“THE SCOREBOARD”
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL-SEMI STATE MATCH-UPS
6A
WESTFIELD (11-1) AT CROWN POINT (12-0)
CENTER GROVE (11-1) AT BEN DAVIS (11-1)
5A
MERRILLVILLE (10-2) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (11-1)
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (11-1) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (10-2)
4A
NORTHWOOD (11-2) AT LEO (11-2)
NEW PALESTINE (11-2) AT EAST CENTRAL (13-0)
3A
KNOX (13-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (13-0)
GIBSON SOUTHERN (11-2) AT HERITAGE HILLS (12-1)
2A
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (10-3) AT FORT WAYNE LUERS (10-3)
NORTH JUDSON (9-4) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (13-0)
1A
INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (11-0) AT SHERIDAN (10-3)
SOUTHMONT (8-5) AT NORTH POSEY (12-1) (SATURDAY)
INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES
ALEXANDRIA 60, YORKTOWN 43
ATTICA 35, S. VERMILLION 7
BARR-REEVE 52, EVANSVILLE CHRISTIAN 49, OT
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 52, SOUTHPORT 33
CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL 37, INDPLS TINDLEY 27
CLAY CITY 41, W. VIGO 29
COLUMBUS NORTH 77, NEW ALBANY 53
DEMOTTE CHRISTIAN 39, BOONE GROVE 29
EASTERN HANCOCK 58, COWAN 12
EMINENCE 23, OWEN VALLEY 21
EVANSVILLE BOSSE 49, CANNELTON 15
FAIRFIELD 48, CHURUBUSCO 34
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL 58, FRONTIER 30
GOSHEN 48, WESTVIEW 25
HAMMOND MORTON 82, CALUMET 11
INDPLS ATTUCKS 37, INDPLS RITTER 26
INDPLS SHORTRIDGE 59, INDPLS RIVERSIDE 6
KNOX 47, PIONEER 24
LANESVILLE 68, CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 27
LINTON 32, N. CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) 28
LOOGOOTEE 45, SHOALS 39
MICHIGAN CITY MARQUETTE 66, GARY WEST 12
MONROE CENTRAL 35, RANDOLPH SOUTHERN 18
N. KNOX 49, VINCENNES RIVET 22
N. VERMILLION 54, WESTVILLE, ILL. 23
NORTHWOOD 52, W. NOBLE 38
ORLEANS 39, DUBOIS 34
PARIS, ILL. 30, NORTH VIGO 25
PLYMOUTH 53, TRITON 39
RIVERTON PARKE 45, UNION (DUGGER) 29
ROCHESTER 38, PERU 28
SCOTTSBURG 49, FLOYD CENTRAL 47
SHERIDAN 55, COVENANT CHRISTIAN 46, OT
TECUMSEH 71, EVANSVILLE HARRISON 50
TRI-TOWNSHIP 48, ILLIANA CHRISTIAN 27
VINCENNES (SOUTH KNOX— 77, EVANSVILLE MATER DEI 45
VINCENNES 64, SOUTH
VINCENNES 64, SOUTH VIGO 19
WARREN CENTRAL 84, NEW PALESTINE 57
WINAMAC 53, N. WHITE 17
JOHNSON COUNTY TOURNAMENT
SEMIFINAL
CENTER GROVE 61, INDIAN CREEK 52, OT
FRANKLIN 68, WHITELAND 30
LAFAYETTE TOURNAMENT
CONSOLATION
TWIN LAKES 52, MCCUTCHEON 49
SEMIFINAL
W. LAFAYETTE 43, LAFAYETTE CATHOLIC 34
SUGAR CREEK TOURNAMENT
FIRST ROUND
N. MONTGOMERY 32, CRAWFORDSVILLE 29
SOUTHMONT 61, WESTERN BOONE 47
NFL WEEK 11
BALTIMORE 34 CINCINNATI 20
DALLAS COWBOYS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
CHICAGO BEARS AT DETROIT LIONS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P FOX
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT HOUSTON TEXANS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1:05P (PT) 4:05P FOX
NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS 4:25P (ET) 4:25P CBS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LOS ANGELES RAMS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P CBS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DENVER BRONCOS 6:20P (MT) 8:20P NBC*
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (MON) 7:15P (CT) 8:15P ESPN/ABC
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, NOV. 16
PITTSBURGH 24 BOSTON COLLEGE 16
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
SOUTH FLORIDA AT UTSA | 9 P.M. | ESPN2
COLORADO AT WASHINGTON STATE | 10:30 P.M. | FS1
SATURDAY, NOV. 18
NO. 3 MICHIGAN AT MARYLAND | 12 P.M. | FOX
CHATTANOOGA AT NO. 8ALABAMA | 12 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
UL MONROE AT NO. 13 OLE MISS | 12 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
RUTGERS AT NO. 12 PENN STATE | 12 P.M. | FS1
NO. 10 LOUISVILLE AT MIAMI (FLA.) | 12 P.M. | ABC
NO. 14 OKLAHOMA AT BYU | 12 P.M. | ESPN
NO. 25 TULANE AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
COASTAL CAROLINA AT ARMY | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
MICHIGAN STATE AT INDIANA | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTHERN MISS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
PURDUE AT NORTHWESTERN | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT TEXAS A&M | 12 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
EAST CAROLINA AT NAVY | 12 P.M. | ESPNN/ESPN+
SMU AT MEMPHIS | 12 P.M. | ESPN2
BUCKNELL AT MARIST | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
GEORGETOWN AT HOLY CROSS | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
LAFAYETTE AT LEHIGH | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
DARTMOUTH AT BROWN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
HARVARD AT YALE | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN ILLINOIS AT ROBERT MORRIS | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
FURMAN AT WOFFORD | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN CAROLINA AT VMI | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
UMASS AT LIBERTY | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
MORGAN STATE AT HOWARD | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
COLUMBIA AT CORNELL | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE AT BRYANT | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN AT GARDNER-WEBB | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
UT MARTIN AT SAMFORD | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
MOREHEAD STATE AT PRESBYTERIAN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
THE CITADEL AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
FORDHAM AT COLGATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
PRINCETON AT PENN | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
LOUISIANA TECH AT JACKSONVILLE STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
UTEP AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
RICE AT CHARLOTTE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
APPALACHIAN STATE AT JAMES MADISON | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
KENT STATE AT BALL STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
DELAWARE STATE AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT NORFOLK STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
ILLINOIS STATE AT NORTH DAKOTA | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT AUSTIN PEAY | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN AT EASTERN KENTUCKY | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
MONTANA STATE AT MONTANA | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
PORTLAND STATE AT NORTHERN COLORADO | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
INDIANA STATE AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT MURRAY STATE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTH DAKOTA AT WESTERN ILLINOIS | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
NO. 22 UTAH AT NO. 17 ARIZONA | 2:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
CINCINNATI AT WEST VIRGINIA | 2:30 P.M. | ESPN+
DUKE AT VIRGINIA | 3 P.M. | CW NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS AT TULSA | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
TEMPLE AT UAB | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS STATE AT ARKANSAS STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
ALABAMA STATE AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
ALCORN STATE AT JACKSON STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
SACRAMENTO STATE AT UC DAVIS | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSOURI STATE AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
UIW AT HOUSTON CHRISTIAN | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE TECH AT TENNESSEE STATE | 3 P.M. | ESPN+
NO. 1 GEORGIA AT TENNESSEE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
WAKE FOREST AT NO. 19 NOTRE DAME | 3:30 P.M. | NBC
ILLINOIS AT NO. 16 IOWA | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
NO. 20 NORTH CAROLINA AT CLEMSON | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
SAM HOUSTON AT WESTERN KENTUCKY | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
UCLA AT USC | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
NC STATE AT VIRGINIA TECH | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
BAYLOR AT TCU | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
LOUISIANA AT TROY | 3:30 P.M. | NFL NETWORK
UNLV AT AIR FORCE | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
BETHUNE-COOKMAN VS. FLORIDA A&M (ORLANDO, FLORIDA) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPNU
MINNESOTA AT NO. 2 OHIO STATE | 4 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
NO. 6 OREGON AT ARIZONA STATE | 4 P.M. | FOX
NO. 23 OKLAHOMA STATE AT HOUSTON | 4 P.M. | ESPN2
NEW MEXICO STATE AT AUBURN | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTHERN ARIZONA AT EASTERN WASHINGTON | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
MCNEESE AT LAMAR | 4 P.M. | ESPN+
UCF AT TEXAS TECH | 5 P.M. | FS2
MARSHALL AT SOUTH ALABAMA | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT UNI | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
OLD DOMINION AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTH ALABAMA AT NO. 3 FLORIDA STATE | 6:30 P.M. | CW NETWORK
CAL AT STANFORD | 6:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
NO. 21 KANSAS STATE AT NO. 25 KANSAS | 7 P.M. | FS1
BOISE STATE AT UTAH STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
SOUTHERN UTAH AT UTAH TECH | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
IDAHO STATE AT IDAHO | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
NO. 5 WASHINGTON AT NO. 11 OREGON STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
FLORIDA AT NO. 9 MISSOURI | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT ARKANSAS | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
KENTUCKY AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NEBRASKA AT WISCONSIN | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
NO. 7 TEXAS AT IOWA STATE | 8 P.M. | FOX
GEORGIA STATE AT NO. 15 LSU | 8 P.M. | ESPN2
SYRACUSE AT GEORGIA TECH | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
WEBER STATE AT CAL POLY | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
NEW MEXICO AT FRESNO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | FS1
SAN DIEGO STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
MEN’S TOP 25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCORES
#6 HOUSTON 65 TOWSON 49
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 SCOREBOARD
#1 SOUTH CAROLINA 109 CLEMSON 40
KANSAS STATE 65 #2 IOWA 58
#6 STANFORD 86 CAL POLY 32
#8 UCONN 80 #20 MARYLAND 48
#9 VIRGINIA TECH 105 HOUSTON BAPTIST 36
#13 OHIO STATE 88 BOSTON COLLEGE 66
#19 LOUISVILLE 111 BELLERMINE 33
GREEN BAY 65 #22 CREIGHTON 53
NBA SCOREBOARD
MIAMI 122 BROOKLYN 115
OKLAHOMA CITY 128 GOLDEN STATE 109
NHL SCOREBOARD
OTTAWA 5 DETROIT 4 OT
ARIZONA 3 COLUMBUS 2
VEGAS 6 MONTRÉAL 5
NEW JERSEY 5 PITTSBURGH 2
TAMPA BAY 4 CHICAGO 2
CALGARY 5 VANCOUVER 2
SEATTLE 4 NY ISLANDERS 3
LOS ANGELES 2 FLORIDA 1
SAN JOSE 5 ST. LOUIS 1
NATIONAL SPORTS RELEASES/HEADLINES
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
OREGON STATE, WASHINGTON STATE WORKING TO KEEP PAC-12 OPEN, ALIGN WITH MOUNTAIN WEST, AP SOURCES SAY
Oregon State and Washington State are moving toward keeping the Pac-12 alive as a two-team conference for as long as two years while entering an agreement with the Mountain West that will allow the Pacific Northwest schools to fill out their sports schedules, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The agreement could set the stage for a long-term deal between Oregon State and Washington State and the Mountain West. What that looks like is unlikely to be determined soon, said the people, who spoke only on condition of anonymity because neither the schools nor the Mountain West were making their negotiations and internal discussions public.
In the short-term, Oregon State and Washington State would get the clarity about conference affiliation they need to give their coaches, athletes and recruits. The Mountain West would get a payout from the schools and alignment with programs that have been competitive at the Power Five level.
Oregon State is currently ranked 10th in the country in The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll.
One of the people said if an agreement with the Mountain West cannot be reached, Oregon State and Washington State are still comfortable with operating as a two-team Pac-12 after the other 10 schools depart next summer, but acknowledged filling out schedules for more than a dozen sports each school sponsors would be challenging.
Oregon State and Washington State won a significant legal victory earlier this week that gave them sole control of the Pac-12 and potentially hundreds of millions in assets, paving the way for them to move forward on clarifying their future plans for conference affiliation.
“Today’s news allows Washington State University and Oregon State University to start that process as the controlling members of the Pac-12 Conference Board,” Washington State President Kirk Schulz said earlier this week in a statement.
The Pac-12 was ravaged by conference realignment moves over the past two years, starting with Southern California and UCLA announcing in 2022 they would join the Big Ten in 2024.
This past summer, in the span of about a month, Washington and Oregon revealed plans to also join the Big Ten; Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah said they would join the Big 12; and Stanford and California announced they were moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
That left Oregon State and Washington State on their own, facing a daunting future with dramatically reduced revenue streams.
The schools’ leaders determined the best path forward was to try to rebuild the Pac-12, which still has two years left of multimillion-dollar payouts from the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff.
Exit fees in other conferences would make it difficult for other schools to join the Pac-12 on short-notice.
Since the NCAA allows a two-year grace period for a conference to operate with as few as two schools, Oregon State and Washington State want to do that for 2024 and possibly 2025.
The plan being worked on would call for Oregon State and Washington State to play schedules mostly against Mountain West schools, though neither would be eligible for the conference championship.
In football, that would mean at least six games each against Mountain West schools for the Beavers and Cougars over the next two years.
The Mountain West is comprised of Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, UNLV, Utah State, San Diego State, San Jose State and Wyoming.
TOP 25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
NO. 8 ALABAMA REMAINS IN CFP CHASE, WELCOMES CHATTANOOGA
No. 8 Alabama takes a break from the rigors of the Southeastern Conference when it takes on FCS program Chattanooga on Saturday at Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The Crimson Tide clinched a spot in the SEC Championship Game with last weekend’s 49-21 rout of host Kentucky. Alabama (9-1) has reeled off eight straight victories since a Week 2 loss to then-No. 11 Texas.
But Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is emphasizing to the players that they need to approach the contest against Chattanooga (7-3) in the same serious manner that they would a conference foe.
“This is either a game that you focus on correctly, you go out and practice and prepare correctly, and you build on the momentum that you’ve improved with over the last few weeks and that helps you get better for what’s coming up in the future,” Saban told reporters. “If you don’t do that, you don’t have a good showing, you sort of lose your rhythm — and rhythm is a little bit like momentum. Sometimes, you lose momentum in the game, it’s hard to get it back.”
Alabama has won its past three games by an average of 18.7 points, scoring at least 34 points in each contest. The other two victories were against then-No. 17 Tennessee and then-No. 14 LSU.
Saban doesn’t want there to be a drop-off down the stretch with two regular-season games remaining before the Dec. 2 title matchup against top-ranked Georgia.
“If you’re going to peak at the right time, you can’t have peaks and valleys,” Saban said. “You have to keep going in the right direction, and that’s what we want to get our players to focus on this week in practice in preparation for this game.”
One player excelling at a high level is quarterback Jalen Milroe, who became the first Crimson Tide player to pass for three touchdowns and rush for three scores in the same game during the victory over Kentucky.
The previous week, Milroe became the first Alabama quarterback to rush for four touchdowns in a single game.
Over the past five games, Milroe has passed for 10 touchdowns and rushed for eight.
“I think the team has a lot of confidence in him,” Saban said of Milroe. “He’s become a leader. He’s given us an opportunity to get where we want to go.”
Chattanooga, which is ranked 16th in the FCS Coaches Poll, is coming off a bye. The previous week, it lost 17-14 at home to No. 2 Furman in a setback that put the Mocs on the bubble for an at-large FCS playoff spot.
Chattanooga coach Rusty Wright is confident the game against the Crimson Tide won’t be his team’s final game of the season.
“We still have a lot to play for,” Wright said. “I believe in my heart that we’re going to play again (after Alabama). I don’t have any ideas or clues, but in my heart I know what this team’s been through and we should still be ready to play.”
Chase Artopoeus has passed for 2,672 yards and 20 touchdowns against seven interceptions for the Mocs.
Defensively, preseason All-American cornerback Kameron Brown has three interceptions — including his second career touchdown return — to raise his career total to 11.
Alabama is 13-0 all-time against Chattanooga. The Crimson Tide won the last meeting, 31-3 in 2016.
NO. 14 OKLAHOMA MAKES MAIDEN VOYAGE TO BYU
Oklahoma is looking for consistency and BYU is looking for a win.
The 14th-ranked Sooners take on the Cougars in Provo, Utah, with plenty on the line.
For Oklahoma (8-2, 5-2 Big 12), it’s a chance to at least stay in the race to make the Big 12 Championship Game heading into the season’s final week.
BYU (5-5, 2-5) is looking to snap a three-game losing streak and clinch bowl eligibility for a sixth consecutive season.
The Cougars have struggled to adjust during their first season in the Big 12, especially on the defensive end.
After last week’s 45-13 loss to Iowa State, Cougars coach Kalani Sitake questioned whether his team believed in the defensive system. He backed off that a bit a couple days later.
“We are going against a different beast here,” Sitake said. “These are teams that have been at a Power Five level way longer than we have. I’m not making excuses. I’m just telling you, they are good players.”
Now they’ll face the top offense in the Big 12 in the Sooners, who are averaging 505.4 yards and 41.8 points per game.
BYU’s offense is last in the league in both categories, averaging 300 yards and 21.9 points.
During their current losing streak, the Cougars have been outscored 117-26.
BYU is hoping quarterback Kedon Slovis will be able to return after missing the last two games due to injury.
Junior Jake Retzlaff has started in Slovis’ place in losses to West Virginia and Iowa State.
“He is still banged up, not 100 percent yet,” Sitake said. “Last week, we felt like Jake gave us the better chance. This week, we will kinda see what it looks like.”
Oklahoma is coming off a 59-20 win over West Virginia that snapped a two-game losing streak. Both of the Sooners’ losses came on the road.
Over the last two games, senior receiver Drake Stoops has 22 catches for 298 yards and four touchdowns. He’s topped his career high in receiving yards in each game.
“Just a baller,” Sooners coach Brent Venables said of Stoops. “Just always doing the little things right. … Whether he’s cracking somebody to set up a run or a screen play or making the third-down catch, making the extraordinary catch look ordinary. And then his ability to run after the catch is different. He bounces off of guys.”
Saturday’s meeting is the third between the programs and the first since 2009.
The Cougars have won the only two meetings. They’ve never played in Provo.
While the Sooners haven’t played BYU in a while, several players on Oklahoma’s roster have, including quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
UCF, with Gabriel at quarterback, lost to BYU 49-23 in the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl.
That wasn’t one of Gabriel’s best games.
But he’s coming off his best overall game with the Sooners, with 423 yards and five touchdowns through the air and scoring three rushing touchdowns in the win over West Virginia where Gabriel moved into the top 10 in NCAA career passing yards.
“He’s a tremendous leader and a tremendous quarterback and I’d go to war with him every day,” Stoops said.
FACING FLORIDA ATLANTIC, NO. 24 TULANE EYES 9TH STRAIGHT WIN
Tulane’s season, which includes a current winning streak of eight games, is not for the weak of heart.
In each of its three most recent games, Tulane has won by three points or less.
“We’ll stop scaring our fans one day,” Tulane cornerback Jarius Monroe said after last Saturday’s 24-22 home win over Tulsa. “But these exciting games, that’s what Tulane football is all about.”
Perhaps the No. 24 Green Wave (9-1, 6-0) can play a “scare-free” game Saturday against host Florida Atlantic (4-6, 3-3) in Boca Raton in an American Athletic Conference game.
Tulane, favored by 9 1/2 points, is led by running back Makhi Hughes, who last week became the first freshman in Tulane’s 129-year football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards.
“It feels great,” said Hughes, who has 1,008 yards, six touchdowns and a 5.4 average per rush. “I give all credit to my offensive line. We always talk about getting 100 yards every game, and that’s what we’ve done.”
Indeed, Hughes, who was a three-star recruit out of Birmingham, Ala., per 247Sports, has rushed for more than 100 yards in six straight games.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder was rated behind 84 other running backs during his senior year of high school. He then sat out the 2022 season as a redshirt.
Meanwhile, Tulane and quarterback Michael Pratt may have a problem at wide receiver. Lawrence Keys III left the Tulsa game due to a lower-body injury. He leads Tulane receivers in catches (33), yards (599), TDs (seven) and average yards per reception (18.2).
In addition, Jha’Quan Jackson, who is second on the team among receivers in average yards per reception (17.5) and TDs (four), missed the Tulsa game due to an injury.
Pratt, meanwhile, is completing 68 percent of his passes and has 16 TD throws and just four interceptions.
On the other side, the Owls have dropped two straight games. With another defeat on Saturday, they would clinch their third straight losing season.
Tom Herman, who is in his first year at Florida Atlantic, entered this season with a career record of 54-22 while directing Houston (2015-16) and then Texas (2017-20).
“This is unchartered territory for me and most of my staff,” said Herman, who has never had a losing season. “You (reporters) are going to ask me a lot of questions that I don’t have great answers for right now.
“We have to prepare our tails off to beat a Top 25 team and keep ourselves in the running for a bowl game.”
The Owls are led by quarterback Daniel Richardson, who played parts of four seasons at Central Michigan. He is a veteran of 41 games, including 32 over the past three years at Central Michigan.
His best game this season came Oct. 14, when he completed 31 of 38 passes for a career-high 382 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-14 win at South Florida.
However, he has thrown a career-high nine interceptions. In fact, he has been intercepted in every game this season except the opener, when he tossed just two passes in a backup role.
Last week, in a 22-7 loss to East Carolina, Richardson threw for 151 yards and one interception.
Fortunately for the Owls, their defense came up with 15 tackles for losses to keep them in the game. They also held East Carolina to five field goals, and the Pirates’ lone touchdown came on a short field.
“I’m really proud of our defense,” Herman said. “They played well enough to win.”
NO. 3 MICHIGAN VIES FOR WIN NO. 1,000 IN CLASH VS. MARYLAND
Michigan’s football program is making a serious run for a College Football Playoff berth and America’s favorite soap opera at the same time.
The controversy swirling around coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff has taken many twists and turns. The team’s drive for a national championship, however, remains undeterred.
The Wolverines (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten), ranked No. 3 in the latest poll, will play their penultimate regular-season game against Maryland on Saturday at College Park, Md.
A victory would be the 1,000th in the program’s history.
Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti suspended Harbaugh for the remainder of the regular season amid an NCAA investigation into an alleged signal-stealing scandal. The school tried to secure a court injunction on Saturday to allow Harbaugh to coach against Penn State, but the hearing was delayed until this Friday.
A defiant Harbaugh said he’s looking forward to his day in court.
“Always kind of felt like it would be cool to get up there and thunder away at a jury like Tom Cruise in ‘A Few Good Men.’ Or be a judge like Judge Judy,” he said. “But alas, I did not go to law school. So this will be the first time I’ve ever really been (in) this situation.”
Harbaugh was suspended for the first three games this season for failure to cooperate with a separate NCAA investigation. If Friday’s hearing doesn’t go Michigan’s way, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore again will fill in for Harbaugh.
A tearful Moore expressed his love for Harbaugh and the program after a 24-15 win last week at Penn State, Michigan’s first close game all season.
The Wolverines relied heavily on their running game in the second half to wear down the Nittany Lions. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards combined for 36 carries, 197 yards and three touchdowns.
“I’m feeling a galvanized Michigan. … Everybody fighting like the team we’re supposed to be,” Harbaugh said. “That’s going to be tough to beat.”
With a showdown against No. 2 Ohio State looming on Nov. 25, the Wolverines easily could overlook the Terrapins (6-4, 3-4).
Maryland snapped a four-game losing streak and became bowl eligible on Saturday, but it wasn’t pretty. The Terrapins needed a last-second field goal from Jack Howes to edge Nebraska 13-10.
Maryland coach Mike Locksley is looking to pull off a shocker.
“We need to go into this game with confidence. Any time you win, it helps your confidence,” he said. “I think our team is excited about this opportunity. I mean, very few times in your career do you get to have what I call a breakthrough type of game, and you know, what a breakthrough this would be for our program.”
The Terrapins will need a big performance from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to pull off an upset. He’s passed for 2,769 yards and 22 touchdowns while getting picked off eight times.
Michigan has limited opponents to an average of 7.5 points per game.
“They are a well-oiled machine, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They play really sound,” Locksley said. “They don’t make a lot of mistakes, meaning you are going to have to execute at a really high level.”
The Terrapins aren’t focusing on Michigan’s off-field issues.
“What’s going on up in Ann Arbor has nothing to do with us,” Locksley said.
NO. 10 LOUISVILLE LOOKS TO BOOT MIAMI
A year ago, Jeff Brohm was coaching Purdue in the Big Ten title game. Now, he’s one win away from leading Louisville to its first appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
The Cardinals, No. 10 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, will travel to Coral Gables, Fla., on Saturday for a clash against Miami. Should Louisville win, it will face No. 4 Florida State the first weekend of December in Charlotte, N.C. for the ACC crown.
“If we win, then we definitely help our cause. … You need to play your best football at the end of the year,” Brohm said. “We just got to kind of regroup and pick the pieces up and understand that it’s going to take our best performance in order to beat Miami.”
Louisville (9-1, 6-1 ACC) is coming off a 31-24 win at home over Virginia last Thursday. The Cards trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, but outscored the Cavaliers 17-3 in the final period to take the win. Jack Plummer threw two touchdown passes, while Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo combined for 189 rushing yards.
The Cardinals’ defense has been impressive too, allowing just 17.1 points per game, which ranks 12th out of 133 FBS programs. This week, Louisville’s Ashton Gillotte was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after he had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks against Virginia. The junior from Boca Raton, Fla., has 10 sacks on the season and was also named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award this week.
Miami (6-4, 2-4 ACC) is coming off its second straight loss, falling 27-20 at rival Florida State on Saturday. After recent poor performances from Tyler Van Dyke, the Hurricanes played Emory Williams a significant amount of snaps under center in the loss, but he exited the game with an injured left arm. Miami coach Mario Cristobal confirmed this week that Williams is out for the rest of the season and that Van Dyke will start against Louisville.
“Being a quarterback at Miami, you’ve got to be tough. You’ve got to have thick skin. You’ve got to be a competitor. He’s all that,” Cristobal said of Van Dyke. “He handled last week like a pro, which means disappointed, upset, really fought hard all week — and it was a great week of practice by both guys. In fact, at the end of the week, the staff felt like, man, we’ve made a lot of progress.”
Van Dyke has not thrown a touchdown pass since an Oct. 14 loss to North Carolina. He is completing 66.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,086 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
While Louisville and Miami have a history of playing each other in football, this is the first time the two sides will play for the Howard Schnellenberger Trophy, which is a bronzed pair of the Louisville native’s boots. The late Schnellenberger coached the Hurricanes to a national championship, their first, in the 1983 season. He later coached the Cardinals from 1985 to 1994, a tenure that included a 10-win season and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 1990.
Louisville has never beaten Miami on the road in seven tries.
A win for the Cardinals would make Brohm the first Louisville coach to notch 10 wins in his first season.
NO. 13 OLE MISS BACK HOME TO FACE ULM WITH ‘A LOT TO PLAY FOR’
Ole Miss lost to Alabama in September to fall behind in the SEC West Division race. The Rebels lost to Georgia last week to snap a five-game winning streak.
Both of those games were on the road.
The No. 13 Rebels (8-2, 5-2) are 6-0 at home as they prepare to host Louisiana-Monroe in a non-conference game to conclude their home schedule Saturday.
“The chance to have an undefeated home season is awesome, so obviously a lot to play for with that,” Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said. “Senior day for our guys, a number of them to play their last game here, is special. We’re excited to get this opportunity to get to nine wins, and going undefeated at home would be great.”
The Rebels’ hopes of winning the SEC West fizzled with their 24-10 loss at Alabama, and they were still a national player in the top 10 of the CFP rankings before their 52-17 loss at Georgia.
“You are what you put on film that day. We weren’t very good,” Kiffin said. “When you get knocked down, do you get back up or do you stay down?”
Kiffin recognizes that Ole Miss has a quick turnaround after the game against ULM before it faces in-state rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night in Starkville, Miss.
It would be helpful to the Rebels to take command of Saturday’s game against the Warhawks early and get some starters some rest with a short week looming before such an important game.
“It’s always good for your players to have a lower play count,” Kiffin said. “It would be ideal to have lower snap counts, and it’s always good to get more guys experience.”
ULM is 2-8 overall 0-7 in the Sun Belt Conference after consecutive league losses to Southern Miss and Troy.
Warhawks coach Terry Bowden said his goal is to try to finish this season on a high note while setting a positive tone for next season.
“It’s been a year of perseverance,” Bowden said. “We’ve lost a lot of close games. You’ve got to keep your guys playing as hard as they can because if they’re getting better, you’re going to make the best you can out of this season.”
Bowden said he’s trying to balance being as competitive as possible in the last two games while getting a head start on next season.
He said he won’t play freshman quarterback Blake Murphy, who has played in three games as the backup to starter Jiya Wright, against the Rebels so he can play him in the season finale against in-state and Sun Belt Conference rival Louisiana-Lafayette without losing Murphy’s redshirt.
“We’ve got to think of what we can do to become better right now and then get ready for next season,” Bowden said. “Your first goal is trying to get your guys to get better every game and go into the last two games as good as we possibly can be.
“You don’t bench people and play rookies. Your upperclassmen have a chance to go out there and do the best they can. You want to make sure you honor them and you want to win.”
OFFENSES UNDER SCRUTINY AS RUTGERS VISITS NO. 12 PENN STATE
Besieged this week by questions about the firing of his offensive coordinator, Penn State coach James Franklin implored reporters to address the No. 12 Nittany Lions’ next opponent.
“At some point during this press conference I’d love to get just a few questions about Rutgers,” he said Monday.
Despite Franklin’s efforts, the visiting Scarlet Knights (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten) received little attention from the press corps ahead of the Saturday clash with the Nittany Lions (8-2, 5-2) in University Park, Pa.
Franklin, who is in his 10th season, has been feeling the heat since the Nittany Lions’ 24-15 home loss to Michigan last week. The defeat exposed a sore subject that has been brewing all season: a conservative offensive approach.
On Sunday, Penn State fired Mike Yurcich, who had been the offensive coordinator since 2021.
Sharing the role will be tight ends coach Ty Howle and running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider. During games, both will remain in their usual roles, with Howle in the booth upstairs and Seider on the sideline, Franklin said.
“They both will have a role in play-calling,” Franklin said.
Additionally, graduate assistant Danny O’Brien, who played quarterback at Maryland when Franklin was the Terrapins’ offensive coordinator, will help oversee the QBs. Yurcich also served as the quarterbacks coach.
Franklin added that he hopes to have a new offensive coordinator in place before Penn State’s bowl game.
The Nittany Lions will try to figure out how to add more punch to an offense that includes two of the Big Ten’s top 10 rushers, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
Drew Allar has thrown for 21 touchdowns with just one interception but averages only 6.3 yards per pass. That figure pales in comparison to Big Ten quarterbacks such as Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy (10.3) and Ohio State’s Kyle McCord (9.3).
In the Michigan game, Penn State’s unwillingness to throw downfield was particularly evident. Allar completed 10 of 22 passes for 70 yards and one touchdown, which came with 1:59 left, when the outcome was essentially decided.
On Monday afternoon at Rutgers, coach Greg Schiano also was peppered with questions about the Scarlet Knights’ conservative approach following a 22-0 loss at Iowa.
“The way we’ve played the game has allowed us to be in every single game this year going into the fourth quarter,” Schiano said. “In the past, that wasn’t the case. To me, that’s incremental improvement.”
Rutgers’ offense was able to generate only 127 total yards and seven first downs. The Scarlet Knights never crossed the Hawkeyes’ 40-yard line as nine of their 11 possessions ended with a punt.
Schiano said he has not considered benching quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, who completed 7 of 18 passes for 93 yards with one interception against the Hawkeyes.
The slate in November is tough with Rutgers having to face the defenses of Penn State, Ohio State and Iowa, which are ranked Nos. 2, 4 and 8, respectively, in yards allowed per game in the FBS.
Penn State is 31-2 all-time against Rutgers, including wins in each of the past 16 meetings. The Nittany Lions beat the Scarlet Knights 55-10 last year in Piscataway, N.J.
PENDING BIG 12 BEDFELLOWS NO. 17 ARIZONA, NO. 22 UTAH PUSH FOR WIN NO. 8
No. 17 Arizona has been one of the most surprising teams in the country and will be going for its fifth consecutive victory when it plays its home finale against No. 22 Utah on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz.
The Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Pac-12) still have an outside shot at playing in the Pac-12 championship game, but that involves beating the Utes (7-3, 4-3) and Arizona State to end the regular season.
Oregon, in turn, must lose one of its final two games to create a tie-breaking scenario behind league-leading Washington.
“Our only focus is beating Utah,” Arizona coach Jedd Fisch said. “This is a great team coming in.”
Arizona hasn’t won five consecutive games since starting the 2014 season with a 5-0 record.
Utah has navigated through myriad injuries all season, going 3-3 in its past six games, with each of the losses to ranked teams – at Oregon State, vs. Oregon and, last week, at Washington 35-28.
The Utes responded with resounding victories — 34-14 over Cal and 55-3 at Arizona State — the first game after their previous two losses.
“You’ve got to rebound; you’ve got to respond,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “Our team has been good at that this year, at least the first couple times. We’ve got to do the same thing this time around. …
“We lean on the leadership of the team a lot and we lean on the coaches to set the tempo, set the mindset and move forward.”
Utah has won five in a row in the series. That includes the 45-20 decision last season in Salt Lake City.
The Utes were the more physical team in recent years and remain strong on both lines, ranking 30th nationally in rushing (184.9 yards per game) and fifth in rushing defense (85.6 yards allowed per game).
Defensive end Jonah Ellis is having an All-American season, with 12 sacks among his 16 tackles for loss.
The game should feature strong matchups in the trenches. Arizona has a potential 2024 first-round left tackle in Jordan Morgan, who is helping running back Jonah Coleman average 7.15 yards per carry. The Wildcats’ defense is 13th nationally against the run, yielding 99.4 yards per game.
But most of the buzz around Arizona is on redshirt freshman quarterback Noah Fifita, who has started the past six games. For the season, he is 165 of 224 for 1,735 yards, with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Fifita struggled some in the first half against Colorado last week but led a second-half comeback as Arizona won 34-31 on a last-play field goal.
“He never flinched,” Fisch said. “What Noah was able to do is what good quarterbacks do. It’s one play at a time, one play at a time.”
Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson has rushed for 627 yards on 122 carries and has three 100-yard games this season. Bryson Barnes has settled in at quarterback, completing 103 of 176 passes for 1,197 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The final matchup between these programs as Pac-12 schools was considered a betting pick-em early in the week. Both teams will be joining the Big 12 next season.
CLEMSON OUT TO SQUASH HOPES OF NO. 20 NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina holds a national ranking and Clemson doesn’t.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way in mid-November. The No. 20 Tar Heels still have aspirations of playing for the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which Clemson has dominated over much of the past decade.
This puts the host Tigers, who have shown a recent resurgence, in a spoiler’s role when the teams meet Saturday in Clemson, S.C.
“They’re the old Clemson again,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown said of the Tigers, who won two College Football Playoff titles in the past eight years. “They’re playing like a playoff team. They’re protecting the ball, running the ball so well. … They dominated a Georgia Tech team that beat us.”
Some preseason projections had this game as a potential preview of the ACC title game. That’s not the case, though North Carolina has a slim chance of advancing.
The Tar Heels (8-2, 4-2), who would need to beat Clemson and win next week at North Carolina State to stay in contention for the ACC title, should know more about their status prior to Saturday’s kickoff. By that time, the game between Louisville and Miami should be done, and a Louisville loss would keep UNC in contention for the spot opposite No. 4 Florida State in next month’s title game.
Brown wasn’t thrilled earlier this year when the schedules came out and he saw his team going to Clemson and rival NC State in consecutive weeks to end the regular season. It still looks like a daunting task.
“We’ve got to get up and go,” Brown said. “I’ve always loved to go on the road and play in great places. Not many people have won there (at Clemson). What a great challenge for us.”
Clemson (6-4, 3-4) has toppled then-No. 15 Notre Dame and Georgia Tech in trying to resurrect its season.
“We’re starting to play how we knew we could,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said. “Our defense has played well enough to be a playoff team. But we haven’t done our part offensively taking care of the ball.”
The Tigers have a solid running back tandem with Will Shipley back from injury. He and Phil Mafah combined for 173 rushing yards in last week’s 42-21 rout of Georgia Tech. Cade Klubnik threw for four touchdowns.
Clemson has won 23 of its past 26 November games.
“All that gets your players’ attention,” Brown said. “(The Tigers) get everybody’s attention because they are who they are. They’re really, really good at everything they do. They just had a year where it was uncommon for them that they turned the ball over and weren’t forcing turnovers as much as they have in the past, but now they’ve corrected that.”
North Carolina is trying to build on a 47-45 double-overtime victory against Duke. That came with a couple of situations that had to go the Tar Heels’ way to avoid defeat.
“It’s amazing how that one play makes a difference,” Brown said of the mood around his team.
In addition to quarterback Drake Maye, North Carolina has an offensive threat with running back Omarion Hampton. He’s the ACC’s leading rusher with 1,236 yards, including 169 in the Duke game.
North Carolina leads the ACC in scoring at 39.9 points per game.
Among those who’ll try to slow down the Tar Heels is Clemson freshman cornerback Shelton Lewis, who made his first career start last weekend. That resulted in an interception that was returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
Still, the Tar Heels with Maye will try to target the relatively young Clemson defensive backs.
This is a rematch of the 2022 ACC championship game that was won 39-10 by Clemson, which has swept the past five meetings overall with the Tar Heels.
NO. 16 IOWA’S FORMULA: BEAT ILLINI, SEAL BIG TEN TITLE GAME BID
For No. 16 Iowa, a win Saturday means a spot in the Big Ten championship game. For Illinois, a win Saturday at Iowa City would seal bowl eligibility.
The Illini’s late-season charge has been fueled by two quarterbacks, with usual starter Luke Altmyer set to return this week after senior backup John Paddock did stellar work the past two games.
Last week, Paddock threw for a Memorial Stadium-record 507 yards in his first Illinois start and earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after leading the Illini (5-5, 3-4) to a 48-45 overtime win over visiting Indiana.
The previous week, Altmyer exited late due to a concussion, and Paddock entered and guided the Illini to the game-winning touchdown drive in a 27-26 victory at Minnesota.
Altmyer was cleared to play on Tuesday, and he will be back under center at Iowa.
“He was our starting quarterback before he left (the Minnesota game), and that’s where I see it now,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said of Altmyer on a SiriusXM radio show on Wednesday. “The best part that we have is if there’s any part of that that gets gray, we have a guy who has proven he can play and do some good things. Super excited about both of those guys.”
Perhaps the Paddock/Altmyer debate doesn’t address the biggest question of all: Will Illinois be able to score a touchdown against Iowa (8-2, 5-2) regardless of who’s running the offense?
Over the last four weeks, the Hawkeyes have surrendered just one touchdown. For the year, Iowa has given up 11 touchdowns in 10 games while building the nation’s third-best scoring defense (12.3 points per game) and fourth-best pass-efficiency defense (100.14 rating).
“We’re clearly a better defense than we were 6-8 weeks ago,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “But that’s what you hope for with all your guys. You hope they’re all improving. The guys have played well. They work hard in practice. They prepare. They study. And then the other component is, you gain some confidence when you do have success.”
“They’re just so, so consistent,” said Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. “They make you earn every, every inch that you get. They make you earn it. And they very rarely make mistakes. That’s probably the unique nature of it is they’re just so rigid and systematic and they’re physical and tough. A lot of good qualities I’m describing. All these adjectives I’m saying would be the earmark of a great defense — and that’s what this is.”
Junior defensive back Cooper DeJean serves as the poster boy for Iowa’s defense, but he sustained a serious leg injury in practice Wednesday and is likely done for the season. He was also named one of the five Nagurski Trophy finalists on Wednesday. One of the others was Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.
DeJean also was named a Bednarik Award semifinalist this week — keeping him in the running for National Defensive Player of the Year — to go with his semifinalist status for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
On the flip side, Iowa’s offense hasn’t exactly been prolific. Last week’s 22-point outburst against Rutgers represented the Hawkeyes’ second-biggest Big Ten output this season. To put it a different way: Paddock threw for more yards last week (507) than Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill has thrown for in the last four weeks (441).
Ferentz, though, cares about only one number: The one in the win column. The Hawkeyes need just one win in the next two weeks to clinch their second West Division crown in the last three years.
“One thing you try to explain to the players — and I think they’ve figured this out,” Ferentz said. “There’s really no downside to winning and there’s a lot of downside to losing.”
NO. 19 NOTRE DAME LIMPS INTO MEETING WITH WAKE FOREST
While the hopes of playing for a national championship evaporated weeks ago, No. 19 Notre Dame still believes it has plenty to play for on Saturday afternoon against visiting Wake Forest at South Bend, Ind.
“We have a shot to send the seniors out the right way,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said in advance of the final home game of the season. “That’s our motivation. We know Wake Forest will be motivated. This team will be ready to go. They will come in knowing they have to win to become bowl eligible. We know we have a challenge in front of us.”
The challenge not only will come from Wake Forest, but also replacing several key players who are sidelined with injuries.
Notre Dame (7-3) most recently lost players on the offensive line during a 31-23 loss at Clemson on Saturday.
Rocco Spindler went down with a knee injury and the right guard is out for the season. Starting center Zeke Correll is in concussion protocol and his backup, Andrew Kristofic, went down with a high ankle sprain.
Billy Schrauth is expected to start at guard against Wake Forest and Ashton Craig will remain at center after finishing Saturday’s game.
“Ashton Craig did a really good job filling in at the center position,” Freeman said. “I was really impressed with what he did.”
The Fighting Irish lost safety Luke Talich to a broken collarbone during practice last week, while wide receivers Deion Colzie, Jayden Thomas and Matt Salerno remain sidelined.
Complicating things even more for Notre Dame is the slow mesh offensive system that the Demon Deacons run, a complicated system of run-pass options that can leave a defense spinning.
“How do you defend it?” Freeman said. “Linebackers attack and then create open areas behind you. They are really good to answer when you react to their system. It’s not the triple option, but it’s a system and they have answers. We have to be aggressive though and that is important.”
Wake Forest (4-6) got off to a promising 3-0 start but has dropped six of its last seven games. The Demon Deacons most recently fell to visiting North Carolina State, 26-6 on Saturday.
“It was not even a competitive football game,” Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said. “It’s on me. It’s Game 10 and to show up like that is very disappointing.”
Wake Forest switched quarterbacks in the second quarter last week and Michael Kern led the Demon Deacons to their only touchdown, but he was then picked off on the two-point try and that was returned for two points the other way.
The rushing attack was even more shackled, as Wake Forest combined for seven net yards on 18 carries.
“On offense, right now, we’re broken,” Clawson said. “This isn’t anything like the offense that was put out there the last six years. I should have had us in a better spot with some of the personnel losses we had. We’re not getting the most out of these guys. I think we have good players, but they’re not playing well and it all boils down to coaching.”
HISTORY AT STAKE AS NO. 1 GEORGIA VISITS NO. 18 TENNESSEE
No. 1 Georgia will try to make history when it visits No. 18 Tennessee in a Southeastern Conference showdown on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn.
Georgia (10-0, 7-0) has won a school-record 27 consecutive games since the end of the 2021 campaign. A win this weekend would move the Bulldogs into a tie for the longest winning streak in SEC history, joining Alabama from 1978-80 and 1991-93.
This week, the Bulldogs also jumped Ohio State for the top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.
“Rare air,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Those (Alabama teams) are guys I grew up watching as a little kid growing up in Alabama, with my dad being a high school coach.
“A lot of the credit goes to the people that come to this university and play, the players that made those sacrifices, the players who helped win those games. … It’s just all these guys that made sacrifices to do this and make it special.”
Tennessee (7-3, 3-3) would love to spoil the Bulldogs’ dream run. The Volunteers return home to Neyland Stadium, where they have won 14 consecutive games.
The Volunteers fell five spots in the CFP rankings after losing 36-7 to then-No. 14 Missouri on the road last weekend. Tennessee trailed 13-7 at the break and was outscored 23-0 in the second half.
For Volunteers coach Josh Heupel, this week presents an opportunity to erase the ill taste of the loss.
