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Georgia’s Carson Beck expected to hit transfer portal, return to college

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is entering the transfer portal, both On3 and ESPN are reporting.

The two-time national champion, who had announced his plans to enter the NFL draft, will now look for a new college team to play for.

Beck injured his UCL in the SEC Championship Game and has not played in the College Football Playoff.

He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Georgia finished the season 11-3, winning the SEC title.

Beck was injured when his right arm bent back awkwardly as he was being sacked on the final play of the first half of the Bulldogs’ 22-19 win over Texas in Atlanta.

Beck, who started every game for Georgia the last two seasons, passed for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns in 13 games in 2024. His season has been one of highs and lows in which he threw three interceptions in three separate games this season.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

General

Notre Dame vs. Penn State predictions, picks and best bets for CFP semifinal

The College Football Playoff semifinal kicks off Thursday night when Notre Dame and Penn State go toe-to-toe in the Orange Bowl.

Both programs are known for falling short in big games, and only one can flip that narrative by punching a ticket to the CFP national championship.

Most of the CFP matchups have been duds, but the Fighting Irish and Nittany Lions seem poised to deliver a must-see matchup. The teams are evenly matched, as evidenced by the one-point spread favoring Notre Dame.

Picking a winner is difficult because the Fighting Irish and Nittany Lions have left no doubt in their CFP victories. If you’re looking for a team to back, consider my expert betting picks for Notre Dame versus Penn State.

RELATED: Check out our College Football Playoff betting guide

Notre Dame vs. Penn State predictions and best bets

Penn State moneyline: +100 at BetMGM Sportsbook
Under 45.5 points: -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

According to TeamRankings, the under is 4-0 in Notre Dame and Penn State’s CFP games. Each defense allows fewer than 16 points per game and scoring will be at a premium.

Notre Dame has been injury-plagued this season and took a few more hits in the Sugar Bowl when RB Jeremiyah Love, DL Howard Cross III and S Xavier Watts got banged up. All three are seemingly tracking to play Thursday night, but the Irish already have lost DL Rylie Mills and TE Cooper Flanagan to season-ending injuries in the CFP.

Penn State is also dealing with an injury to star DE Abdul Carter, but the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is expected to suit up. The Nittany Lions have a two-day rest advantage over the Fighting Irish, which could make a huge difference.

Notre Dame’s run-heavy offense doesn’t leave much room for error, and Love’s injury could be a major blow. Love missed a chunk of the Georgia game and only tallied six carries for 19 yards. If Love is limited again, the Irish won’t have their leading rusher versus a Penn State defense allowing the third-fewest rushing touchdowns.

Notre Dame led for the entirety of the first-round matchup with Indiana and briefly trailed by a field goal in the quarterfinal against Georgia. The Fighting Irish have been in control for most of the CFP and could find themselves in an uncomfortable position if Penn State maintains an early lead.

QB Riley Leonard is a great runner but far less reliable as a passer. If Leonard is forced to air it out to mount a comeback, it could spell trouble for Notre Dame. Getting a lead on the Fighting Irish’s stout defense is easier said than done, but the Nittany Lions have elite talent on offense.

In the Big Ten Championship and two CFP games, RBs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton combined for 610 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. TE Tyler Warren is a reliable pass catcher fresh off a two-touchdown performance against Boise State.

No defense has forced more turnovers than Notre Dame, and ball security is paramount for Penn State. If the Nittany Lions play a clean game, I expect head coach James Franklin’s squad to earn an outright victory.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State moneyline odds analysis

Why Notre Dame could win as the favorite

Best odds: -115 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Notre Dame has been an extremely reliable team to wager on. The Fighting Irish are 11-2-1 against the spread (ATS) with covers in nine straight games.

Head coach Marcus Freeman provides a notable coaching edge. Penn State is known for crumbling in big games, and Franklin is 5-12 ATS versus teams ranked in the top five. The Irish checked in at No. 5 in the final CFP rankings.

Leonard only threw for 90 yards in the CFP quarterfinal, but Notre Dame doesn’t need the QB to be an elite passer. The Fighting Irish average 217 rushing yards per game and form a great duo with the ball-hawking defense. Notre Dame allows the second-fewest points per game and will need a lockdown performance if the offense is limited because of Love’s injury.

Why Penn State could win as the underdog

Best odds: +100 at Caesars Sportsbook

Notre Dame’s defense has surrendered fewer than 70 rushing yards in both CFP matchups, and QB Drew Allar must step up if Penn State isn’t moving the ball on the ground. Warren will get most of the targets and also can make an impact as a runner.

Warren has 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground but only one carry for six yards in the CFP. Penn State may be saving Warren’s carries for a stronger opponent like Notre Dame.

Stuffing the Fighting Irish’s run game is a must. Doing so would allow Carter and DE Dani Dennis-Sutton to pin their ears back and add to their 17.5 combined sacks.

