
When McLaren CEO Zak Brown first joined the Formula 1 team back in 2016, he admitted some surprise about what he found - and not in a good way. From the excitement about joining his favourite squad, the reality check of the 'chaos' he walked into was not an easy one to deal with. As he sits down exclusively with Autosport to reflect on his journey from that low point to get to where McLaren has become constructors’ champion, he admitted that the first impression was "a lot worse than I thought it was.” At the time, the struggles McLaren was facing with Honda were pretty clear to see – but the mistake that many made was thinking that its engine was its only deficit. For Brown, problems were everywhere. “I think we now know that wasn't even probably the biggest part of the issue,” added Brown, who saw problems with management, structure and sponsorship. “You had a revolving door in leadership and chaos at the board level, which has been well documented. “You had no adult supervision on the racing team and people. You've got leaders, but people need good leadership. “On-track sponsorship was at a record low and everything on the factory floor was a conspiracy theory. There was a lot of negativity. “We were way behind on development. I think there was almost an arrogance of ‘we are so good’ that we took our eye off of wind tunnels and CFDs. “So that's kind of what I walked into.” Making change Having spent the first part of his career as a sponsorship guru, Brown knew how to run a big business, but his switch to McLaren was the first time he had stepped into a management role with a racing team of such a scale. And being what he would even admit was a little bit wet behind the ears on that front meant he had to bat away any lack of self-confidence when it came to proving to the staff that he was in this for the long haul. “I'd been around racing," he said, "but actually standing up and talking to a racing team, when they're all staring at you, you could feel the: How long is this guy going to be around? “Everyone else had been around a year or two, and you could kind of feel that. So you had to portray confidence.” Brown says that the priority from day one was sorting out the senior figures, because if that was not right then everything else was doomed. “The first thing I did was change the leadership team, kind of one by one,” he said. “I didn't come in with that in mind, but I quickly identified this place needs new leadership. “Some people I hired I had worked with at JMI [the sponsorship agency founded by Brown]. Some people were brand new. And only one was an internal promotion, which was Laura [Bowden], now our CFO, because to have a great racing team, everything needs to fire on all cylinders, right? “If you're going to have great commercial success, it's got to have a huge fan base. You have got to have a great comms team to engage with the fans. You’ve got to sell sponsors to be able to hire the best people, to do a new wind tunnel. “It's not just have a great aerodynamic department. You've got to have that. But then there's everything that feeds into that.” While changes were taking place behind the scenes to give the Woking factory the management structure it needed, revolution was coming on track too. The Renault wake-up call At the end of 2017, Brown moved to end the Honda partnership and switch the squad to customer Renault engines for the 2018 season, in a change that actually proved to be an awakening moment for a team that had led itself to believe its chassis was as good as anybody else’s out there. Brown added: “That was a great wake up call, because I think everyone thought we were just bolting a new engine in and here we are. But it was actually, ‘we’ve changed that, it’s a little better, but we’ve still got some big issues’ So I think that was healthy.” What followed then were those challenging Covid 2020/2021 campaigns where off track Brown battled to shore up the finances that had left it risking collapse without the support of its shareholders. “We were definitely on the brink," said Brown. "We were paying all our bills, but we were months away, and not several months, from [shutting]. We knew we could make it through the year, but we were in a situation that if we didn't have a cash injection, we would have been at risk.” On track there was the unprecedented situation caused by the unique 2020/2021 campaigns of frozen car development where Brown felt the new team of Andreas Seidl and James Key had the good fortune to inherit a competitive package, and duly get the credit for the previous regime’s efforts. “Everyone kind of thought with the new people that had come in, Seidl, James Key ‘like, wow, look at what they've done in ‘21’ and it was actually the team before," said Brown. "So really the first time their collective work was seen was ’22.” A difficult start to that year, allied to problems Daniel Ricciardo faced, triggered concern for Brown. But the eureka moment for him that things were not where they needed to be came at that year’s French Grand Prix when a much hyped upgrade package failed to deliver. Brown said: “It didn't work, and the response from the leadership, that was not what I expected. I thought we're in trouble now. So I had some pretty serious conversations.” Over the summer break, Brown dealt with the Ricciardo issue as the team and driver reached a deal to end their partnership at the end of the year. Brown also decided, after Seidl had come to him saying he had signed a contract to join