“A lot to learn from,” Heupel said. “At the same time, you’ve got to wash it. Whether you win or lose and you’ve got to move on to the next one. …
“We understand the quality of the opponent that’s coming to town this week. Our guys understand who they are, what they’re about, the way that they’re going to play. It’s going to be a great test for us.”
It has been a one-sided rivalry in recent years. Georgia has won six straight games against Tennessee, which last knocked off the Bulldogs in 2016 in Athens, Ga.
This year’s Georgia squad is led on offense by quarterback Carson Beck, who has passed for 3,022 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. Beck’s top target is tight end Brock Bowers, who returned from injury last week and who leads the team with 44 catches for 601 yards and five touchdowns.
On the ground, Daijun Edwards paces Georgia with 691 rushing yards and 10 scores.
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III will try to keep pace with Georgia’s high-potent offense. He has passed for 2,283 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
Volunteers wideout Squirrel White has a team-high 49 catches for 609 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jaylen Wright has amassed 848 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
On defense, Georgia has the edge.
The Bulldogs have allowed 289.2 yards per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. The Volunteers have given up 340.6 yards per game, which ranks No. 39.
A fast start helped Georgia in the team’s most recent meeting last year. The Bulldogs jumped to a 24-6 lead at halftime and held on for a 27-13 victory in Athens.
ARIZONA STATE COACH QUITE FAMILIAR WITH BO NIX, NO. 6 OREGON
No. 6 Oregon travels to Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday trying to stay in the hunt for the College Football Playoff with a victory over an Arizona State team that has the Ducks’ former offensive coordinator as its head coach.
Kenny Dillingham also coached the quarterbacks, including Heisman hopeful Bo Nix, in his one year at Oregon last season before taking the head coaching job at his alma mater.
Dillingham knows all about Nix, who has completed 77.7 percent of his passes (258 of 332) for 3,135 yards with 29 touchdowns and two interceptions for Oregon (9-1, 6-1 Pac-12).
When Dillingham was the Tigers’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he recruited Nix to Auburn in 2019.
Nix reunited with Dillingham last year at Oregon after three seasons as the Tigers’ starting quarterback.
“He moved to Oregon because of our relationship, essentially,” Dillingham said. “He trusted me. His family trusted me with their son for his second chance at this deal when nobody thought he could throw. Now he’s over there, gonna be a top-10 pick, potentially winning Heismans.”
Oregon’s new offensive coordinator Will Stein was hired by head coach Dan Lanning last December after Dillingham’s departure.
The Ducks are rated No. 2 nationally in total offense at 540 yards per game, trailing only LSU (560.2).
Oregon leads the nation averaging 46.3 points a game.
“They’re probably the best Oregon offense since the Chip Kelly era, since the (Marcus) Mariota era,” Dillingham said. “This is the best Oregon’s been on offense in a long time. That’s including me there last year. They’re better than we were last year.”
The Ducks averaged 500.5 yards per game last year, rating sixth nationally, while scoring 38.8 points a game (tied for ninth in the country).
Arizona State (3-7, 2-5) rates last in the Pac-12 in total offense at 324.5 yards per game, largely because of a depleted offensive line and instability at quarterback because of injuries.
The Sun Devils are coming off a 17-7 win at UCLA after losing 55-3 the previous week at Utah.
Trenton Bourguet, the third-string quarterback coming out of fall camp, did not play in the second half at Utah. He wore a boot on his left foot after suffering an ankle injury.
True freshman Jaden Rashada, the starting quarterback, has not played since the second week of the season because of an undisclosed injury.
His backup, former Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne, has been out for more than a month with a leg injury.
The former walk-on played the entire game at UCLA and completed 19 of 34 pass attempts for 149 yards without a touchdown.
Oregon started the week with the distraction of Lanning’s name mentioned with the coaching vacancy at Texas A&M after the firing of Jimbo Fisher.
“We talk about outside noise a lot in our program,” Lanning said. “I guess the reality here is No. 1, my name and our program would never be a topic of conversation for another school if we didn’t have something here that everybody else wanted.
“The reason we have something here that everybody else wants, that’s because of what our players, our coaches, the support that exist here at Oregon have created. I think I’ve been really, really clear here since Day 1, everything I want exists right here.”
NO. 23 OKLAHOMA STATE FACES HOUSTON AFTER ROUGH DEFEAT
No. 23 Oklahoma State and Houston will meet for the first time as Big 12 Conference members on Saturday in Houston as both try to rebound from disappointing defeats.
Oklahoma State (7-3, 5-2) saw its five-game winning streak come to an end in a humbling 45-3 defeat at UCF last week. The Cowboys remain in the mix for the Big 12 title game but are in search of the proper mindset moving forward.
“We’re still together as family,” Oklahoma State linebacker Zavier Benson said. “We realize there’s not much to be said. It wasn’t acceptable. We have to own up to that, be men and take accountability of actions.
“I like how everyone’s responding in more of a positive manner, realizing we got to start from ground zero again because we got to earn what we lost. It starts with the simple things.”
Houston (4-6, 2-5) must win its remaining two games in order to become bowl eligible following a 24-14 home loss to Cincinnati last week. The Cougars have reached a bowl game in each of the last three seasons under coach Dana Holgorsen.
“It was a disappointing loss,” Holgorsen said. “Kept it a close game. … Offensively (it was) just not good enough.”
Saturday will mark the first meeting between the programs since 2009 when Houston earned a 45-35 victory. It is not the first conference matchup between the programs, though, as both were members of the Missouri Valley Conference from 1951-56.
For Oklahoma State, it’s about getting back on track in its race for the Big 12 title game. The Cowboys were riding high after knocking off rival Oklahoma 27-24 on Nov. 4 before the collapse at UCF.
The Knights held Oklahoma State standout running back Ollie Gordon II to just 25 yards on 12 carries. Gordon is still the nation’s leading rusher with 1,250 yards on the ground, including 17 carries of 20-plus yards.
Quarterback Alan Bowman also had a forgettable game against UCF with three interceptions but played well in previous games against ranked teams such as Oklahoma and Kansas.
“It’s not like that we’re still not a good football team, we just have to rally and understand the mistakes we made,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said.
That’s the mindset Houston has going into the game, too, with Holgorsen dismissing the UCF game.
“This is going to be a heckuva challenge for us,” he said. “Throw that game away last week.”
Cincinnati held the Cougars to 241 yards of total offense with three turnovers.
Houston has been inconsistent on offense for much of the season, averaging the third-fewest points per game (24.1) in the Big 12.
Over his last three games, Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith has thrown more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (four). But Smith is a dual-threat quarterback who can cause problems for defenses.
On the injury front, the Cougars lost receiver Matthew Golden to a season-ending foot injury. Golden has been a dynamic playmaker, scoring two touchdowns on kickoff returns and six more on TD receptions.
On Saturday, Houston will honor the passing of former players D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, who died in a car accident in the early-morning hours on Nov. 11. The team will wear a commemorative decal for the remainder of the season.
NO. 2 OHIO STATE VOWS NOT TO LOOK PAST MINNESOTA
Ohio State has one more obstacle before its showdown at Michigan — the No. 2 Buckeyes will host banged up Minnesota on Saturday in Columbus.
The Buckeyes (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) fell one spot in the College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday after holding the top spot the first two weeks. Georgia is ranked first, Michigan third.
Ohio State will play at Michigan on Nov. 25, with the winner advancing to the Big Ten championship game.
While the Buckeyes know wins in the next two games should secure one of the four playoff spots even if they were to lose in the conference title game, the Golden Gophers (5-5, 3-4) are vying to become bowl eligible by winning at least one of their final two games. Minnesota will finish the season at home against Wisconsin.
The Gophers are coming off a 49-30 loss to Purdue in which Minnesota starting linebacker Cody Lindenberg did not play because of an injury and backup Maverick Baranowski exited after the first series. Also, safety Aidan Gousby was out with an injury.
“Unfortunately, some of our best players are out, and it seems like every week it’s just the inconsistency of who’s actually out there,” Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said Monday. “There’s no excuses. I mean, 100 percent falls on the coaches and what we have to do to get better.”
Ohio State played its most complete game of the season last Saturday, a 38-3 win against Michigan State in which the usually slow-starting Buckeyes scored on five of six drives in the first half.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Tuesday he has no concerns that the Buckeyes will look past the Gophers.
“Coming to work every day with these guys, this is a great team to be around,” Day said. “We’re going to do it again this week and keep swinging. … The urgency has to be at an all-time high at this point of the season.
“P.J. does a great job. They’re going to come in here and play hard. We’re going to have to prepare for it like any other game.”
The Buckeyes will look to receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead them again. Against Michigan State, he had a 19-yard run for his first career rushing touchdown and caught seven passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns despite being pulled along with several other starters after the first series of the third quarter.
“The Heisman Trophy goes to the most outstanding player in the country. … I get to see him every day,” Day said. “I think he is the most outstanding player in the country.
“He wants to be great. I know that. You can just tell that, and his actions back that up, and his production speaks for itself on the field.”
Harrison is second nationally with 12 receiving TDs and seventh with 1,063 receiving yards.
Fleck knows the Gophers’ defense will have a task trying to contain Harrison.
“I think he has a great knack and feel for how defenses are going to be played and how they are going to stop him and what the route concept is and what the route calls for,” Fleck said.
NO. 21 KANSAS STATE IN BIG 12 TITLE PURSUIT, DRAWS NO. 25 KANSAS
The football rivalry between Kansas State and Kansas is pretty intense when neither team is any good.
When one of the teams is good, it raises the temperature a little.
But when both teams are good, like they are in 2023, the intensity is palpable.
No. 21 Kansas State, still with a decent chance of playing in the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 2, will meet No. 25 Kansas — which also has a slight chance to reach the title game — on Saturday evening in Lawrence, Kan.
“It’s light years different,” Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman said of Kansas’ improvement since Lance Liepold took over the Jayhawks. “It’s even light years different from Lance’s first year. They keep improving each year.”
Kansas State has won 14 straight in the rivalry, but those 14 games don’t mean a thing this week.
Kansas State (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) is in a four-way tie for second place in the Big 12. If the Wildcats win their last two games, including at Kansas and at home against Iowa State, there’s a strong possibility that they’ll face Texas in Arlington. But the Wildcats can’t look past the Jayhawks.
“They’re really good at a number of different positions,” Klieman said. “They’re a really sound defense. They don’t give up explosive plays; they tackle really well. We’re gonna have to come up with a really good game plan to win, especially on the road.
“They’re also really good and really creative on offense, no matter who’s behind center. They’re always going to be creative with shifts and motions and misdirection, as well as having the ability to give it to the two running backs and just pound it at you.”
Quarterback Will Howard is playing well of late, even in an overtime loss at Texas two games ago. He threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Against Baylor last week, he threw three more touchdowns in a convincing win. He’s had at least three touchdowns in five games this season, tying a Kansas State record, and he’s now the school’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
While the QB position is an area of strength for the Wildcats, it’s a problem right now for Kansas (7-3, 4-3 Big 12). Starter Jalon Daniels has missed six straight games with injuries. Backup Jason Bean had to leave last Saturday’s game against Texas Tech with a head injury.
Liepold was optimistic Monday that Bean could play Saturday.
“I’m not going to get into the nature of injuries in-depth, but he did not practice last night,” he said. “But my latest (stance) is I’m very optimistic that he’ll be playing on Saturday.”
The third stringer, walk-on freshman Cole Ballard, had to step in against Texas Tech. He performed well, almost leading his first career game-winning drive before making his first career start. But Tech kicked a game-winning field goal to win 16-13.
Ballard, the son of Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, has the football pedigree. But the questions will remain until he proves he can do it in live action.
“I thought he’d do just about what he did — compete his tail off — and he won’t flinch,” Leipold said. “He will give you everything he has. I don’t think he ever had that deer-in-the-headlights look about him, where the moment was too big.
“That locker room really likes Cole Ballard and they have for a long time. It’s his makeup, it’s in his DNA and he’s going to be a fine player here.”
The biggest question is whether that will happen this Saturday.
NO. 9 MISSOURI LOOKS TO KEEP HOT HAND IN CLASH VS. FLORIDA
No. 9 Missouri will continue its surprising quest for a New Year’s Six bowl berth when it hosts struggling Florida on Saturday in Columbia, Mo.
Coming off their 36-7 victory over Tennessee, the Tigers (8-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) will bring ample momentum to Saturday’s game versus the Gators (5-5, 3-4).
“We can’t rely on last week’s performance,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “We have to stand alone on what we’re going to do this week.”
The Tigers already have earned their most victories since 2018 and they are aiming to reach double-digit victories for the first time since 2014.
“Hopefully it’s a new trajectory of Tiger football,” Drinkwitz said. “We’ve been kind stuck there in that middle. Now obviously this year we’re not. Obviously we’ve got to finish, we’ve got to finish the season. But there’s a new respectability to our program, whether it’s on the recruiting trail or the football field.”
Florida carries a three-game losing streak into this game. Pressure is mounting on second-year coach Billy Napier, who went 6-7 and 3-5 in the SEC during his first season.
“It is what it is. I think we have to continue to be action-oriented, solution-oriented. I do believe in what we do and how we do it,” Napier said. “There’s always adjustments that are required. We have tremendous leadership here top-down. We have great resources. We have a tremendous product to sell. This place has done it before, and I’m firmly confident that we’re capable of doing it again.”
Missouri Brady Cook has completed 201 of 296 passes for 2,746 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. He also has rushed for 228 yards and six scores.
“This guy for sure has the ability on third down to escape and extend and make some plays with his feet,” Napier said. “He’s also playing really efficiently, in my opinion. They do a good job using their skill. They play with balance. They do a good job with the run concepts.”
Luther Burden III has caught 68 passes for 984 yards and eight touchdowns despite battling a nagging ankle injury. Theo Wease Jr. has 43 receptions for 547 yards and five scores.
Running back Cody Schrader has rushed for 1,124 yards and 11 touchdowns with a 5.7-yard average. Against Tennessee, he rushed for 205 yards also caught five passes for 116 yards.
“The guy’s got good instincts and vision,” Napier said. “I think he can get small, plays at pad level with power. Ultimately, I think he’s a guy that’s been productive as a running back for a long time. I think they do a good job conceptually creating running lanes for him, and he’s able to maximize those.”
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz has completed 247 of 337 passes for 2,720 yards, 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Ricky Pearsall has caught 62 passes for 876 yards and four touchdowns. Eugene Wilson III has 51 receptions for 479 yards and five scores.
Trevor Etienne (628 yards, seven touchdowns, 5.9-yard average) and Montrell Johnson Jr. (625 yards, four TDs, 5.1 average) have powered the ground game.
“Coach Napier does a really good job, multiple formations, multiple shifts, motions, multiple personnels,” Drinkwitz said. “A lot of different eye candy as far as moving people around. Then they’ve got dynamic playmakers, they’ve got really good running backs.”
NO. 5 WASHINGTON AIMS TO STAY HOT VS. NO. 11 OREGON STATE
While No. 5 Washington maintains pursuit of a College Football Playoff spot, keeping coach Kalen DeBoer in Seattle has become a hot topic.
The coach who is 21-2 in less than two seasons with the Huskies will try to lead Washington to its 18th consecutive victory when it faces No. 11 Oregon State in Pac-12 play on Saturday night at Corvallis, Ore.
If Washington (10-0, 7-0 Pac-12) defeats the Beavers (8-2, 5-2), it will clinch at spot in next month’s Pac-12 title game.
As for DeBoer, his name is one of the hottest in college football after the quick revival of the Washington program.
He received a $1 million raise to $4.2 million 12 months ago, but his contract that runs through the 2028 season will need massive reworking to lift him into the upper echelon of coaching salaries.
DeBoer insists he wants to stay put and he also offered that new athletic director Troy Dannen has made overtures about sweetening his deal.
“There’s just a lot of things that I love about this place,” DeBoer said. “This is a championship football program. I’ve said it since Day One. It’s got the bones of championships. I love the way we’ve been accepted into this place. It’s a great place to coach.
“Like I said earlier, (Dannen) is doing everything he can to help myself and the staff continue this journey that we’re on.”
The journey currently has Washington on the outside of the playoffs as it enters the 108th meeting with Oregon State.
The schools first met in 1897 and there are no guarantees of the series continuing with Washington leaving for the Big Ten next season and the Beavers hung out to dry on the realignment front.
DeBoer also is aware that Saturday’s game decides whether the Beavers continue to harbor long-shot CFP aspirations.
“Oregon State still has an opportunity, if they win out, to get in the way I see it, knowing that they are going to bring everything they got,” DeBoer said. “They are playing at home and they are playing well and they have good momentum and we are realizing we are going to get their best shot.”
Beavers coach Jonathan Smith stopped short of calling it the biggest game in his six seasons as Oregon State coach. But he knows it is huge.
“Kind of where the records are, that makes it big,” Smith said. “That’s a good program. They win a lot of games. We’re playing late, Game 11. You want to play in the biggest games at the end of the year. This is a big one.”
Washington ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense at 41.0 points per game and sixth in total offense at 503.9 yards per contest. Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. has passed for 3,533 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions while running back Dillon Johnson (790 yards, 11 touchdowns on the ground) is thriving after back-to-back efforts of 256 yards against Southern California and 104 in last weekend’s 35-28 win over then-No. 16 Utah.
Oregon State is coming off a 62-17 annihilation of visiting Stanford. Damien Martinez tied the school record of four rushing touchdowns in the first half before calling it a day. He has rushed for 1,024 yards while DJ Uiagalelei has thrown for 2,254 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Beavers also have developed a rabid atmosphere at remodeled Reser Stadium. Oregon State is 16-1 at home since the start of the 2021 season.
“They a good football team and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Smith said.
NO. 7 TEXAS SEEKS STRONGER FINISH AT IOWA STATE
No. 7 Texas will look to remain atop the Big 12 Conference standings and build on a four-game winning streak when it travels to play talented and dangerous Iowa State on Saturday night in Ames, Iowa.
This will be the Longhorns’ final road game as a member of the Big 12 as Texas (and Oklahoma) move to the Southeastern Conference in 2024. Prior to the season, the Longhorns’ stated goal was to win the league title on their way out, and a win over the Cyclones would get them closer to achieving that goal.
The Longhorns (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) are alone atop the league standings with two regular-season games to play. Texas’ 9-1 start is the best for the program since 2009 and the Longhorns stayed at No. 7 in the CFP rankings for the third straight week.
Texas is back on the road after surviving 29-26 at TCU on Nov. 11. The Longhorns rolled to a 26-6 halftime lead but had to produce a goal-line stand and then convert a final third-and-12 situation to run out the clock.
Quinn Ewers passed for 317 yards and a score and Jonathon Brooks tallied 178 yards from scrimmage (104 on the ground) and two scores before being forced from the game with a right knee injury early in the fourth quarter. The school announced Sunday that Brooks is for the season with an ACL injury.
In the past two games, Texas has been outscored 36-6 in the fourth quarter as Kansas State scored 16 in the final 15 minutes to force overtime and TCU put up 20 points in failing just short.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian called the performance “out of character.”
“We have to do a better job of keeping our mental intensity, our focus, and continuing to play the brand and style of football that got us that lead,” Sarkisian said. “For a team that has been so good in the fourth quarter all year, I would say it is out of character and unacceptable.”
Iowa State heads home after a dominating 45-13 win at BYU on Nov. 11. Rocco Becht passed for 203 yards with two touchdowns to Jaylin Noel (98 yards receiving), and Abu Sama III rushed for 110 yards and two scores as the Cyclones became bowl eligible. Iowa State led 31-7 at halftime, amassed 443 yards of total offense and didn’t turn the ball over.
After a difficult 2-3 start that included a loss to Ohio, Iowa State is 4-1 with a close loss to Kansas as the only blemish. The Cyclones (6-4, 5-2) find themselves in a four-way tie for second place in the league and can take a big step toward playing in the Big 12 championship game with a victory over Texas.
“What a great challenge for our young team to step into an arena with this kind of football team,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “We’ll have to have a great team game plan in order to win the football game. Our focus has been that we want to play meaningful football in November.”
Iowa State has won three of the past four games with the Longhorns, who have not won in Ames since 2017.
HEISMAN PROSE: NO. 15 LSU RALLIES BEHIND TROPHY QB TO GREET GA. STATE
No. 15 LSU is going to a bowl game but can’t win the Southeastern Conference championship.
Georgia State is bowl eligible but can’t win the Sun Belt championship.
So neither the 7-3 Tigers’ nor the 6-4 Panthers’ primary preseason goals are swinging in the balance of their non-conference game Saturday night in Baton Rouge, La.
Even so, the game holds significant importance.
Jayden Daniels and his LSU teammates can strengthen the quarterback’s case for winning the Heisman Trophy.
And the Panthers have an opportunity to experience one of the premiere atmospheres in all of college football.
Daniels enhanced his Heisman candidacy with an historic performance in a 52-35 home victory against Florida last Saturday.
He accumulated an SEC-record 606 yards of total offense while becoming the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 yards in the same game. The showing came seven days after he was forced from a loss at Alabama because of a concussion.
“He’s the best quarterback in the country, best playmaker in the country and he’s the best player,” Tigers coach Brian Kelly said. “What matters is who’s the best player, he’s the best player. His numbers prove to everybody what he’s done over the entire year.”
Panthers coach Shawn Elliott agreed.
“I don’t think there’s any question about it,” Elliott said.
Kelly pointed out that Daniels has had a lot of help. The Tigers have established the most productive offense in college football. The wall of blockers, as well as wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has 1,284 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, are drawing raves as among the best in the nation.
“You just have to look towards some of the key plays in the game (against Florida) and particularly the long runs, you don’t run down the field unless you have others that are committed to making sure that occurs,” Kelly said. “You have to have receivers that are committed to that as well and running backs.
“You’re getting it from a number of different players that are setting up an unselfishness on our football team, in particular on the offensive side of the ball.”
Georgia State has lost three consecutive games, a downer following a 6-1 start that had it in the thick of the race for the Sun Belt title.
“We’ve got to gain back the confidence that we had early in the year,” Elliott said.
The Panthers lost to visiting Appalachian State 42-14 last Saturday afternoon.
“We ran into a buzz saw,” Elliott said.
Then Saturday night Elliott learned of Daniels’ record-setting performance that led to more than 700 yards in total offense for LSU, which the coach said “might be the most potent offensive team I’ve witnessed.”
