Should freelancers work with a staffing or temp agency?
As an independent worker, you understand how great it is to be your own boss, stay flexible, and achieve a better work/life balance. But there are some not-so-easy things about freelancing: constantly marketing yourself, following up on late payments, no benefits, etc.This is why many freelancers find a happy medium by getting freelance gigs through a staffing agency, which allows them to maintain their freedom and freelance status while giving them a measure of security. But it’s not all cupcakes and daisy-chains.Here are some benefits and drawbacks to getting gigs through agencies:The benefits of working with a staffing agency1. No more marketing. For many freelancers, marketing can take up to 25% of their day. That’s a lot of time spent finding money and not making it. Agencies find the work for you.2. No fees. When I first heard of staffing agencies, I assumed that I would have to pay a fee or membership. You don’t. The staffing agency gets paid by your clients (on top of what they pay you).3. You get paid on time, every time. What a blessing. You never have to follow after clients, send angry emails, or negotiate late fees. You often also get paid faster, so no more 90-day pay cycles.4. You may get access to benefits. Some staffing agencies offer access to 401(k)s and other benefits.5. Clients tend to be high quality. Clients who work with staffing agencies normally are larger and have larger budgets. That doesn’t, however, mean that your rates will be great.6. You can always turn down clients and projects. Just because you sign up with them doesn’t mean you have to take everything that comes your way.The downsides of working with an agency1. You can’t set your own rates. What you get is what you get. No negotiations, and no re-negotiations based on performance or extra work.2. The agency is profiting off your work. One of the reasons you went freelance in the first place was to control the product of your labor and benefit directly from it. There’s nothing worse than the feeling that some higher up is benefiting from your hard work and you aren’t.Some freelancers may find that an agency gives them a similar feeling, especially knowing that the staffing agency is making an extra 30% off what you’re earning — just for referring you. You may feel that this is justified, or you may feel like it would have been better for you to market harder and find another client willing to pay your fee + 30% to you directly.**3. You may not have the same creative license, **depending on the project and agency. Some agencies have a certain “brand” or vision that they promote to their clients, and they may expect you to stay in line. Even if you have more creative liberties, the agency may take the role of the creative “planner,” outlining to you their vision of the project, rather that you meeting directly with the client to work out a vision together. If this sounds too 9-5 to you, do your homework and really question each agency about their process while applying.4. Years of experience are more important than your portfolio. Staffing agencies are normally pretty traditional because they have to interface with stodgy corporate HR departments. Even if you have a great portfolio, if you’re a new freelancer or have worked in your field for less than 5 years, staffing agencies will probably turn you away.How to find a freelance-friendly staffing agencyMost agencies require that you stay local, so the best bet for finding an agency near you is a simple Google search. But as I discussed above, not all agencies are created equal.Here’s what you should listen for:Who set up the agency? Was it someone who was previously a freelancer and therefore understands what it’s like for you? Or was it a multinational agency that’s only out to increase its bottom line?Stay away from agencies that look like they specialize in providing administrative support. You may find yourself in temp jobs that are beneath you.Do they understand the value of creative talent, or are they just looking to plug you into an empty slot?Is the staffing agency providing the creative direction for the project, or are you? Are you merely asked to be a technician here, or are you really being asked to bring your full creative brain to a project?Do they make the payment scheme clear up-front? Are they forthright about how much the client is paying them?Did the recruiter leave you hanging as to your status after the interview? They clearly think of you as a cog and not as a professional. Go elsewhere.Do you work for agencies? I’d love to hear how it’s gone for you. Any particular agencies you’d recommend?
Vinod Rai, head of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), on Friday informed that the draft for the new constitution of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been made and it will be submitted in the court before September 19.Rai also informed that there will be no sixth status report.On August 23, the apex court had instructed the CoA to prepare a draft of the new constitution as per the Lodha panel recommendations. The Supreme Court had then said that the draft constitution would be based on its directions of July 18, 2016.In its fifth status report, the Vinod Rai-led committee, on August 16 pulled up the BCCI for deliberately misconstruing the apex court’s order to bar CEO Rahul Johri and the legal team from attending the SGM held on July 26.In their fifth status report submitted to the apex court, the CoA said that the BCCI officials also used the Supreme Court’s expression of ‘etc’ to bring in a series of issues aimed at unraveling the fundamental core of reforms mandated by the apex court.In a landmark judgment on July 18, 2016, the Supreme Court accepted major recommendations of Justice R.M. Lodha-led panel on structural reforms in the BCCI and had given six months deadline to the board implement the recommendations.On October 1 the same year, the board had accepted many of the “significant recommendations” of the Lodha Committee, but excluded the important ones which have been a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel.advertisementThe recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member committee, include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which included the tenure of the administrators, continue with the five-selectors and retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board.
