addition to leading being the Cardinals’ No. 5 all-time scorer, Smith is also the program’s all-time leader in steals. While Smith was never national player of the year, he was a consensus All-American as a senior and was twice named KenPom’s player of the year. No one summed up the two-way intensity of the Pitino years in Louisville better than Smith.

7. Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma

There was a time when Buddy Hield put on the best show in college basketball. After productive sophomore and junior seasons at Oklahoma, Hield’s star exploded as a senior. His deep shooting range and explosive scoring outbursts became the stuff of legends by the time he dropped 46 points at Kansas and drew a standing ovation from the away crowd. It was merely a precursor for the damage he’d do in March, first hanging 39 points on Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament, and then 36 points on VCU and 37 points on Oregon to push the Sooners into the Final Four. Even beyond being the national player of the year and a top-10 NBA draft pick, Hield was perhaps most memorable for briefly making every game feel like an event. It was impossible not to love Buddy.

6. Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

Though he only stood 6’1, Trey Burke was a giant on the court during his two seasons at Michigan. After a productive freshman season as a day-one starter, Burke blossomed into the best player in America as a sophomore, leading the Wolverines to the national title game and sweeping the player of the year awards. Burke had the total package for a point guard. He had deep shooting range (just ask Kansas), the quickness and power to burn anyone off the dribble, and the skill to set up his talented teammates. Michigan had five players in the rotation from its 2013 team who would go on to have NBA careers, there was never any doubt Burke was the engine.

5. Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Long before he was the glue of the NBA’s newest dynasty, Green was a four-year marvel at Michigan State whose game refused to be put in a box. Green was a role player on Final Four teams as a freshman and sophomore before eventually growing into one of the best players in the country. As a senior, Green was Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American who owned the glass as a rebounder, passed like a guard, and led his team with 16 points per game while still being arguably the best defensive player in the country. Green’s impact has never been fully captured by statistics or accolades. Just know you want him on your team.

4. Kemba Walker, PG, UConn

Walker was a talented but enigmatic scorer during his first two seasons at UConn. As a junior, he turned into a legend. Walker went on a run for the ages at the 2011 Big East tournament, hitting an iconic buzzer-beater against Pitt in the quarterfinals and powering the Huskies to the conference tournament title by averaging 26 points per night over the five-game run. It was a prelude to an even more memorable tear in the Big Dance. Walker hung 33 points on Cincinnati and 36 points on Kawhi Leonard and San Diego State to help put his team to the Final Four. There, he knocked off John Calpiari’s Kentucky team and then Brad Stevens, Gordon Hayward and Butler to bring a national championship to Storrs. Walker didn’t win that title single-handedly, but it sure felt like he did.

3. Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova

Brunson spent three seasons at Villanova becoming the most accomplished college player of the decade. He entered the program as a McDonald’s All-American and quickly established himself as a freshman starter on the 2016 team that went on a wild run to the national championship, capped by Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beater shot. Two years later, Brunson led the Wilcats to another national title, this time as the best player in the country. No one else on this list has two titles and a Wooden Award. Brunson’s resume speaks for itself.

2. Anthony Davis, C, Kentucky

Anthony Davis was the best player in the country by a mile during his one season at Kentucky, yet it always felt like he was capable of so much more. Davis led the decade’s most dominant national champion back in 2012 when he powered the Wildcats to a 38-2 record while winning every national player of the year award and eventually becoming the first pick in the NBA draft. What’s incredible is that Davis was only No. 7 on his own team in usage rate. Despite a sometimes limited offensive role, Davis was the singular reason for Kentucky’s success, a preposterously long and athletic big man who maintained the agility and ball skills of a guard after a late high school growth spurt. The Wildcats had other players who could carry the scoring load for the night, but it was Davis who keyed their supremacy on both ends. His numbers were still excellent — 14.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game on 65 percent true shooting -- but his impact was even greater.