General

Suspect charged in Dothan hit-and-run that killed 79-year-old retired college professor

A suspect has been charged in the hit-and-run death in Dothan of a 79-year-old retired college business professor.

George Shelby Rice, 57, already on bond for leaving a crash that injured two pedestrians five months ago, is charged with murder and leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death.

Killed in the Tuesday crash was 79-year-old Marcus Damon Gaddis, a former finance professor at Troy University.

The fatal crash happened just after 6 p.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of Honeysuckle Road.

Police said Gaddis stopped in the 800 block of Honeysuckle for unknown reasons.

After Gaddis stopped, he got out of his vehicle and dropped papers he was carrying. Some of the papers scattered in the roadway, and Gaddis was trying to collect them.

Gaddis was struck by the vehicle as he bent down to pick up papers in the roadway. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Rice was identified through video surveillance and witness statements.

Police Chief William Benny said the video showed the suspect driving northbound on Honeysuckle Road just before and after Gaddis was struck.

Investigators then went to Rice’s home where they found his vehicle had damage consistent with striking a pedestrian.

Rice is being held without bond in the Houston County Jail.

He is already awaiting an April trial after police say he hit two pedestrians in August on Murphy Mill Road.

Prosecutors are seeking to have his bond in those cases revoked.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Dr. Gaddis’ friends and family during this time,’’ Benny said. “Hopefully this arrest will help them begin to heal from this terrible tragedy.”

General

High surf warning for Mobile and Baldwin counties for Friday and Saturday – breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet anticipated

The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning at 1:52 p.m. on Thursday valid from Friday 6 a.m. until Saturday 6 a.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service describes, “Dangerously large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone.”

“Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” explains the weather service. “Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.”

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Timberwolves-Magic free livestream: How to watch NBA game tonight, TV, schedule

The Minnesota Timberwolves play against the Orlando Magic in an NBA game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on NBA TV. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Timberwolves enter this matchup with a 19-17 record, and they have won back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Timberwolves defeated New Orleans 104-97.

During the victory, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota offense. He ended the game with 32 points and shot 10-21 from the field. Edwards also shot 7-11 from three-point range, so he will look to perform similarly tonight.

The Magic enter this matchup with a 22-16 record, and they are coming off a 103-94 win against the New York Knicks. During the victory, Cole Anthony led the Orlando offense. He scored 24 points and shot 9-18 from the field, so he will try to continue his offensive success tonight. Anthony is only averaging seven points per game.

Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

General

Longtime Jacksonville State wide receiver set to return for sixth season with Gamecocks

A mainstay of Jacksonville State’s offense will return for another season of college football.

Wide receiver Michael Pettway is set to return for a sixth season with Jax State’s football team after being granted an extra year of eligibility, a source confirmed to AL.com.

A 2020 graduate of Thompson High School, Pettway started his career at Washington State before transferring to Jax State and playing the 2021 FCS spring season.

Pettway has played in 45 games at Jacksonville State, hauling in 71 catches for 1,028 yards and five touchdowns while rushing nine times for 41 yards and a touchdown on the ground; he’s also returned 19 kickoffs for 438 yards, one going for 71 yards in 2022.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver marked career highs in almost every category for Jax State this past season, hauling in 25 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns. He had a career-long 92-yard touchdown in Jax State’s season opener against Coastal Carolina.

Pettway, an Alabaster native, earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors in the FCS 2021 spring season as a kickoff returner, leading the FCS OVC with an average of 27.2 yards per return and a long of 36 yards.

He ranks second in Jax State history for average yards per kick return in a single season (30.6, 2022) and ninth in career average yards per kick return (25.73).

Pettway starred at Thompson High School and was the program’s leading receiver in 2018 and 2019.

He caught 64 passes for 1,119 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior in 2018 and hauled in 60 catches for 1,090 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, helping Thompson win a Class 7A title in 2019. He was named to the ASWA super all-state team in 2019 and Class 7A all-state team in 2018 and 2019.

General

Wind advisory issued for Mobile and Baldwin counties for Friday

On Thursday at 1:42 p.m. a wind advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service adds, “Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” adds the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Crown Coins Casino promo code: Play exciting slot games during Joker Madness Event today

Crown Coins, one of the top sweepstakes casinos in the country, has just launched an exciting new promotion. During the Joker Madness Event, members have access to unique tournaments and events centered around this platform’s “Joker” games. This exciting Crown Coins promo is running from January 9th to the 15th.

Crown Coins is known for providing its members with a massive variety of slot titles. That includes a variety of Joker-themed games. Learn more about this exciting Crown Coins promotion below.