“I thought, ‘lucky me, lucky Georgia Panthers. We get to go play the LSU Tigers,'” Elliott said with a laugh. “We look forward to it. It’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re you’re going to play LSU you want to play them on Saturday night. That’s a great experience and it’s going to be a great time for us.
“We’re going to go down there and give it everything we’ve got.”
HCAC ANNOUNCES 2023 FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS
CARMEL, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) announced the 2023 Football All-Conference and marquee awards winners on Thursday.
Senior Josh Taylor (Mt. Orab, Ohio) earned the title of 2023 HCAC Offensive Player of the Year. Josh Taylor finished 1st in the Country in Passing TD’s and Points Responsible for, while leading MSJ offense to 57.5 ppg (3rd in country in scoring). 3,168 total yards and 52 Total TD’s. Taylor finished the season with 45 passong touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns. The Lion’s team captain boasts 207 completions for a 61.24 completion percentage, for 2,806 yards for a 280.60 passing yards per game average. In addition to getting it done in the air, the senior also did it on the ground, with 75 carries for 362 yards, with an average of 36.20 yards per game.
Franklin College’s Jireh Ojata (Carmel, Ind.) was named the 2023 HCAC Defensive Player of the Year. The senior led the confernce in tackles for loss. The senior was second in the HCAC in sacks with 7, six solo and five assisted, for a lost 52 yards. Ojata had 7 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 blocked kicks.
Earning his third straight HCAC Special Teams Player of the Year award is Jailen Hobbs (Spring Lake, N.C.) from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The senior was a standout returner for the Fightin’ Engineers, with 14 kickoff returns in 2023 for an impressive 305 yards. His average per carry was 21.79 yards and longest return was 49 yards. Hobbs also racked up a notable tally on punt returns, with 13 returns for 290 yards, for an average of 22.31 yards and two scores.
The HCAC recognizes an athlete in their first year of athletic competition who stands out above the rest as the Newcomer of the Year. The coaches selected
Eian Roudebush
Eian Roudebush (New Palestine, Ind.) as the 2023 HCAC Newcomer of the Year. The quarterback put up impressive numbers in his first season in a Panthers uniform, throwing 20 touchdowns in seven games.
Mount St. Joseph head coach Tyler Hopperton was voted as the 2023 HCAC Coach of the Year, following a perfect 7-0 record in HCAC play, claiming the 2023 HCAC Football Regular Season title and a berth in the 2023 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs. He also led the Lions to a 9-1 mark overall on the year.
Offensive Player of the Year – Josh Taylor, Mount St. Joseph University
Defensive Player of the Year – Jireh Ojata, Franklin College
Special Teams Player of the Year – Jailen Hobbs, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Newcomer of the Year – Eian Roudebush, Hanover College
Coach of the Year – Tyler Hopperton, Mount St. Joseph University
The HCAC also honors an All-Conference First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention team. The members of those teams are selected by a vote of league coaches and are listed below.
All Conference First Team
| Name | POS | Institution |
| Josiah Ansorena-Smith | RS | Manchester University |
| Cornell Beachem | WR | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Caleb Brewster | LB | Hanover College |
| Decklan Brophy | DL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Thomas Coltrain | LB | Defiance College |
| Garrett Cora | RB | Franklin College |
| Ethan Corwin | OL | Franklin College |
| Jamey Deckard | LB | Hanover College |
| Devon Donawerth | DB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Markus Finley | OL | Bluffton University |
| Kenneth Gipson | OL | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Michael Gordon | RS | Hanover College |
| Jaylen Grimes | DL | Manchester University |
| Jailen Hobbs | WR/RS | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Jamaal Hubbard | LB | Manchester University |
| Daniel Huery | WR | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Collin Kandra | OL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Ben Klein | TE | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Brody Luker | DB | Hanover College |
| Danny Mabe | OL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Ben Massey | LB | Hanover College |
| Joey Newton | WR | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Jireh Ojata | DL | Franklin College |
| Nate Owens | LB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Brady Pierce | DB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Justin Pierson | OL | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Richard Pope IV | DL | Defiance College |
| Kyle Rehberg | PK | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Grant Ripperda | RB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Devin Salyers | OL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Chaikou Sow | DB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Deshawn Starks | DB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Josh Taylor | QB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Andrew Toler | P | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| David Wall | DL | Hanover College |
| Anthony Wright | LB | Mount St. Joseph University |
All Conference Second Team
| Name | POS | Institution |
| Ethan Beringer | WR | Bluffton University |
| Brady Butler | DL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Noah Caswell | DL | Hanover College |
| Jasper Damewood | P | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Cameron Dorsey | DB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Hunter Eads | WR | Hanover College |
| Kyle Farfsing | PK | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Adam Field | DB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Tyshaun Freeman | RB | Defiance College |
| Parker Hacker | OL | Franklin College |
| Dominic Harris | DL | Defiance College |
| Julian Holguin | WR | Anderson University |
| Hayden Kermode | LB | Franklin College |
| Isaac Lawrence | DL | Franklin College |
| Mariano Mckenzie | RB | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Dylan McKinney | WR | Franklin College |
| Shay McRath | DL | Franklin College |
| Ryus Moore | TE | Franklin College |
| Eric Moultrie Jr. | OL | Defiance College |
| Jacob Mutchler | OL | Hanover College |
| Qiyone Nelson | OL | Bluffton University |
| DeMarion Newell | DB | Franklin College |
| V’Sean Palmer | DB | Defiance College |
| Nick Perry | LB | Bluffton University |
| Gary Powell III | TE | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Gavin Reners | LB | Anderson University |
| Miguel Robertson | QB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Tawann Rome | RS | Defiance College |
| Eric Roudebush | WR/P | Hanover College |
| Chris Schletz | OL | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Bryce Shepherd | OL | Hanover College |
| Jacob Simpson | LB | Anderson University |
| Kainan Stoner | RB | Bluffton University |
| Jack Tucker | DL | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Ari Turner | RS | Mount St. Joseph University |
| Justin Williamson | DB | Hanover College |
All Conference Honorable Mention
| Name | POS | Institution |
| Justin Abiagom | TE | Manchester University |
| Jordan Ambrose | QB | Defiance College |
| Wyatt Bell | DB | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Mathew Bolanos | P | Defiance College |
| Gabriel Bookman | OL | Defiance College |
| Gabe Crutchfield | PK | Franklin College |
| Quinn Dreiband | OL | Anderson University |
| Malik Echols | DL | Bluffton University |
| Jackson Elder | OL | Anderson University |
| Adam Guth | P | Franklin College |
| Conner Hindman | OL | Manchester University |
| Sam Huffman | DL | Manchester University |
| Connor Huffman | DL | Anderson University |
| Deitric Johnson | TE | Anderson University |
| Jaydon McBreen | DB | Bluffton University |
| Marvus McWright | DL | Bluffton University |
| Devontay Moore | DL | Manchester University |
| Duriel Moss Jr. | WR | Manchester University |
| Austin Oppel | RB | Hanover College |
| Jakey Ovanic | DL | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Dylan Page | OL | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
| Pedro Paixao | PK | Hanover College |
| Dave Paul | DB | Manchester University |
| Niegel Payne | WR | Bluffton University |
| Jalen Peck | WR | Hanover College |
| Xavier Reyero | QB | Bluffton University |
| Kai Ross | QB | Franklin College |
| Zeke Sanchez | PK | Defiance College |
| Josh Sanders | OL | Franklin College |
| CJ Thompson | RS | Bluffton University |
| Derek Thompson | RS | Franklin College |
NFL NEWS
RAVENS HANDLE BENGALS 34-20 AFTER JOE BURROW EXITS IN THE 2ND QUARTER WITH A WRIST INJURY
BALTIMORE (AP) Lamar Jackson hurt an ankle and lost one of his top targets to a more severe injury.
At least Baltimore’s star quarterback was able to keep playing. The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t so lucky.
Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter – one of which came thanks to a fortuitous carom – and the Ravens beat Cincinnati 34-20 on Thursday night after the Bengals lost Joe Burrow to a wrist injury.
The AFC North-leading Ravens (8-3) completed a head-to-head sweep of Cincinnati (5-5) and moved to 2 1/2 games ahead of the last-place Bengals – but both teams came out of the game with significant health concerns.
Burrow left in the second quarter after throwing a touchdown pass and wasn’t able to return. Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews is expected to miss the rest of the season after hurting an ankle.
“That’s very tough because that’s my boy,” Jackson said. “That’s like receiver one sometimes.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced after the game that Andrews’ injury appears to be season-ending. Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said Burrow’s injury looked like a sprain, and it’s not clear what his availability is going forward.
The injuries overshadowed this huge divisional matchup, but only to a degree. It was a huge win for a Baltimore team that has been dominant at times but hasn’t been able to pull away in the tough AFC North.
The Bengals were up 10-7 after Burrow’s 4-yard scoring toss to Joe Mixon, but the Ravens answered when Jackson’s pass over the middle bounced off linebacker Germaine Pratt and right to receiver Nelson Agholor, who caught the ball in stride and punctuated the 37-yard touchdown with a flip into the end zone.
“He was flying,” Jackson said. “That’s a Florida boy. We’re known for speed.”
Jackson threw a 10-yard TD pass to Rashod Bateman with 23 seconds left in the half to put Baltimore up 21-10.
Jake Browning, a 27-year-old backup who had played in only one NFL game, relieved Burrow and was able to guide the Bengals to a field goal to start the second half. But that was all he could manage until he threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:08 remaining in the game.
Browning was 8 of 14 for 68 yards.
“I felt calm all the time, felt like I threw the ball where I wanted to, but obviously there were too many three-and-outs,” Browning said. “Put our defense in a tough situation and I think when Joe goes down I go in the game fully expecting to win.”
Jackson threw for 264 yards despite losing Andrews on the first drive of the game.
Gus Edwards bookended Baltimore’s day offensively with 3-yard touchdown runs – the first made it 7-0 and the latter 34-13.
Cincinnati won the division the past two years, when late-season injuries kept Jackson off the field for the Ravens. This year Jackson has been able to stay available – he went into the tent after hurting his ankle in the first quarter Thursday but remained in the game – and Baltimore’s AFC North rivals are the ones dealing with health issues at quarterback.
Cleveland, which won at Baltimore last weekend to pull within a half-game of first place, lost Deshaun Watson for the season with a fractured shoulder. Now Burrow is dealing with another injury after he faced calf trouble earlier this season.
The Ravens had five sacks, increasing their league-leading total to 44.
UP ABOVE
The game was delayed briefly because of apparent drone activity around the stadium.
“We saw them up there, drones. That’s a first,” Harbaugh said. “I thought I’d seen it all with the Super Bowl, the lights going out at the Super Bowl. Now we got drones flying around.”
The lights went out during Baltimore’s victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl in New Orleans after the 2012 season.
PRIME TIME
The Bengals have lost 14 consecutive regular-season night games on the road. Baltimore improved to 20-3 at home in that situation since 2008.
“Our fans were really great,” Harbaugh said. “(The Bengals) had to take delay of games, they had a tough time communicating out there. They couldn’t get lined up numerous times as a result of the crowd noise.”
INJURY
Cincinnati CB Cam Taylor-Britt left the game with a quad issue.
UP NEXT
Bengals: Host Pittsburgh on Nov. 26.
Ravens: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 26.
NFL WEEK 11 PREVIEWS
DALLAS COWBOYS (6-3) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-8)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) DAL: 121 or 384 CAR: 156 or 229
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: DAL leads series, 10-3 (CAR won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: CAR leads series, 2-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/3/21: CAR 28 at DAL 36
POSTSEASON: 1/3/04 NFC-WC: DAL 10 at CAR 29
COWBOYS NOTES:
QB DAK PRESCOTT passed for 404 yards & had 5 TDs (4 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT for 138.3 rating in Week 10, his 10th-career 400-yard game, tied-most by QB in 1st 8 seasons ever. Became 5th player ever with 20+ games (20) with pass TD & rush TD in 1st 8 seasons. Aims for his 4th in row with 300+ pass yards, 3+ TD passes & 100+ rating. Had 4 TD passes vs. 0 INTs for 130.3 rating in last meeting. • RB TONY POLLARD is 1 of 3 RBs (Christian McCaffrey & Bijan Robinson) with 9 games of 50+ scrimmage yards in 2023. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 15 of his past 16 road games. Aims for his 6th in row on road with 60+ scrimmage yards. • WR CEEDEE LAMB had 11 catches for 151 yards & 2 TDs (1 rec., 1 rush) in Week 10 & became 1st player in NFL history with 10+ catches & 150+ rec. yards in 3 straight games. Can become 1st player ever with 150+ rec. yards in 4 straight games & 2nd player ever with 10+ catches in 4 straight games (HOFer Calvin Johnson – Week 13-16 in 2012). Needs 2 catches to become 4th player ever with 70+ catches in each of 1st 4 career seasons. • WR BRANDIN COOKS had season highs in receptions (9) & rec. yards (173) & had 52nd-career TD catch last week, his 3rdcareer game with 170+ rec. yards. Had 9 catches for 112 yards in his last game vs. Car. (9/23/21 w/ Hou.). • LB MICAH PARSONS aims for his 3rd in row on road with sack. • DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE had 3rd sack of season last week. • DE DORANCE ARMSTRONG aims for his 4th in row with 0.5+ sacks. • DE SAM WILLIAMS aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • CB DARON BLAND had 5th INT of season last week & became 5th player since 1970 with 10+ INTs (10) & 3+ INT-TDs (3) in 1st 2 career seasons. Aims for his 7th in row with PD. • CB STEPHON GILMORE had 5 PD in his past 5.
PANTHERS NOTES:
QB BRYCE YOUNG (rookie) passed for 185 yards last week. Has 20+ completions in each of his 1st 8 career starts. Has TD pass in 3 of his 4 career home starts. • RB CHUBA HUBBARD has 50+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 3rd in row at home with 50+ scrimmage yards. Had 71 scrimmage yards in last meeting. Needs 39 scrimmage yards for 2nd-career season with 500+ scrimmage yards (2021). • RB MILES SANDERS has 470 scrimmage yards (78.3 per game) & 3 rush TDs in 6 career games vs. Dal. Aims for his 6th in row vs. Dal. with 50+ scrimmage yards. • WR ADAM THIELEN is 1 of 5 undrafted players in common-draft era with 600+ receptions (602). Aims for his 4th in row vs. Dal. with 6+ catches & 75+ rec. yards. Aims for his 5th in row at home & 8th in row overall with 5+ catches. • LB BRIAN BURNS has 0.5+ sacks in 5 of his past 6. Needs TFL for 3rd-straight 10+ TFL season. • LB FRANKIE LUVU led team with 11 tackles last week. Aims for his 3rd in row at home & 4th in row overall with 11+ tackles. • LB DEION JONES had 2nd TFL & 2nd PD of season in Week 10. • DT DERRICK BROWN had 10 tackles & 2 TFL last week, his 2nd-career game with 10+ tackles & 8th-career game with 2+ TFL. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with PD. • CB DONTE JACKSON had season-high 7 tackles & 1st 2 PD of season last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 5+ tackles. • S XAVIER WOODS has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5. Aims for his 4th in row at home & 4th in row overall with 5+ tackles. Had 243 tackles, 18 PD, 5 INTs & 3 FFs in 60 games (2017-20) with Dal. • S VONN BELL has 6+ tackles in 4 of his past 5. Has 2 TFL, 2 FFs & 2 FRs in 4 career games vs. Dal.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (6-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) PIT: 138 or 382 CLE: 82 or 228
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: PIT leads series, 79-61-1 (won 4 of past 5)
POSTSEASON: PIT leads series, 2-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/18/23: CLE 22 at PIT 26
POSTSEASON: 1/10/21 AFC-WC: CLE 48 at PIT 37
STEELERS NOTES:
QB KENNY PICKETT aims for his 6th in row with 0 INTs. Has 95+ rating in 2 of 3 road starts this season. Won both games vs. Cle. last season, with TD pass in each game. • RB NAJEE HARRIS had 96 scrimmage yards (season-high 82 rush, 14 rec.) & 3rd rush TD of season last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 75+ scrimmage yards & rush TD. Has 520 scrimmage yards (104 per game) in 5 career games vs. Cle. & has rush TD in 4 of 5 games, incl. each of 2 games at Cle. • RB JAYLEN WARREN rushed for career-high 101 yards & 2nd TD of season in Week 10. Aims for 3rd in row with 110+ scrimmage yards. Had 86 scirmmage yards (career-high 66 rec., 20 rush) in Week 2 meeting. Harris (579) & Warren (582) are only pair of RB teammates each with 575+ scrimmage yards this season. • WR DIONTAE JOHNSON has 5+ catches & 75+ rec. yards in 3 of past 4. Had 8 catches for 84 yards in last road meeting. • WR GEORGE PICKENS has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 road games this season. Had 127 rec. yards & TD catch in Week 2 meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cle. with 70+ rec. yards & rec. TD. • LB T.J. WATT aims for 4th in row with 0.5+ sacks & 3rd in row with full sack. Had 2 TFL, sack, FR & PD in Week 2 meeting. Has 16 sacks in 11 career games vs. Cle. with 0.5+ sacks in 10 of 11 games. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 10.5 sacks in 2023, 5th-career season with 10+ sacks. Has 88 sacks in 96 career games, 2ndmost by player in 1st 100 games since 1982. • LB ALEX HIGHSMITH had PD last week. Has 0.5+ sacks in 2 of past 3. Had sack & PD in Week 2 meeting & aims for his 5th in row vs. Cle. with sack. • CB PATRICK PETERSON aims for 3rd in row with PD. • S MINKAH FITZPATRICK had 2 PD in Week 2 meeting.
BROWNS NOTES:
BROWNS lead NFL in total defense (242.7 yards allowed per game) & pass defense (151.1 pass yards allowed per game). • QB DESHAUN WATSON totaled 250 yards (213 pass, 37 rush) with TD pass last week & completed all 14 atts. in 2nd half. Has 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 117.7 rating in his past 2 home starts. Passed for 235 yards in Week 2 meeting & has 2 TD passes in 2 of 3 career starts vs. Pit. • RB JEROME FORD rushed for career-high 107 yards last week, 2nd-career 100-yard game. Has 75+ scrimmage yards in 4 of past 5, incl. in each of past 2. Had career-high 131 scrimmage yards (106 rush, 25 rec.) & TD catch in Week 2 meeting. • RB KAREEM HUNT has rush TD in 5 straight games, longest streak of career & longest active streak in NFL. • WR AMARI COOPER led team with 6 catches for 98 yards in Week 10, his 3rd-straight game with 5+ catches & 85+ rec. yards. Aims for 3rd in row at home with 100+ rec. yards. Had 7 catches for 90 yards in Week 2 meeting & has 50+ rec. yards in each of 5 career games vs. Pit. • WR ELIJAH MOORE had 1st TD catch of season last week. • TE DAVID NJOKU had 6 catches for 58 yards in Week 10. Has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of past 4 & TD catch in 2 of past 3. Had rec. TD in last home meeting & has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4 vs. Pit. • DE MYLES GARRETT led team with 1.5 sacks last week, his 4thstraight game with sack. Ties for NFL lead with 11 sacks in 2023 & is 4th player since 1982 with 10+ sacks in 6 of 1st 7 seasons. Has 85.5 sacks in 93 games, 4th-most by player in 1st 100 games since 1982. • DE ZA’DARIUS SMITH aims for 3rd in row with 0.5+ sacks. • CB GREG NEWSOME had 34-yard INT-TD in 4th qtr. last week, 1st-career INT & 1st-career TD. Aims for 3rd in row with PD.
CHICAGO BEARS (3-7) AT DETROIT LIONS (7-2)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth, Kristina Pink
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) CHI: 83 or 380 DET: 85 or 225
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: CHI leads series, 104-77-5 (DET won past 2)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 1/1/23: CHI 10 at DET 41
POSTSEASON:
BEARS NOTES:
QB JUSTIN FIELDS had 4+ TD passes & 125+ rating in 2 of his past 3 starts. Rushed for 132 yards in last meeting. Passed for 167 yards & 2 TDs & rushed for 147 yards & 2 TDs. In last home meeting (11/13/22). • QB TYSON BAGENT (rookie) completed 20 of 30 atts. (60.6 pct.) for 162 yards in Week 10. Has 20+ completions in 3 of 4 career starts. • RB D’ONTA FOREMAN rushed for 80 yards & had 3rd rush TD of season last week. Has 80+ rush yards in 3 of his past 4. Rushed for career-high 165 yards & TD in his last game vs. Det. (12/24/22 w/ Car.). • RB KHALIL HERBERT has 50+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his 5 games in 2023. Rushed for 57 yards in last home meeting. • WR DJ MOORE has 50+ receptions & 700+ rec. yards in each of his 1st 6 career seasons. Has 50+ rec. yards in 6 of his past 7. Has 19 catches for 367 yards (122.3 per game) & 2 rec. TDs in 3 career games vs. Det., incl. 157 rec. yards in his only career game at Det. (11/18/18 w/ Car.). • TE COLE KMET had 5 receptions in Week 10. Aims for his 4th in row on road & 4th in row overall with 5+ catches. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Det. with TD catch. Is 1 of 2 TEs (Mark Andrews) with 5+ rec. TDs in each of past 2 seasons. • LB T.J. EDWARDS led team with 12 tackles last week. Aims for his 4th in row overall with 12+ tackles & 7th in row on road with 10+ tackles. Leads NFL with 110 tackles, his 3rd-straight 100+ tackle season. • LB YANNICK NGAKOUE had 3rd sack of season last week. • DB JAQUAN BRISKER had 9 tackles & 1st TFL of season last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with PD.