1. Zion Williamson, F, Duke

Years of mixtape hype made Williamson a household name well before he ever put on a Duke uniform, but it also failed to prepare the world for just how good at basketball he would be. Williamson proved to be so much more than just a dunker during his one and only year in Durham: he was an unstoppable finisher, a defensive wrecking ball, and a selfless teammate who played every possession with a non-stop motor. Though his Blue Devils lost in the Elite Eight, Williamson combined historic efficiency with unprecedented impact to put together one of the sport’s most bulletproof statistical profiles ever. No college player this decade had a higher box score plus-minus and no one in the modern era has ever matched his sterling 70.2 percent true shooting percentage while averaging at least 13 shots per game. College basketball has seen plenty of freshman phenoms, but it has never seen one quite like Zion.

[lastsonlost]

Apuarter of straight porn searches by women are for videos featuring violence against their own sex. Five percent of searches by women are for content portraying nonconsensual sex. While men still search for significantly more porn than women, search rates for these more extreme types of sexual content are at least twice as common among women than men.Those statistics make for fairly surprising reading, but are the facts Dr Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a former Google data scientist, discovered when he was given complete access to PornHub's search and views data for his upcoming book.

 "If there is a genre of porn in which violence is perpetrated against a woman, my analysis of the data shows that it almost always appeals disproportionately to women," he writes.But why are so many women so keen to see videos tagged with, say, "painful anal crying", "public disgrace" or "extreme brutal gangbang"? Or content marked as "forced" or "rape"? The feminist porn movement – one focusing on equality and empowerment – might be thriving, but the data shows, proportionally, women are also consuming much more of the most extreme misogynistic sexual material available online.

It  isn't uncommon for women to have fantasies about coercive sex, as the findings of a study into women's rape fantasies from 2012 indicate. The team of researchers from the University of North Texas and University of Notre Dame played 355 young women an erotic rape fantasy – as opposed to a literal portrayal of sexual assault – over headphones to investigate how aroused they became.

The tape's material, derived from the kind of storylines often found in romance novels, tells the tale of a male protagonist who is strongly attracted to the female character. He expresses a desire for sex with her, but she's clearly unresponsive. He attempts to convince her, without success, and she continues to refuse his advances. The male character then overpowers and rapes her. She resists throughout, and at no time gives consent. However, as the man is attractive to her and provides erotic stimulation, she does experience gratification from the forced sex.

Researchers found that 52 percent of the women had fantasies about forced sex with a man, 32 percent about being raped and 28 percent about forced oral sex with a man. Overall, 62 percent of the women reported having had at least one fantasy around a forced sex act. The researchers then investigated if the women's fantasies were indicative of "sexual blame avoidance", a hypothesis that women socialised by our slut-shaming culture chose forced sex themes to negate feelings of shame and guilt.

The opposite was found to be true. Women who reported being less repressed about sex were more likely to have rape fantasies, more open to fantasy in general, more likely to have consensual fantasies and finally, they were found more likely to have high self-esteem.

So if women who fantasise about rape or coercive sex are actually some of the most liberated out there, is it the same story for women who watch violent porn? It's not that clear-cut. There has been very little research into the latter, but a study from 2011 found the women most likely to watch porn – especially the most extreme kinds – were those who had suffered sexual assaults and psychological violence at the hands of their families. 

Dr Raj Persaud, a British consultant psychiatrist, broadcaster and author, said that unlike the women in the rape fantasy study, we don't know the situation of the women searching for violent porn."I think it's probably the case that women who've been abused have ended up with a disturbed view of sex," he told me. "People who've suffered former psychological trauma or abuse are often in abusive relationships – they repeat the cycle. 

We don't know whether the people doing those searches are in an abusive relationship, and are doing the searches because they are being coerced into doing so."There are a lot of unknowns, and without speaking to the women who are searching for this porn, we can't know whether they have been abused. What the search data shows is there's a secret side to people's lives, which psychologists can have difficulty accessing."

"We don't know if they're looking out of interest, or doing it because that's what their boyfriends or hook-ups want, or if they're actually masturbating to it."

Dr Gail Dines, professor of sociology and women's studies at Wheelock College, Boston, and a prominent anti-porn campaigner, told me: "Until we know how long [the women are] staying on the porn sites, and have actual empirical evidence about what they are doing while on the sites, we don't know if they're looking out of interest, or doing it because that's what their boyfriends or hook-ups want, or if they're actually masturbating to it.