Audi, to agree to an early exit so he could make the internal change he wanted: putting current team boss Andrea Stella in charge. “I could have gone [to Seidl], ‘no, hang out your contract’," said Brown. "But it was like, no, actually, congratulations, you can join tomorrow. “I'd actually wanted Andrea Stella to run the team before I made that decision, but he had originally turned it down [over the 2019/2020 winter]. He felt he wasn't ready, and that's the type of guy Andrea is. He’s not ego-driven.” Brown recalls his second more successful attempt to convince Stella to join once it became clear that Seidl would be moving on. “I went: ‘Andrea, I really need you'," added Brown. "He tells a funny story. I was calling, he was having an espresso, and he was like, I need another espresso! “He didn’t accept it on the first call. He was like, ‘let me think about this, it is a big ask.’ But ultimately, I got him over the line.” The Stella impact Brown tasked Stella with doing a root and branches review of the racing team to help shape it in a way that he felt would work best. And, while the Italian had not been willing to shake the tree in his previous capacity as an engineer, now he was in a different role. “I asked him to look at everything," said Brown. "He'd obviously been paying attention, and he's a guy who stays in his lane of authority. But now I was like: ‘I want you to have total authority.’ “We knew the start of '23 was going to be a mess. We made some changes. James Key and Tony Salter, left, and it empowered people like Pete Prodromou, who had been a bit sidelined. “We just put the right guys back in charge, because we didn't really make many new hires. We just restructured it. We then told the media: ‘We're going to have a terrible start to ’23.' And we were spot on! “Then there was the hard part. We were getting blasted by everyone, but our partners were hanging in there, because we'd been on a nice journey, and the shareholders were totally hanging in there. “They all wanted to know, what are you doing? You need to fix this! But I never felt that they weren't going to give me the opportunity.” That beginning of 2023 offered a disconnect between the results the team was delivering on track and the rapid rate of progress with upgrades that were taking place at the factory. Brown said: “We started to see a rate development. Then we had this weird dynamic of getting killed on the race track and publicly slaughtered, with a quiet confidence back at the factory. “I think what was good was we knew we were going to be bad in ‘23 and we called our shot. So it wasn't like we were scratching our head. We knew we weren't going to be good. “At this point, we had got plenty of sponsorship and there was a lot of belief in Andrea's leadership, and that leadership team were firing on all cylinders, right? Across finance, HR, comms, commercial. We were very united, and it made us stronger.” The final steps Confirmation of the upwards trajectory came at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, when a planned big upgrade did the job. “Andrea kind of called his shot at Austria, which was out of character for him,” added Brown. “He was like, ‘oh, that's going to be a big one.’ “We rolled it out on Lando's car. It was strong, but then afterwards we knew Lando was always good there, so was it him or was it the car? But then at Silverstone it was 'wow'.” From that moment on, McLaren has built on its form. Developments have worked and the progress has been steady so that when that Miami upgrade arrived in May this year, it catapulted the squad to the front. Brown thinks McLaren is now back to the kind of team that he originally fell in love in. “I think we're on our A-game now,” he said. “We've got the best sponsor portfolio on the grid. I think we have record revenues. We are profitable, which is a sign of the success we've had on track. “But we go racing for trophies, not for economics. I think we're back to the McLaren I knew, which was, 'oh did you see what McLaren did on track or off track.' And I put it all down to people at the end of the day. “We've all got great wind tunnels. We've all got great CFD. But it's the people that make the difference.” And the key focus for Brown now, as his squad celebrates that first F1 constructors’ title since 1998, is ensuring it doesn’t drop the ball now. “If you look at some of the other teams out there, that have got great technology, great drivers, and kind of slid backwards, I think it's because the culture's not where it needs to be,” he said. “My primary goal now is to bottle up what we have right now, add to it where I can, but not let anyone eat, as Andrea calls them, the poison biscuits – which is the politics internally, or the politics that people try and lob in. “It's easy to happen when we have a bad weekend or a weekend we could have done better, but the way Andrea is able to pick the team up and go 'don't go there' it is amazing. It's don't start blaming each other. We're a team. It's just kept us really solid.” In this article Jonathan Noble Formula 1 Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics Subscribe to news alertsShoppers are ready to drop some cash this holiday season as total spending this year is expected to be at least $24 billion higher than last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Online shopping is still the biggest hit, but in-person shopping is making a comeback and the NRF predicts nearly half of all shoppers will head to department and