LIONS NOTES:
QB JARED GOFF passed for 333 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 122.4 rating in Week 10, his 34th-career game with 300+ pass yards. Has 43 TDs (41 pass, 2 rush) vs. 7 INTs for 110.4 rating in his past 17 home games. Has 8 TD passes vs. 0 INTs for 118.6 rating in his past 4 vs. Chi. • RB JAHMYR GIBBS (rookie) had 112 scrimmage yards (77 rush, 35 rec.) & 1st-career game with 2 rush TDs last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 100+ scrimmage yards & rush TD. • RB DAVID MONTGOMERY rushed for 116 yards & had 7th rush TD of season last week. Is 1 of 2 RBs (Josh Jacobs) with 5+ rush TDs in each of past 5 seasons. Had 4,849 scrimmage yards (3,609 rush, 1,240 rec.) & 30 TDs (26 rush, 4 rec.) in 4 seasons (2019-22) with Chi., incl. 1,000+ scrimmage yards & 6+ TDs in each season. • WR AMON-RA ST. BROWN had 8 catches for 156 yards & 15thcareer rec. TD last week, his 12th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Has 6 games with 100+ rec. yards in 2023, tied-most in NFL & aims for his 5th in row with 100+ rec. yards. • TE SAM LAPORTA (rookie) ranks 5th among TEs in rec. yards (474) & is 1st TE ever with 35+ rec. yards in each of his 1st 9 career games. • DL AIDAN HUTCHINSON had INT & FR in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Chi. with 0.5+ sacks. • LB ALEX ANZALONE led team with 9 tackles last week & has 5+ tackles in 26 straight games, tied 3rd-longest active streak in NFL. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Chi. with 7+ tackles. • CB JERRY JACOBS is 1 of 3 DBs that entered NFL in 2021 (Paulson Adebo & Pat Surtain II) with 7+ PD in each of past 3 seasons. • S KERBY JOSEPH aims for his 3rd in row with INT. Has 5 PD in his past 4. • S TRACY WALKER aims for his 5th in row with 6+ tackles.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4-5) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-6)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) LAC: 158 or 381 GB: 81 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: LAC leads series, 7-5 (Home team won past 4)
POSTSEASON: –
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/15/19: LAC 10 at DET 13
POSTSEASON: —
CHARGERS NOTES:
QB JUSTIN HERBERT passed for 323 yards & 4 TDs with 114.9 rating last week, 2nd-career game with 300+ pass yards & 4+ TD passes. Has 3+ TD passes & 110+ rating in 2 of past 3. Has 0 INTs in 3 of 4 road games this season. Aims for his 7th in row vs. NFC with 2+ TD passes. Has 16,438 pass yards & surpassed HOFer Peyton Manning (16,418) for most-ever by player in 1st 4 seasons. • RB AUSTIN EKELER had 115 scrimmage yards (67 rush, 48 rec.) & rush TD last week, his 3rd game this season with 115+ scrimmage yards. Aims for 4th in row with 70+ scrimmage yards & TD. Had 93 scrimmage yards (70 rush, 23 rec.) in last meeting. • WR KEENAN ALLEN led team with 11 catches for 175 yards & 2 TDs last week, his 17th-career game with 10+ catches & 100+ rec. yards, tied 5th-most in NFL history. Aims for 4th in row with 8+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. Has 458 rec. yards (114.5 per game) in 4 road games this season. Had 14 catches for 157 yards in last road meeting. Ties for NFL lead with 73 catches in 2023. • WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON (rookie) had 1st-career rec. TD last week. • WR JALEN GUYTON had 1st TD catch of season in Week 10. • TE GERALD EVERETT had 8 catches for 63 yards in his last game vs. GB (11/14/21 w/ Sea.). • LB JOEY BOSA aims for 4th in row with TFL. Has sack in 2 of past 3. Has 5.5 sacks in 4 road games this season. Had 1.5 sacks in last meeting. • LB KHALIL MACK aims for 4th in row with TFL. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. GB with sack. • LB KENNETH MURRAY aims for 6th in row with 5+ tackles. • S DERWIN JAMES led team with season-high 13 tackles & 2 TFL last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 10+ tackles. Aims for 3rd in row on road with FR.
PACKERS NOTES:
QB JORDAN LOVE had career-high 289 pass yards & 2 TD passes in Week 10, his 4th-career start with 2+ TD passes. Aims for his 5th in row at home with TD pass. • RB AARON JONES had 54 scrimmage yards (35 rush, 19 rec.) last week. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. • RB AJ DILLON had 81 scrimmage yards (70 rush, 11 rec.) in Week 10 & has 50+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his past 5. Needs 10 yards for 3rd-straight season with 500+ scrimmage yards. • WR ROMEO DOUBS had 6th rec. TD of season last week & has TD catch in 3 of his past 4. • WR JAYDEN REED (rookie) led team & set career highs with 5 catches for 84 yards & had 4th rec. TD last week, tied 3rd-most TD catches among rookies. • WR DONTAYVION WICKS (rookie) had 51 rec. yards in Week 10. • TE LUKE MUSGRAVE (rookie) had career-high 64 rec. yards last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • LB PRESTON SMITH had 5th sack of season last week, his 6thcareer season with 5+ sacks. Has sack in 4 of his past 5. Had sack in last meeting. • LB ISAIAH MCDUFFIE had 10 tackles last week, his 3rd game with 10+ tackles in 2023. Has 6+ tackles in 6 of his past 7. • DL T.J. SLATON has 8+ tackles in 2 of his past 3. • S RUDY FORD had career-high 10 tackles last week & has career high 58 tackles in 2023. Aims for his 8th in row with 6+ tackles. Has 3 PD in 3 home games this season. • S JONATHAN OWENS aims for his 3rd in row with 8+ tackles. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. LAC with PD. • CB COREY BALLENTINE had 6 tackles & career-high 2 PD last week.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-8) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (5-4)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely, Tiffany Blackmon
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) ARI: 146 or 383 HOU: 137 or 227
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: ARI leads series, 3-2 (won 3 of past 4)
POSTSEASON
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/24/21: HOU 5 at ARI 31
POSTSEASON: –
CARDS NOTES:
QB KYLER MURRAY passed for 249 yards & had 24th-career rush TD in season debut in Week 10. Completed 20 of 28 atts. (71.4 pct.) for 261 yards & 3 TDs vs. INT for 121.3 rating in last meeting. Has 27 TDs (21 pass, 6 rush) & 98.4 rating in his past 11 road starts. • RB JAMES CONNER rushed for 73 yards last week. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 30 of 34 games with Ari. since 2021, incl. all 15 road games. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Hou. with rush TD. Needs 63 rush yards for 5th-career season with 500+ rush yards. • TE TREY MCBRIDE led team with 8 catches & 131 rec. yards in Week 10, his 1st-career 100-yard game. Has 8+ catches & 95+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3. • WR RONDALE MOORE had season-high 5 catches last week. • WR MARQUISE BROWN needs 7 catches for 4th-straight 50-catch season & 32 rec. yards for 5th-straight season with 500+ rec. yards. Had 5 catches in his only career game at Hou. (9/20/20 w/ Bal.). • LB KYZIR WHITE led team with 11 tackles last week, his 3rd game with 10+ tackles in 2023. Is 1 of 2 (Bobby Okereke) with 85+ tackles (87) & 9+ TFL (career-high 9) in 2023. Is 1 of 6 in NFL with 10 games of 5+ tackles this season. • LB ZAVEN COLLINS aims for his 3rd in row on road with TFL. • LB DENNIS GARDECK had 5th sack of season last week, his 2nd-career 5+ sack season (7 in 2020). • LB B.J. OJULARI (rookie) set career highs with 8 tackles & 2 sacks in Week 10, his 1st-career 2-sack game. • S BUDDA BAKER had 10 tackles last week, his 24th-career game with 10+ tackles, most among DBs since 2017. Had 13 tackles, 2 FF, 2 PD & FR in last road meeting (11/19/17).
TEXANS NOTES:
TEXANS last week became 1st team since Ind. in 1998 with 350- yard passer (Stroud), 150-yard rusher (Singletary) & 150-yard receiver (Brown) in single game. • QB C.J. STROUD passed for 356 yards & had 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) last week, his 3rd game with 350+ pass yards this season, tied-most in NFL & is 3rd rookie ever with 350+ pass yards in 3 games (Andrew Luck & Cam Newton). Is 2nd rookie ever with 350+ pass yards in consecutive games (Newton). Ranks 2nd in NFL with 2,626 pass yards, 3rd-most ever by QB in 1st 9 career starts. Can become 1st rookie ever with 350+ pass yards in 3 straight games. • RB DEVIN SINGLETARY rushed for career-high 150 yards last week, 1st 150-yard rusher by Hou. since 2019 (Carlos Hyde). • WR NOAH BROWN set career highs in catches (7) & rec. yards (173) last week, most rec. yards by Hou. player in a game since 2019. Joined DeAndre Hopkins & Andre Johnson as only players in franchise history with 150+ rec. yards in consecutive games. • WR NICO COLLINS has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3. Has 448 rec. yards (112 per game) & 4 rec. TDs in 4 home games this season. • WR TANK DELL (rookie) aims for 3rd in row with 6+ catches, 55+ rec. yards & rec. TD. Ranks 2nd among rookies with 5 rec. TDs & 5th with 510 rec. yards. • TE DALTON SCHULTZ aims for 3rd in row with 70+ rec. yards. Aims for 4th in row at home with TD catch. • DT SHELDON RANKINS had career-high 3 sacks & 5th-career FF in Week 10. Aims for 3rd in row with 2+ TFL & sack. • LB JONATHAN GREENARD had 7th sack of season last week. Has 2 TFL & sack in 2 of past 3. Had 2 sacks & PD in last meeting. • CB TAVIERRE THOMAS led team with 8 tackles in Week 10. • S DEANDRE HOUSTON-CARSON had 1st INT of season last week.
TENNESSEE TITANS (3-6) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Amanda Renner
SiriusXM (team name linked to SXM App) TEN: 103 or 385 JAX: 99 or 230
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: TEN leads series, 33-23 (JAX won past 2)
POSTSEASON: TEN leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 1/7/23: TEN 16 at JAX 20
POSTSEASON: 1/23/00 AFC-C: TEN 33 at JAX 14
TITANS NOTES:
QB WILL LEVIS (rookie) has 230+ pass yards in 2 of 1st 3 career starts. Aims for 1st-career road win. • RB DERRICK HENRY has 100+ scrimmage yards in 3 of past 4. Has 635 scrimmage yards (158.8 per game) & 6 rush TDs in his past 4 vs. Jax., with 100+ rush yards in each game. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 6 of his past 7 vs. division. Is only RB with 750+ scrimmage yards in each of past 7 seasons. • RB TYJAE SPEARS (rookie) had 60 scrimmage yards (42 rec., 18 rush) last week. Has 60+ scrimmage yards in 2 of past 3 on road. Ranks 4th among rookie RBs with 400 scrimmage yards (234 rush, 166 rec.) in 2023. • WR DEANDRE HOPKINS has 60+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Has 5+ catches in 3 of his past 4 vs. Jax. Leads team with 591 rec. yards in 2023 & 4th WR since 2000 with 500+ rec. yards in each of 1st 11 seasons. • WR KYLE PHILLIPS led team with 61 rec. yards last week & aims for his 3rd in row with 60+ rec. yards. • TE CHIGOZIEM OKONKWO had TD catch in both games vs. Jax. last season. • DT JEFFERY SIMMONS had 1st PD of season last week. Has 5+ tackles in 2 of past 3. Has PD in 3 of his past 4 vs. Jax. • DE DENICO AUTRY had 6th sack of season last week. Has TFL in 3 of past 4 & sack in 2 of past 3. • DT TEAIR TART had 2 TFL & 1st sack of season last week. • LB HAROLD LANDRY had season-high 9 tackles & 5th sack of season in Week 10. Has sack in 3 of past 4. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Jax. with sack. • CB ROGER MCCREARY had 5 tackles & 1st INT of season last week. Has 5+ tackles in 5 of past 6. Had PD in last meeting.
JAGS NOTES:
QB TREVOR LAWRENCE has 90+ rating in 5 of past 6. Was 2-0 with 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 109.1 rating in 2 games vs. Ten. last season. • RB TRAVIS ETIENNE has 75+ scrimmage yards & TD in 4 of past 5. Has 325 scrimmage yards (108.3 per game) & 3 rush TDs in 3 games vs. division this season. Ties-4th in NFL with careerhigh 7 rush TDs this season. Needs 107 scrimmage yards for 2nd-straight 1,000-yard season. • WR CHRISTIAN KIRK had 6 catches for 104 yards last week, his 2nd 100-yard game this season. Has 6 catches & 90+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Has rec. TD in 2 of past 3 in Jax. Had 6 catches for 99 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for 3rd in row vs. division with rec. TD. • WR CALVIN RIDLEY has 80+ rec. yards in 3 games this season. • TE EVAN ENGRAM has 5+ catches in 3 of past 4. Has 6+ catches in 3 of 4 games in Jax. this season. Has 264 rec. yards (88 per game) in 3 career games vs. Ten. Ranks 3rd among TEs with 55 catches in 2023, his 4th-career season with 50+ catches. • LB JOSH ALLEN had sack, FF & FR in last meeting & aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ten. with sack. Has 7 sacks in his past 6 vs. division, with sack of 5 of 6. Ranks tied-5th in NFL with 9 sacks this season, 4th-career season with 7+ sacks. • LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN had 9 tackles, 3 TFL & career-high 2 sacks last week. Aims for 5th in row with 9+ tackles. Aims for 3rd in row in Jax. with TFL. Had 13+ tackles in both games vs. Ten. last season & had sack in last meeting. Ranks 4th in NFL with 101 tackles in 2023, 4th-straight season with 100+ tackles. • LB DEVIN LLOYD led team with 10 tackles in Week 10, his 4thstraight game with 9+ tackles. • S RAYSHAWN JENKINS had 5 tackles & PD last week.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (5-5) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) LV: 108 or 386 MIA: 111 or 231
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: Series tied, 18-18-1 (MIA won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: LV leads series, 3-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/26/21: MIA 28 at LV 31
POSTSEASON: 1/6/01 AFC-DIV: MIA 0 at OAK 27
RAIDERS NOTES:
QB AIDAN O’CONNELL (rookie) had TD pass last week. Has won 2 of 3 starts this season, incl. each of past 2. • RB JOSH JACOBS led team with 127 scrimmage yards (season high 116 rush, 11 rec.) last week, his 2nd 100-yard game this season. Aims for 4th in row with 85+ scrimmage yards. Has rush TD in 2 of past 3. Rushed for 69 yards in last meeting. Has 5 rush TDs this season & can become 7th player all-time with 7+ rush TDs in each of 1st 5 seasons. • WR DAVANTE ADAMS had 6 catches for 86 yards last week. Has 6+ catches & 55+ rec. yards in 4 of 5 road games this season. Had 2 rec. TDs in his last game vs. Mia. (11/11/18 w/ GB). • WR JAKOBI MEYERS has 50+ rec. yards & TD catch in 2 of 4 road games this season. Had TD catch in his last game vs. Mia. (1/1/23 w/ NE) & has 55+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 vs. Mia. • WR HUNTER RENFROW had 77 rec. yards & TD catch in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Mia. with 5+ catches. • TE MICHAEL MAYER (rookie) had 1st-career TD catch last week. • DE MAXX CROSBY has 5+ tackles in 6 of past 7 & TFL in 3 of past 4. Has sack in 2 of past 3 on road. Ranks 2nd in NFL with 13 TFL in 2023 & 4th with 9.5 sacks. • LB ROBERT SPILLANE had 7 tackles, sack & INT last week. Is 1 of 6 in NFL with 5+ tackles in 10 games this season. • CB DIVINE DEABLO had 7 tackles & PD in Week 10. Has 7+ tackles in 3 of past 4. • CB MARCUS PETERS has PD in 3 of past 4. Has PD in each of 2 career games vs. Mia. • CB NATE HOBBS has 5+ tackles in each of his 6 games this season & has PD in 4 of his past 5. • S TRE’VON MOEHRIG has 5+ tackles in 3 of past 4.
DOLPHINS NOTES:
DOLPHINS lead NFL in total offense (435.3 yards per game) & scoring offense (31.7 points per game). • QB TUA TAGOVAILOA passed for 193 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs in Week 9. Has 1,203 pass yards (300.8 per game) & 12 TDs vs 3 INTs with 121.5 rating in 4 home games this season, with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating in each game. Had 99.4 rating in last meeting. Ties for NFL lead with 19 TD passes this season & ranks 2nd with 106.4 rating & 3rd with 2,609 pass yards. • RB RAHEEM MOSTERT rushed for 85 yards & TD in Week 9. Has rush TD in 4 of past 5 & each of past 2. Has 9 TDs (7 rush, 2 rec.) in 4 home games this season, with TD in each game. Rushed for 86 yards & TD in only career game vs. Raiders (11/1/18 w/ SF). Leads NFL with career-high 11 rush TDs in 2023. • RB DE’VON ACHANE has 527 scrimmage yards (131.8 per game) in 4 games this season. Can make 1st appearance since Week 5. • WR TYREEK HILL aims for 6th in row with 6+ catches & 60+ rec. yards. Has rec. TD in 4 of past 5. Has 613 rec. yards (153.3 per game) & 4 rec. TDs in 4 home games this season. Aims for his 5th in row vs. LV with 75+ rec. yards. Leads NFL with 1,076 rec. yards & 8 rec. TDs this season. • WR JAYLEN WADDLE has 5+ catches in 4 of past 5. Has TD catch in each of 3 home games this season. Had 12 catches in last meeting. • WR CEDRICK WILSON aims for 3rd in row with TD catch. • CB JALEN RAMSEY had 4 tackles in Week 9. Had 6 tackles & PD in his last game vs. LV (12/8/22 w/ LAR). • S JEVON HOLLAND led team with 8 tackles in Week 9. • LB BRADLEY CHUBB aims for 5th in row with sack & has sack & FF in 3 of past 4. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. LV with PD. • LB JAELAN PHILLIPS aims for 4th in row with sack.
NEW YORK GIANTS (2-8) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (4-6)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
FOX: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) NYG: 98 or 387 WAS: 132 or 232
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: NYG leads series, 106-70-5 (won past 2)
POSTSEASON: Series tied, 1-1
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/22/23: WAS 7 at NYG 14
POSTSEASON: 1/11/87 NFC-C: WAS 0 at NYG 17
GIANTS NOTES:
QB TOMMY DEVITO (rookie) made 1st-career start in Week 10 & had 1st-career game with 2 TD passes. • RB SAQUON BARKLEY rushed for 66 yards last week & has 50+ rush yards in 10 straight games, longest active streak in NFL. Has 90+ scrimmage yards in 5 of his past 6 road games. Had 118 scrimmage yards (77 rush, 41 rec.) & TD catch in Week 7 meeting. Had 120 scrimmage yards (87 rush, 33 rec.) & rush TD in last road meeting & has 665 scrimmage yards (166.3 per game) & 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 rec.) in 4 career games at Was. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Was. with TD. • WR DARIUS SLAYTON has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3 on road. Has 5+ catches in 2 of his past 3 vs. Was. • WR STERLING SHEPARD had 1st rec. TD of season last week. • LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX has career highs in sacks (8.5) & TFL (8) this season. Has 3.5 sacks, 5 TFL, FF & FR-TD in 3 career games vs. Was. & aims for his 4th in row vs. Was. with sack. • LB BOBBY OKEREKE had 11 tackles last week & has 5+ tackles in 18 straight games. Needs 9 tackles for 3rd-straight 100-tackle season. Has career-high 9 TFL in 2023. Had 11 tackles & PD in Week 7 meeting. • LB MICAH MCFADDEN has career-high 9 TFL in 2023 & aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. Has 5+ tackles in 6 of his past 7. • DL DEXTER LAWRENCE had 2 sacks in Week 7 meeting & aims for his 4th in row vs. Was. with 0.5+ sacks. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4 vs. Was. • S XAVIER MCKINNEY aims for his 3rd in row with 10+ tackles. • S JASON PINNOCK had 2 PD & FF in last road meeting. Had sack in Week 7 meeting. • CB DEONTE BANKS (rookie) aims for his 5th in row with PD.
COMMANDERS NOTES:
QB SAM HOWELL passed for 312 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 109.3 rating in Week 10. Leads NFL with 2,783 pass yards in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row at home & 4th in row overall with 300+ pass yards. Passed for 249 yards in Week 7 meeting. • RB BRIAN ROBINSON had career-high 6 catches for career best 157 scrimmage yards (career-high 119 rec., 38 rush) & 4th career rec. TD last week & is 1 of 2 RBs (Christian McCaffrey) with 5+ rush TDs (5) & 3+ rec. TDs (3) in 2023. Had rush TD in Week 7 meeting & had 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his 3 career games vs. NYG. • RB ANTONIO GIBSON had 2nd rec TD of season last week. • WR TERRY MCLAURIN has 51 receptions in 2023, his 5thstraight 50+ catch season. Has 56 receptions for 740 yards (92.5 per game) & 3 rec. TDs in 8 career games vs. NYG, incl. 70+ rec. yards in each game. Has 100+ rec. yards & TD catch in 2 of his past 3 at home vs. NYG. • WR JAHAN DOTSON had 5 catches in Week 7 meeting & had 105 rec. yards & TD catch in last home meeting. • DT JONATHAN ALLEN had 4th sack of season last week. Has 4 sacks & 7 TFL in his past 7 vs. NYG. Aims for his 4th in row vs. NYG with TFL. • DT DARON PAYNE had FF & FR in Week 7 meeting. • LB JAMIN DAVIS led team with 11 tackles & had 2nd-career game with 2 TFL last week. • S KAMREN CURL had 10 tackles last week, his 4th game this season with 10+ tackles, most among DBs. Ranks 2nd among DBs with 81 tackles in 2023. • CB BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE had 2 PD last week & has 2+ PD in 5 of his past 6. Ranks tied-1st in NFL with 15 PD in 2023.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-5) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-3)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:05 PM ET
FOX: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) TB: 83 or 380 SF: 85 or 225
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: SF leads series, 19-6 (won past 2)
POSTSEASON: TB leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 12/11/22: TB 7 at SF 35
POSTSEASON: 1/12/03 NFC-DIV: SF 6 at TB 31
BUCS NOTES:
QB BAKER MAYFIELD passed for 278 yards & 2 TDs vs. INT for 102.4 rating last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ rating & 4th in row with 2+ TD passes. Has 9 TD passes vs. INT for 104.2 rating in 4 road starts in 2023. • RB RACHAAD WHITE had 98 scrimmage yards (51 rush, 47 rec.) & 1st rec. TD of season in Week 10. Aims for his 5th in row with 95+ scrimmage yards. Ranks 2nd among RBs in rec. yards (326) & 3rd in receptions (35) this season. Had 5 catches & 77 scrimmage yards (56 rush, 21 rec.) in last meeting. • WR MIKE EVANS had 6 catches for 143 yards & 6th rec. TD of season last week, his 87th-career TD catch. Has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4. Needs 7 catches for 10th-straight 50+ catch season. • WR CHRIS GODWIN had 54 rec. yards last week & has 50+ rec. yards in 5 of his past 6. Has 500+ rec. yards in each of his 1st 7 career seasons. • LB LAVONTE DAVID had 2 TFL & PD last week. Has 11 TFL in 2023, his 10th-career season with 10+ TFL. Aims for his 6th in row overall with TFL. Has 3 TFL, 2 FF & FR in 4 career games vs. SF & aims for his 4th in row vs. SF with TFL. • LB DEVIN WHITE aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Aims for his 5th in row on road with 5+ tackles. • LB SHAQUIL BARRETT had 4th sack of season last week & aims for his 3rd in row with sack. • LB YAYA DIABY (rookie) had sack & career-high 2 TFL last week. • NT VITA VEA had sack last week. Has TFL in 4 of his past 5 & aims for his 3rd in row with TFL. • DL CALIJAH KANCEY (rookie) aims for his 3rd in row with 2+ TFL. • S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR. had 1st INT of season last week. Has career-high 7 PD in 2023, incl. PD in 3 of his 4 road games.