"However, says Dr Dines, one thing's for sure: "If these women [who watch violent porn] have been abused, [they] are actually digging the trauma further into the firing and wiring of [their] neurones, driving it further into their limbic systems, and porn delivers a massive hit to the limbic system because you're watching someone going through the same trauma you did.

"So while women who fantasise about violent or coercive sex are apparently often sexually-liberated and have high self-esteem, it's as yet unknown if the same can be said about women who search for violent porn. The data shows us women are searching for this stuff, but until someone commissions a big old study around the topic, we'll never truly know why.

[thornburgrealty]

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2018 First Round Mock Draft 2.0

Last week, according to our friends over at Tankathon, the Packers were slated to draft at number 27. Thanks to the Washington Redskins loss to the Eagles, the Packers jumped back into the playoffs but still fell to number 22 after their loss to the New Orleans Saints.

As an added twist, I decided to make my life a whole lot easier by using 1 big board, rather than an aggregate system. This week I chose to stick with DraftTek.

1. Cleveland Browns Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Last week: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

The first 4 picks of the draft are the same teams but for the sake of being different, I’ll do my best to make different selections.

Although Darnold is technically top of our board I’m going to just pretent that isn’t the case and make a different selection. I could have gone with something other than quarterback but if would just be stupid. All teams need a quarterback to win and the Browns have been through about 40 just in the last week.

We take the top quarterback on the board, no questions asked.

2. San Francisco 49ers Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Last Week: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

I wanted to get away from QB but any time a quarterback deficient team is able to draft the top Quarterback on their board they need to do it, especially if it’s their top overall player on their board. That’s the situation here so the 49ers pull the trigger.

3. New York Giants Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Last Week: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

In terms of our board we have a safety and a quarterback ahead of Barkley. Safety is an option but we like our defense. They aren’t playing as well as 2016 but we know the potential is there. Perhaps we look to turn over some coaches before we look to draft new players.

As far as Josh Rosen is concerned, there were some heated arguments going on about who to draft but we have Eli Manning until 2020. He’s the laughing stock of the league at times but we know the guy can take the team all the way if the right pieces are in place.

We have a great defense, a great WR corps, adding an elite RB to the group can make this team unstoppable. Assuming we find the right coaching staff that is.

4. TRADE: Indianapolis Colts to Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derwin James, S, Florida State Indianapolis will receive a 3rd round pick from Tampa

Last Week: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabamap

The Colts wanted Barkley bad but weren’t able to strike a deal. With Barkley off the board they decide to fall back and look for some help on offense.

Tampa paid a heavy price but their need for safety help is dire and James is a freak at the position. They knew he wouldn’t last any longer and were fortunate to find a willing trade partner in the Colts.

5. Cincinnatti Bengals Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Last Week: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Unfortunately for Tampa, Cincinnati wasn’t really interested in James either. They need a lot of help on offense and if James had fallen, may have looked to trade back.

Although they aren’t following their board to the letter, McGlinchey is their top rated lineman in a talented offensive line draft. They aren’t willing to lose him by trading and decide to pull the trigger.

6. TRADE: Indianapolis Colts (Tampa) to New York Jets Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA Indianapolis Colts receiver a 2nd round pick

Last Week: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The Colts got bit hard by trading away their pick, not expecting McGlinchey to go at number 5 overall. They have options but when the Jets call and offer their second 2nd round pick (56 overall), the Colts can’t turn it down.

The Jets see Josh Rosen, their #4 overall player on their board fall to number 6 and are starting to hyperventilate. With Arizona on the clock next it’s likely now or never. We can wait for Luke Falk but this is quarterback we’re talking about. If this guy has a chance to be our franchise quarterback, a second 2nd round pick is easy to give away.

7. Arizona Cardinals Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Last Week: Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State

The Cardinals have needs all over but our top edge rusher is on the board at a great value. Landry plays most of his snaps with his hand in the ground but at 6’3, 250 pounds he’s an ideal candidate for a 3-4 OLB.

Although our defense still needs help, having Landry play opposite Chandler Jones gives us a pair of really scary pass rushers.

8. Baltimore Ravens Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama

Last Week: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

The Ravens fell from 11 to 8 which gives them a great opportunity to draft a great defensive back. Although I’m not sure why two great safties have completely fallen off a cliff in 2017, it seems as though the Ravens could use help at the position.