Chelsea midfielder Willian is good friends with former manager Jose Mourinho but will be focused solely on winning when he faces the Portuguese boss’ Manchester United team in the Premier League on Sunday.The Brazil international joined Chelsea in 2013 under Mourinho, who was sacked two years later before taking over at United in 2016.The 29-year-old Willian has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 26 league appearances for Chelsea this campaign and Antonio Conte’s team sit three points behind second-placed Manchester United in fourth position.”He (Mourinho) is my friend. I had a great time with him, but I am at Chelsea and he is now at Manchester United,” Willian told British media.”They are difficult games. It is totally different to play in the Premier League to the Champions League. I think we can stay at this level and we can go to Old Trafford on Sunday and play another great game.”Chelsea drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday and Willian believes his team mates must emulate their performance if they are to beat United and leaders Manchester City.”We have to play in a similar way. Against Manchester United, I think we can do a great job,” Willian added.”Against Manchester City, it will be like the game against Barcelona – they like to have the ball. We have to stay compact and use the same plan as we used against Barcelona.”With City holding a seemingly insurmountable 16-point lead atop the standings, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are battling to secure a top-four finish with 11 games remaining.advertisementFollowing the trip to Old Trafford, Chelsea face City and Crystal Palace before the return leg against Barcelona on March 14.(Courtesy: Reuters)
Chandigarh, Mar 5 (PTI) Aadhaar number and issue of invoice for sale of alcohol has been made mandatory for retail liquor vends in Haryana, a top official said.Moreover, no liquor sale will be allowed in around 200 villages on the request of panchayats in the state.While not raising the strength of liquor vends for 2018-19, the M L Khattar government proposed “massive” hike of about 57 per cent in excise duty on country liquor and up to 10 per cent increase on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), which may lead to increase in liquor prices.In the new excise policy for 2018-19 unveiled here today, the Haryana government proposed an 8 per cent increase in minimum retail price (MRP) of country liquor while preferring not to touch the MRP of IMFL.Haryana posted 13 per cent growth in excise and VAT revenue on liquor at Rs 5,682 crore over last fiscals mobilisation despite the ban imposed by the Supreme Court on liquor vends within 500 meters of national and state highways, an official said.”For applicants L-2/ L-14 A which are retail vends, Aadhaar card has been made mandatory. It will help in conducting the verification of applicants and check any shortcomings,” said Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Excise and Taxation) Sanjeev Kaushal while talking to reporters here today.In another important move, the excise policy also made mandatory for liquor vends to issue invoice for the sale of liquor to customers.”Earlier, the invoice was mandatory if the liquor sale was more than Rs 1,000. But now, we have made compulsory for vends to give invoice to customers with every sale of liquor,” said Haryana ACS, who was accompanied by the Excise and Taxation Commissioner Ashima Brar.advertisementKaushal said the basic quota of Country Liquor (CL) has been raised from 950 lakh proof litres (PL) to 1,000 lakh PL and of IMFL from 550 lakh PL to 600 lakh PL.”The number of retail outlets will remain the same as was in 2017-18,” said ACS adding that the government had brought down the number of vends from 3,491 in 2016-17 to 2,323 in 2017-18.He said excise duty on CL has been increased from Rs 28 to Rs 44 per PL whereas, on IMFL, it has been increased from Rs 44-200 per PL to Rs 49-210 per PL.He informed that the MRP of CL had been increased from Rs 130 per bottle to Rs 140 per bottle.Asked what could be the impact on retail prices of liquor, Kaushal said no increase in MRP of IMFL had been proposed. “Manufacturers will look at their prices. But we do not expect them to change their prices (in case of IMFL),” he said.To a query, Haryana ACS said liquor will not be sold in as many as 198 villages which is the highest ever number of Panchayats whose request for not opening liquor vends was granted.”During this year, we received 500 resolutions passed by Gram panchayats against opening of liquor vends. However, out of these 198 were found to be genuine,” he said.Kaushal said it has been decided that for environment protection, the distilleries would provide 20 per cent quota in glass bottles for CL.To tighten noose around those involved in the practice of illegal sale and smuggling of liquor, Kaushal said Haryana government has also decided to set up an Enforcement Wing headed by Excise and Taxation Commissioner (ETC).He said that the export duty on CL has been reduced from Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 0.50.Kaushal said Re 1 per bottle of CL, IMFL or beer sold in the state would be utilised for the promotion of sports activities whereas, Rs 3, Rs 5 and Rs 7 respectively for every bottle of beer, CL and IMFL sold would be transferred to Panchayati Raj Institutions for development activities in the rural areas.The distribution of these funds would be in the ratio of 70:20:10 for Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads.Apart from this, keep in view the interest of the people, it has been decided that the licence for serving liquor for one day during function at commercial places like banquet halls would be granted online, he added. PTI CHS SUN VSD MR