49ERS NOTES:
QB BROCK PURDY completed 19 of 26 atts. (73.1 pct.) for 296 yards & 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 148.9 rating in Week 10 & became 2nd QB ever (HOFer Kurt Warner) with 3 games of 3+ TD passes & 140+ rating in 1st 2 career seasons. Leads NFL with 109.9 rating in 2023. Made 1st career start vs. TB in last meeting & had 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) vs. 0 INTs for 134 rating. • RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY leads NFL in rush yards (747), ranks tied-1st in scrimmage TDs (13) & 2nd in NFL in scrimmage yards (1,086), his 5th-career 1,000-yard season. Has 480 career catches & can surpass Roger Craig (483) for most catches by RB in 1st 7 career seasons. Has 1,116 scrimmage yards (101.5 per game) & 14 TDs (9 rush, 5 rec.) in 11 home games with SF, incl. 153 scrimmage yards & 2 TDs (1 rec., 1 rush) in last meeting. • TE GEORGE KITTLE had 116 rec. yards & 4th rec. TD of season last week, his 16th-career game with 100+ rec. yards, 2nd-most among TEs since 2017. Has 559 rec. yards in 2023 & is 4th TE ever with 500+ rec. yards in each of his 1st 7 career seasons. • WR BRANDON AIYUK had 3rd rec. TD of season last week. Aims for his 7th in row with 50+ rec. yards. Leads NFL with 17.8 yards per reception (min. 25 catches) in 2023. Had TD catch in last meeting. • WR DEEBO SAMUEL had 16th-career rush TD last week. Had rush TD in last meeting. • DL NICK BOSAhad 1.5 sacks, 1st FF of season & 3rd-career FR last week. Has TFL in 7 of his past 8. Has 26 sacks & 32 TFL in 30 career home games. • DL CHASE YOUNG had half sack in SF debut last week. • DL JAVON HARGRAVE had season-high 1.5 sacks last week. • LB FRED WARNER had career-high 3rd INT of season last week. Aims for his 7th in row with 7+ tackles. • LB DRE GREENLAW has 5+ tackles in 16 straight games. • S TALANOA HUFANGA had 3rd INT of season last week.
NEW YORK JETS (4-5) AT BUFFALO BILLS (5-5)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
CBS: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) NYJ: 138 or 382 BUF: 82 or 228
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: BUF leads series, 67-58 (NYJ won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: BUF leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/11/23: BUF 16 at NYJ 22
POSTSEASON: 12/27/81 AFC-WC: BUF 31 at NYJ 27
JETS NOTES:
QB ZACH WILSON totaled season-high 317 yards (263 pass, season-high 54 rush) last week, 2nd-career game with 50+ rush yards. Has passed for 250+ yards in consecutive games for 1st time in career. Has TD pass & 0 INTs in each of 2 career starts vs. Buf. Has 0 INTs in 7 of his past 8 starts vs. division. • RB BREECE HALL had 75 scrimmage yards (47 rec., 28 rush) last week & has 75+ scrimmage yards in 4 of past 5. Has TD in 2 of past 3 on road. Led team with 147 scrimmage yards (127 rush, 20 rec.) in Week 1 meeting. Has 371 scrimmage yards (123.7 per game) in 3 career games vs. division. • RB DALVIN COOK had season-high 59 scrimmage yards (33 rush, 26 rec.) in Week 1 meeting. Had 146 scrimmage yards (119 rush, 27 rec.) & rush TD in only career game at Buf. (11/13/22 w/ Min.). • WR GARRETT WILSON led team with 9 catches for 93 yards in Week 10, his 4th-straight game with 7+ catches & 80+ rec. yards. Had TD catch in Week 1 meeting & has 75+ rec. yards in 2 of 3 career games vs. Buf. Aims for his 5th in row vs. division with 5+ catches. • TE TYLER CONKLIN set season highs in catches (7) & rec. yards (70) last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 6+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. Has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of 4 road games this season. • DL QUINNEN WILLIAMS had half sack & PD in Week 10. Has TFL in 2 of past 3. Had 2 sacks in last road meeting. • DE JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS aims for 3rd in row with sack. • LB QUINCY WILLIAMS aims for 8th in row with TFL. Has 7+ tackles in 8 of 9 games this season. Had 10 tackles & TFL in Week 1 meeting. • LB C.J. MOSLEY led team with season-high 14 tackles last week. Aims for 9th in row with 9+ tackles. • S JORDAN WHITEHEAD had 9 tackles & INT in Week 10. Aims for 5th in row with PD. Had career-high 3 INTs in Week 1 meeting.
BILLS NOTES:
QB JOSH ALLEN had TD pass & rush TD last week, his 32ndcareer game with both pass & rush TD, 2nd-most by QB in NFL history (Cam Newton – 45 games). Has rush TD in 7 of past 8 & each of past 4 & can become 4th QB in SB era with rush TD in 5 straight games. Has 2+ TD passes in 4 of 5 games in Buf. this season. Has 2+ TD passes & 90+ rating in 4 of his past 5 vs. division. • RB JAMES COOK led team with 120 scrimmage yards (109 rush, 11 rec.) last week, his 4th game with 100+ scrimmage yards this season, tied 3rd-most among RBs. Has 70+ scrimmage yards in 4 of past 5 overall & in all 5 games in Buf this season. • RB LATAVIUS MURRAY rushed for season-high 68 yards & TD last week, 58th-career rush TD, 3rd-most among active players. Has rush TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. NYJ. • WR STEFON DIGGS has 6+ catches & 50+ rec. yards in 9 of 10 games this season. Had 10 catches for 102 yards & TD in Week 1 meeting & has 80+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 vs. NYJ. Aims for his 5th in row vs. division with TD catch. Ties for NFL lead with 73 catches in 2023, 4th-straight season with 70+ catches. • WR GABE DAVIS had 56 rec. yards last week & has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Has 55+ rec. yards in 4 of 5 games in Buf. this season. • TE DALTON KINCAID (rookie) had 5 catches for 51 yards & TD last week, his 4th-straight game with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. • S JORDAN POYER aims for 5th in row with 8+ tackles. • CB TARON JOHNSON had 7 tackles & 3rd FF of season last week. Aims for 4th in row with 5+ tackles. Has PD in 2 of past 3 vs. NYJ. • LB VON MILLER has 6.5 sacks in 6 career games vs. NYJ. • LB TERREL BERNARD led team with 13 tackles & had 3rd sack of season in Week 10. Has 8+ tackles in 5 of past 6. • DE A.J. EPENESA had 1.5 sacks last week.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (6-3) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-6)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
GAME TIME: 4:25 PM ET
CBS: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan, AJ Ross
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) SEA: 158 or 381 LAR: 81 or 226
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: SEA leads series, 27-23 (won 2 of past 3)
POSTSEASON: LAR leads series, 2-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 9/10/23: LAR 30 at SEA 13
POSTSEASON: 1/9/21 NFC-WC: LAR 30 at SEA 20
SEAHAWKS NOTES:
QB GENO SMITH passed for career-high 369 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 103.9 rating in Week 10, his 10th-career game with 300+ pass yards. Has 2+ TD passes in 3 of his past 4. Passed for 367 yards & 3 TDs vs. INT for 116.1 rating in last road meeting (12/4/22). • RB KENNETH WALKER had 127 scrimmage yards (career-high 64 rec., 63 rush) & 1st-career rec. TD in Week 10. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. LAR with 65+ scrimmage yards. • WR TYLER LOCKETT had 8 catches for 92 yards & 4th rec. TD of season last week. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. LAR. Needs 4 catches for 7th-career 50-catch season & 6 rec. yards for 9th-straight season with 500+ rec. yards. • WR DK METCALF had season-high 7 catches for 98 yards in Week 10. Had TD catch in Week 1 meeting. Has 6+ catches & 50+ rec. yards in 3 of his 4 career games at LAR. • WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA (rookie) has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 & aims for his 3rd in row with 50+ rec. yards. • LB BOBBY WAGNER led team with 10 tackles & had 2 PD & half sack in Week 10. Needs 5 tackles for 12th-straight 100+ tackle season. Had season-high 18 tackles in Week 1 meeting & has 174 tackles (8.7 per game) in 20 career games vs. LAR. • LB JORDYN BROOK Shad 12 tackles in Week 1 meeting. Aims for his 6th in row vs. LAR with TFL. Has 7+ tackles in 22 straight road games. • LB BOYE MAFE has sack in each of his past 7 games, longest active streak in NFL. Can become 4th player under age 25 since 1982 (Chris Jones, Jevon Kearse & Robert Mathis) with sack in 8 straight games within single season. • DE LEONARD WILLIAMS had 1st sack with Sea. last week. • CB DEVON WITHERSPOON (rookie) had 3 PD & 1st-career FF last week. Leads all rookies with 12 PD.
RAMS NOTES:
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD has 54,152 pass yards in 199 reg. season starts & can surpass Matt Ryan (54,349) for 2nd-most pass yards in 1st 200 games all-time. (Drew Brees – 55,439). Has TD pass in each of 1st 17 home starts with LAR. Has 906 pass yards (302 per game) & 8 TDs (7 pass, 1 rush) vs. 3 INTs for 101.2 rating in 3 Rams starts vs. Sea., incl. 334 pass yards in Week 1 meeting. • RB ROYCE FREEMAN aims for his 3rd in row vs. Sea. with 65+ scrimmage yards. • WR COOPER KUPP had 9 catches for 136 yards & 2 rec. TDs in his last game vs. Sea. (12/21/21). Has 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards in 7 of his past 8 vs. Sea. Has 7+ catches & 110+ rec. yards in 2 of his 3 home games this season. • WR PUKA NACUA (rookie) had 10 catches for 119 yards in Week 1 meeting. Has 398 rec. yards (99.5 per game) in 4 home games this season. Ranks 1st among rookies in both receptions (64) & rec. yards (827). • WR TUTU ATWELL had 6 catches for 119 yards in Week 1 meeting. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 at home. • DL AARON DONALD has 8 sacks & 16 TFL in 8 career home games vs. Sea., incl. 2+ TFL in 6 of 8 games. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Sea. overall with 0.5+ sacks. Is only player with 10+ TFL in each of past 10 seasons. Aims for his 3rd in row overall with sack. • LB BYRON YOUNG (rookie) had career-high 10 tackles, 1stcareer game with 2 sacks & 2nd-career FF in Week 9. • LB ERNEST JONES had 9 tackles & 3 TFL in Week 1 meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Sea. with TFL & 5th in row vs. Sea. with 5+ tackles. • CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON has PD in 6 of his past 7.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (6-4) AT DENVER BRONCOS (4-5)
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 2023 GAME TIME: 8:20 PM ET
NBC: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Westwood One: Ryan Radtke, Mike Golic
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) MIN: 81 or 226 DEN: 85 or 225 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: MIN leads series, 8-7 (DEN won 3 of past 4)
POSTSEASON: —
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 11/17/19: DEN 23 at MIN 27
POSTSEASON: –
VIKINGS NOTES:
QB JOSHUA DOBBS completed 23 of 34 atts. (67.6 pct.) for 268 yards & TD pass vs. 0 INTs for 101.1 rating & had 44 rush yards & rush TD in Week 10. In past 2 weeks with Min., became 1st player ever with 400+ pass yards (426), 100+ rush yards (110) & 0 INTs in 1st 2 games with team. Aims for his 3rd in row with 100+ rating & 5th in row with rush TD. • RB TY CHANDLER had 1st-career rush TD last week. • TE T.J. HOCKENSON had 11 receptions for 134 yards & rec. TD in Week 10, his 4th-career game with 10+ catches & 4th-career game with 100+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches in 9 of 10 games this season & aims for his 4th in row on road with 6+ catches. Leads TEs with 71 receptions & 681 rec. yards in 2023. • WR JORDAN ADDISON (rookie) had 69 rec. yards last week. Aims for his 3rd in row on road with 5+ catches & 50+ rec. yards. Ranks tied-2nd in NFL with 7 rec. TDs in 2023. Ranks 2nd among rookies in rec. yards (603) & tied-4th in receptions (45). • LB DANIELLE HUNTER had sack last week. Leads NFL with 14 TFL & ranks tied-1st with 11 sacks this season. Has 6 sacks & 7 TFL in 5 road games in 2023. • LB D.J. WONNUM had 5th sack of season last week. Has TFL in 4 of his past 5 & has 5+ TFL in each of past 4 seasons. Has sack in 3 of his past 4 on road. • S CAMRYN BYNUM aims for his 3rd in row on road & 5th in row overall with PD. Leads DBs with career-high 83 tackles in 2023. • S JOSH METELLUS has career-high 63 tackles in 2023 & is only DB with 5+ tackles in 10 games this season. • S HARRISON SMITH aims for his 8th in row with 5+ tackles. Had INT in last road meeting (10/4/15). • CB BYRON MURPHY aims for his 3rd in row with INT. Ranks tied-4th in NFL with 12 PD in 2023.
BRONCOS NOTES:
QB RUSSELL WILSON completed 24 of 29 atts. (season-high 82.8 pct.) with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 117.4 rating last week, his 6th game with 100+ rating this season, tied-most in NFL. Has 6 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 115.8 rating in past 3. Has 11 TDs vs. INT with 108.7 rating in 5 home starts this season. Is 6-1 with 110.9 rating in 7 career starts vs. Min. Has 3+ TD passes in 3 of his past 4 starts on SNF. Ties-3rd in NFL with 18 TD passes this season & 4th with 104 rating. • RB JAVONTE WILLIAMS led team with season-high 110 scrimmage yards (79 rush, 31 rec.) & had TD catch last week, 5th-career 100-yard game. Aims for 4th in row with 95+ scrimmage yards & 3rd in row with rec. TD. Has 560 scrimmage yards (93.3 per game) & 3 rec. TDs in 6 career games in primetime. • WR COURTLAND SUTTON has TD catch in 6 of past 7 & in each of past 4 & can become 1st Den. player with rec. TD in 5 straight games since Julius Thomas in 2014. Has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3. Had 5 catches for 113 yards in last meeting. • WR JERRY JEUDY has 50+ rec. yards in 2 of past 3 overall & in each of his past 3 at home. • LB ALEX SINGLETON led team with 11 tackles & had 1st FR of season last week, his 6th game this season with 10+ tackles, tied 3rd-most in NFL. Has TFL in 2 of past 3. • LB JOSEY JEWELL aims for 6th in row with 5+ tackles & has 5+ tackles in each of 5 home games this season. Had FR in last meeting. • CB PAT SURTAIN II has PD in 2 of past 3. Had 6 PD in 5 home games this season, with PD in 4 of 5 games. • CB JA’QUAN MCMILLIAN had 5 tackles & 1st-career FF & FR last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 5+ tackles. • S JUSTIN SIMMONS had 5 tackles, INT & FF in Week 10, 2ndcareer game with both INT & FF. Aims for 3rd in row with INT.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-1) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-2)
DATE: Monday, November 20, 2023 GAME TIME: 8:15 PM ET
ESPN: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters
Westwood One: Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) PHI: 81 or 226 KC: 83 or 225 National: 88
ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY
REG. SEASON: KC leads series, 5-4 (won past 3)
POSTSEASON: KC leads series, 1-0
THE LAST TIME …
REG. SEASON: 10/3/21: KC 42 at PHI 30
POSTSEASON: 2/12/23 SB LVII: KC 38 vs. PHI 25
EAGLES NOTES:
EAGLES are 1st team since 2005-06 Indianapolis Colts to begin 8-1 or better in consecutive seasons. • QB JALEN HURTShad 3 TDs (2 pass, 1 rush) vs. 0 INTs & 130.2 rating in Week 9, his 6th game this season & 14th-career game with both pass TD & rush TD. Has 33 career rush TDs, tied with Cam Newton for most by QB in 1st 4 career seasons & most by Phi. QB in team history. Has 7 rush TDs in 2023 & is 2nd QB ever (Josh Allen) with 7+ rush TDs in 3 straight seasons. Aims for his 4th in row with 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating. Had 374 yards (304 pass, 70 rush) & 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 pass) vs. 0 INTs for 103.4 rating in SB LVII vs. KC. Passed for 387 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 105.1 rating in last reg. season meeting. • RB D’ANDRE SWIFT aims for his 9th in row with 50+ scrimmage yards. Aims for his 3rd in row on road with TD. Needs 4 rush yards for new career high (617 rush yards w/ Det. in 2021). • WR A.J. BROWN has 1,005 rec. yards in 2023, his 4th-career 1,000-yard season. Has 100+ rec. yards in 6 of his past 7 on road & aims for his 5th in row on road with 125+ rec. yards. Had 6 catches for 96 yards & rec. TD in SB LVII vs. KC. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. KC, incl. postseason, with TD catch. • WR DEVONTA SMITH aims for his 3rd in row vs. KC, incl. playoffs, with 7+ catches & 100+ rec. yards. Aims for his 3rd in row overall with TD catch. • LB HAASON REDDICK is 1 of 5 with 7+ sacks in each of past 4 seasons. Aims for his 3rd in row overall & 4th in row on road with sack. • DE JOSH SWEAT has 4 sacks & 5 TFL in his past 5. • S KEVIN BYARD has 63 tackles in 2023, his 8th-straight 50+ tackle season. Aims for his 3rd in row with Phi. with 7+ tackles. Had 12 tackles in his last game at KC (11/6/22 w/ Ten.). • S REED BLANKENSHIP has career-high 10 PD in 2023.
CHIEFS NOTES:
QB PATRICK MAHOMES passed for 185 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 105.6 rating in Week 9, his 64th-career game with 2+ TD passes, tied with HOFer Peyton Manning for 2nd-most ever by player in 1st 7 seasons (HOFer Dan Marino – 65 games). Has 90+ rating in 4 of past 5. Passed for 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 131.8 rating & won SB LVIII MVP vs. Phi. Passed for 5 TDs & had 131 rating in last reg. season meeting. Has won 11 of his past 12 starts in primetime & is 6-0 in his past 6 starts on SNF. • RB ISIAH PACHECO rushed for 66 yards in Week 9. Has TD in 2 of his past 3 in KC. Has 417 scrimmage yards (104.3 per game) in his past 4 in primetime. Rushed for 76 yards & TD in SB LVIII. • RB JERICK MCKINNON had 3rd TD catch of season in Week 9. • TE TRAVIS KELCE has 6+ catches & 55+ rec. yards in 6 of past 7. Has 28 catches, 372 rec. yards (124 per game) & 2 rec. TDs in 3 games in KC this season. Had 8 catches for 103 yards & TD in last home meeting. Has 373 rec. yards (93.3 per game) & 4 rec. TDs in his past 4 on SNF. Ranks 2nd among TEs with 597 rec. yards in 2023. • WR RASHEE RICE (rookie) had TD catch in Week 9 & has rec. TD in 2 of past 3. Has 55+ rec. yards in 3 of past 4. Ties-3rd among rookies with 4 rec. TDs this season. • DT CHRIS JONES has sack in 2 of 3 games in KC this season & in 8 of his past 9 in reg. season in KC overall. Had 3 sacks, 2 FFs & INT in last home meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row on SNF with sack. • LB DRUE TRANQUILL aims for 3rd in row with 8+ tackles. Has sack in 3 of past 4. Had 9 tackles in his last game vs. Phi. (11/7/21 w/ LAC). • LB LEO CHENAL aims for 3rd in row with sack. • CB TRENT MCDUFFIE led team with career-high 11 tackles & had 5th-career FF in Week 9. Aims for 4th in row with 5+ tackles. • S BRYAN COOK had 59-yard FR-TD in Week 9, 1st-caeer TD.
ANALYSIS: GIVING DESHAUN WATSON $230 MILLION GUARANTEED HAS BECOME A DISASTER FOR THE BROWNS
Giving Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract has turned into another disaster for the Cleveland Browns.
It’s the biggest one yet for a franchise known for its failures.
Watson will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury that requires surgery, a devastating blow for a 6-3 team with a stingy defense and playoff hopes.
The ramifications of the injury extend far beyond this season, too.
Watson is owed $46 million each of the next three years with a cap hit of almost $64 million per season. That’s a ton of money for a guy who could be damaged goods.
“It’s going to be a couple of months,” Watson said about his rehab. “And the biggest thing is mobility and just the range of motion and then the strength and stuff will work out. But I’m going to be working with some great doctors and great staff that dealt with this process before with a lot of professional baseball guys and make sure that I come back even better than before.”
Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Watson is expected to be ready for the start of next season. However, a displaced fracture to the glenoid isn’t a common injury for quarterbacks so it’s reasonable to have doubts.
“Although it may be unusual for a quarterback with a throwing shoulder, the medical process moving forward is very clear to us,” Berry said.
“It’s very clear to Deshaun, it’s very clear to the docs, and we do feel really good about him returning and playing at the level that we’re accustomed to. … It’s not like Deshaun’s the first quarterback to suffer this injury in his throwing shoulder, but … you usually do see it with other positions. But he should make a strong recovery.”
The Browns made a significant investment in Watson out of desperation, hoping the risky move would end their decades-long search for a franchise quarterback.
