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First things first, the Baylor news. Last night, Austin Mills broke the news via his Twitter that he has committed to play basketball at Baylor University.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Committed to Baylor University. Class of 2016. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIG12?src=hash">#BIG12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SicEmBears?src=hash">#SicEmBears</a> @ Waco <a href="http://t.co/7fckJ89jeo">http://t.co/7fckJ89jeo</a></p>— austin mills (@austinjmills) <a href="https://twitter.com/austinjmills/statuses/483780826551681025">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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As of this writing, nothing is confirmed and we're all a tad puzzled at the situation, but here's what I know:
Austin Mills played basketball at Pepperdine University, where he (not sure on this) walked on as guard. He played 202 minutes in 22 games (did not start any) and averaged 2.4 ppg and 0.8 rpg. Some more in depth stats can be found here. According to the Twitter rumblings, Mills will also walk on at Baylor, where I assume he will have two more years of eligibility. Someone please correct me on that if I am incorrect as I am not fully confident in the NCAAB transfer rules.
The 6-0, 170 guard will likely add depth lost with the graduation of Franklin and Heslip. Other than that, I really don't know much about Mills. Perhaps more will surface today.
Random Baylor Tweets
Yeah, Baylor sports!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12Champs?src=hash">#Big12Champs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SicEm?src=hash">#SicEm</a> RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BaylorSESP">@BaylorSESP</a>: VIDEO: Relive the top 14 moments for Baylor Athletics in the 2013-14 season. <a href="http://t.co/DeRldtnO6A">http://t.co/DeRldtnO6A</a></p>— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BUFootball/statuses/483677205830983680">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Former Baylor stud *Phil Taylor Is Making A Difference In The Community*: <a href="http://t.co/le7UuRygun">http://t.co/le7UuRygun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sicem?src=hash">#sicem</a></p>— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BUFootball/statuses/483626471508819968">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BillBender92">@BillBender92</a>: Who's king of Texas college football? Here's a look at the "state" of Texas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SicEm?src=hash">#SicEm</a> <a href="http://t.co/G7lTOXThkq">http://t.co/G7lTOXThkq</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeTheStandard?src=hash">#BeTheStandard</a></p>— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BUFootball/statuses/483617626887684096">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I Believe That We Will Win!
Right, so Argentina and Switzerland play at 11:00 CDT on ESPN in a match that Argentina should win, especially with the game being only one country over (home field advantage and whatnot). But that game is only important because the winner faces the United States*!
*Assuming the United States defeat Belgium.
United States vs. Belgium | 15:00 CDT | ESPN, Univision
Win or go home. Death is staring us in the face in the form of Red Devils. But we have faced Death already. We have taken on his Group and we have prevailed. Not today, sir, not today. For our fearless leader Jürgen Klinsmann hath proclaimed that striker Jozy Altidore be "ready and available" for when the Americans take on Belgium in the Round of 16 in Salvador. Striker Christian Benteke, who terrorized the US back line last year in an international friendly is out with a pre-tournament injury. Starting center backs Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany will miss and might miss, respectively, today's match due to injury. Reserve midfielder Steven Defour is suspended for a red card awarded versus South Korea.
Overall, Belgium have far more talented players. Hazard, Lukaku, Kompany, Fellaini, Courtois - basically the entire Belgian starting XI - play on some of the most prestigious teams in Europe. But like those of you who have tried to make a super team made up of the top eleven players in FIFA know (no, I've never done that, what are you talking about?), that plan does not always work out. Don't get me wrong, Belgium are very, very dangerous. However, they have not displayed quite the camaraderie that the USMNT have. When it comes down to it, you can have some of the most talented players in the world, but if you aren't a team, you aren't going to advance in the Cup (lookin' at you, Portugal).
If Altidore starts, look for the US to revert to their initial 4-diamond 4-2 formation. Otherwise, they'll probably run with the reverse Christmas tree formation (4-3-2-1) or a 4-2-3-1. Belgium have been rolling with a 4-3-3, so they'll likely stick with that. Regardless of the formation, the US style of play this tournament has been very counter-attacky and with Belgium throwing three men forwards at all times, counter attacks may very well prove decisive. Other questions about the US side include the back line. Although Omar Gonzalez had a phenomenal game against Germany, he has had plenty of sketchy matches. Will Klinsmann keep him in? Will the defense continue on its rise to cohesiveness? If Altidore does not come on, where will the offense come on? We'll found out at 15:00!
Prediction: 2-1 to the Americans in the most stressful game of all time.
Nick Pants' Prediction: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USAvsBEL?src=hash">#USAvsBEL</a> match preview <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash">#USA</a> <a href="http://t.co/qHmd24HeIi">http://t.co/qHmd24HeIi</a></p>— nick pants (@nick_pants) <a href="https://twitter.com/nick_pants/statuses/483808890618781699">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Watch-ability: 1845/10
World Cup Mascot Death Match Pt. 2
Group E
France
Les Bleus, or "The Blues", are also known by their national symbol, the Gallic Rooster. Since colors can't find, enter the fightin' rooster!
via media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
Switzerland
In true Swiss fashion, there is no national animal of Switzerland. However, Bern's animal is the bear. Bears are awesome so we're running with it.
Ecuador
La Tri are named after the three colors of Ecuador's flag. However, their national animal is the massive Andean Condor, a fearsome aerial predator
via www.factzoo.com
Honduras
Honduras' nickname is Los Catrachos, which translates to "The Hondurans". Weak, Honduras, very weak.
First Place: Switzerland
Bears are the best. Their massive mitts would take down a condor in one swipe.
Second Place: Ecuador
The Condors beat the Roosters like Baylor beat Buffalo.
Group F
Argentina
Since La Albiceleste or "The White and Sky Blue" is yet another color nickname, Argentina will be represented by their secondary nickname, Los Gauchos or "The Cowboys".
Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria look to soar above the rest of Group F. Can they?
Bosnia and Herzegovina
BIH are nicknamed "The Dragons". Game over. They win everything.
Iran
Iran have cheetahs on their jersey, which are much cooler than their nickname "The National Team".
First Place: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Was there really any other choice?
Second Place: Argentina
Cowboys are resourceful folk and could probably tame or defeat an eagle and a cheetah.
Group G
Germany
Germany's mascot is the gorgeous Golden Eagle. Such a majestic creature is not going down without a fight.
United States
MURICA! BALD EAGLES AND FREEDOM AND STUFF! YEAH!
via i.imgur.com
Portugal
Portugal's nickname translates to "The Selection of the Five Shields". What? Next!
Ghana
The Black Stars may have been vanquished by the Americans but can they redeem themselves in this bracket? Well, seeing as black stars don't actually exist, no, no they can't.
First Place: USA! USA! USA!
Bald eagles are the best eagles.
Second Place: Germany
Golden eagles are a pretty close second in the hierarchy of eagledom.
Group H
Belgium
The Red Devils. That's a pretty intimidating mascot.
via yt3.ggpht.com
Algeria
The Desert Foxes are named after the adorable Fennec Fox. Look at it's ears!
Russia
Mother Russia has bears. Bears that are hardy enough to survive tough winters and being ridden by Vladamir Putin. They will advance.
South Korea
South Korea are known as the "Taegeuk Warriors". Since there are no cool pictures of that, I'm going to sub in the white tiger in their logo.
First Place: Belgium
Devils are crafty creatures and can easily outwit a bear and a tiger.
Second Place: Russia
Bears are better than tigers. I'm not biased on this ruling at all. Sorry foxes.