Stephen A. Smith walks back take on Texans' CJ Stroud after convincing argument from Ryan Clark
ON SECOND THOUGHT
20 August
ON SECOND THOUGHT
Tuesday on First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Ryan Clark, and Shannon Sharpe discuss the top QBs 25 and under and debate which player is most likely to make a Super Bowl, Jordan Love or CJ Stroud.
Smith makes a case that Stroud will struggle more than Love this season because NFL teams now have a season of tape to watch, and he won't sneak up on anyone this year.
What Smith overlooks, and Clark highlights, is that although Love has been in the league for several years, he only became the starter last season. Which means he's in the same boat as Stroud from that perspective. Both quarterbacks have about the same amount of film for teams to analyze.
Smith even says later in the video, “He got me. He got me on that one.”
Finally, Smith and Sharpe both decide to take Love over Stroud, but mostly based on the strength of the AFC with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson to deal with.
Check out the video above for the full discussion.
Oakland Athletics (64-82) vs. Houston Astros (77-68)
Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston
Date: Thursday, 2:10 p.m. EDT
Pitching Probables:
BETMGM Sportsbook:
Bottom Line:
The Houston Astros aim to halt a three-game skid as they host the Oakland Athletics in the final game of their three-game series. Houston, sitting atop the AL West with a 77-68 record, looks to stabilize after recent struggles. Despite their slump, the Astros are among the top power-hitting teams in the AL, ranking sixth with 170 home runs.
Oakland, with a 64-82 record, will try to play spoiler and win their second straight series against Houston. The A’s have been effective with the long ball, ranking sixth in MLB with 184 home runs, averaging 1.3 per game.
This is the 13th meeting between these division rivals this season, with the Astros holding a 7-5 advantage in the series.
Top Performers:
Last 10 Games:
La Grasa for game 3.
⚾️: 1:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#Relentless x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/DmnJo97Y26
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 12, 2024
With ace Framber Valdez on the mound, Houston will look to reverse their fortunes and secure a win as the regular season winds down. Mitch Spence will aim to keep Oakland competitive as they try to take another game from the AL West leaders.
Injury updates
Chas McCormick has been placed on the IL with a small fracture in his right hand. IF Grae Kessinger and LHP Bryan King have been recalled from Sugar Land.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES:
- IF Grae Kessinger and LHP Bryan King were recalled from Triple A Sugar Land.
- RHP Nick Hernandez was optioned to Triple A.
- OF Chas McCormick was placed on the 10-day IL with a small fracture in his right hand (retro to Sept. 11).
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 12, 2024
Kyle Tucker is expected to play right field on Friday. He has only played as the DH since returning from injury. This would be a big step forward for King Tuck.
The plan is for Kyle Tucker to play right field tomorrow in Anaheim, Joe Espada said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 12, 2024
Joe Espada provided an update on Altuve saying he is “better” today. He remains day-to-day.
Joe Espada said Jose Altuve is "better." Espada expected him "to come in and be more sore, especially after the way it looked yesterday" but Altuve was able to do some things in theweight room. He remains day to day.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 12, 2024
Article aided by ChatGBT.