Seven biggest keys for Spurs-Warriors Conference Finals
It has finally happened. It has finally happened. The two best teams in the Western Confernece over the past three years will meet for the first time in the playoffs during that span.
© Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports There's still almost nine months to go before National Signing Day for the class of 2018, but the early rankings reveal an absolutely stunning development.
Alabama, a program that has turned in a top-three class in the country every year under Nick Saban, currently sits 61st in the rankings behind schools like Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Toledo, and Vanderbilt.
The reason for the Crimson Tide's incredibly low standing is that they only have two players committed at the moment: four-star athlete Xavier Williams and four-star defensive end Jordan Davis.
Harper's 2-run homer in ninth lifts Nationals past Phillies
The first-place Washington Nationals stormed back to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 on Saturday night. IIt was the fifth career walk-off homer for Harper, who earlier in the day signed a contract for the 2018 season. Adam Lind began the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit single to right.
Last year at this time, though, Saban held the No. 2 class in the country and finished with the top-ranked haul.
Alabama is one of the finalists for almost every top player in the country that has yet to commit, and, given Saban's history, he's almost certain to close with a number of them on his roster, which will likely lead to another top-three class.
If nothing else, the current rankings give fans of many schools around the country the rare chance to say they're ahead of Nick Saban's mighty Alabama at something football-related.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Related photos: National title game (provided by photo services)
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Champs again
The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the College Football Playoff national championship at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9. Clemson's other national title came after the 1981 season.
Predicting win total over/unders for 15 college football contenders
College football win totals for the 2017 season are out, and now it’s time to figure out which playoff contenders will go over and under.
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Just in time
The Clemson Tigers celebrate after wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, facing, made a touchdown catch against the Alabama Crimson Tide with one second left during the College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Hurts on the loose
Quarterback Jalen Hurts of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a 30-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP title game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9. Hurts' TD gave the Tide a three-point lead.
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On target
Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
The Voice Finale: And the Winner Is…
Chris Blue, I put my “Money on You” to take home the title. Brennley Brown with Rascal Flatts, “Yours If You Want It” | Gwen’s country girl sounded like she belonged up on that stage with the country superstars. She also sounded like she belonged on that stage instead of Aliyah Moulden or Jesse Larson.
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Evasive maneuvers
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Deon Cain, right, runs ahead of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the third quarter during the CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Running free
Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a 68-yard touchdown pass against the Clemson Tigers during the third quarter of the CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
Serena Williams accepts a new challenge - in Silicon Valley
Tennis star Serena Williams has 39 Grand Slam titles, four Olympic medals, major endorsement deals and her own line of clothing and accessories. Now she is embarking on a new mission: She says wants to help tech companies diversify their workforces and solve one of the industry's most vexing problems.Williams, 35, will get her chance as she joins a Silicon Valley boardroom for the first time. Online poll-taking service SurveyMonkey announced Williams' appointment to its board on Wednesday, along with Intuit CEO Brad Smith.
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Going for a spin
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) of the Clemson Tigers is tackled short of the first down by linebacker Reuben Foster, left, and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, bottom, of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter of the CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
Who's the best returning QB in SEC?
The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late. The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late, but that sentiment appears to be changing heading into the 2017 campaign.
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Swarmed
Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) gets tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive players during the College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
Tide Run Game Rolling To New Heights
Much has been made of the need for Alabama's passing game to expand, and rightfully so. But last year's offense came mere moments away from perfection anyway, and an even deeper running game could prove to be unstoppable in 2017.Alabama wants to improve as a passing team. It should. But there's a difference between wanting and needing here, because even with a dismal passing performance in the national title game, the Crimson Tide were merely one last-minute stop away from being an undefeated championship team with a true freshman quarterback, coming so close to becoming the first major college football team to go 15-0 since the 1800s.
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Fumble return
Linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns a fumble by the Clemson Tigers during the third quarter of the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, Ranked
The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, RankedIt's fitting that Clint Eastwood and John Wayne both have the same birthday week. (Wayne, who died in 1979, was born May 26, 1907, while Eastwood turns 85 on May 31). After all, these two all-American actors' careers span the history of that most American of movie genres, the western.