By Bharat Sharma New Delhi, Mar 8 (PTI) Foreign coach Achraf El Karargui has slammed the ?high-handed? and ?unprofessional? approach of national squash federation SRFI and his return to India looks highly unlikely with less than three weeks to go for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. Speaking to PTI from his hometown Alexandria in Egypt, the coach claimed that that SRFI did not give him the treatment he deserved, forcing him to step down much before his contract expires in July 2019. Despite the growing differences with SRFI, the Egyptian had committed to stay till the April 4-15 Commonwealth Games for the sake of the players but a series of events which unfolded in the lead up to the Windy City Open in Chicago has made him rethink on his decision. ?The SRFI treated me unprofessionally and questioned my decision making more often than not. You can?t expect anyone to operate as usual in such a scenario. I want to be there for the players at CWG but it is best for them to go ahead without me as there is too much distraction,? an emotional Karargui told PTI. ?The players need to be fully focused on court rather than on what is happening off court,? he said. SRFI officials and national coach Cyrus Poncha remained unavailable for a response on coach?s claims. Sports Authority of India, however, said Karargui is on leave till March 10 and would come back to coach the team in Commonwealth Games. What led to the breakdown in relations between Karargui and SRFI was that the coach was not clear about his flight itinerary even four hours before he was to take off for Chicago from Chennai for the February 20-28 Windy City Open. All leading players ? Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinappa and Saurav Ghosal ? played in Chicago.advertisement On the way back, Karargui was supposed to train Pallikal and men?s player Harinder Pal Sandhu in Alexandria before returning to Chennai. Sandhu got injured and could not travel to Egypt but Pallikal went ahead with the plan and is still in Alexandria training with Karargui. ?The federation cleared that plan of me going to Alexandria from Chicago for two weeks and return on March 10. But on day of the flight they said I have to come back straight to Chennai from Chicago. ?That was not acceptable to me so I did not go to Chicago with the team and went home instead. It was not first time that something like this happened and I had it enough,? he explained. Upset at SRFI?s attitude, Karargui took leave from February 20-26 and headed home. He continues to train Pallikal in Alexandria and says he is on ?duty?. This off-the court chaos was the last thing that players wanted ahead of an important assignment like the Commonwealth Games, where Pallikal and Chinappa had won a historic gold in women?s doubles. Another medal contender and India?s highest-ranked male player, Saurav Ghosal, said the ongoing tussle between coach and federation will only affect the team negatively. ?You want your surroundings to be calm and serene before a big event like Commonwealth Games. Unfortunately, that is not the case ahead of a tournament that comes once in four years. I don?t know what is happening (if the coach is coming back or not),? said Ghosal. ?What I can say is that the girls (Pallikal and Chinappa) will be most affected by his absence. The coach has trained a lot more with them since they are based in Chennai and have been with them on most tournaments,? he said.On coach?s soon ending stint with the Indian team, Ghosal added: ?He sure had a hands-on approach (to deal with a specific player). There were certain things he was good at, things which were lacking earlier. His exit will definitely be a loss for Indian squash.? PTI BS AT AT
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to shift all IPL 2018 matches out of Chennai over security concerns.Massive protests over the Cauvery issue were held outside the MA Chidambram Stadium even as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders took the field. The toss was delayed by 13 minutes as match officials found it difficult to enter the stadium.There will, however, be no change in schedule for the matches.At home, CSK were to take on Rajasthan Royals on April 20 before playing defending Mumbai Indians on April 28. Then Delhi Daredevils were scheduled to come to Chennai for a match on April 30.CSK were scheduled to play Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chepauk on May 5 before taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 13 and Kings XI Punjab on May 20.CSK’s matches could now be played either in Lucknow, Vishakhapatnam, Pune, Rajkot or Trivandrum.WATCH VIDEOThere was a major security scare during the CSK vs KKR match on Tuesday when shoes were flung towards Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja . Four people were arrested immediately.The incident happened in the eighth over of the KKR innings. The unidentified protestors hurled shoes at Jadeja, who was stationed at long-on. The footwear missed the player fell near the boundary rope as du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi were taking a stroll.Anti-IPL protests by pro-Tamil groups erupted in Chennai. Several activists including film directors were detained even as police chased away agitators in some places.One incident of protesters burning yellow jerseys, the attire of Chennai Super Kings players, was also witnessed.advertisementHowever, security personnel numbering in thousands ensured eventual passage for the teams, officials, media and broadcast crew into the stadium where the match began on time. CSK won the toss and opted to bowl against KKR.Opposition parties have been asking the BCCI to move this year’s IPL matches out of Chennai due to the water shortage in the state and also over delays in setting up the Cauvery Water Management Board.