If for whatever reason the safety play comes back up in 2018, Fitzpatrick is also a great corner prospect. He can be used at whatever DB position is weakest to elevate the play of the defensive back unit.

9. Oakland Raiders Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

Last Week: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Arden Key and Darrius Guice are tempting here but both of those positions are serviceable. We have a quarterback we believe can take us all the way and he’s now been knocked out with injury twice. More than anything we have to be able to protect him.

Our left tackle, Donald Penn, is a stud but at the right tackle spot we are in a lot of trouble. We have a great opportunity to shore that up, protect our quarterback, and help our run game all at once. It’s a great pick for us.

10. Indianapolis Colts (Jets) Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Last Week: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

For the second time they missed out on a lineman but grabbing Guice here is actually pretty awesome. The Colts not have two early round picks to help with several needs including offensive line, they were still able to stay in the top 10, and they grabbed a very good running back which will help the offense tremendously, especially their quarterback who is hit constantly by defenses that don’t have to fear a running attack.

A great back can also help the defense by sustaining drives with a slower and more balanced attack. The defense stays off the field, stays fresh, and starts to play better.

11. Los Angeles Chargers Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Last Week: Derwin James, S, Florida State

The Chargers are finding ways to win some games and it’s largely because of the play of their defense. Although offense should probably be the focus, they do have a need along the defensive line. Wilkins is a fantastic value here at 11 and gives them a scary defensive line with Bosa, Liuget, and Ingram.

12. Chicago Bears Arden Key, EDGE, LSU

Last Week: Arden Key, OLB, LSU

It’s the same pick as last week but this pick couldn’t be any easier. Key is a good value at 12, is the highest player on our board, plays a premium position, and is a need.

The Bears defense is maybe the most underrated in the NFL. With a guy like Key, they won’t exactly be the monsters of the midway but they won’t be easily ignored.

13. Dallas Cowboys Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia

Last Week: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Taking an inside linebacker this early in the first seems a little weird but he’s a player we really like a lot and it’s a position we need a lot of help with. We considered trading back but nobody was calling.

Jaylon Smith is playing terrible but he’s young and we really like him. If he can take a second year leap in 2018 and Kiser is able to play well, this defense will look very different next year. That’s the hope anyway.

14. Denver Broncos James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

Last Week: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

A couple good wide receivers and a decent running back are pretty much all this offense have to be happy about. Unfortunately, Sanders and Thomas are both 30ish years old and have contracts expiring after 2019.

Although a guy like Kirk can slide in as a slot receiver and play right away, Washington is higher on our board and is a pick that is looking to the future, not the immediate.

15. TRADE: Cleveland Browns to Atlanta Falcons Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M Browns receive a 4th and 5th

Last Week: Trey Adams, OT, Washington

The Browns have a million picks once against but they need a million and 1 players so it makes sense.

From the Falcons standpoint, giving up 2 picks when you only have 7 is awfully steep but the Falcons have a pretty well rounded team. The addition of a guy like Kirk can take this already elite offense and make it other-wordly. With the Lions up next, it’s not impossible they take away Kirk.

Considering their GM’s well known strategy of drafting for need, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

16. Detroit Lions

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

Last Week: Harold Landry, DE, Boston College

2018 isn’t nearly as good of a draft for cornerback as 2017 was but Jaire is our top guy. At 16 taking the top corner in the draft isn’t the worst thing ever.

Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs have been great so far this year but D.J. Haden is terrible. He’s always been terrible and it’s time to move on. They drafted one of my favorite corners from 2017, Teez Tabor, but the fact that he hasn’t found the field isn’t promising.

In a division with Aaron Rodgers, having a top corner is essential. Even if Teez steps it up in 2017, doubling down with a guy like Jaire won’t be a regrettable decision.

17. Cleveland Browns Trey Adams, OT, Washington 

Last Week: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

The Browns drafted their quarterback of the future (again) and need to build around him. Wide receiver is always what people think of but there’s more to it than that and nothing is more important than wide receiver.

At 6’7, Adams is an absolute monster. Assuming Joe Thomas comes back healthy and strong next year, this is a pretty good offensive line. Add a couple more pieces and the Browns might win a few games.

