BC back Dillon secures ACC Rookie of the Year
Boston College freshman running back AJ Dillon became the first player in the football program’s history to be named ACC Rookie of the Year yesterday. Dillon, who also received the nod as ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, was selected as the league’s top overall firstyear player by 47 voters on a select panel of 45 media members and the league’s 14 head coaches.
A native of New London, Conn., Dillon has rushed for 1,432 yards, the second-highest total by any freshman in ACC history. He already holds the BC freshman rushing record heading into the Eagles’ bowl game and is tied for sixth on the school’s single-season rushing chart.
Miami coach Mark Richt was named the ACC’s coach of the year, easily besting Dabo Swinney of Clemson . . . .
A person with direct knowledge of the decision said Mississippi State will hire Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead as its next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because a deal was still being finalized.
Moorhead replaces Dan Mullen, who left Mississippi State after nine years to become Florida’s coach . . . .
Former Syracuse tailback Walter Reyes, second all-time on the school’s rushing list, has died, according to the Trumbull County (Ohio) Coroner’s office. He was 36.
Reyes died Sunday night after complaining of stomach pain for several days. He died at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, the coroner’s office said.
Beltran on deck for Yankees
Carlos Beltran will interview today for the New York Yankees’ managerial opening, according to Newsday, making him the sixth candidate to be considered for the job. Beltran, 40, retired after capping his 20-year playing career by winning a World Series championship with the Houston Astros earlier this month. But he played parts of three seasons with the Yankees from 2014-16 . . . .
The NWSL’s Houston Dash have named former Dutch international Vera Pauw as their team’s new head coach.
Man U keeps pace in Premier
A first-half double from Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard’s long solo goal helped Manchester United beat Watford 4-2 to keep in sight of Premier League leader Manchester City.
Watford fought back from 3-0 down with goals in the 77th and 84th minutes, but Lingard ensured the hosts would not complete the comeback by running from inside his own half, skipping past two defenders before finding the corner . . . .
Tottenham slipped up again in the Premier League by losing 2-1 at Leicester thanks to beautifully taken goals by Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez ....
Gareth Bale needed only a few minutes to help Real Madrid secure a spot in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Bale came off the bench after a long injury layoff to set up two goals and help Madrid’s reserves secure a 2-2 draw against third-division Fuenlabrada.