The college football season is kicking off with a full slate of games, and the matchup between TCU and Stanford is set to be one of the highlights of Week 1. With the NFL season not starting until next week, college football is taking center stage, offering games every day from Thursday to Monday. Among these, the Friday night showdown between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Stanford Cardinal stands out, as it closes out Friday’s group of games and features two teams with much to prove.

TCU vs. Stanford Game Overview

This game marks the fourth meeting between TCU and Stanford, with TCU winning all three previous encounters. The most recent matchup was a thrilling 39-37 victory for TCU in the Alamo Bowl back in 2017. Both teams are looking to start their 2024 seasons strong, with TCU aiming to return to the success they had in 2022 when they reached the national championship game.

Predictions and Expert Picks

Various experts have weighed in on the game with predictions and betting advice:

• VSiN suggests taking Stanford with the points (+9.5), noting that TCU’s new defensive coordinator and a largely new defensive lineup might mean a closer game than expected. Adam Burke writes that TCU may not have the efficiency needed on both sides of the ball to win by double digits.
• Covers.com advises laying the points for TCU (-9.5) and taking the over at 60.5. JD Yonke believes that while Stanford will be competitive, they are not yet ready to upset a more talented and well-coached TCU team.
• Sports Illustrated also recommends taking the over, with Reed Wallach expressing uncertainty about the reliability of either team’s defense while acknowledging both offenses’ potential.
• Winners and Whiners favors TCU (-9) and predicts they will cover the spread. Mark Ruelle argues that TCU’s strengthened defensive line could force Stanford into a one-dimensional game, likely leading to a TCU victory.

Betting Odds and Lines

As of Thursday morning, TCU is favored to win with a spread of -9.5, a moneyline of -350, and an over/under of 59.5 points, according to BetMGM’s college football odds. For those interested in wagering, several top betting apps offer various promos and bonuses for NCAA football games in 2024.

How to Watch TCU vs. Stanford

• Date: Friday, August 30
• Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Streaming Options: FuboTV and Sling TV

This matchup between TCU and Stanford promises to be an exciting game as both teams look to set the tone for their seasons. Whether you’re a fan of the Horned Frogs or the Cardinal, make sure to tune in to see how this clash unfolds.

On the opening day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, team sports took center stage. Key events included Goalball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, and Sitting Volleyball. Here’s a summary of the results from the first day of competition.

Wheelchair Basketball

Men’s Tournament

In Group A, Great Britain secured a strong start by defeating Germany 76-55. Meanwhile, the French team is set to play its first match against Canada on Friday. In Group B, the United States faced a tough challenge against Spain but managed a 66-56 victory. The Netherlands also had a good day, beating Australia 66-55.

Women’s Tournament

The British women’s team mirrored the success of their male counterparts with an emphatic 69-34 win over Spain in Group A. The other game in Pool A saw China narrowly defeat Canada 70-65. Group B games are scheduled to begin on Friday.

Wheelchair basketball

Goalball

Women’s Tournament

Turkey, the two-time defending champions, had a challenging start to their tournament. Despite being Paralympic champions in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, they drew 3-3 with Brazil in their opening match. In another group, France struggled against Canada, resulting in a 10-0 loss. The second match in Group D saw Japan defeating South Korea 3-1 in an all-Asian showdown.

Men’s Tournament

The French men’s team faced a tough opponent in Brazil, the defending champions. They trailed 5-4 at halftime but ultimately lost 8-5. However, they remain hopeful for future matches. In Group B, China narrowly defeated Japan 7-6, while Ukraine had a more decisive 6-3 victory over Egypt.

Goalball

Wheelchair Rugby

The mixed wheelchair rugby tournament began with four matches. In Pool A, the United States won a close game against Canada, 51-48, with Chuck Aoki scoring 21 tries. Japan also started strong, defeating Germany 55-44. In Group B, Great Britain managed a narrow 58-55 victory over Australia, even though Australia’s Ryley Batt scored 36 tries. The host team, France, also secured a win, beating Denmark 53-51, led by Jonathan Hivernat, who scored 29 tries.

Wheelchair rugby

Sitting Volleyball

Men’s Tournament

The men’s sitting volleyball tournament kicked off at the Arena Paris Nord in Villepinte. In Pool A, Kazakhstan defeated France 3-0 with set scores of 25-7, 25-20, and 25-7. Bosnia-Herzegovina also had a strong performance, winning 3-1 against Egypt.

Women’s Tournament

The women’s side of the competition saw two straightforward victories in Pool B. Brazil dominated Rwanda with a 3-0 win, and later, Canada also secured a 3-0 victory over Slovenia.

Sitting volleyball

Conclusion

The first day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games showcased a variety of thrilling performances across different team sports. From closely contested wheelchair rugby matches to dominant displays in sitting volleyball, the excitement and competitive spirit of the Paralympics were on full display. With many more events to come, the athletes are set to continue delivering remarkable performances throughout the games.

On August 28, 2024, Paris will host its first-ever Paralympic Games, beginning with a breathtaking Opening Ceremony that promises to be a memorable spectacle. The event is set to start at 8:00 PM local time and will take place in two of Paris’s most iconic locations: Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées. This grand occasion will mark the beginning of 11 days of competition, featuring 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations, all united to celebrate the spirit of the Games.

The ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of Paralympic athletes and the values they represent. As the Artistic Director for the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies at Paris 2024, Jolly has emphasized that the concept behind this year’s ceremony is “a magnificent source of inspiration.” He promises a showcase of performances that have never been seen before, creating a spectacle designed to unite spectators and television audiences worldwide in admiration of the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.

Unlike traditional ceremonies held in stadiums, this Opening Ceremony will break the mold by taking place outdoors, with athletes parading down the famous Champs-Elysées. The event will culminate in a grand celebration and the official opening of the Paralympic Games in the iconic Place de la Concorde, in front of thousands of spectators. This innovative approach aims to bring the Games closer to the public, allowing more people to experience the excitement and joy of this historic event.

Jitske Visser, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist, IPC Athletes’ Commission President, and competitor at Paris 2024, expressed her excitement about the unique format of the ceremony. She described it as an “incredible moment” for the athletes, who will have the opportunity to be part of a historic celebration on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by the charm and beauty of Paris.

Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, also highlighted the significance of hosting the Paralympic Games in the heart of the city. He stated that this choice of location is a powerful symbol of France’s ambition to use the Games as a platform to promote inclusion for people with disabilities. By bringing the ceremony into the city’s center, Paris 2024 aims to emphasize the importance of accessibility and inclusion, showcasing the nation’s commitment to integrating these values into society.

As the world watches, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony will not only celebrate athletic achievement but also serve as a testament to the spirit of inclusion and unity that the Games embody. With its unique format and spectacular setting, the ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion that will leave a lasting impact on athletes, spectators, and viewers around the globe.

 

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