18. Washington Redskins Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State

Last Week: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

The Redskins have some talent along the defensive line but not nearly enough. Specifically, Terrell McClain has been a massive disappointment and needs to be replaced. Nnadi at 6’1 303 pounds fills that role quite nicely.

19. Tennessee Titans Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State

Last Week: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

With guys at premium positions starting to slip, teams phones are ringing off the hook with teams wanting to get guys they didn’t think would be available. Still, for the Titans, we see a guy that’s arguably the best corner in the draft sitting there and we know we need his help. It’s an easy call.

20. TRADE: Carolina Panthers to Miami Dolphins Luke Falk, QB, Washington State Carolina will receive a 3rd round pick

Last Week: Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida St

The Dolphins will sell it to Tannehill and the media as a security play. We see how much it hurt when Tannehill isn’t around and we need to help secure that position, blah blah blah, but we all know what this is. You don’t trade up this far in the first round and trash a third round pick on quarterback depth.

The Dolphins have lost faith that Tannehill is their franchise quarterback and really, how can you blame them. Falk is ranked as their 16th best player on the board and available to them at 20. If they want a shot at him, they need to strike before the Jaguars pick.

21. TRADE: Jacksonville Jaguars to Los Angeles Rams Marquis Haynes, EDGE, Ole Miss Jaguars receive a 3rd round pick

Last Week: Marquis Haynes, OLB, Ole Miss

The Rams desperately need help at outside linebacker. Glover Quin and Connor Barwin are big names but they haven’t been good players in a long time. They need to get better and they need to get younger.

At 21 there is an edge rusher and he’s number 13 on our board. With the Packers up next there’s no way we can risk losing this guy. It’s a high cost play but it’s one we can’t pass up.

22. Green Bay Packers Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State

Last Week: Malik Jefferson, ILB, Texas

Malik Jefferson is tempting here but an ILB in the first round is not something you would expect from Ted Thompson. The Packers are looking to play for the future at a premium position.

Although there doesn’t seem to be an open starter position, there is virtually no depth behind Clay and Perry. Furthermore, having both on the field, healthy, and playing well has never really happened before this year. With Clay’s contract up in 2018 it’s a wise investment.

A further observation, some have said that the concern with moving on from Capers is the fact that the team will likely revert back to a 4-3 defense. With the exceptions of Clay Matthew’s the team would likely transition seamlessly but it would be wise to grab a guy like Hubbard who can play OLB in a 3-4 but has the build to play as a 4-3 end. Just sayin, Clay was brought in at a high price to be the 3-4 OLB that Dom needed. It would almost be poetic for Dom to be shown the door as they let Clay’s contract expire.

To get even more specific and borderline conspiratorial, there is an out in Clay’s contract after this year. It’s entirely possible for the Packers to fire Capers this year and start to look for trade partners for Clay who’s value is going through the roof this year. Again, just sayin…

23. Seattle Seahawks Malik Jefferson, ILB, Texas

Last Week: Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

The Seahawks want desperately to trade back but nobody will bite. They consider reaching for Quinton Nelson but the GM has the final call and decides to stick to the board.

Jefferson is a very athletic guy that at one time was considered a top 10 pick. Yes the Seahawks have Wagner but outside of him we aren’t exactly talking about elite players. Take the best player available, upgrade your linebacking group, and keep this defense fed with monsters.

24. Buffalo Bills Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Last Week: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma St.

The Bills are pretty upset at losing Jefferson but let’s face it, it’s the offense that needs help. This team has a very good defense, a great running back, and maybe the most underrated quarterback in the NFL. They just can’t seem to hit on a receiver. Watkins was good when he was healthy but this year has been tough.

Zay Jones hasn’t been much this year but you can always hope for a second year leap. Even if he does, Jordan Matthews adds nothing to this team and neither does anyone else at the position. They need to get better.

25. Carolina Panthers Bradley Chubb, EDGE, N.C. State

Last Week: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

The Panthers don’t have much talent on the edges outside of 400 year old Julius Peppers. Chubb is an obsolute monster and an instant starter.

The trade back worked out quite well for Carolina. They were able to grab a pick and still draft a great player at a premium position.

26. New Orleans Saints Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

Last Week: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

The Saints have done a great job of turning around the defense and with this pick, adding to what they already have at corner and defensive line, you have to wonder if the team that has had the worst defense over the last ten years is not a defensive powerhouse.

