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BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: $1,500 bonus for Penn State vs. Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl

No. 4 Penn State meets No. 5 Notre Dame in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Miami. Get into the action with a prime welcome offer from BetMGM Sportsbook, with the exclusive bonus code ALCOM1500. Grab up to $1,500 in bonuses for this College Football Semifinal Playoff Game when you get on board with BetMGM.

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 Quick Hits

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: How to collect a $1,500 bonus if your first bet loses

Join up with BetMGM Sportsbook and begin winning big during the CFP playoffs. Don’t hold back based on any odds. You can either cash out or BetMGM will supply bonus bets in a matching amount of the stake. Even if the first wager loses, you get more chances to win.

Here is how to secure the welcome offer:

• Find one of our exclusive BetMGM bonus code banners or links on this page and click to launch the registration process.
• Confirm your current state of location.   
• Enter all needed information in the required fields and the bonus code ALCOM1500 will be auto-filled through our exclusive link.
• Confirm your banking method and then punch in a minimum first-time deposit of $10.
• Start out on BetMGM with an initial bet of $10 or higher.

If the first wager doesn’t cash out, more opportunities to win will appear in your new account. BetMGM puts you right back onto the board with bonus bets that match the amount of the original amount staked.

If your first bet entered is less than $50, a single bonus bet that equals the amount staked is sent to the new account. For wagers over $50, five bonus bets worth 20% of the initial stake will be delivered to your account by BetMGM. As an example, if you bet $900 and lose, five $180 bonus bets will be provided. The maximum amount of bonus bets allowed is $1,500.

Bonus bets will expire after a seven-day period and are valid for usage on any market or sport. Use our College Football Playoff Betting Guide to gain advantages in the semifinals.

More BetMGM Sportsbook promos after you join

After you have taken advantage of the welcome offer, BetMGM opens the door to more tempting offers. Here are some highlighted promos for existing users:

• No Sweat Bets: In the same manner as the welcome offer, if a wager is not a winner, BetMGM will flip you a matching bonus bet.
• Odds boosts: Benefit from offers that feature increased odds on highlighted betting markets.
• Referral bonus: When a friend registers with an exclusive link you can share, earn a $100 bonus.

How to use your BetMGM bonus for Penn State vs. Notre Dame

Penn State (13-2) is coming off a 31-14 win over Boise State in which the defense shined for the second consecutive CFP game. The Nittany Lions registered four takeaways, after logging three interceptions in the previous game. PSU picked off three passes in the fourth quarter, including one by Zakee Wheatley, who also recovered a fumble and was named Fiesta Bowl Player of the Game.

The Penn State rushing game is another strength that can spur an Orange Bowl victory. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are the first PSU duo to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. They are the only 1,000-yard running back pairing in the FBS this season. The ground game and opportunistic defense can be primary routes to a Nittany Lions win.

Notre Dame (13-2) scored a 23-10 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Fighting Irish rank fourth in the nation in scoring offense at 37.7 points per game and are second in scoring defense (13.6 points per game). Notre Dame held Georgia to 62 rushing yards.

PSU will have to be wary of Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts, who is second in the nation with six interceptions. RB Jeremiyah Love ranks second in the nation in yards per carry (7.27). Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Georgia. Notre Dame can take various paths to a potential Orange Bowl win.

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Best sportsbook promos for CFP Semifinal: Grab $5K in bonuses for Notre Dame vs. Penn State

There are just three games left in the college football season before we crown a National Champion. Two of those games when the Orange and Cotton Bowl occur this week.

For some extra advice before wagering, check out our College Football Playoff betting guide. For the best sportsbook promos to get started with, I’ve scoured the web to find the best welcome offers for you to maximize your profits. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

FanDuel Sportsbook promo: Bet $5, get $200 bonus

With a wager of $5 or more, those grab our FanDuel Sportsbook promo receive $200 worth of bonus bets instantly. There is no odds requirement on this first wager; you bonus bets will be paid out within 72 hours of your bet settling.