10-year-old Rishi Tej admits he hasn’t slept well for a week. Nathania John Kandathil, a year older than Rishi, is “excited” but not losing sleep.The two kids are designated Official Match Ball Carriers (OMBC) for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia which starts Thursday. Rishi and Nathania will be the first ones to lay hands on the match ball and carry it to the field before the game starts. No other Indian has ever had this honour.Tamil Nadu’s Nathania is the lone girl to make it to the top after beating competition from 50 boys and impressing everyone with her footballing skills in the campaign organised by FIFA’s official partner KIA Motors.While Rishi will carry the ball ahead of the Belgium-Panama encounter on June 18, Nathania will walk along the players with the official match ball in her hand on June 22 before the big game between Brazil and Costa Rica.”I am so excited, you cannot measure it even. It is like I am still dreaming. In Russia, I want to live every moment. During the match, I just don’t want to enjoy but analyse how they play,” Rishi, who hails from Bangalore, told India Today. Nathania John Kandathil (left) and Rishi Tej with Sunil Chhetri (India Today Photo)Under the FIFA OMBC programme, 64 school kids from various countries, including two from India, will get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only watch a World Cup match but actually walk alongside some of the biggest names in world football.”We had to upload a video in which we had to be in action for 30 seconds. Out of 1500 kids, I got shortlisted to 50, then to last six and now final two. The thought of walking on to the pitch is not affecting me too much right now. I am definitely excited but I don’t want to overdo it. I don’t know if I would get the autographs but the vision will always stay with me,” admits Nathania.advertisementSunil Chhetri, captain of the Indian football team, conducted trials in Gurgaon last month and admits having a “tough time” zeroing in on two finalists.”You can’t believe the kind of talent which was on display. It was amazing to see so many talented kids together. It really augurs well for the future of Indian football. In fact, I would have done anything, absolutely anything, to get such an opportunity to go for a FIFA World Cup, if only such a competition was held 20 years ago,” said Chhetri.
Saudi Arabia players survived a moment of scare when one of their aircraft engines caught fire while landing at the Rostov-on-Don airport on Monday.Russian aviation has promised an investigation into the incident with a bird getting caught seen as the preliminary cause behind the incident.Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsya said that during the landing there was a brief fire on one of the engines and that it would investigate the incident, Interfax reported. Social and Saudi media footage also appeared to show one of the engines catching fire, but a spokesman for airline Rossiya denied a fire had occurred and said the fault was due to a bird strike.The team were travelling on a Rossiya Airbus A319 from St Petersburg to Rostov-on-Don, where they are due to play their second Group A match against Uruguay on Wednesday.As it came in to land, the plane “suffered a technical fault with one of its engines, with a bird getting caught seen as the preliminary cause,” a Rossiya airlines spokesman said in a statement.FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 FULL COVERAGEReports of a fire in one of the engines were incorrect, the spokesman added.”Nothing threatened the safety of the passengers. The aircraft’s landing took place in a routine fashion. No warning was sounded during the landing.”Videos shared on social media showed an aircraft that posters identified as the Saudi team’s plane with its wing on fire while it was in the air.Saudi Arabias team plane landing in Rostov On Don for their #WorldCup matchIt seems to be on fire( @ahdaafme) #KSApic.twitter.com/wRg8kA4Rp5advertisementWorld Cup 2018 Related (@WorldCup18Info) June 18, 2018The footage, which Reuters was unable to verify independently, was shared by civil aviation monitoring website Airlive.net, which said the fire broke out on the approach to Rostov airport.2018 FIFA WORLD CUP: FULL FIXTURESA video on the social media account of Saudi local paper Al Yaum showed flames issuing from under the plane’s starboard wing against the dark backdrop of the sky, with the wing glowing bright orange.A photograph shared by state-owned Saudi television channel al-Ekhbariya, also taken from inside the plane, showed a flame shooting out from under the wing just as it was touching down on the landing strip.FRIGHTENED, OF COURSEThe Saudi federation released photographs of the players smiling and looking calm as they boarded a bus for the Mercure Hotel in central Rostov.”All the Saudi national team players are safe, after a technical failure in one of the airplane engines … and now they’re heading to their residence safely,” it said in a statement on Twitter.The team, who are making their first appearance at the World Cup since 2006, suffered the biggest defeat in the tournament so far when they were thrashed 5-0 by hosts Russia in the opening game in Moscow on Thursday.Saudi Arabia World Cup 2018 team plane catches fire in mid air after ‘bird flies into engine’ pic.twitter.com/tnRSPR0CO3Arslan Ahmad (@IamArsal10) June 19, 2018″I want to reassure you that we got to Rostov safely, it was a simple technical fault in the airplane but thank God we are now in the hotel and things are good,” Osama Hawsawi, captain of the Saudi team, said in a video shared on social media.”The whole delegation is well,” midfielder Hattan Bahebri said in a video shared on the team’s official Twitter page.”Of course, we were a bit frightened, but thank God,” he added, laughing.(Report courtesy: Reuters)
Brazil and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has admitted that his career “stopped” following last summer’s World Cup, but says he is growing in confidence and ready to recapture his best form.Jesus failed to score in Russia despite starting in each of Brazil’s five matches as the designated center forward.The 21-year-old has since lost his regular starting place for Manchester City, managing just 12 goals this season in 33 appearances, many of which have come as a substitute, reports Xinhua news agency.By contrast, his Argentinian teammate Sergio Aguero has thrived, with 25 goals in 35 matches for Pep Guardiola’s team in 2018-19.”I’ve talked a lot with my family and my friends,” Jesus was quoted as saying by Brazil’s Globo Esporte news outlet.”I had a very good time in my career and life. Things happened very quickly and then I stopped. I think it’s normal. I’m 21. I don’t have to rush things. I’m vying for a place with a guy who is the club’s top scorer [Aguero]. I was also out for 10 days with an injury. In the final stretch of the season I want to help my teammates achieve success,” he said.Jesus added: “[The World Cup] doesn’t weigh me down anymore, but at the time it was very difficult to assimilate. My family and friends helped me a lot. I’m not in this situation [struggling for first-team opportunities] because of my poor form but because of the great form of Aguero.”Despite his lack of minutes for Manchester City this season, Jesus is currently with Brazil’s squad for friendlies against Panama on Saturday and the Czech Republic three days later.advertisementHe said he is ready to perform should he be called upon by Brazil coach Tite and played down talk of any ill-feeling with Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino – his main rival for Brazil’s No. 9 role.