Crown Coins Casino promo code at a glance

🎁 Crown Coins Casino promo code	No promo code needed
💸 Crown Coins promo details	Joker Madness Event running from January 9-15
💰 Minimum deposit	No deposit required
⚖️ Crown Coins legal states	All states except Washington, Nevada, Idaho and Michigan
🔚 promo expiration	January 15
✅ Last verified	Jan. 9, 2025

Crown Coins Casino promo code: Joker Madness Event runs from January 9-15

Crown Coins Casino launched in 2023 and quickly turned into one of the best, most popular online sweeps casinos in the country. It now has a massive number of users thanks to its modern design, solid game selection, and unique bonuses.

Crown Coins Casino is also known for holding fun events throughout the year. From January 9-15, this sweepstakes casino is holding a “Joker Madness Event.” During this time, users can engage in fun tournaments and events centered around the “Joker” slot titles.

A screenshot of the Joker-themed games available to play at Crown Coins.Crown Coins

Members of Crown Coins have access to a huge number of Joker slot games. Some of the most popular ones include Joker’s Jewels Wild, 6 Jokers, and Energy Joker: Hold and Win.

The events centered around these games can pay players both Crown Coins and Sweeps Coins. In some cases, players can earn thousands of Sweeps Coins by hitting major jackpots.

Those who sign up today are also eligible to receive the Crown Coins Casino promo code offer and earn a 150% bonus on their first purchase. In addition, new users can spin a wheel for the chance to earn up to two million Crown Coins and 100 Sweeps Coins.

There is no shortage of world-class slot games available to play at Crown Coins. Learn about one of the most popular games to play during the Joker Madness Event below.

Best Game to Play During the Crown Coins: Joker Madness Event

The majority of online sweepstakes games provide their users a huge variety of slot games. Crown Coins is no different, offering over 170 games, including slots from world-class developers like Pragmatic Play and BGaming.

I have spent a large amount of time playing the different games that Crown Coins has to offer. I am a particular fan of the “Joker” slot titles, as they often provide great payout opportunities and modern graphics. Below, I highlight my favorite game to play during this online casino’s “Joker Madness Event.”

Joker’s Jewels Wild

One of the most popular online slots currently offered at Crown Coins is called Joker’s Jewels Wild. This is a fun, five-reel slot game developed by Pragmatic Play. It has an average RTP of 96.58%, making it among the top-paying free slot games available right now.

This game truly embraces the Joker theme. Some of the symbols include batons and curly shoes that are commonly used by the Joker character. Land three or more of these symbols on a single payline to earn a payout.

Joker’s Jewels Wild is not necessarily a slot game filled with surprises. In fact, there is not a single bonus round available in this game. As a fan of classic, no-frills slot games, this was an element that I truly enjoyed.

I was pleased to find that this game offers Wild and Scatter Symbols. There are two Scatter Symbols available, which can randomly land on reels 1, 3, and 5. Land the Bonus Scatter Symbol to earn up to 100x on your spin’s wager.

Joker’s Jewels Wild is one of many exciting Joker-themed slot games available at Crown Coins. Those who join this sweeps casino today can take part in a variety of fun tournaments and events connected to these games.

General

Jahmyr Gibbs follows Shaun Alexander, Derrick Henry as Alabama winners of NFL honor

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the games played in December and January.

During the Lions’ five games in that period, the former Alabama running back had 439 yards and six touchdowns on 87 rushing attempts and 235 yards and three touchdowns on 24 receptions.

Gibbs led the NFL in touchdowns and the league’s running backs in receiving yards in the December-January games.

Gibbs is the second Detroit running back to win an Offensive Player of the Month Award, following Barry Sanders, who won six. He’s the third former Crimson Tide running back honored after Shaun Alexander won the NFC Offensive Player of the Month Award for November 2005 and Derrick Henry won the AFC Offensive Player of the Month Award for December-January 2018, October 2020 and October 2022.

Gibbs is the fourth former Alabama alumnus to win a Player of the Month Award in the 2024 season. Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney was the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October and Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.

The NFL announced its Player of the Month Award winners on Thursday. The other winners were Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrows, AFC Offensive; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams, NFC Defensive; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, AFC Defensive; Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty, NFC Special Teams; and Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, AFC Special Teams.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

How to make snow cream with 4 simple ingredients

Winter weather is expected to hit a large portion of the state, and in some northern parts of Alabama, that could mean a good bit of snow.

While “snow” might not be common, or especially welcome, word in Alabama, we’re thinking following it up with the word “cream” might help.

After all, there are lots of downsides to snowfall in our state — icy roads, school closures, etc. — but why not focus on the silver lining here? And that silver lining is you can have yourself a sweet treat in just a few easy steps.

All you need, according to this recipe on Allrecipes.com, is a gallon of clean snow — we want to emphasize the word clean here — a cup of white sugar, vanilla extract and milk.

Once you have your ingredients (three bought at the store and one gifted to you by mother nature herself), all you have to do is mix them together until they’ve reached your preferred consistency, and you’ve got yourself some snow cream.

So add “put a bowl outside” to your winter weather to-do list. You can read the full recipe here.