Such an easy way to get started and earn by signing up with one of the top sportsbooks in the industry. Just be sure to use all of the bonus bets within seven days before they expire.

DraftKings Sportsbook promo: $200 in bonus bets

Instantaneously unlock $200 in bonus bets by wagering $5 or more when utilizing our latest DraftKings Sportsbook promo. Just sign up and wager and DraftKings will immediately reward your account with bonus bets you can bet with for the next seven days.

After you place your first wager, you’ll be able to access this $200 of bonus bet tokens and you can feel free to use them on College Football or any other sport so long as you do so before they expire seven days after distribution.

Caesars Sportsbook promo code ALCOMDYW: Earn 10 100% Boost Tokens

Double your winnings on your first 10 wagers when you access our Caesars Sportsbook promo code ALCOMDYW. Those who sign up will receive 10 100% profit boost tokens, perfect for maximizing your earnings.

These tokens expire after 14 days, so be sure to use them within that timeframe. The max amount you can earn from this promo is $2,500.

Fanatics Sportsbook promo: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

By signing up with the newest Fanatics Sportsbook promo, new users get 10 days of no sweat bets up to $100. With $1,000 in total to wager with, this is a great opportunity to expand your bankroll and jumpstart your experience on the platform.

All lost wagers up to $100 through the first 10 days will be refunded to your account via bonus bet tokens. They expire seven days after distribution, so be sure to use them before then.

BetMGM Sportsbook bonus code ALCOM1500: $1,500 first-bet bonus

When you access our BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 you’ll earn a first-bet bonus that refunds all lost wagers up to $1,500.

If your first bet is less than $50, you will receive one bonus bet in the lost amount. If your first bet is between $50 and $1,500, you’ll receive five bonus bets of equal value that add up to the amount you lose. So, if you bet $100 and lose, you’ll receive five $20 bonus bets.

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New FanDuel promo code for Penn State vs. Notre Dame: Bet $5, get $200 in guaranteed bonus bets

The semifinal stage of the College Football Playoffs is set, and the Penn State Nittany Lions and Notre Dame Fighting Irish will battle for the right to play for the 2024-2025 FBS National Championship.

FanDuel sportsbook offers $200 in bonus bets to use for Thursday night’s clash. Join me as I explain how to unlock the FanDuel promo code (no code needed) for Penn State vs. Notre Dame on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

FanDuel promo code at a glance

FanDuel promo code: How to claim $200 in bonus bets on the College Football playoff semifinals

You won’t need a FanDuel promo code to get the $200 in bonus bets but you must place a minimum wager of $5. Follow these five steps to activate your bonus bets:

1. Use any of our FanDuel promo code banners or links on this page to be taken directly to the FanDuel Sportsbook registration page.
2. Complete all the mandatory fields and verify your new FanDuel betting account by email or text message.
3. Choose a banking option and make a minimum deposit of $5.
4. Place a wager of at least $5 on Thursday’s Notre Dame vs. Penn State College Football Playoff matchup or any other game on FanDuel’s board.
5. Once the first bet settles, FanDuel will credit your account with $200 in bonus bets, distributed in increments of $25.

FanDuel existing user promos

The FanDuel promo code bets expire within seven days. FanDuel offers several themed bonuses and profit boosts specifically for NFL and NBA customers.

• NFL Profit Boosts: FanDuel offers weekly odds and profit boosts for all NFL playoff games.
• No Sweat NFL Bets: FanDuel provides a “No Sweat Bet” bonus. If your NFL bet loses, FanDuel will credit you with a bonus bet equal to the amount of your losing wager.
• NFL Same-Game Parlay Profit Boosts: Get up to a 50% profit boost on your NFL same-game parlay (SGP) cards.

How to use your FanDuel promo code bonus on the College Football playoffs

Place a $5 wager on any game you’d like, including Thursday night’s Notre Dame vs. Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Playoffs semifinal matchup, and the $200 in FanDuel bonus bets are yours as soon as your first wager settles.

If you are new to sports betting, check out our College Football Playoff betting guide.