discount stores to knock out their shopping lists. Store owners at the Galleria at Sunset in Henderson, Nevada, said it just gets busier each year. “Black Friday was great. We hit goal. We actually passed goal, so that was good. It’s better than last year. So that was good for us. Everybody always likes to try on stuff, too. So I think that’s what keeps the malls open,” said Bring it Back owner Brandon Nova. Some spots at the Galleria at Sunset are seeing a flood of visitors, especially during the holiday season. Store owners and employee said the customers want that in-person experience. The mall’s general manager said it hasn’t been this busy since the pandemic. “I would say since COVID, it’s been the first holiday season where ... we’re feeling the holiday spirit. The customers, you can just feel that they’re happy to be out shopping, happy to be out, you know, experiencing the holiday season,” said Galleria at Sunset general manager Heather Cox. There has been a huge rebound in in-person shopping over the last four years as consumers start to enjoy the social aspect of going to the mall again, according to the NRF. “We, as consumers, don’t shop just because we need something,” said Mark Mathews, NRF’s executive director of research. “One of the main reasons that people go out is for deals, but it’s also to be with family and friends and be engaged and a fun activity. And for a lot of people, shopping is a fun activity. So, you know, I don’t think we’re going to ever see an end of in-store shopping.” Gift cards are the most popular item on people’s wish lists this year, followed by clothes and accessories, then books and other media, according to the NRF.
Ottawa, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global healthcare and medical simulation market size was valued at USD 2.38 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 6.32 billion by 2033, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Statistics. Download statistics of this report @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-statistics/5310 Healthcare and Medical Simulation: Transforming Medical Training and Patient Safety The healthcare and medical simulation market involves the use of various technologies, products and services, and simulation software to create realistic training environments for healthcare professionals. Simulation technologies are an ideal solution to enhance medical education, training, and patient safety. Healthcare organizations are increasingly adopting human patient simulators (HPSs) to capture skills in cognitive-communication procedural performance and psychomotor processes to improve quality and practice safety by minimizing adverse events. It is a safe way to learn clinical skills without endangering patients’ lives and has become crucial in medical training. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in every 10 patients is harmed in health care, which highlights the need for appropriate methods, such as simulation, to reduce this number. Governments, health agencies, and academic institutes worldwide have recognized the effectiveness and importance of simulation learning. Thus, they are dedicating large budgets to establishing new simulation centers. The European Union focuses on simulation through the Horizon 2020 Program. The rising demand for effective training methods in medical institutions and the increasing need for skilled healthcare professionals are expected to contribute to market expansion. Major Trends in the Healthcare and Medical Simulation Market Strong Emphasis on Patient Safety and Reducing Medical Errors: Medical errors are a leading concern in healthcare systems worldwide. Deeply rooted in the theoretical framework of simulation theory, it is an effective way to train healthcare professionals since it creates a real-life, confined training environment where personnel practice effectively. The rationale for this approach is that it minimizes the chances of making errors when solving real-life clinical problems. According to the WHO, more than 3 million deaths occur annually across the globe due to unsafe care. This underscores the critical role of simulation-based education in improving healthcare outcomes. Technological Advancements in Simulation: Ongoing advancements in simulation technology, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and high-fidelity mannequins, are making simulations more realistic. Such innovations allow users to gain a learning experience that provides mock representations of real-life situations that help with clinical skills. The FDA recognizes the effectiveness of AR and VR in medical education and improved surgical accuracy. Furthermore, integrating AI technologies in medical simulation offers methods in which learning adapts to the user’s level in the simulation. Artificial intelligence is also improving training and decision-making to make medical education almost perfect, thereby enhancing the quality of care and patient safety. Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Surgeries: With the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures, there is an increased need for highly specialized training to ensure healthcare providers can perform these complex surgeries with precision. There is a growing need to expand access to resources aimed at mastering clinical practice abilities, which simulation platforms can meet. They otherwise provide the practitioners with opportunities to practice complex procedures, including laparoscopic surgeries, robotic surgeries, and endoscopic interventions, all without compromising the safety of the patient. Furthermore, the push for interprofessional education is encouraging the use of simulations that allow different healthcare disciplines to train together. Get the latest insights on healthcare industry segmentation with our Annual Membership: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/get-an-annual-membership Regional Insights Technological Advancements Supported North America’s Dominance: What till 2040? North America dominated the healthcare and medical simulation market with the largest share in 2023. This is mainly due to the increased availability of advanced healthcare technology. The region, particularly the U.S., is at the forefront of technological advancements, leading to rapid innovations in simulation technologies. Early adoption of modern technologies and strong focus on patient safety further propelled the regional market growth. In addition, rising grants and funding programs by government and private organizations to implement a sophisticated simulation-based education contribute to market in the region. Asia Pacific: The Fastest-growing Region The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at the fastest growth rate in the coming years. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for healthcare simulation to enhance patient care. The increasing focus on a patient-centric approach and patient safety is encouraging the adoption of advanced healthcare training solutions, including healthcare simulation. However, simulation-based training is efficient for improving patient care and safety. Moreover, rising government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure can have a positive impact on the regional market. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com Healthcare and Medical Simulation Market Segmentation By product and services , the anatomical models segment dominated the market in 2023. This is mainly due to their widespread use in medical education, training, and surgical planning. These models offer a realistic representation of human anatomy for hands-on learning and practice. By technology , the procedural rehearsal technology segment registered dominance in the market in 2023 owing to its ability to provide realistic, immersive simulations that allow medical professionals to practice complex procedures in a risk-free environment. This technology enhances skills and improves patient outcomes. By end-use , the academic institutes segment dominated the market for healthcare and medical simulation in 2023. This is mainly due to the rising number of medical students in institutions, the availability of favorable infrastructure, and the increasing focus on research in medical simulators. Competitive Landscape The healthcare simulation market is evolving rapidly with the ongoing technological advancements. Key players operating in the healthcare and medical simulation market include 3D Systems, Inc., CAE Healthcare, Inc., Simulations Plus, Inc., SGMC Health, Oxford Medical Simulation, GigXR, Inc., SimX, Medical-X, Laerdal Medical, Mentice, Gaumard Scientific, and Simulaids. These companies are focusing on bringing innovations to the market to advance healthcare education. Recent Developments In March 2024 , Wolters Kluwer Health launched two resources to advance simulation in nursing education, helping nursing students build actionable skills from classroom knowledge: a new book titled A Practical Guide for Nurse Practitioner Faculty Using Simulation in Competency-Based Education and an upcoming webinar, “Simulation in Competency-Based Nurse Practitioner Education.” In November 2023 , the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai inaugurated its state-of-the-art high-fidelity Simulation Lab. This milestone highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing medical training, fostering innovation, and enhancing clinical performance. In July 2024 , MediSim VR, a leader in healthcare simulation training technology, announced the establishment of Chennai's first Center of Excellence (CoE) VR lab at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER). This state-of-the-art facility provides immersive, interactive VR training for medical students across the nation. Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare: The robotic dentistry market was valued at US$ 535 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 2,585.94 million by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2024 to 2034. The smart ward market was valued at US$ 3.06 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 11.83 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2024 to 2034. The AI-powered retina image analysis market is rapidly advancing globally, with revenue expectations reaching hundreds of millions between 2024 and 2034. The global AI in drug discovery market was valued at US$ 1,385.01 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$ 10,838.70 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 23.22% from 2024 to 2033. The global healthcare IT market was valued at US$ 238.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 1,404.55 billion by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2024 to 2034. The global electronic health records market size is estimated at USD 28.60 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 43.66 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.32% from 2024 to 2034. The global cell separation technologies market was valued at USD 15.84 billion in 2024, grew to USD 18.32 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 67.75 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 15.64% from 2024 to 2034. The global medical imaging informatics market was estimated at US$ 5.