They were willing to trade three first-round picks to Houston and had to give Watson the richest guaranteed contract in NFL history just to persuade him to come to Cleveland.
Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the entire organization were sharply criticized from a public relations standpoint because Watson was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions.
They also ticked off other owners because Watson’s unprecedented deal raised the contract demands for other quarterbacks, though nobody has since received more guaranteed money.
But the move doesn’t look like a wise one from a football perspective, either.
Watson had already sat out the 2021 season while facing allegations because he wanted a trade. He was suspended the first 11 games in 2022. He wasn’t sharp when he returned for the final six games last season and his best football with the Browns came in the second half of Sunday’s 33-31 comeback win over Baltimore after he sustained the shoulder injury.
The Browns were 8-4 in Watson’s 12 starts over the first two seasons, though he didn’t resemble the three-time Pro Bowl QB he was with the Texans. He threw for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions with an 81.7 passer rating in those games.
“We feel good about Deshaun,” Berry said. “We see how talented he is. We could see it since he returned from his last injury, the level that he is able to play. He’s smart, he’s physically tough, he’s mentally tough.”
Berry and the Browns have to be all-in on Watson because they have no other choice. They’re locked into his contract for three more years with no way out. Berry confirmed Watson’s deal is “guaranteed for skill, injury and cap.”
The Texans own Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2024 from the trade so the Browns would have to find other assets to get in position to draft a top QB in a rich class next spring. They can’t afford another veteran quarterback with so much money allocated to Watson under the cap in 2024-26.
For the Browns, it’s Watson or bust. The first two years have been a flop.
DOUG PEDERSON: JAGS’ OFFENSE LIMITED BY AILING QB TREVOR LAWRENCE
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said one of the reasons the offense has struggled this season is because of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s knee injury.
“One of the things that we haven’t been able to do because of Trevor’s condition with his knee is just move him a little bit more,” Pederson told reporters Wednesday. “Sometimes, you can create things off of that. He’s been limited that way.
“Play-action pass can be an opportunity to shoot the ball down the field on first or second down, the screen game you’ve seen hit a little bit. Those are ways to create some explosives. Sometimes, just drop back and throw it. Just run past and use your speed on the perimeter. Try to take advantage of that while you’re seeing teams do it in different ways.”
Lawrence, 24, hasn’t missed a game since injuring his knee in a Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and hasn’t appeared on the Jaguars’ injury report since Week 9.
In last Sunday’s 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Jaguars totaled just 221 yards and allowed the 49ers to sack Lawrence five times.
Lawrence, who has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,120 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games, also has six interceptions after throwing just eight last season.
“It’s feeling better,” Lawrence said this week of his knee. “It’s finally getting to where I’m not going to really think about it as much and won’t be as much as an issue. I feel like I’m starting to move pretty fluid and it’s not bothering when I do much. Obviously, it’s still a little bit here or there, it’ll get aggravated.
“But that’s a good question, I’m starting to feel comfortable and I’m happy about that with the progress I’ve made. We’ve been able to protect it the last few weeks and I’m excited to hopefully finally get going and just play normal, move around, all that stuff.”
The AFC South-leading Jaguars (6-3) host the Tennessee Titans (3-6) on Sunday.
SAINTS SIGN DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL TO PRACTICE SQUAD
The New Orleans Saints signed three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to the practice squad on Thursday.
Pierre-Paul, 34, was a free agent willing to sign with a playoff contender’s practice squad, according to an NFL Network report last week. The Saints lead the NFC South with a 5-5 record but have only 18 sacks.
He started 13 games for the Baltimore Ravens last season and played in 14, totaling 26 tackles, three sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and five passes defended.
Pierre-Paul, selected first-team All-Pro in 2011, is a two-time Super Bowl champion with 94.5 career sacks in 179 games (150 starts) with the New York Giants (2010-17), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-21) and Ravens.
Drafted 15th overall by the Giants in 2010, he has recorded 629 tackles, 167 quarterback hits, 21 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns while playing defensive end and outside linebacker.
GIANTS RB SAQUON BARKLEY: ‘LOYALTY MEANS NOTHING’ IN NFL
Saquon Barkley stands as perhaps the lone reliable, healthy option for the New York Giants’ offense 10 games into the regular season.
But Barkley still feels the burn of a contract standoff in the offseason, when he grudgingly came to terms on a modified franchise tag contract at a rate of $10.1 million in salary plus nearly $1 million available in incentives.
On Sunday at the Washington Commanders, Barkley will make his second start alongside undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito and figures prominently in the gameplan. But he doesn’t have any preconceived notion about what being “old reliable” might mean to his bottom line come March and contract time.
“Loyalty means nothing,” he said. “Loyalty, that don’t mean nothing. No matter how loyal, no matter how committed you are, it’s a business at the end of the day. That is something that I have learned.”
Barkley leads the Giants with 586 rushing yards. New York has eight offensive touchdowns and ranked last in total offense.
At 26, he’s nearly out of what NFL evaluators consider prime production years for a running back.
Barkley was asked Thursday if he has contemplated that taking on a heavy workload for the rest of an otherwise lost season — in terms of contending and returning to the playoffs — could actually hurt his pocketbook because of the wear and tear on his body.
“Yeah, it’s really crazy when you break it down like that. It’s just the way the business is,” Barkley said. “When you’re a premier back in this league — not to talk about myself — they feed you the ball because it helps you and gives you an opportunity to win games more times than not. And then when it comes to contract or a certain time and you’re a running back, you having so much miles on you, it’s a crazy concept.
“I try my best not to think about that or I would go insane. I just try to keep focus on the love of the game, take care of my body and whenever the opportunity comes to talk contract again — whether it’s with the Giants or another team — hopefully I’m able to pull the film or pull up numbers to be able to get a contract that is the best for me and my family.”
OFT-INJURED PANTHERS CB JAYCEE HORN COULD PLAY VS. COWBOYS
Former first-round pick Jaycee Horn could be on the field Sunday when the Carolina Panthers take on the Dallas Cowboys.
That decision rests largely with head coach Frank Reich, who’ll confer with the 2021 No. 8 overall pick and decide if he’s ready to play for the first time since tearing his hamstring in the 2023 regular-season opener.
Horn landed on IR three weeks into his first season with a broken foot, and he fractured his wrist in 2022. Now midway through his third season, Horn has played 17 total games and is eager to shake the rep of being injury-prone.
“It’s sh—y. Excuse my language,” Horn said. “I mean, that’s what it is, you know. For me, for the fans, for the coaches. I mean, I was brought here to play football. That’s what I want to do.
“So it’s frustrating but, you know, all I can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and you keep going. That’s all I know how to do.”
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero predicted a big season ahead for Horn in training camp. He wasn’t willing to step out on a limb and declare Horn ready for Dallas after three practices this week.
“We’re hopeful,” Evero said. “Jaycee — coach (Reich) will address that. We’ll see where it goes.”
Horn was designated to return from injured reserve on Monday. He was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday.
On Nov. 3, Reich said Horn was “probably another week or two away.” If he practices without restrictions on Friday, there’s a shot he’ll be on the field covering CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver playing at an All-Pro level. He has four games with 10-plus receptions this season.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NO. 6 HOUSTON, UTAH CHASE IMPROVEMENT IN CHARLESTON CLASSIC
The first steps in the Charleston Classic resulted in good outcomes for No. 6 Houston and Utah, but both teams are looking for better performances.
The Cougars and Utes will meet in the second semifinal on Friday in Charleston, S.C.
“You like learning lessons by winning,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said after his team’s first-round game. “You’re going to learn lessons whether you win or lose, you might as well win.”
The two teams won their Thursday games in different manners.
Houston’s defense was solid in a 65-49 triumph against Towson. Utah was in a tussle before a late rally gave the Utes a 77-70 win over Wake Forest.
Houston (4-0), in its first game away from home, had control of its game in large part because Towson couldn’t get untracked offensively.
The Cougars will address some spotty stretches on offense that seemed to gain Sampson’s attention.
“It’s still so early in the season, I don’t think anybody is looking at their teams as finished products,” Sampson said. “We’re all just searching — trying to figure out how to fix this, how to fix that.”
The good thing for the Cougars was that they should be fresh for the semifinal.
LJ Cryer’s team-leading 18 points against Towson came in 27 minutes — and he logged the most playing time of anyone on the team. Four reserves were on the court for more than 15 minutes, so the playing time was spread out, something that Sampson indicated was part of the plan as he learns more about his squad.
“We’ve got some spots where we’re just rotating guys in,” Sampson said. “It’s going to take them awhile to get comfortable.”
Both Houston and Utah (3-0) used big scoring runs to shape their first-round games.
The Cougars went on a 13-1 run in the first half to build a comfortable edge against Towson. Utah wanted until down the stretch against Wake Forest to turn it on, benefiting from an 11-0 run to go up 65-60.
The Utes received a huge boost from senior center Branden Carlson’s career-high 31 points, with 20 of those points in the second half. It was the first time that a Utah player has reached 30 points in a game under third-year coach Craig Smith.
“We had a really hard time keeping Branden Carlson under control,” Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes said. “He is a really good player, and we were worried about him. Carlson did a lot of damage inside and out.”
The Utes overcame a rough first half, as they trailed 41-31 at the break.
“I was just really proud of our guys, just the way the game was played, the way it kind of played out,” Smith said. “There just wasn’t a lot going right for us in that first half.”
Utah will savor the second half.
“We scored 46 in the second half,” Smith said. “I mean, there were games over the last two years it was hard to get 46 for the game.”
The Cougars and Utes have met only once previously, with Houston prevailing 82-57 in a December 1982 game in Tokyo.
The other semifinal features St. John’s and Dayton. The tournament has a break Saturday, so the championship game and third-place game will be held Sunday.
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S TOP 25 ROUNDUP: NO. 8 UCONN ROUTS NO. 20 MARYLAND
Paige Bueckers scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting and recorded six steals to lead No. 8 UConn to an easy 80-48 victory over No. 20 Maryland on Thursday night at Storrs, Conn.
Aaliyah Edwards and KK Arnold scored 12 points apiece for the Huskies (2-1), who led by as many as 35 points. Ashlynn Shade had 10 points for UConn, which forced 27 turnovers.
The Huskies avenged last season’s 85-78 loss to the Terrapins at College Park, Md.
Shyanne Sellars scored 16 points and Jakia Brown-Turner added 13 points for Maryland (1-2). Sellars shot just 4-for-13 and Brown-Turner was just 4-for-17 as the Terrapins hit just 25.9 percent overall.
UConn played without Azzi Fudd, who hurt a knee in practice earlier this week. The school announced that Fudd was undergoing testing to determine the severity of the injury.
No. 1 South Carolina 109, Clemson 40
Raven Johnson recorded career highs of 17 assists and five steals as the Gamecocks scored at least 100 points for the third straight game while routing the visiting Tigers at Columbia, S.C.
MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 18 points and Kamilla Cardoso had 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots for South Carolina (3-0). Ashlyn Watkins also had a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots while Johnson fell one assist shy of matching the school record.
Maddi Cluse scored 11 points for Clemson (3-1), which shot just 22.2 percent from the field and was 3 of 28 (10.7 percent) from 3-point range. The Tigers’ largest deficit was 70 points.
No. 9 Virginia Tech 105, Houston Christian 36
Georgia Amoore set a program record with 16 assists and the Hokies also set a school mark with the 69-point winning margin while thrashing the Huskies at Blacksburg, Va.
Elizabeth Kitley scored 23 points as Virginia Tech (2-1) led by as many as 72 points while dismantling Houston Christian. Clara Strack added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Hokies, who led 61-23 at halftime.
Enya McGuire scored 13 points for the Huskies (1-3), who shot just 22.4 percent from the field.
No. 13 Ohio State 88, Boston College 66
Cotie McMahon scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting to help the Buckeyes cruise past the Eagles at Columbus, Ohio.
Taylor Thierry had 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting and collected eight rebounds for Ohio State (2-1), which shot 61.4 percent from the field. Jacy Sheldon added 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
T’Yana Todd scored 16 for Boston College (2-2). Andrea Daley and Teya Sidberry added 14 points apiece for the Eagles.
No. 19 Louisville 111, Bellarmine 33
Sydney Taylor scored 15 points and Nyla Harris added 14 as the Cardinals steamrolled the visiting Knights, with the 78-point winning margin being the largest in coach Jeff Walz’s 17 seasons at the school.
Alexia Mobley scored 12 points for Louisville (3-0), which shot 62.1 percent from the field. Jayda Curry, Kiki Jefferson and Merissah Russell had 11 apiece for the Cardinals.
Hayley Harrison scored 10 points for Bellarmine (0-3), which shot just 21.1 percent from the field and committed 29 turnovers. The Knights hit 4 of 29 (13.8 percent) in the first half and trailed 48-9 at the break.
Green Bay 65, No. 22 Creighton 53
Maddy Schreiber scored 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting to help the visiting Phoenix upset the Bluejays at Omaha, Neb.
Callie Genke added 11 points and Cassie Schlitz had 10 for Green Bay (2-1), which led 22-9 after the first quarter. The Phoenix allowed the first points and then never again trailed.
Lauren Jensen registered
Lauren Jensen registered 21 points and four steals for Creighton (2-1). Emma Ronsiek added 15 points.
NBA NEWS
BUTLER SCORES 36, ROBINSON ADDS 26 AND HEAT TOP NETS 122-115 TO WIN 7TH STRAIGHT
MIAMI (AP) After starting 1-4, things looked bleak for the Miami Heat. Now that stretch seems almost forgotten.
Jimmy Butler scored 18 of his 36 points in the third quarter, and the Heat extended the NBA’s current longest winning streak to seven games by beating the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 on Thursday night.
Duncan Robinson added 26 for the Heat, who have won seven straight for the first time since Dec. 30, 2017-Jan. 14, 2018. Bam Adebayo scored 20 for Miami, which has won all seven of those games by single digits – and is one of only two teams without a double-digit win yet this season. Charlotte is the other.
“We’re getting a little more organized, more comfortable,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And that allows you to be more confident.”
Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker IV each scored 23 for Brooklyn, which had won its last five games against Miami. Nic Claxton was 7 for 7 from the field and scored 16 for the Nets, and Cam Johnson added 16 as well.
Walker got his points in 26 minutes off the bench.
“He can score the ball,” Johnson said. “He’s been in attack mode. He’s been locked in.”
Miami lost to Brooklyn on Nov. 1 to fall to 1-4, the worst five-game start in Spoelstra’s 16 seasons. The Heat haven’t lost since and the 8-4 record ties for the fourth-best 12-game start under Spoelstra; the team opened 9-3 on three occasions in that span.
Butler’s 18-point third quarter tied his best for any regular-season quarter in a Heat uniform, done on two other occasions. He’s also had quarters of 18, 21 and 22 in playoff games for Miami.
For the Heat, it was part of a nine-game, 18-day stretch where they’ll play in eight different arenas. The only one they’ll visit twice in that span is the United Center in Chicago, where they’ll open a two-game set against the Bulls on Saturday night to begin a five-game trip.
“It was fun to play at home for once,” Butler said.
Johnson picked up his fourth foul with 3:40 left in the first half, making him the 12th player in the league this season to have that many before intermission – and the second Nets player to do so in as many games, after Claxton did it against Orlando on Tuesday. Johnson’s fourth was an offensive foul, drawn by Kevin Love.
It sent him to the bench. It sent the Heat off and running.
They finished the half on a 14-0 run, the last 12 of those coming following Love taking the charge against Johnson, and went into the break up 60-52. The Nets were 0 for 7 with three turnovers in that stretch, the last of those giveaways coming when Butler stripped Royce O’Neale and set up Haywood Highsmith for a layup 4 seconds before the buzzer.
Miami kept the lead for the entirety of the second half.
“Their little run going into halftime … you can’t have that momentum shift going into halftime,” Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said. “That’s something that we need to learn about, finishing the half and having the momentum going in your favor.”
UP NEXT
Nets: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.
Heat: Visit Chicago on Saturday.
ISAIAH JOE GOES 7 FOR 7 ON 3-POINTERS, THUNDER SEND SHORT-HANDED WARRIORS TO FIFTH STRAIGHT LOSS
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Even after making nearly 60% of their 3-pointers, the Oklahoma City Thunder were just as pleased with how they moved the ball around the court in recording 31 assists.
“You can’t expect to shoot the ball like that every night,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “That obviously comes and goes. That’s why we emphasize all the things we can control.”
Isaiah Joe was 7 for 7 from 3-point range and scored a season-high 23 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points and seven assists and the Thunder sent the Golden State Warriors to their fifth straight loss with a 128-109 victory on Thursday night.
“By the time that one got there,” Joe said of his last couple 3-pointers, “it was like shooting into an ocean.”
Josh Giddey added 19 points and rookie Chet Holmgren had 13 points and 10 rebounds in his fourth double-double to help propel Oklahoma City to its fifth win in six games. The Thunder were 19 of 32 (59.4%) behind the arc.
“They spread you out, they’ve got shooters everywhere and they got a lot of size positionally, their guards, between Shai, Giddey and (Jalen) Williams,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. “The team’s really well put-together, well-coached, and they hammered us tonight.”
The Thunder had won just one of their past 11 contests against the Warriors dating back to 2020-21. But Oklahoma City was firmly in control against a short-handed Golden State squad that grew more thin as the night went on.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right knee soreness) and forward Draymond Green ( five-game suspension ) were unavailable, and guard Gary Payton II exited with a sprained left ankle in the second quarter. X-rays on Payton’s ankle came back negative, the team announced.
Missing their leading scorer for a second straight game, the Warriors fell to 1-5 at Chase Center this season.
Green’s absence may have been felt most on defense, as Oklahoma City jumped out to a 39-24 lead after the first quarter. Golden State closed within a point of the lead in the third but was ultimately outscored 34-24 in the fourth.
Jonathan Kuminga led Golden State with 21 points, drawing the start in place of Green. He was one of seven Warriors to score in double figures, but Klay Thompson was held to five points and just 1 of 10 from the field.
The Warriors tried to stay in the game by grabbing 20 offensive rebounds, leading to a 27-6 advantage in second-chance points.
“Credit to them, they did a good job hustling on the glass,” Holmgren said. “We have to come back and be better for that on Saturday.”
Forward Gui Santos, Golden State’s second-round draft pick in 2022, made his NBA debut in the fourth quarter, playing four minutes and grabbing three boards. Santos is the third Brazilian-born player to appear in a game for the Warriors.
UP NEXT
The Thunder and Warriors will meet again on Saturday night at Chase Center.
ANALYSIS: DRAYMOND GREEN DIDN’T HURT RUDY GOBERT. HE HURT THE WARRIORS, AGAIN
Golden State’s Draymond Green is probably going to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame one day, even with career averages of around 9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. He’ll have, at minimum, four NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals when he’s all done.
He’ll also have baggage. So much baggage.
The latest addition to that pile came Wednesday when the NBA handed Green a five-game suspension, one that’ll cost him about $770,000 in missed salary and won’t help a Warriors team that is already without an injured Stephen Curry and not off to the hottest of starts at just 6-6.
Green earned every bit of that suspension after putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the Warriors-Minnesota game on Tuesday night. It was his second ejection in a span of five days and the 19th — including playoffs — of his career, which is nearly twice as many as any other two currently active players in the league combined.
“Not much to say,” Gobert said after the game. “It was clown behavior.”
Some say clown, some say Draymond being Draymond. Among Green’s other famous incidents: He punched then-teammate Jordan Poole last season, plus earned suspensions for stomping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest in last season’s playoffs and another after a “retaliatory swipe of his hand to the groin” of LeBron James to go over the flagrant-foul-point limit in the 2016 NBA Finals, having to sit down with the Warriors up 3-1 in a series that they would give away.
Add up all his technicals and fines and the money he’s lost for games missed by suspension and Green’s behavior has cost him somewhere around $2 million. He’s made probably close to 100 times that amount, so it’s not exactly hurting the bottom line.
But it will hurt the Warriors, who’ll have to play — again — without Green and amid more distractions that he’s caused. It speaks volumes that the team still defends Green, even after most onlookers would have said he was clearly in the wrong for putting Gobert in the headlock as part of a mess that started with Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels getting tangled up.
“The Draymond piece of it, if you watched the replay, Rudy had his hands on Klay’s neck and that’s why Draymond went after Rudy,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Tuesday’s game. “I saw one replay right after it happened. Guys on the back of the bench were telling us that Rudy had Klay, and that’s why Draymond went at Rudy. So that’s all I know.”
True, Gobert probably didn’t need to get involved in the Thompson-McDaniels mess and if he did want to play peacemaker he could have grabbed his teammate to pull him out of the fray instead of putting his hands on an opponent. It certainly stands to reason that Green would have been irate over the visual of Gobert grabbing Thompson, though it’s not a well-kept secret that Green and Gobert don’t like each other very much.
First off, they’ve battled for defensive player of the year honors a few times and neither has been too happy when the other prevailed. Green also has openly mocked Gobert for breaking into tears when the then-Utah center missed out on being an All-Star in 2019.
And, after Minnesota beat the Warriors on Sunday, Green might have raised a few eyebrows with this assessment: “I don’t necessarily view it as a tough matchup.”
It got tough Tuesday night without an injured Curry and an ejected Thompson and Green. Minnesota won 104-101, finishing off a two-game sweep on the Warriors’ home court. The Warriors are 1-4 at home, that lone win coming by a single point, and now are further short-handed.
This suspension won’t change anyone’s opinion of Green. His fans will stand by him, his critics will be further empowered to rip him. It also won’t change the way he plays; he’ll still be a lightning rod by choice, will probably post on Instagram — just as he did a few days ago — about how he doesn’t care what most people think.
Maybe Green should, or at least realize the antics just aren’t worth it anymore. It’s up for debate if he was truly trying to hurt Gobert. There’s no argument that he hurt the Warriors.
HORNETS F MILES BRIDGES SET TO RETURN AFTER SITTING OUT LAST SEASON AND SERVING 10-GAME SUSPENSION
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is “anxious” to make his return to NBA action, saying it feels “like the first day of school.”
Bridges is set to return to the court Friday night for the first time in 583 days against the Milwaukee Bucks for an NBA In-Season Tournament game after sitting out all of last season and completing a 10-game suspension this year for his role in a domestic violence case in 2022.