You also have to wonder if it’s a little to late with Brees’ contract status still unknown beyond this year.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

Last Week: Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi St.

The Jaguars had their quarterback stolen from them. Once it happened they started taking calls. The Jaguars are reaching here but they don’t care. This team is angry and they are hungry.

They went out and bought an elite defense, they have a great running back, and they’re stuck with Bortles. It’s time to finish building this team. We are drafting for our last few needs and we’re going to win a Super Bowl darn it!!

28. Pittsburgh Steelers Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Last Week: Dorance Armstrong Jr., OLB, Kansas

The Steelers have a couple good defensive linemen with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt but Tuitt is hurt (a little) and Heyward is old. There isn’t much depth beyond that. Payne is a big Alabama boy that can step in and play next to these fine gentlemen week 1.

29. Minnesota Vikings Ken Webster, CB, Ole Miss

Last Week: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

The Vikings have a great defense but it’s cornerbacks are a frail bunch. Trae Waynes has been a massive disappointment, Terrence Newman will be 40 next year, leaving Xavier Rhodes as the only real talent at the position.

The Vikings need to start backfilling and fast.

30. New England Patriots Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Last Week: Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia

The Patriots are a disciplined team and teams like the tend to stick to the board. Hurst is number 24 on our board and is available at 30. That’s great value.

I’m not sure how good of a fit Hurst is, being a little undersized for a Patriots DT but if he can get the job done, weight isn’t really an issue.

31. Buffalo Bills Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Last Week: Ken Webster, CB,Ole Miss

This was a tough call as not a lot of value lined up with need. They could double down at wide receiver and take Deon Cain but the Bills decide to turn back to defense.

The Bills have hit it big in the last few years with E.J. Gains and Tre’Davious White but have nobody behind them. They need the depth as well as a guy that can step in in nickle and dime situations.

32. Philidelphia Eagles Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

It’s slightly surprising how well this team is playing despite all the gaps in talent they have. Most notably the absolute lack of any talent at wide receiver. They Eagles have a quarterback that is looking to become the next great and they can’t put any talent around him except a tight end? Give me a break. It’s time to get this man a receiver.

[junker-town]

ACC basketball coaches and players make their World Series picks

You may be surprised who was favored.

Game 3 of the World Series is on tonight, and Operation Basketball—or ACC basketball media day—took place on Wednesday. Normally, these two things would be unrelated, but in an effort to get some off-court content that wasn’t related to the FBI trial, I asked some of the notable ACC players and coaches in attendance their pick for the World Series.

In this very scientific poll of a handful of players, the Boston Red Sox were clear favorites. Despite these folks being asked when the series was still only a 1-0 advantage for the Sox (which is now a 2-0 lead for Boston), only one person outright picked the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even that was a spite pick from a Yankees fan. One player—Kyle Guy from Virginia—stuck to his guns and picked his hometown Cincinnati Reds.

Terance Mann, a senior forward for the No. 17 Florida State Seminoles is all in on the Red Sox as a native of Lowell, Mass. “I just like how they’re exciting,” Mann said. “They’re very aggressive. The game last night (Game 1) they played real aggressive, they steal bases early, hit a lot of home runs, so it’s exciting to watch.”

Picking a favorite player was not hard for Mann. “Mookie,” he stated without hesitation. “Yeah, definitely.”

Unsurprisingly, he picked the Sox to take it all and is expecting a sweep.

For Tyus Battle, Syracuse’s star guard, rooting for Boston is a familial thing so picking the Sox to win wasn’t hard. The number of games the Series would go was tougher.

“My dad’s a huge Red Sox fan, so I’m gonna say it’ll go to [extremely I’m not sure voice] six? Maybe?”

Despite being in New York, there’s not a lot of baseball discussion within the locker room of the Orange as not that many players follow America’s pastime. “We don’t really talk about baseball too much,” Battle said. “I know I’m a Red Sox guy, I know my dad’s a Red Sox guy, so I think they’ll be good this year.”

Here’s how the rest of the players and coaches that were asked chose:

Jim Larrañaga, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes - Red Sox.