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Tiger pride
The Clemson Tigers cheerleaders perform in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Sign of the times
Clemson's play is signaled in during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Watson takes a hit
Linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) of the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the 2017 CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Total focus
A member of the Clemson Tigers gets ready before the Tigers played the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 CFP national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Throwing some Hurt
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Deflection
Clemson's Tanner Muse (19) partially blocks a kick by Alabama Crimson Tide punter JK Scott (15) during the first quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Championship belt
Linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds the "Ball Out" championship belt during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Scarbrough muscles it in
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown run against Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Tide pride
Members of the Alabama Crimsonettes are shown during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Full house
Fireworks go off during the national anthem prior to the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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All together
Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney links arms with his team prior to the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game against Alabama at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Warmin' up
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts warms up before the College Football Playoff national championship game against Clemson in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Who you rootin' for?
An Alabama Crimson Tide fan is at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Watson gets ready
Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson warms up before the College Football Playoff national championship game against Alabama in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Orange you glad to see me?
Clemson Tigers fans in the stands at Raymond James Stadium prior to facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa, Fla., on Jan 9.
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Going to the Hall
Peyton Manning, left, and Steve Spurrier were on the field prior to the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9. Both were announced as inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame earlier in the day.
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Tiger face ready
Clemson fan Ty Nimmer looks at his face painting in a mirror before the NCAA College Football Playoff championship game against Alabama in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Celebrities were there
Actor/rapper Ice Cube, right, is escorted from the ESPN set prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan 9.
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Soft helmet
A Clemson fan makes her way to Ramond James Stadium before the College Football Playoff championship game between Alabama and Clemson in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Crimson Tide strong
Alabama fans Donna Long and Debbie Albano before the College Football Playoff championship game against Clemson in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Ahoy!
The pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium is seen before the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers on Jan. 9, in Tampa, Fla. The stadium is the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL.
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Crimson spirit
Alabama Crimson Tide fans take a selfie before the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Quiet before the storm
Raymond James Stadium transformed with signage for the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Facing off
A Clemson Tigers helmet and Alabama Crimson Tide helmet are displayed before the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 9.
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Heads coaches and their prize
Coached Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers, left, and Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide pose at the final pre-national title game press conference at the Tampa (Fla.) Convention Center on Jan. 8.
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Fireworks light up the river
Fireworks explode over the 165-foot "pirate" ship Jose Gasparilla on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 8.
The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, Ranked .
The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, RankedIt's fitting that Clint Eastwood and John Wayne both have the same birthday week. (Wayne, who died in 1979, was born May 26, 1907, while Eastwood turns 85 on May 31). After all, these two all-American actors' careers span the history of that most American of movie genres, the western.
It has finally happened. It has finally happened. The two best teams in the Western Confernece over the past three years will meet for the first time in the playoffs during that span. 
The first-place Washington Nationals stormed back to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 on Saturday night. IIt was the fifth career walk-off homer for Harper, who earlier in the day signed a contract for the 2018 season. Adam Lind began the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit single to right. 
College football win totals for the 2017 season are out, and now it’s time to figure out which playoff contenders will go over and under. 
Chris Blue, I put my “Money on You” to take home the title. Brennley Brown with Rascal Flatts, “Yours If You Want It” | Gwen’s country girl sounded like she belonged up on that stage with the country superstars. She also sounded like she belonged on that stage instead of Aliyah Moulden or Jesse Larson. 
Tennis star Serena Williams has 39 Grand Slam titles, four Olympic medals, major endorsement deals and her own line of clothing and accessories. Now she is embarking on a new mission: She says wants to help tech companies diversify their workforces and solve one of the industry's most vexing problems.Williams, 35, will get her chance as she joins a Silicon Valley boardroom for the first time. Online poll-taking service SurveyMonkey announced Williams' appointment to its board on Wednesday, along with Intuit CEO Brad Smith. 
The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late. The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late, but that sentiment appears to be changing heading into the 2017 campaign. 
Much has been made of the need for Alabama's passing game to expand, and rightfully so. But last year's offense came mere moments away from perfection anyway, and an even deeper running game could prove to be unstoppable in 2017.Alabama wants to improve as a passing team. It should. But there's a difference between wanting and needing here, because even with a dismal passing performance in the national title game, the Crimson Tide were merely one last-minute stop away from being an undefeated championship team with a true freshman quarterback, coming so close to becoming the first major college football team to go 15-0 since the 1800s. 
The 57 Greatest Westerns Ever, RankedIt's fitting that Clint Eastwood and John Wayne both have the same birthday week. (Wayne, who died in 1979, was born May 26, 1907, while Eastwood turns 85 on May 31). After all, these two all-American actors' careers span the history of that most American of movie genres, the western. 