The fever of Indian Premier League (IPL) is at its prime with the tournament set to begin on March 23. However, there’s Special Olympics going on in the United Arab Emirates and where Indian athletes have been performing exceedingly well. One look at the event says it out loud that India are excelling over there.When the IPL is around the corner or is going on, the entire sporting attention of India shifts to the glitzy tournament. In fact, on the same day as the IPL, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in hockey is also beginning but there’s not much focus on that.While IPL continues to be the centre of sports news currently, India’s success at the Special Olympics must not be sidelined.So far, India have won a total of 233 medals in the ongoing Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Till March 19, the Indian contingent had won 60 gold, 83 silver and 90 bronze medals.The medals are won across Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Judo, Powerlifting, Table Tennis, Roller skating, Badminton, Basketball Traditional, Handball Traditional and Football 7 Side Female.The 15th Special Olympics World Summer Games is being held in Abu Dhabi from March 14-21, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces.With more than 7,500 athletes from over 192 nations competing, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has become the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world and has set the benchmark for the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement.advertisementThis is India’s 9th participation at the Special Olympics and India is participating in 14 out of 24 Olympic-type sports featuring the World Games.49 MEDALS IN ROLLER SKATINGIndian athletes performed beyond expectations in the roller skating event winning a total of 49 medals at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Tuesday.So far, the highest number of gold medals have come for India in roller skating. In the sport, India won 13 gold, 20 silver, and 16 bronze medals.JITENDER PAWAL BEATS POVERTY TO GOLD Special Olympics World Games Photo19-year old Jitendra Pawal won a gold medal in the 200m race in his division at the Dubai Police Stadium on Sunday despite having struggled with poverty and daily necessities.After winning the gold, in an interview with the Special Olympics correspondents, Jitender’s coach Harish said, “Despite his struggles, Jitendra never gave up his hope of participating in the World Games and eventually ended up winning the gold.”Harish was full of praise for the athletes from all over the world who have shown incredible skill and dedication at the World Games.”If God has taken away some abilities from these people, he has also blessed people of determination with many unique and special abilities as well as talents.”Society should try to identify the unique and special abilities of the determined ones and polish them so that they can play an important role in society.”One should not overlook or back away from people of determination, instead everyone should encourage these people so they can be a very important part of the society and be able to contribute towards the betterment of the country,” said Harish.Also Read | Exchanging missiles for medals at Special Olympics: Syrian athletes stand out in times of war
Kansas State320.33 We all know the Big 12 is the land of fireworks and broken scoreboards. Games are won in the 70s, not the teens like that other league 500ish miles to the east. But I bet you didn’t know the importance of creating turnovers in this league (OK, you probably did).Look at the last seven Big 12 champions and where they ranked in turnover margin per game in the Big 12 and nationally.2014: TCU (1st in the Big 12 | 3rd nationally) and Baylor (2nd | 7th)2013: Baylor (2nd | 8th)[1. Oklahoma State was No. 1 in the league and No. 4 in the country this year. Arghhhh!]2012: Kansas State (1st | 2nd)2011: Oklahoma State (1st | 1st)2010: Oklahoma (1st | 7th)2009: Texas (1st | 15th)2008: Oklahoma (1st | 1st)And here are the numbers so far this year. Pretty interesting, right? Now, some of this is random, but so is winning football games, it seems.Two of the preseason favorites (Baylor and OU) are struggling here. Seth Russell has thrown a ton of picks and OU can’t create a turnover (which is where OSU was one week ago). It’s early, but this is definitely something to keep an eye on. Iowa State440 Texas731.33 Texas Tech831.67 Oklahoma State822 It’s also part of the reason I’m fired up about this OSU team.If you’re looking for the comments section, it has moved to our forum, The Chamber. You can go there to comment and holler about these articles, specifically in these threads. You can register for a free account right here and will need one to comment.If you’re wondering why we decided to do this, we wrote about that here. Thank you and cheers! West Virginia502.5 TCU540.33 Oklahoma26-1.33 NameTotal GainTotal LostMargin/G Baylor45-0.5 Kansas320.5
Michigan StateOhio StateIowaFloridaTCUOklahoma StateAfter six weeks of college football, those are the only six teams that have won a football game each week and sit at 6-0 going into Week 7. You can add Temple (!), Memphis, Houston, Florida State, Clemson, Baylor, Toledo, Utah, LSU and Texas A&M which are all 5-0.Additionally, OSU’s win streak is now eight which is currently the fifth-longest in the country behind Ohio State (19), TCU (14), Memphis (12) and Michigan State (10). OSU is tied with Clemson at eight. This is just sick. pic.twitter.com/hZ2SixzPMW— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) October 11, 2015“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” said Mike Gundy on Saturday. “As we all know, we’ve got to do a better job of rushing the football. Come up with a way to run the football more effective, which will help our passing.”“We’re excited about being 6-0. We need the week off. The open date comes at a good time for us. We’ve been at it for 10 weeks. We certainly need some rest. We’ve got some work ahead of us from an X’s and O’s standpoint.”If you’re looking for the comments section, it has moved to our forum, The Chamber. You can go there to comment and holler about these articles, specifically in these threads. You can register for a free account right here and will need one to comment.If you’re wondering why we decided to do this, we wrote about that here. Thank you and cheers!
