Breaking Down the Massive Information Dump About Pac-12 Sports + Fan Email

Step by step analysis of the massive information and commentary dump by Larry Scott, Colin Cowherd, Brett McMurphy, Arizona Governor, Clay Travis, Kyle Whittingham, Donte Williams, etc that all happened in 24 hours. Plus we answer your emails! The great show we planned for the last two weeks got postponed because this was more important.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

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Normal People Review: Heartbreaking Depiction Of First Love Is One Of 2020’s Best Shows

Normal People Hulu

In the sixth episode of Normal People, Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) spend the afternoon at a friend’s pool party. The duo had been exchanging heartfelt gazes at each other throughout the entire episode, but neither one wants to make a move. When Connell finally swims over to Marianne on the edge of the pool, his arm wraps around her side while he gently kisses her shoulder. For one brief moment, the world stops for Connell, who constantly struggles to express how he feels, and Marianne, who believes she’s not worthy of real love. No words are said, but their silent embrace speaks volumes.

These moments of love and affection are prevalent throughout Hulu’s Normal People, the terrific adaptation of Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel from 2018. Normal People depicts the relationship between Connell and Marianne from secondary school through college in Ireland. In the beginning, Connell is the popular star athlete from the blue-collar family that struggles to make ends meet. Marianne is the outspoken and opinionated social outcast from a wealthy family who fails to acknowledge her existence. The two strike up a relationship but decide to keep it a secret in order to preserve Connell’s popularity.

Although Connell and Marianne come from two different families and societal groups, the young lovers see each other in their purest form. Society perceives Connell as a dumb jock and Marianne as an entitled brat. However, Connell views Marianne as a beautiful, free-spirited thinker while Marianne views Connell as an intelligent, heartfelt gentleman. Time stands still when the lovers are together. Connell and Marianne look at each other like it’s the first time they’ve ever seen real beauty. They don’t see flaws; they see perfection.

Their strong, emotional connection strengthens in the bedroom thanks to the chemistry between Mescal and Edgar-Jones, two stars in the making. Their first sexual encounter starts out awkward since Marianne is a virgin while Connell has is not. However, the awkwardness turns to pure admiration as the two lock eyes and form a bond that cannot be broken. For the first time in their lives, they experience what true love is all about. Both try to find new sexual partners in their later years, but quickly learn that they can never truly lose themselves in the moment with other people. These tense, masterful sex scenes are works of art and make the audience question if they’ve ever experienced what it truly means to “make love.”

Like most relationships, things are never easy. When Connell and Marianne head to the same college, the roles reverse. Marianne becomes a social butterfly and while Connell elects to be the loner who struggles to find his place. However, their love never disappears even though they continue to be a victim of bad timing. Marianne spends time in Italy and Sweeden and experiments with new sexual partners while still feeling dissatisfied with her life, especially from her family. Connell struggles to fit in at college and battles a serious case of depression after tragedy strikes. Despite their arguments and differences, Connell’s and Marianne’s love for each other never disappears. They lean on each other in their darkest times which culminates in a heartbreaking scene involving physical and emotional abuse towards the end of the series.

Thanks to brilliant performances from Mescal and Edgar-Jones, Normal People stands out as one of the best shows of 2020. It’s one of the purest depictions of young, first love that you’ll ever see. Their love is complicated, but the show is perfect.

What did you think of Normal People? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow. All episodes of Normal People can be streamed on Hulu.

Mega Episode: NCAA paying players, NFL Draft winners/losers, MBB Recruiting/NBA Draft

The NCAA is going to allow players to profit off their name, image, and likeness. George thinks it may be too late for men’s basketball, but Ralph thinks it is great for MBB. 32 players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Which Pac-12 teams faired best, and which ones disappointed?

We have seen a lot of Pac-12 players declare for the NBA draft, but is it the right decision? Basketball recruiting is ramped up and going very international.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

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Unafraid Show’s Pac-12 2020 NFL Draft Preview: Part Two

Unafraid Show's Pac-12 2020 NFL Draft Preview: Part Two

The 2020 NFL Draft is drawing near as Pac-12 Prospects have made their cases to teams as to why they should draft them. The Pac-12 has many players who could help teams out this upcoming season.