“I was in Boston just before the playoffs at the end of the summer—it was Labor Day weekend—and Alex (Cora, manager of the Red Sox) is a University of Miami grad, so we were there to cheer them on and they ended up having a tremendous win.”

Javin DeLaurier, Junior Forward, Duke Blue Devils - Dodgers

“I’m a Yankees fan, so I can’t pick Boston. I’m going to have to go with the Dodgers.”

Jim Christian, Head Coach, Boston College Eagles - Begrudgingly Red Sox.

“I have no choice, right? I have no choice. If I said the wrong thing and it got out, I wouldn’t be allowed back in. I’m from New York, so I’ll leave it at that. I’m a Yankees fan who does not hate the Red Sox. I’m a Celtics fan though!”

Ky Bowman, Junior Guard, Boston College Eagles - Red Sox

“It’s just different, like the environment. The fans of Boston show how much they love the sport...it’s unbelievable. Whether you lose or win, they still love you for it.”

Roy Williams, Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels - Red Sox

“I’m a huge Yankees fan, so I’m not watching the World Series as much as I would be. I’m old. When I’m six years old, we get a TV. My family never had a TV and on Saturday afternoon the Yankees played. Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese were doing the game and I was hooked as a Yankees fan the rest of my life. I think Boston over the course of the season established that they are the best team. Usually, over a seven game series, the best team does win. I think Boston, over the course of the season that they were the best team winning 108 games, so I’d pick them to win.”

Jack Salt, Redshirt Senior Center, Virginia Cavaliers - Red Sox

“Ooh, I’ve been to a Dodgers game before and watched them play the Mets, but one of my closest friends is a huge Red Sox fan, so I’m going to have to go Red Sox.”

Mike Brey, Head Coach, Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Red Sox

“Because I’m an Orioles and an American League East guy, I’m going Sox.”

[junker-town]

Miami’s biggest weakness (run defense) is Notre Dame’s biggest strength (Josh Adams)

The Canes’ run defense has been shaky. And now a Heisman contender comes to town.

On Wednesday’s Podcast Ain’t Played Nobody, guest host Richard Johnson and I were talking about how much Hard Rock Stadium appeared to be rocking last Saturday night during Miami’s 28-10 win over Virginia Tech.

The crowd was kinetic — every shot captured almost frenetic movement — and very loud. And fans were rewarded with maybe the Hurricanes’ best performance of 2017, a surprisingly easy defeat of a good squad. It was a scene that you couldn’t help but compare to the legendary Orange Bowl crowds of Miami’s “The U” heyday.

And that was merely Virginia Tech. Notre Dame comes to town this Saturday night for what could be a College Football Playoff eliminator. Does Hard Rock have one more level to hit?

Richard: Miami is an event town. You have to put on an event. People will show up, and it will be whatever you want to be. Notre Dame-Miami, 8:00 [p.m. ET], under the lights, and Miami’s undefeated? That’s an event, folks. That place is going to be beside itself on Saturday night.

The way that stadium was renovated, with the canopies, it’s gonna trap some sound, it’s gonna be really, really loud. ... You can say the atmosphere of The U — and the Orange Bowl and the things that made Miami so special — is back. It will be back on Saturday night against Notre Dame.

Bill: The crowd’s gonna be amazing. Until Josh Adams runs for two 70-yard touchdowns in the first quarter.

Josh Adams: your Saturday night trump card.

The Fighting Irish and Hurricanes are similar in a lot of ways.

Offensive profile: Both have semi-inefficient offenses capable of huge gains. Notre Dame ranks 55th in success rate but fifth in explosiveness (per my IsoPPP measure), and Miami ranks 53rd and sixth, respectively.

Finishing drives: Miami averages 4.8 points per scoring opportunity (first downs inside the opponent’s 40) and allowed 3.2, a plus-1.6 point margin that requires its opponents to create 50 percent more scoring chances to score the same number of points. Notre Dame’s margin: plus-1.5 (5.2 on offense, 3.7 on defense).

Hit-and-miss passing: Miami’s Malik Rosier is completing 56 percent of his passes, while Notre Dame’s Brandon Wimbush is completing just 52. The Hurricanes have an edge once you adjust for quality of defense — Miami ranks 16th in Passing S&P+, and ND ranks 44th — but Rosier also makes more mistakes. He threw three picks against Virginia Tech, and his INT rate is 2.6 percent to Wimbush’s 1 percent.