Well, that was, disappointing. It took me making chili and putting out my Christmas village to somewhat get over my sadness. This week will be a short breakdown as I’m getting ready to head out of town for Thanksgiving.Full disclosure, if you are a current OSU offensive lineman, please click the back button. You aren’t going to want to read this. I appreciate all of the hard work you put in, really I do, but some days you just don’t have it and Saturday was one of those days.Above, OSU is lined up with two receivers to the right, two TE, and single back in pistol formation. This is a play where I’d love to see Rudolph check into a play action pass up the middle to the TE. The linebacker’s first step is towards the run, middle of the field is wide open.
OSU zone blocks this play, which is something I’ve wanted them to do. Problem is, the blocking was not good, the center gets driven into the backfield as soon as the ball is snapped. I felt like this happened over and over again. I understand Billings is a NFL player, but to quote Necessary Roughness “Tell him a story, spit in his ear, entertain him.” Just do something to keep him out of the backfield.
Right here is where the hole is opened up. This is where Carson wants to go; only problem is that he would need Usain Bolt speed to get through there before it closed up. It is initially blocked correctly. This could have gone for a solid gain and set up second and short. At this point the game is close and OSU needs to go punch for punch to stay in.
Problem is, those two blockers get stood up, the hole immediately closed. This forced Carson to bounce it out and their linebacker never lost containment. The linebacker makes a heck of a play, he blasts the TE into the hole forcing the play outside, then gets off his block to make the tackle. This is what it looks like when one team is firing off the ball and flying to the football and the other team is worried about trying to not lose the game.
Like most running plays Saturday this was stopped for no gain. Now OSU has second and ten. To me this is effort, OSU played with intensity when TCU game into town. OSU is best when they are the hunters, not the hunted. Few teams play well as the hunted, OSU just hasn’t been in that situation long enough to get good at it.If you’re looking for the comments section, it has moved to our forum, The Chamber. You can go there to comment and holler about these articles, specifically in these threads. You can register for a free account right here and will need one to comment.If you’re wondering why we decided to do this, we wrote about that here. Thank you and cheers!
India Indian National Team train in Macau ahead of crunch 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifer Last updated 2 years ago 20:25 9/3/17 Comments(0) 1/11 Indian National Team train in Macau ahead of crunch 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifer 
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AIFF Media Full screen 1 of 11 Share Close India face a quick visit to Macau in order to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the UAE. The 23-man squad took on to the greens earlier on Sunday, aiming for match sharpness in front of the Lusofonian opponents… FacebookTwitterRedditcopy India Macao v India Macao Asian Cup Qualification
Tottenham Hotspur Pochettino delighted with ‘fantastic’ Kane after hat-trick Rob Lancaster Last updated 2 years ago 06:16 27/9/2017 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Champions League Harry Kane APOEL v Tottenham Hotspur APOEL The England sharp-shooter’s first Champions League hat-trick makes it two wins from two in Group H ahead of a huge trip to Real Madrid Mauricio Pochettino praised Tottenham and Hary Kane for picking up three crucial Champions League points from what he described as a “must-win” game against APOEL.In-form striker Kane scored a hat-trick – his sixth treble in 2017 – as the Premier League club made it two wins from two in Group H.Tottenham 25/1 to win CL Article continues below Editors’ Picks Why Barcelona god Messi will never be worshipped in the same way in Argentina Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. However, while the final score may suggest it was straightforward, Pochettino’s patched-up side – minus the suspended Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen, as well as Christian Eriksen due to illness – survived several close shaves on Cypriot soil.Igor de Camargo hit the bar when the game was still scoreless, while Hugo Lloris nearly gifted APOEL the opening goal when he cannoned a clearance straight off team-mate Davinson Sanchez.34 – No player has scored more goals in all competitions for a Premier League club in 2017 than Harry Kane (34). Phenomenon. pic.twitter.com/LM2QP6D7h3— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 26, 2017“It was a tough game. It was a difficult game, they were very motivated,” a delighted Pochettino told BT Sport.“I think it’s important today to get the three points. It was a must-win game and it’s so important.”Today there were some good performances from players who have not been playing regularly.“Of course, the hat-trick for Harry was a fantastic performance. Today was a difficult night so it was important to win.”A first @ChampionsLeague hat-trick for @HKane! #OneOfOurOwn pic.twitter.com/vSXjV7LJas— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 26, 2017Tottenham now face back-to-back fixtures against reigning champions Real Madrid, starting with a trip to the Spanish capital to face old boy Gareth Bale on October 17.