This article is part of Unafraid Show’s two-part NFL Draft preview.

Quarterbacks Lead the Way for Pac-12 in 2020 NFL Draft

https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1251236319801610241?s=20

Justin Herbert – QB Oregon

Justin Herbert will be the first Pac-12 player off the board on Thursday. However, there has been more debate of who will go first between Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa. Some pundits even view Herbert as better than Joe Burrow, the presumptive first overall pick on Thursday. Herbert would be an interesting fit with certain teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have receivers that could ease the pressure on Herbert. It will be interesting to see if Herbert is a day one starter or if he has to sit and learn. After being a starter for the majority of his college career, he has the potential to have a successful rookie season.

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Jacob Eason – QB Washington

Jacob Eason is primed to be a Day Two pick at the 2020 NFL Draft. Eason was the National Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year of high school in 2015-16. However, Eason had an uneasy college career that started at Georgia. Still, Eason is a pocket passer that teams could see as an eventual starter. The best situation for Eason would be a place where there is an established veteran starter that he can learn from. Possible teams that fit that bill include the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.  

Anthony Gordon – QB Washington State

Anthony Gordon was named Second Team All Pac-12 in 2019. Gordon was able to thrive in Mike Leach’s Air Raid system, making him an intriguing fit as a backup in some of the hybrid NFL systems. Gordon could be a legitimate backup with teams such as the Arizona Cardinals who employ Air Raid concepts. However, Gordon looks to be a Day Three draft pick in part because he played in the Air Raid system in college. The last quarterbacks to play in Mike Leach’s system, Luke Falk and Gardner Minshew, have both started NFL games. It will be interesting to see if Gordon could have a similar career trajectory.

Steven Montez – QB Colorado

Steven Montez Colorado

Like Gordon, Steven Montez figures to be a late-round draft pick. Montez has great arm strength, but has flaws in his game. When he would extend plays during his time at Colorado, Montez would sometimes be able to find receivers open downfield. Those types of plays simply do not happen often in the NFL, but Montez’ ability to extend plays could help him as long as he takes care of the football.  

Pac-12 Offensive Talent Present In 2020 NFL Draft

Zack Moss – RB Utah

Zack Moss figures to be one of the first running backs off the draft board. However, he may not hear his name called until Friday night. He ran a 4.65 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is considered underwhelming for a running back. On the flip side, Moss was First-Team All Pac-12 in 2019, rushing for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. The cousin of Santana and Sinorice Moss, two former NFL wide receivers, Moss could be a good power back option for some teams. Potential fits for Moss include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He proved himself as an effective pass-catcher at Utah with 28 receptions. Tom Brady loves throwing to his running backs, and Zack Moss would be an interesting piece in Bruce Arians’ and Byron Leftwich’s offense.  

Michael Pittman Jr. – WR USC

Michael Pittman Jr. will probably be a Day Two draft pick. With a deep wide receiver class in the 2020 draft, Pittman will be a steal for whoever gets him. A Biletnikoff Award finalist, Pittman posted 1,275 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019 for the Trojans. With a bigger build, Pittman could complement a team who needs a possession receiver. Pittman ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He has the speed to do well at the NFL level.

Brandon Aiyuk – WR Arizona State

Brandon Aiyuk is in the same boat as Laviska Shenault as far as his draft stock. NFL Network reported that Aiyuk had core muscle surgery on April 7. Aiyuk is regarded by many as a first-round talent. He had big-play ability at Arizona State. The team that ends up drafting Brandon Aiyuk will be getting a playmaker that can excel in both the receiving and return game on special teams. A prime fit for Brandon Aiyuk would be the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is still looking for a solid second receiver along with Davante Adams, and Aiyuk fits the bill.

Austin Jackson and Calvin Throckmorton Could Help Teams on Offensive Line

Austin Jackson – OT USC

Austin Jackson has the potential to be a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His athleticism will attract teams on draft night. Teams may view Jackson as a project though because his fundamentals need work. A team who may look to draft Jackson either late in the first round or early in the second round could be the Denver Broncos. Jackson figures to compete for a starting job wherever he goes.