Here are some important trends to consider if you are planning on betting on Thursday’s Notre Dame vs. Penn State game.

Important Trends for Notre Dame

• Notre Dame has hit the Moneyline in their last 12 games (+12.00 Units / 8% ROI).
• Notre Dame has covered the Spread in their last 10 games (+10.00 Units / 90% ROI).
• Notre Dame has only hit the Game Total Under in 5 of their last 12 games (-2.70 Units / -20% ROI).

Important Trends for Penn State

• Penn State has hit the Moneyline in 12 of their last 14 games (+10.00 Units / 1% ROI).
• Penn State has hit the Game Total Under in six of its last seven home games (+4.90 Units / 64% ROI).
• Penn State has covered the Spread in five of its last seven games (+2.85 Units / 37% ROI).

Remember, win or lose the $200 in FanDuel promo code bonus bets is yours for only a $5 wager.

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FanDuel Casino promo code for this week: Play $1, get $100 in casino credits instantly

New users don’t need a FanDuel Casino promo code to get $100 in casino credits, they only need to make a first wager of just $1 or more. This fantastic offer can be claimed in just a few minutes with no real promo code required at registration.

FanDuel is consistently ranked as one of the best online casinos in the US. On this page, I discuss this platform’s welcome offer and highlight some of its most important terms and conditions.

FanDuel Casino promo code at a glance

FanDuel Casino promo code: How to claim this offer

FanDuel Casino has one of the best designs and user interfaces of any online casino operating in 2025. It is well-known for offering a variety of great bonuses, including its “Play $1, get $100” welcome offer for new members.

Claiming the FanDuel Casino promo code offer can be claimed in just a few minutes. Below, I highlight the steps necessary to claim this offer today.

1. Click any FanDuel Casino promo code links or banners shown throughout this page.
2. Click the ‘Join Now’ button on the FanDuel Casino landing page.
3. Create a new account with FanDuel Casino by filling out the required fields. No promo code is required during registration.
4. Verify your identity with FanDuel by providing a valid form of ID (passport, driver’s license, etc).
5. Make a first deposit of $5 or more using an accepted banking method.
6. Wager $1 on any game and receive $100 in casino credits within 72 hours.

As you can see, this is one of the easiest online casino welcome bonuses to claim right now. In just six steps, new members of FanDuel Casino can earn $100 in casino credits to play all of their favorite games. It’s important to reiterate that there is no promo code required to claim this welcome offer.

While a first wager of just $1 or more will earn you casino credits, a first deposit of $5 or more is required to become eligible for this bonus. There are several notable terms and conditions attached to this offer. Learn about those rules below.

FanDuel Casino promo code terms and conditions

FanDuel Casino always sets fair terms and conditions for its bonuses. That is certainly the case with the FanDuel Casino promo code offer. This is a great, albeit somewhat simplistic offer with some very generous rules attached.

Some of the most important terms and conditions connected to this offer include:

1. New users must be at least 21 years old.
2. The welcome offer is available to those located in NJ, MI, PA, and WV.
3. A minimum deposit of $5 is required.
4. A minimum wager of $1 is required.
5. $100 in casino credits are issued 72 business hours after you make your first qualifying wager.
6. Casino credits expire 7 days after being issued to your account.
7. The bonus comes with a 1x playthrough requirement.

Casino fans above the age of 21 in NJ, MI, PA, and WV can claim this welcome bonus. Keep in mind that you do not need to be a resident of these states to claim this offer. The only requirement is to be physically located in one of them.

As I pointed out earlier, a first deposit of $5 is required to claim this offer. Once this is made, players need to make a first wager of just $1 or more.

Be sure to use your casino credits quickly. All casino credits earned from this welcome offer will expire just seven days after being issued. This bonus also comes with a 1x playthrough requirement. This means that players only need to bet $100 in real money to turn their casino credits into withdrawable cash.

Best game to play using the FanDuel Casino promo code offer

FanDuel Casino provides its users with a huge number of games. That includes slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. Many of the best online slot games available today can be played here.