U17 World Cup U17 World Cup: Jeakson Singh scores India’s first World Cup goal Goal Last updated 2 years ago 21:15 10/9/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images U17 World Cup India U17 v Colombia U17 India U17 Colombia U17 The 16-year-old midfielder from Manipur rose above everyone else in the box to score India’s first World Cup goal… Jeakson Singh has etched his name in the history books of Indian football forever as he scored India’s first ever goal in a FIFA competition.The midfielder’s towering header from a Sanjeev Stalin corner-kick found the back of the net in the 82nd minute against Colombia. His header sent fans into raptures as emotions reached a crescendo.
Article continues below Editors’ Picks Why Barcelona god Messi will never be worshipped in the same way in Argentina Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. The 16-year-old from Manipur is the defensive midfielder in Luis Norton’s India U-17 team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. A cousin of fellow teammate Amarjit Kiyam, Jeakson started out at the Chandigarh Football Academy and later joined up with the Minerva Punjab Academy.He played for the Punjab-based club in their senior team and he is the only player in the 21-member India U-17 squad who can claim senior team experience at an Indian football club.
His historic goal, however, wasn’t enough to seal a point for India as Colombia pounced immediately after the equalizer to catch the Indian defence off guard. Juan Penaloza scored his second goal of the day to hugely dim India’s chances at knockout round progression. Despite the result, Indian football fans now have tasted a football flavour to savour.
Mexico Mexico federation declines comments on Herrera and Reyes links to Paradise Papers Jon Arnold Click here to see more stories from this author @ArnoldcommaJon 04:32 11/11/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy 
Carlos Gonzalez Mexico Belgium v Mexico Belgium Friendlies The Porto teammates have been named in the document leak, according to a report in Mexican weekly Proceso Officials within the Mexican Football Federation have declined to comment on two national team players being implicated in the Paradise Papers leak.The papers are a large leak of documents pertaining to offshore investments which the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists is examining how politicians and famous figures use tax havens. Mexican investigative magazine Proceso reported Thursday that Porto players Diego Reyes and Hector Herrera both are named in the documents.Shortly after arriving in Portugal, each player created two companies based in Malta, according to the report, which has no Tax Information Agreement with Mexico. Proceso says Herrera incorporated companies named Herrera Holdings Limited and Herrera Management Limited in the island nation on Feb. 7, 2014, while Reyes incorporated Nemo Limited and Pelon Investments Limited in June of 2015. Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “No comment. It’s a personal topic, and for their clubs,” Mexico director of national teams Dennis te Kloese told La Aficion . Both players started Mexico’s friendly match Friday in Belgium and look set to play against Poland on Monday before returning to Portugal.
Chelsea Chelsea Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Swansea Nizaar Kinsella Click here to see more stories from this author Chelsea correspondent Last updated 1 year ago 15:44 11/29/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Chelsea Premier League Swansea City Michy Batshuayi Antonio Conte The Blues return to Stamford Bridge after a decent run of away results and welcome a side that’s stuck in the relegation zone Chelsea are trying to keep pace with a seemingly unstoppable Manchester City side and they will be expected to get all three points on Wednesday as they welcome Swansea City to Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte’s side are now 11 points behind the league leaders despite an impressive 1-1 draw at Anfield as Pep Guardiola’s side won again at the weekend, this time at Huddersfield Town.Chelsea win & under 2.5 goals 12/5 Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Swansea City have scored fewer goals than any other side in the Premier League this season, leaving Paul Clement’s side to 19th place after 13 games. CHELSEA INJURIES Michy Batshuayi remains unlikely to play after suffering an ankle injury while with the Belgium national team. Charly Musonda and Kenedy have been out with minor injuries sustained in training.Victor Moses has recovered from his hamstring injury and made the bench against Liverpool on Saturday. He was an unused substitute, but he could start against Swansea on Wednesday.Chelsea are thought to have no new injury complaints after the side’s most recent Premier League match and are close to full strength. Conte told a news conference at Cobham Training Centre on Tuesday about the current status of his squad.”I can tell you who are the players not available for tomorrow: it’s David Luiz, for a knee problem, and Musonda,” Conte said. “Then Batshuayi and Kenedy are trying to find the best form to come back and be fit 100%, to come back.”