Calvin Throckmorton – OG Oregon

Calvin Throckmorton led a talented group of offensive lineman at Oregon in 2019. However, Throckmorton had an uneasy performance at the 2020 Senior Bowl. Still, he was a First-Team All Pac-12 Selection in 2019, and can play any position along the offensive line. Throckmorton finished his career at Oregon with a 3.8 GPA and Second-Team Academic All American honors. He will probably be a Day Two pick, but a team who wants an intelligent, versatile offensive lineman should know that Throckmorton fits that description.

Evan Weaver, Jaylon Johnson Lead Defensive Players from Pac-12 in 2020 NFL Draft

Evan Weaver – LB California

Evan Weaver garnered Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019. However, he is projected to be a late-round draft pick because he is simply undersized. Despite that, Weaver led the country with 182 tackles during the 2019 season. He ran a 4.76 40-yard dash, and has the intangibles to be a contributing member for an NFL team. Weaver may not be the prototypical NFL athlete, but he will have a chance to prove himself if a team is willing to give him a chance.

Jaylon Johnson – CB Utah

Jaylon Johnson could be a first-round draft pick on Thursday. Johnson garnered First-Team All Pac-12 Honors in both 2018 and 2019. Johnson also received All-Academic honors. Teams that value a good mix of talent with hard work will see Johnson as someone they want on their football team. Standing at exactly six feet, some people may question Johnson’s size at the cornerback position. Still, he plays the position with physicality and is not afraid to challenge opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage. Don’t be surprised if Johnson is a late first-round pick on Thursday.

After 2020 NFL Draft, Pac-12 Players Will Start Next Chapter

There is plenty in store once the 2020 NFL Draft gets rolling on Thursday night. We will be able to see where all of the Pac-12 standouts from the 2019 season will end up starting the next phase of their football career.

$100M buyouts paid , Bill Walton Pac-12 Network, Gavin Newsome, Bryce Beekman, Spenser Paysinger Interview

The Pac-12 has paid $100 million in buyouts to coaches over the last 15 years. Ralph tries to prove he is not competitive. Some people believe Bill Walton to the Pac-12 Network is a good idea. CA Governor Gavin Newsome believes large gatherings may not start until after Thanksgiving which puts football in danger. Interview with the man who’s story inspired CW’s TV show “All American” Spenser Paysinger.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pac-12-conference/message

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CU Receiver Daniel Arias Staying Prepared Despite Uncertainty Surrounding CFB Season

Colorado Buffaloes Football: Three Keys To Obtaining National Relevance

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Daniel Arias has been learning to adjust to life away from his teammates.

There is rampant speculation around whether the 2020 college football season will be played due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Players cannot train with their teams, and coaches have to rely on video calls to be able to communicate with their teams. Players are used to having a routine associated with getting prepared for the season.

“Being away from my brothers feels weird. It’s just different, not having to play football,” Arias said.

Daniel Arias Has Been Working Out With K.D. Nixon Despite Pac-12 Suspending Organized Team Activities

The Pac-12 has suspended all organized team activities across all sports until May 31. Virtual group activities are limited to two hours a week, per the Pac-12 Pandemic Policy.

However, Daniel Arias has been working out with fellow wide receiver K.D. Nixon in the morning. These workouts are not team-sanctioned, so they are not subject to Pac-12 policy.

“We’re just out there just putting in work every single day, not letting (the absence of team workouts) stop us, but just being safe at the same time.”

Colorado Buffaloes Coaches Have Done a Good Job Providing Playbook and Film

When players are communicating, they are still holding each other accountable. Arias said that teammates are making sure they are staying in shape and learning the playbook. With having a new coach in Karl Dorrell, one may assume that learning the playbook would be more difficult.

However, Darrin Chiaverini has been a staple with Colorado football over the past few seasons. He has reclaimed his old post as offensive coordinator, so the playbook is similar to the one Daniel Arias had in 2018, his freshman year. Arias believes that this playbook will be easier for him to learn because of this familiarity.