I have spent a huge amount of time playing the different games offered through this platform and have discovered one of the best to use with the casino credits earned from the FanDuel Casino promo code offer.

Gold Blitz

FanDuel Casino provides its users with a truly massive variety of slot games. Gold Blitz stands as one of its best and most popular slots currently available. This game, from Fortune Factory, is set on a 5×4 grid and offers users 4,096 different ways to win.

Gold Blitz has a fun money theme, with symbols such as gold bars, coins, and dollar symbols. Match 3 or more of these symbols on a payline to earn a reward.

Wild symbols appear on reels 2 and 6 with the base game, and 2, 3, and 4 during the bonus round. There are several bonus rounds available, including the Collect Feature, Gold Blitz Feature, and Free Spins feature. With the correct symbol combination, players can earn an incredible 5,000x your wager.

This is one of the best-looking slot games I have played in recent memory. It’s extremely slick using both a web browser and a mobile app.

Gold Blitz has an average RTP of 96%. It is a fantastic, well-rounded slot that comes with a variety of fun features. After claiming the FanDuel Casino promo code offer, consider playing this game with your casino credits.

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Which Alabama schools are ranked top 25, ‘most improved’? See the list

Alabama will recognize 50 schools for their recent success on the state’s school report cards.

Each year the Legislative School Performance Program typically awards $2,000 to each of the state’s 25 top-performing schools. It also gives an $8,000 prize to each of the state’s 25 most improved schools.

Scroll down to see the schools on each list.

More Alabama schools saw improvement this year, but growth has been in pockets.

AL.com recently explored several of the schools on last year’s “most improved” list and found that many staff were using research-based strategies to improve outcomes in the classroom.

“Even schools that have challenges can see remarkable growth,” State Superintendent Eric Mackey told board members at a work session Thursday.

The rankings are determined by total scores on the state report card, which measure academic achievement, growth and other indicators of school performance taken during the 2023-24 school year.

Lawmakers created the Legislative School Performance Program in 2012 as part of the law creating school and district report cards, but didn’t fund it until 2020.

Beginning in 2020, lawmakers gave the Alabama State Department of Education $250,000 annually to award to schools showing academic excellence.

The state board of education will formally recognize the schools during its Feb. 6 meeting in Montgomery.

Below are the 25 schools that showed the most improvement on state report card scores for the 2023-24 school year. All schools on the list have moved up by at least one letter grade.

Can’t see the table? View it here.

While several familiar names received a Top 25 ranking, all of the state’s “most improved” schools were new to the list this year.

The top 25 schools are listed below. Can’t see the table? View it here.

You can also view recent report card scores at the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card dashboard. Use the dropdown menus to find your school or district.

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Former Baker football coach Juan Johnson to take over north Alabama 7A program

Juan Johnson is officially set to take over as the next head football coach at James Clemens after being approved by the City of Madison Board of Education on Thursday night.

He will take over for Chad McGehee, who retired in November after four seasons as the program’s head coach; Johnson becomes the Jets’ fourth coach in the program’s short history.

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Wendy’s opens a new restaurant in the Birmingham metro area

Wendy’s opened its newest location in Calera Wednesday.

The restaurant, located at 121 Supercenter Drive, is owned by Clarence Bailey of Bailey Restaurant Group.

“We see our new restaurant as more than a building, but a place to better connect with the community while serving Wendy’s fresh, famous food,” Bailey said. “We’re excited to celebrate with Calera and look forward to serving this wonderful community for years to come.”

The new Calera restaurant is part of a drive that the franchise initiated to see growth in units globally – the “Build-to-Suit” program, which allows operators to see a return on investment in about 3-and-a-half years, according to QSR.

Wendy’s has more than 6,000 locations in the U.S.

Jobs are still available at this location. For more information, visit the website.

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Legendary Muscle Shoals studio’s manager loses home in fire: ‘This is tough’

As Muscle Shoals Sound’s operations manager, Ana Hyde has booked recording sessions for stars like Lana Del Rey and The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, A-list producer Dave Cobb and actor/musician Kiefer Sutherland.