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to US$ 11.4 billion by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 6.85% from 2024 to 2034. The global biosimulation market size was valued at USD 3.97 billion in 2024, grew to USD 4.64 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 18.97 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 16.94% from 2024 to 2034. The global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in precision medicine market size is expected to grow from USD 2.74 billion in 2024 to USD 26.66 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 25.54% between 2024 and 2034. Segments Covered in the Report By Product and Services Anatomical Models Patient Simulators High-Fidelity Simulators Medium-Fidelity Simulators Low-Fidelity Simulators Task Trainers Interventional/Surgical Simulators Laparoscopic Surgical Simulators Gynaecology Surgical Simulators Cardiac Surgical Simulators Arthroscopic Surgical Simulators Other Interventional/Surgical Simulators Endovascular Simulators Ultrasound Simulators Dental Simulators Eye Simulators Web-Based Simulation Medical Simulation Software Performance Recording Software Virtual Tutors Simulation Training Services Vendor-Based Training Educational Societies Custom Consulting and Training Services By Technology Procedure Rehearsal Technology Virtual Patient Simulation 3D Printing By End-Use Academic Institutes Hospitals Military Organizations Research Medical Device Companies Others By Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Latin America Middle East and Africa (MEA) Discover our detailed Table of Contents (TOC) for the Healthcare and Medical Simulation Market @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/table-of-content/healthcare-and-medical-simulation-market-sizing Acquire our comprehensive analysis today @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/price/5310 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com Gain access to the latest insights and statistics in the healthcare industry by subscribing to our Annual Membership. Stay updated on healthcare industry segmentation with detailed reports, market trends, and expert analysis tailored to your needs. Stay ahead of the curve with valuable resources and strategic recommendations. Join today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the dynamic world of healthcare : Get a Subscription About Us Towards Healthcare is a leading global provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics to the healthcare sector, committed to forming creative connections that result in actionable insights and creative innovations. We are a global strategy consulting firm that assists business leaders in gaining a competitive edge and accelerating growth. We are a provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics to the healthcare sector, committed to forming creative connections that result in actionable insights and creative innovations. 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BERLIN (AP) — Adam Pemble, an Associated Press video journalist who covered some of the biggest global news of the past two decades, from earthquakes and conflicts to political summits and elections, has died. He was 52. Pemble died Thursday in Minneapolis surrounded by friends and family, according to his friend Mike Moe, who helped care for him in the final weeks of his fight against cancer. Known for bringing stories alive with his camera, Pemble epitomized the best of television news traditions, casting a curious and compassionate lens onto the lives of the people and communities whose stories he told. He joined the AP in 2007 in New York before moving to Prague in 2011 to help launch AP’s first cross-format operation combining photography, text stories and video. He enhanced Eastern European news coverage, creating distinctive stories highlighting the region's culture and society. “Adam was an incredibly talented and passionate journalist and an empathetic storyteller. He had this amazing ability to get anyone to talk to him on camera, which I attribute to the Midwestern charm he embodied throughout his life." said Sara Gillesby, AP’s Director of Global Video and Pemble’s former manager in New York when he joined the AP. "He was the best of us.” Pemble was born in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, in 1972 and grew up in Minneapolis. After graduating with a degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead, he started his journalism career in 1997 at KVLY, a television station in Fargo, North Dakota, and later worked at WCCO in Minneapolis. “He had the skills of the old-school camera people to meet a deadline and turn a beautiful story,” said Arthur Phillips, a cameraman who worked with Pemble at WCCO. “But he had a calling for greater things.” Moving to New York, Pemble covered some of the biggest stories in the city, including the trial of Bernie Madoff, interviews with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and with then-real estate developer, now U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump. He went to Haiti to cover the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, where he captured shocking images