Stellar pass defenses. Notre Dame’s defense ranks second in Passing S&P+, and Miami’s ranks 27th. The defenses appear to have the advantage any time the QB drops to pass.

Notre Dame has Adams, though. And while the Miami defense has taken clear strides since Manny Diaz took over as Mark Richt’s defensive coordinator in 2016 — they were 52nd in Def. S&P+ in 2015, before this staff’s arrival, but were 13th last year and are 27th so far in 2017 — the Canes don’t quite have all the pieces for a sturdy run front.

It’s possible that nothing else matters. Not the crowd, not Rosier vs. Wimbush, not red zone execution. The biggest advantage in this game is Adams vs. Miami’s run front.

Diaz’s defensive philosophy isn’t all that unique: play physically, tackle well, and make the offense play left-handed.

Force them to beat you with Plan B.

Once the Canes leverage you into obvious passing situations, your quarterback is going to be in some trouble. Miami ranks 11th in overall havoc rate (tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and passes defensed divided by total plays) and fourth in defensive line havoc. Four Miami linemen have at least 3.5 sacks, and while Wimbush is reasonably elusive, he still takes sacks on one of every 16 pass attempts (one in 10.6 on passing downs).

But leveraging the Irish into must-pass situations could be difficult.

Adams was a low-four-star recruit from Warrington, Pa. He chose Brian Kelly's Irish over offers from Penn State, Pitt, and BC, among others, and as C.J. Prosise's backup in 2015, he made waves with nearly his first opportunity. He rushed 13 times for 133 yards in a blowout win over UMass that September, then finished with 147 yards against Pitt, 141 against Wake Forest, and 168 against a tremendous Stanford.

Notre Dame's 4-8 collapse in 2016 wasn't due to anything Adams did. His average slipped to 5.9 yards per carry as he became the full-time back, but he still had four 100-yard games and finished carrying 30 combined times for 280 yards against Virginia Tech and USC.

Everything has clicked for Adams this year.

With one of the best, most seasoned offensive lines blocking for him and new coordinator Chip Long bringing a few wrinkles to the table, Adams has been absurd since Week 1.

He rushed for 161 yards against Temple and 229 against Boston College, and it took him just eight carries to gain 159 yards against Miami (Ohio) in a late-September blowout.

In statement wins against USC and NC State in late-October, Adams was Heisman-worthy: 19 carries for 191 yards against the Trojans, 27 for 202 against the Wolfpack. He is averaging 8.7 yards per carry for the season and has 12 carries of 30-plus yards, more than most entire offenses.

He rushed only five times in last week's win over Wake Forest. He was evidently dealing with headaches heading in, and they were aggravated early against the Deacs. Signs point to him being fine on Saturday night, but it’s a red flag at least.

Assuming full health, though, Adams gets another chance in prime time. He looks like an old-school back — 225 pounds and an old-school running back’s number, 33 — and Long’s schemes bring an extra dose of heft and power to the equation.

This run game is a throwback to the old days, with its minimal reliance on zone blocking and heavy use of pulling guards and tackles. It’s not a fun offense for opponents, given how many angles it creates even before you add in the option elements with Wimbush or the play-action shots to St. Brown.

Sexy.

This is a terrifying run game. Not including the Wake Forest game, Adams has been averaging about 17 carries per game, and not including sacks, Wimbush averages 11 per game (he also averages over eight yards per carry).

S&P+ likes Miami just enough that it gives the Canes a 30-29 advantage once home field advantage is factored in.

From a win probability standpoint, this is almost exactly a tossup — S&P+ says Miami wins 52 percent of the time.

The matchups are tricky, though. If Miami can hem in this ground attack, then sure, the Canes will likely win. It's that simple. The Canes should create enough chances for their own explosive back (Travis Homer, who rushed for 170 yards against Georgia Tech and 95 against Virginia Tech in the injured Mark Walton's absence), and their passing game should produce just enough big plays to get the score into the 20s or low-30s.

The problem is that only Georgia has hemmed in this run game. Nobody else has come close, and Miami's mediocre run defense hasn't yet proved capable.