Hyde’s also arranged confidential visits by many other celebs to that storied Alabama studio, where artists like The Rolling Stones and Staples Singers cut classic tracks. She handles group tours and manages staff schedules, too. When bassist David Hood, the last living member of prolific session musicians Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, aka The Swampers, is at the studio, Hyde make sure he’s taken care of.

“She’s the glue that holds us together at the studio, for sure.” Muscle Shoals Sound executive director Debbie Wilson says. “She’s always taking care of everybody else.”

Now, Hyde, who’s worked at Muscle Shoals Sound since 2015, and her family need help. On the night of Jan. 4, an electrical fire destroyed their Sheffield home, which was built by her maternal grandparents in 1955. She and her two teenage children lost everything they owned.

“And if they had been there,” Wilson says, “it could have been a much worse scenario. She’s strong, but this is tough for anybody.”

A GoFundMe campaign was started to assist Hyde and her children. As of publishing of this story, more than $7,000 has been raised towards the campaign’s $50,000 goal. “We’re trying to get them back to some sense of normalcy,” Wilson says.

Hyde losing her home in a fire have given her heightened empathy for the thousands in Los Angeles dealing with similar losses this week, Wilson says, as wildfires continue to ravage L.A.

In addition to monetary help, helpful donations for Hyde’s family include: gift cards, toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, etc.); first aid supplies (bandages, pain relievers, etc.); ready-to-eat food (snack bars, canned goods, etc.); feminine hygiene products; bottled water, and household supplies (bedding, towels, kitchenware, small appliances, furniture, cleaning supplies).

Hyde’s family is also in need of everyday clothing (shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, shoes); seasonal wear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) and pajamas. Women’s sizes needed: shirts small and XL; pants four to six, and 12; shoes 7.5 and 8. Men’s sizes needed: medium shirts; 32 waist by 34 length pants; and 12.5 shoes.

The drop off location for donations is Muscle Shoals Sound’s famous address: 3614 Jackson Hwy. in Sheffield.

A local hotel is generously putting up the family this weekend, and Monday they will be moving into a Tuscumbia rental house. The latter was facilitated by a fan who saw a post on Muscle Shoals Sound’s Facebook page about Hyde’s situation.

“It’s friends and family, but it’s also strangers,” Wilson says of those who’ve reached out to help. “It’s kind of restored my cynical view of humanity. Ana’s just been overwhelmed with gratitude that these people are stepping in to help.

“This community comes together. It also is a testament of the impact Ana’s made on the community and continues to. She’s a background person who doesn’t like a lot of attention. But everybody loves her, and we certainly do.”

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Center Point hires former West Blocton coach to lead football program

Center Point High School hired Dre’Mail King as its new head football coach, it was announced on Thursday.

King will replace George Bates, who left the school after seven years and was recently hired as the new head coach at Shades Valley. King led West Blocton to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023.

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Ivey headed to Mar-a-Lago for dinner with Donald Trump as winter weather makes way to Alabama

Gov. Kay Ivey is currently headed to Florida to attend a dinner for Republican governors hosted by President-elect Donald Trump.

According to a report from The Hill, the meeting is expected to focus on how governors can help implement Trump’s agenda in the coming months.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds are also expected to be in attendance.

Ivey’s Communications Director Gina Maiola confirmed the governor is on her way now so that the upcoming winter storms don’t interfere with her travel plans.

Earlier today, Ivey issued a state of emergency for 37 counties in Alabama, citing the threat of ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and prolonged temperatures below freezing.

“I encourage Alabamians to make any needed preparations today, and if you are in an impacted area and do not have to be on the road, try to avoid it,” she said.

“Keep an eye on your local forecasts and stay weather aware.”

A winter storm warning will go into effect at midnight for all of north Alabama.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for central Alabama roughly south of the Interstate 20 corridor. It will go into effect at midnight.

Forecasters said that temperatures will be at or just below freezing in the warning and advisory areas and will cause difficult travel conditions for the Friday morning commute, especially across north and north-central Alabama.

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