Arias said he appreciated how the coaches have made access to the playbook and film easy for the team. Because of this, the players and coaches still operate as a cohesive unit.

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“The coaches have done a really good job being flexible and having all of us together on the same page.”

The team’s plan is to meet three times a week via Zoom video calls. Although the team may be falling behind in some aspects, Arias hopes that the summer will help the team prepare for the season.

“When summer comes around, hopefully we can come back together, catch up, and start working again.”

However, Arias emphasized how players need to hold themselves accountable for learning the playbook now. He stressed the need for his teammates to make sure they are pulling their weight both on and off the field. If each player does this, Arias believes it will lead to team success.

Daniel Arias Stayed In Boulder to Keep Up With Education

Some players on the team also stayed in Boulder, while others left for home. The majority of students at CU Boulder have left the Boulder area because of the pandemic. However, Arias decided to stay in Boulder, as he believes it presents the best for his education.

“I just wanted to stay on campus and just finish this semester strong and do what I needed to do in order to be successful this semester before going home.”

Arias has been able to keep with his routine because of school. Even though there is no football practice, he still feels a sense of normalcy.

“For me, it’s like a normal day of school,” Arias said.

He added that he does not have much free time because of how he is keeping with his routine of training in the morning. In the afternoon, he will attend virtual classes and does his homework. However, he still prefers being in the classroom to having virtual classes.

“I would prefer physically going to class instead of doing the zoom (virtual classes),” Arias said. “You could be in bed listening to the lecture and it’s just different from being in class physically.”

Daniel Arias and Colorado Buffaloes Will Still Work Hard Despite Uncertainty

Safety is paramount in these times, as the COVID-19 Pandemic has swept across the United States. Some are speculating that the 2020 college football season may not take place until the spring of 2021. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the college football season, Arias’ main focus is on becoming a better football player.

“We all have the same goal of winning the championship,” Arias said. “We’re going to keep working hard.”

Arias stated that the experience would be “different” playing in front of fans. For now, he wants to focus on what he can control: becoming a better football player.

Pac-12 Emergency Fund, Fixing Covid-19 Spring Ball Inequity, Gerald Alexander Interview, Recruits w/o SAT/ACT, Pac-12 Layoffs

Mega Episode: The Pac-12 has an emergency fund with over $22.5 million in it. Should it use the funds now to cover the shortfall from no Mark Madness and spring sports? There is a major inequity amongst schools regarding spring ball. Some teams have had seven practices, while others have had none. Interview Gerald Alexander, Former Cal DB coach, and current Miami Dolphins DB coach. Some recruits cannot take the SAT and ACT due to coronavirus, so how can they qualify for scholarships.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pac-12-conference/message

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Interview with Director of HBO ‘THe Scheme Pat Kondelis, Pac-12 Cancels Everything, Jim Lambright

Interview with Director of HBO ‘THe Scheme Pat Kondelis, Pac-12 Cancels Everything, Jim Lambright

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pac-12-conference/message

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INTERVIEW: 4* QB Ty Thompson, Pac-12 Conference Leaders Planning for Post CoronaVirus

Pac-12 leadership is spending coronavirus time planning. What are they planning for and what should be at the top of their agenda? Interview with Oregon Ducks commit, 4* QB Ty Thompson.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pac-12-conference/message

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NCAA Eligibility, Corona Recruiting Impact, WSU Comments, LISTENER CHALLENGE, Fast Food Bracket

The NCAA made a great move when it announced an extra season of eligibility for seniors of spring sports like baseball, softball, and track & field. There are a number of details that the NCAA could screw up. We detail the significant impact the coronavirus is having on recruiting.

Former WSU OL Andre Dillard gives some very honest and damning comments about Mike Leach.

We have a listener challenge. (36:30)

Fill Out Your Fast Food Bracket and send it to us: immad@unafraidshow.com. https://twitter.com/georgewrighster/status/1240329687215116294?s=20

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pac-12-conference/message

Continue reading