of devastation. A few weeks later he was in Vancouver, covering the Winter Olympics. With his transfer to Prague, Pemble quickly became the go-to video journalist deployed to the biggest news events in Europe, interviewing government leaders, covering violent protests, the aftermath of terror attacks and numerous national elections across the continent. “An inquiring mind, a keen eye and a healthy skepticism for those in power who tried to spin away from truth all combined to make Adam’s stories as rich in color as he was in character," said Sandy MacIntyre, former AP head of global video. "Time and again he was asked to do the impossible and without fail he delivered the exceptional.” ”But more than all of that, he was the colleague and friend you wanted by your side because if Adam was there we knew we were going to be the winning team.” As civil unrest rocked Ukraine in 2014, Pemble reported from Kyiv and later Donetsk, where he covered the first Russian-backed demonstrations before spending weeks in Crimea during Russia's annexation of the strategic peninsula. His video reports included the last remaining Ukrainian sailors loyal to Kyiv finally abandoning their ship and coming ashore. With the Russian national anthem playing from a car in the background, his final shot showed two distraught sailors heckled as they walked away. Pemble returned to Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country in 2022. Among his many assignments was filming the exclusive March 2023 AP interview by Executive Editor Julie Pace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a train shuttled them across Ukraine to cities near some of the fiercest fighting. “Adam showed up to every assignment with enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to his work and his colleagues. He loved what he did, and so many of us at AP are better for having worked alongside him,” Pace said. When not deployed overseas, Pemble set his camera's gaze on his new home in the Czech Republic, offering insight into the traditions and unique stories of Eastern Europe. From Christmas carp fishing at sunrise to graffiti artists in Prague, to the intimate story of a Slovak priest challenging the celibacy rules of the Catholic Church, he brought his unmistakable style. He worked with a traditional large broadcast camera in an era where many video shooters shifted to smaller, lighter cameras. He always put himself in the right place to let reality unfold like “an old school analog painter in an often fast and furious digital age,” former AP cameraman Ben Jary recalled. Pemble's interest in visual storytelling led to experimenting with new technologies, including aerial videography. In 2015, he was the first major news agency camera operator to film live drone footage when reporting on the migration crisis in the Balkans. An avid gardener who planted trees and chilis on his rooftop in Prague, he was adventurous in the kitchen and especially proud of his vegan “meatloaf,” friends said. He loved a seedy dive bar as much as a Michelin restaurant, and foods as varied as charcoal choux pastry with truffle creme and his favorite road trip junk food, Slim Jim’s jerky and Salted Nut Rolls. Pemble’s wit, wisdom, energy and positivity enriched the lives and experiences of those around him, friends and colleagues recalled. “If someone asked me to see a picture of quiet strength and courage, dignity and grace, and most of all kindness, I would show them a picture of a man for all seasons," said Dan Huff, a Washington-based AP video journalist, "I would show them a picture of Adam Pemble."SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — SMU will visit Penn State in the opening round of the College Football Playoff with the winner advancing to face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Mustangs lost 34-31 to No. 13 Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game but earned the No. 11 seed as the CFP's last at-large selection over Alabama on Sunday. SMU's berth gave the ACC two teams in the 12-team playoff a year after unbeaten Florida State was left out of the four-team bracket. Penn State earned the CFP's No. 6 seed after losing 45-37 to top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship. The winner will face No. 8 Boise State and electric running back Ashton Jeanty at Glendale's State Farm Stadium on Dec. 31. The Mountain West champion Broncos (12-1) were awarded the No. 3 seed in the CFP over Big 12 champion Arizona State. Boise State has a strong history at the Fiesta Bowl, starting with its wild win over Oklahoma in 2007. The Broncos lost to Oregon by three early in the season, then closed the season with 11 straight wins. SMU (11-2) has made a long climb back to relevance since receiving the death penalty from the NCAA in 1987. Coach Rhett Lashlee has ushered the Mustangs into a new era, leading them to three straight bowl games and consecutive 11-win seasons — the latest good enough for a CFP berth. The Nittany Lions (11-2) overcame their own scandal to reach the CFP for the first time. James Franklin has steadied the program since the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal led to the firing of longtime coach Joe Paterno in 2011. The Nittany Lions have won at least 10 games six times in 11 seasons under Franklin. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThe Invisible Labor ‘Nightbitch’ Director Marielle Heller Puts Into Making Motherhood Visible
Boys basketball: Talented BOLD ready to do some damage