CHELSEA SUSPENSIONS Chelsea have no suspensions for the upcoming match against West Brom. Antonio Rudiger is only one caution away from earning a one-match suspension for receiving five domestic yellow cards. Alvaro Morata, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso all are on three bookings. The cut-off this season is after 19 league games, so to escape bans then all Chelsea players need to avoid accumulating five bookings until they play Everton on December 23. POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP Antonio Conte should field his strongest line-up possible against Swansea. Morata and Eden Hazard will likely continue despite the busy fixture schedule. Cesc Fabregas was rotated out of Chelsea’s line up at Anfield as Danny Drinkwater got his first Premier League start, but the Spaniard will likely return to the line-up on Wednesday. Chelsea are utilising both a 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formation this season, depending on the opposition. Moses could make his first appearance since October 14 against Crystal Palace, when he suffered his hamstring injury.Willian has been involved in Chelsea’s past five goals, which may earn him a Premier League start despite having recently spent a period on the bench at Stamford Bridge. 
SWANSEA TEAM NEWS Swansea are going to be without their top scorer Tammy Abraham, who is ineligible to play against his parent club due to the terms of his loan from Chelsea. Kyle Bartley is a long-term absentee as he suffers from a knee injury. Swansea captain Federico Fernandez missed his side’s recent 0-0 draw against Bournemouth due to the death of his father, and it is unclear whether he will be back to play at Stamford Bridge. 
BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS Chelsea have lost only one of their 12 games against Swansea City in the Premier League (W7 D4 L1) and are unbeaten at Stamford Bridge versus the Welsh side (W5 D1 L0). Chelsea have dropped eight points already at home this season in the Premier League, winning 10 of a possible 18 at Stamford Bridge — in their title-winning 2016-17 campaign, they dropped just six points (winning 51/57). Only four clubs have scored fewer goals after 13 games of a Premier League season than Swansea City (7) this season: Derby (5 in 2007-08), Everton (5 in 2005-06), Bradford (5 in 2000-01) and Man City (5 in 1995-96). Alvaro Morata (8) has scored more goals on his own in the Premier League this season than Swansea City as a team (7). Tammy Abraham — who is on loan from Chelsea, so unable to play this game — has scored more goals (4), had more shots (22) and taken more shots on target (8) than any other Swansea City player in the Premier League this season. TV CHANNEL & KICK OFF TIME The match is on at 19:45 GMT on Wednesday, but it won’t be shown live in the UK. The first chance to see the game will be the highlights on BBC’s Match of the Day.In the US the match will be available to stream on NBC Sports Gold at 2:45 p.m. ET. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
MLS Who will win the MLS Cup final? Goal 00:16 12/8/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Jennifer Buchanan MLS Toronto v Seattle Sounders Toronto Seattle Sounders Opinion Goal editors and writers have offered their predictions for the 2017 MLS Cup final between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders 
IVES GALARCEP: Toronto FC 3-2 Seattle Sounders. Expect TFC to come out flying at home behind the attacking duo of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, while Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer is savvy enough to keep his side competitive in what should be a dramatic thriller.JON ARNOLD: Toronto FC 2-1 Seattle Sounders. Both teams should be able to get a shot on goal this year, and in another contrast TFC should win this time around. Even if it wasn’t clicking all fall, that attack poses too many threats to be held off the board again. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player THOMAS FLOYD: Toronto FC 2-1 Seattle Sounders (extra time). Yes, the Sounders are packed with talent and perhaps playing their best soccer of the year. But TFC has assembled one of the greatest teams in MLS history, and it’s tough to see Giovinco and Co. coming up short at home two years in a row.ALLEN RAMSEY: Toronto FC 1-2 Seattle Sounders. This will not be a replay of last year, with both sides ready to bring goals, but Seattle’s defense will do enough to let the Sounders take another trophy homeMIKE SLANE: Toronto FC 2-0 Seattle Sounders. This will be the year Toronto brings home its first MLS title. Although the playoffs have been more difficult for the Reds than expected after a record-breaking regular season, they have perhaps the best squad in MLS history — with Altidore, Giovinco and Michael Bradley leading the way — and will coast past the Sounders at home.SETH VERTELNEY: Toronto FC 2-1 Seattle Sounders. It hasn’t been easy for TFC this postseason, this side has faced considerably more difficult opposition than Seattle has. Toronto is facing all the pressure, but its attack will prove to be too much to handle for a Seattle side that is likely to take a cautious approach at BMO Field.BEN VALENTINE: Toronto FC 2-1 Seattle Sounders. While it’s probably too much to expect Toronto to return to its high-flying ways of the summer, this club has shown the ability to grind out victories over the course of the playoffs. At home once more — with a chance for payback a year in the making, and with the added firepower from having Victor Vazquez this season — TFC will do just enough to hoist the MLS Cup.