Bridges’ return comes even as he has a pending court date for allegedly violating a protection order stemming from the domestic violence incident that derailed his NBA career more than 16 months ago.
That court date had been set for Monday, but was rescheduled for Feb. 20, 2024.
He declined to comment on the case because it is ongoing.
“Basketball has been my sanctuary and for me to be away from it for a year has been kind of hard on me, so I’m just happy to be back,” Bridges said after Thursday’s practice.
The NBA confirmed to The Associated Press that it is allowing Bridges to play while the case remains in the courts.
The Hornets released a statement Thursday before practice saying: “We are comfortable with Miles returning to play based on our current understanding of the facts of the recent allegations and remain in contact with the NBA as that matter proceeds through the court process.”
The league imposed a 30-game suspension this summer for Bridges, but he was given credit for 20 games time served after sitting out all 82 games last season.
The 25-year-old Bridges expected to provide a huge boost for Charlotte, which went 3-7 in his absence to start the season.
He is considered one of the team’s best players and has a notable, and at times electric, chemistry with point guard LaMelo Ball.
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said he won’t decide until Friday if Bridges will start against the Bucks, but confirmed that he’ll play quite a bit.
“He’s worked really hard, but you don’t know because it’s not easy to not play a game after (sitting out) this length of time,” Clifford said. “It may take a little bit but he has done everything he can do to give himself a good chance to play well early. He’s gotten in really good shape and he does a lot extra. He has worked very hard.”
It may take some time for the former Michigan State product to knock off the rust, as he last played for the Hornets on April 12, 2022, wrapping up a season in which he led the team in scoring at 20.2 points per game.
Entering the summer of 2022, Bridges appeared headed for a contract worth in excess of $100 million as a restricted free agent, but was arrested and charged in Los Angeles on multiple counts of domestic violence just days before the start of free agency.
Bridges entered a plea of no contest in November to a felony domestic violence charge and the remaining counts against him were dismissed.
The Hornets re-signed Bridges to a one-year, $7.9 million contract this summer, but recently allegations were made that he violated the terms of his restraining order and he turned himself into police in Lincoln County on Oct. 13. Bridges appeared before a district court judge and was released on $1,000 bond.
Bridges “unlawfully” and “knowingly” violated the protection order, and “continually contacted the victim,” according to court documents.
Bridges said he isn’t sure what type of reception he’ll receive from the crowd at the Spectrum Center, but said he feels he deserves another chance because “I know what type of person I am.”
“I know a lot of people feel a (certain) way about me being back and I understand that. Like I said before, I have to gain their trust back,” Bridges said. “I’m going out there looking to play and if I can get us some more wins I feel like people’s perspective will change a little bit on me. I’m trying to get out there and help the team as much as I can.”
JUDGE ALLOWS JA MORANT’S LAWYERS TO ARGUE HE ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE IN LAWSUIT ABOUT FIGHT WITH TEEN
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Lawyers for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant are allowed to argue that he was acting in self-defense as part of a lawsuit accusing him of assaulting a teenager during a pickup basketball game at the NBA star’s house, a judge ruled Thursday.
Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney set a Dec. 11 hearing where lawyers for Morant and 18-year-old Joshua Holloway will discuss whether Morant is immune from liability under Tennessee law for hitting Holloway during a game at the All-Star player’s Memphis-area home in July 2022.
Morant’s lawyers have acknowledged he punched Holloway one time after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant and the ball hit Morant in the chin. In a July 26 motion, the player’s lawyers said he should be immune from liability under the state’s “stand your ground” law, which allows people who feel threatened at their homes to act with force in certain situations.
The law is used in criminal cases, but Chumney’s ruling clears the way for Morant’s lawyers to apply it in the civil case and attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed.
Morant’s accuser was 17 when the lawsuit was filed. It accuses Morant and friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. An amended complaint identified the plaintiff as Holloway.
Morant filed a countersuit accusing Holloway of slander, battery and assault. No criminal charges have been filed against Morant. Pack has been charged with misdemeanor assault, and a hearing is set for Nov. 21 in state criminal court.
The lawsuit has led to complicated legal arguments, including disagreement about whether the state’s “stand your ground” law can be used to support Morant.
Holloway’s lawyer, Rebecca Adelman, has argued that the self-defense claim under the state law can’t be a reason to dismiss the civil case, partly because there is no ongoing criminal investigation against Morant. She has argued that Holloway has a right to a jury trial, which would not take place if the judge finds that Morant is immune.
Adelman has said the self-defense and immunity arguments came too late in the process. At a July hearing, she called it a “Hail Mary of Hail Marys.”
Will Perry, Morant’s lawyer, has argued there are ways for the “stand your ground” law to apply in civil cases and that Morant is entitled to immunity. He has said the motion was timely because the trial is not scheduled until April 2024.
Lawyers for Morant and Holloway did not provide comment to reporters after the court hearing Thursday.
The NBA suspended Morant for the first 25 games this season after a video of him flashing a handgun was posted online. The video of Morant showing a gun while sitting in the passenger seat of a car was posted after he finished serving an eight-game suspension in March for a video in which he displayed a handgun in a Denver-area strip club.
Morant apologized for both videos.
BASEBALL NEWS
SHOHEI OHTANI UNANIMOUSLY WINS AL MVP FOR SECOND TIME
Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani was named unanimous American League Most Valuable Player for the second time in three years on Thursday.
Ohtani received all 30 first-place votes and is the first player in major league history to win the award unanimously on more than one occasion.
Ohtani’s 420 points easily outdistanced World Series champion Texas Rangers teammates Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, who finished second and third, respectively, in balloting by 30 Baseball Writers’ Association of America voters.
Seager got 24 second-place votes while garnering 264 points. Semien had 216 points and received five votes for second.
“My rivals Semien and Seager had great seasons — congrats to them for winning the World Series — but my goal was to come out on top and it all paid off, all my hard work,” Ohtani said through Angels interpreter Ippei Mizuhara on the MLB Network broadcast.
Ohtani is the second Japanese-born winner of the award, joining Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners in 2001.
Ohtani joins Mike Trout as the only Angels to win multiple MVP awards. Trout is a three-time winner (2014, 2016, 2019).
Ohtani, 29, batted .304 with an AL-leading 44 homers with 95 RBIs in 135 games. He led the AL with a .412 on-base percentage and led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage.
As a pitcher, Ohtani went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and recorded 167 strikeouts over 132 innings (23 starts). He limited opposing batters to a .184 average.
Ohtani’s pitching efforts ended after he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Aug. 23. He continued playing as a batter until sustaining an oblique injury on Sept. 3.
Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-September for the second time. He also had the procedure in the fall of 2018.
“It’s going really great so far,” Ohtani said of the elbow rehabilitation. “I feel like it feels better and faster than the first time I had the surgery. And at the same time I can’t rush. I have to take everything slow. My plan is to come back strong next year.”
Ohtani is slated to become a free agent and expectations are that he will land the richest contract in baseball history due to being a two-way player in the prime of his career.
Ohtani is the 16th player to win AL MVP honors multiple times. He also was runner-up to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in 2022.
Other Angels to win the MVP award are Don Baylor (1979) and Vladimir Guerrero (2004).
Seager was second in the AL in batting average at .327 and had 33 homers, 96 RBIs and 42 doubles in just 119 games. He was named World Series MVP when the Rangers ousted the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games but postseason play isn’t considered in MVP balloting.
Semien had 29 homers and 100 RBIs while playing in all 162 regular-season games. He batted .276 and led the AL with 122 runs and 185 hits.
Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez placed fourth in the balloting with 197 points. Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros finished fifth with 178 points. Tucker received the other second-place vote.
MLB OWNERS APPROVE A’S RELOCATION TO LAS VEGAS
Major League Baseball owners approved the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas in a vote Thursday morning at their fall meeting in Arlington, Texas, multiple outlets reported.
The vote reportedly was unanimous. The measure required approval from 23 of the 30 owners.
The A’s will become just the third team in more than 50 years to relocate.
The Montreal Expos were the most recent team to pull up stakes, moving to Washington and rebranding as the Nationals in 2005. Prior to that, the Washington Senators moved to Arlington and became the Texas Rangers in 1972.
A’s owner John Fisher announced his plan to move to Las Vegas after being unable to come to terms with officials in Oakland to build a new ballpark. Plans are in place in Nevada for a $1.5 billion stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
The team’s lease in Oakland runs through the 2024 season but the new stadium won’t be ready for occupancy until 2028, leaving the A’s as nomads for three seasons. USA Today reported Thursday that the team is expected to play in multiple sites, include Oracle Park in San Francisco, the home of the Giants, and in the Athletics’ Triple-A facility in Summerlin, Nev.
The Athletics franchise was founded in Philadelphia in 1901 and moved to Kansas City in 1955. The A’s have played in Oakland since 1968 in a ballpark that is now the fifth oldest in the majors.
The A’s won four World Series titles in Oakland — 1972 through 1974 and 1989. The team finished 50-112 in 2023, its worst record since a 36-117-1 campaign in Philadelphia in 1916.
ATLANTA TO HOST 2025 MLB ALL-STAR GAME AFTER LOSING 2021 GAME OVER OBJECTIONS TO VOTING LAW
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball will play its 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, four years after moving the game from Truist Park to Denver’s Coors Field over objections to changes in Georgia’s votings rights laws.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Thursday following an owners’ meeting.
Atlanta was awarded the 2021 All-Star Game in May 2019, but MLB moved it in April 2021, just three months before the game was played.
Critics complained then that the voting rights changes were too restrictive. Manfred made the decision to move the All-Star events and the amateur draft from Atlanta after discussions with individual players and the Players Alliance, an organization of Black players formed after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Next year’s All-Star Game will be in Arlington and the 2026 game in Philadelphia to make the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
NHL NEWS
NHL ROUNDUP: SENATORS EDGE WINGS IN OT IN SWEDEN
Tim Stutzle scored with two seconds remaining in overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Global Series Sweden on Thursday in Stockholm.
During a scramble in the Wings’ zone, Drake Batherson sent a pass that deflected off a defender’s stick. Stutzle took a waist-high whack at the puck as goaltender James Reimer ducked. The puck sailed over Reimer’s head and into the net.
Ottawa, which led 4-0 midway through the second period, got two goals from Brady Tkachuk. Jake Sanderson and Josh Norris had the Senators’ other regulation goals. Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves.
Lucas Raymond, Daniel Perron, Alex DeBrincat and Shayne Gostisbehere scored four straight goals in the second period for the Red Wings. Gostisbehere finished with three points and Reimer made 29 saves.
Golden Knights 6, Canadiens 5
Mark Stone scored the game-winner on a power play with 1:12 remaining and also had two assists as visiting Vegas rallied for a wild victory over Montreal.
Shea Theodore had a goal and three assists, Jack Eichel added a goal and two assists and Jonathan Marchessault, Brett Howden and Brayden McNabb also scored goals for the Golden Knights. Adin Hill finished with 23 saves for Vegas, which extended its winning streak against Montreal to six games.
Jesse Ylonen scored two goals, Alex Newhook had a goal and an assist and Johnathan Kovacevic and Justin Barron also scored goals for Montreal, which lost its third straight game. Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson each added two assists, and Cayden Primeau made 36 saves for the Canadiens.
Lightning 4, Blackhawks 2
Victor Hedman notched the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period as visiting Tampa Bay broke a two-game goalless drought by beating Chicago.
Former Blackhawk Brandon Hagel tallied into an empty net with 49 seconds left for the final margin. Brayden Point had a goal and two assists and Hedman added a helper for a two-point night. Mikhail Sergachev recorded a goal and an assist as Tampa Bay broke a three-game skid.
Lukas Reichel and Corey Perry scored goals for Chicago, which took its third loss in four games.
Flames 5, Canucks 2
Elias Lindholm scored once in a three-point game and Jonathan Huberdeau snapped his goal-scoring drought while adding an assist as host Calgary claimed a victory over Vancouver.
MacKenzie Weegar, Dillon Dube and Noah Hanifin also scored for the Flames, who won consecutive games for just the second time this season. Calgary goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 20 saves, and Blake Coleman collected two assists.
Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander scored for the Canucks, who went into the night’s action atop the Western Conference and on a 10-1-1 run. Goalie Casey DeSmith stopped 34 shots.
Kings 2, Panthers 1
Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist and host Los Angeles held on to beat Florida, ending the Panthers’ five-game winning streak.
Anze Kopitar also scored and Cam Talbot made 30 saves for the Kings, who ended a two-game losing streak. Los Angeles is 7-1-2 in the past 10 games.
Sam Reinhart scored and Sergei Bobrovsky made 25 saves for the Panthers, who went 0-for-5 on the power play after going a combined 4-for-7 over the previous two games.
Kraken 4, Islanders 3 (SO)
Kailer Yamamoto had a goal and an assist and scored the winner in the eighth round of a shootout as Seattle defeated visiting New York.
Matty Beniers and Alex Wennberg also tallied for Seattle, which went 3 for 4 on the power play to snap a three-game losing streak (0-2-1). Goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 20 saves, then was beaten just twice on eight shootout attempts.
Anders Lee, Casey Cizikas and Noah Dobson scored for New York, which is winless in its past seven games (0-4-3). Semyon Varlamov stopped 29 of 32 shots, then yielded three goals in the eight shootout rounds.
Coyotes 3, Blue Jackets 2
Arizona maintained its trend of alternating wins and losses as Lawson Crouse scored the winning goal 10:07 into the third period for a victory at Columbus.
Barrett Hayton and Logan Cooley also scored for the Coyotes, and Connor Ingram made 39 saves.
The Blue Jackets took their seventh straight loss (0-5-2) despite getting two goals from Damon Severson. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 29 shots.
Devils 5, Penguins 2
Curtis Lazar and Jesper Bratt each had a goal and an assist as New Jersey snapped a three-game losing streak with a win at Pittsburgh.
Nathan Bastian, Alexander Holtz and Tyler Toffoli also scored, and Erik Haula and Luke Hughes each had two assists for the Devils, who scored four straight after trailing 2-1. New Jersey goaltender Vitek Vanecek made 21 saves.
Bryan Rust scored twice for the Penguins, who had their five-game winning streak snapped. Pittsburgh goaltender Tristan Jarry made 26 saves.
Sharks 5, Blues 1
Mike Hoffman scored twice as San Jose dispatched visiting St. Louis to earn just its third victory in 17 games.
Givani Smith and Luke Kunin each had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who snapped the Blues’ three-game winning streak. William Eklund also scored for San Jose, and Kaapo Kahkonen made 44 saves for his first victory of the season.
Pavel Buchnevich scored for the Blues. Joel Hofer allowed four goals in 21 shots before being replaced after 22:55. Jordan Binnington took over and stopped 13 of the 14 shots he faced.
AUTO RACING NEWS
NASCAR COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF BROADCAST PIONEER KEN SQUIER
Ken Squier, a broadcaster who helped to put NASCAR on the map, died Wednesday night in his native Vermont. He was 88.
He had been in failing health.
A member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Squier was the one who dubbed the Daytona 500 “The Great American Race.”
He was on the call of the 1979 Daytona 500, which NASCAR reported was the first live, flag-to-flag NASCAR race aired by CBS, partially at the urging of Squier. Richard Petty won the race after the leaders, Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison, crashed on the final lap and fought after the race, which Squier captured.
He was CBS’ lead announcer of the Daytona 500 from 1979 to 1997 and was the studio host until 2000. He also worked for TNN and TBS, and in 1970, he co-founded the Motor Racing Network with NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.
“Whether from a bed of a logging truck at the Morrisville (Vt.) Speedway, or high atop the grandstands of ‘The Great American Race’ in Daytona, Ken Squier’s eloquent voice entertained and educated millions of race fans, no matter the medium. His passion for stock car racing contributed mightily to its rapid growth throughout his 70-plus year career,” said Chris Schwartz, president of Motor Racing Network.
“Though he never sat behind the wheel of a stock car, Ken Squier contributed to the growth of NASCAR as much as any competitor,” Jim France, NASCAR chairman and CEO said in a statement. “Ken was a superb storyteller and his unmistakable voice is the soundtrack to many of NASCAR’s greatest moments. His calls on TV and radio brought fans closer to the sport, and for that he was a fan favorite. Ken knew no strangers, and he will be missed by all.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Dale Jarrett and the family of Richard Petty were among those to post tributes to Squier, as did Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.
“I will always cherish the memories of all the time we spent together,” Scott posted to social media on Thursday. “From the booth, he often described those racing as ‘common men doing uncommon things.’ But in reality he was describing himself — because Ken was indeed a very common man who did extraordinary things.”
Squier was one of the founding owners of Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vt.
Born into a radio family — his father owned and operated radio station WDEV in Waterbury, Vt. — Squier started calling races at age 14 via bullhorn as he watched motorsports at local county fairs. He later went on to run the station.
MAX VERSTAPPEN: LAS VEGAS GP ‘99% SHOW, 1% SPORTING EVENT’
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen has been an outspoken critic of this week’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, voicing his displeasure with everything from the layout of the track to the late start times to the pomp and circumstance around the event.
The Red Bull star was among several who skipped a VIP event at the Wynn Las Vegas on Wednesday night that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had asked all drivers to attend. Verstappen had no “interest” following an extravagant opening ceremony held on the start-finish line.
“(It’s) 99 percent show, and one percent sporting event,” Verstappen told reporters. “I just like to always focus on the performance side of things. I don’t like all the things around it, anyway. I know, of course, in some places, they are part of it, but let’s say it’s not in my interest.”
Verstappen, 26, has won a record 17 of the 20 races so far this season and already has wrapped up his third title. He’s the heavy favorite ahead of Saturday night’s race, but he’s not interested in the pre-race festivities.
Wednesday night’s opening ceremony included musical performances from the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Legend and Journey, along with a drone show with lasers and fireworks. The drivers were also elevated by lifts on to stages to greet the crowd.
“For me, you can all skip this,” Verstappen said. “It’s not about the singers. We are just standing up there, looking like a clown.
“I’m looking forward to trying to do the best I can, but I’m not looking forward to (the festivities).”
Verstappen also said the layout of the 3.8-mile street circuit is not “that exciting,” citing the low grip of the heavy F1 cars.
One of Verstappen’s chief rivals, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has been one of the drivers to embrace the glitz around F1’s return to Las Vegas. The event is the first to be promoted by F1’s owners, Liberty Media.
“I hear there are a lot of people complaining about the direction Stefano and Liberty have been going,” Hamilton said. “I think they have been doing an amazing job.
“It is a big show, for sure. It is never going to be like Silverstone. But maybe over time the people in the community here will grow to love the sport.”
He continued: “It is a business, ultimately. You’ll still see good racing here.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc echoed the sentiments of his Mercedes rival, viewing the Las Vegas GP as an opportunity to bring new fans to the sport.
“It’s a lot, but I think if you don’t do that here, you don’t do that anywhere,” Leclerc said, via RacingNews365. “I mean, what’s most important to me is that the DNA of the sport remains the same.
“However, we need to also take opportunities of these kinds of events in such incredible cities, and make something around it that will maybe attract people that are not interested in racing at first, but then once they get to see the cars in real life then they get interested in racing.”
Verstappen understands there is a business side to bringing F1 to Las Vegas, but he’s focusing on adding to his trophy collection.
“They still make money if I like it or not, so it’s not up to me,” Verstappen said. “But I’m also not going to fake it. I just always voice my opinion on positive things and negative things. That’s just how I am.
“Some people like the show a bit more, I don’t like it at all. I grew up just looking at the performance side of things and that’s how I see it as well.
“So for me, I like to be in Vegas, but not so much for racing.”
GOLF NEWS
LPGA UNVEILS RECORD-SETTING $118M 2024 SCHEDULE
The LPGA Tour unveiled a 35-event 2024 schedule Thursday featuring a record $118 million in prize money.
That represents a 69 percent increase from the $70 million in total purses available in 2021.
“The 2024 LPGA Tour schedule reflects our historic growth,” commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said in a news release. “With new events and improved geographic flow, enhancing the athlete experience, our global reach and competitiveness have never been stronger. As we embark on this season, we celebrate the remarkable journey of women’s golf, anticipating thrilling competition and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.”
The 2024 schedule includes 33 official events played in 15 states and 10 countries, including a pair of Asia swings in February-March and October.
A record 16 tournaments will have purses of at least $3 million, including 10 non-major events. That includes the year-ending CME Group Tour Championship with an $11 million purse and a record $4 million winner’s check.
There are three new events on the calendar: the LPGA Drive On Championship in Bradenton, Fla., in January; the Arizona Championship in Phoenix in March; and the FM Global Championship in Norton, Mass., in September.
The season kicks off at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Fla., from Jan. 18-21. It ends with the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Fla., from Nov. 21-24.
The dates, locations and purses for the five 2024 majors are as follows:
–The Chevron Championship in The Woodlands, Texas, April 18-21, $5.2 million
–U.S. Women’s Open in Lancaster, Pa., May 30-June 2, $11 million
–KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Sammamish, Wash., June 20-23, $10 million
–Amundi Evian Championship in Evian-les-Bains, France, July 11-14, $6.5 million
–AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews, Scotland, Aug. 22-25, $9 million
Other opportunities for LPGA Tour athletes in 2024 include the Paris Olympics (Aug. 8-11) and the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Va., from Sept. 13-15.
LPGA ANNOUNCES 2-YEAR STREAMING DEAL WITH ESPN
The LPGA and ESPN announced a two-year streaming agreement on Thursday.
The network will stream eight LPGA Tour events live and exclusively on ESPN+ through the 2025 season.
The “Featured Group” coverage will follow the rounds of four featured groups, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
“We are excited to partner with ESPN+ to elevate women’s golf,” commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said. “The LPGA represents the best of the best and we’re thrilled to be able to offer more opportunities for fans to watch these incredible athletes perform on the biggest stage. Fans are in for a real treat as we create unique broadcasts to bring them closer to the action.”
The agreement includes this week’s CME Group Tour Championship and the same event in 2024. A full list of LPGA Tour events on ESPN+ will be announced next year.
“ESPN’s commitment to covering world-class golf and women’s sports has never been stronger, and having more of the LPGA on ESPN+ is a vital component of that commitment,” said Tim Bunnell, senior vice president of ESPN Programming and International. “With PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, the Masters, PGA Championship, TGL, and now the LPGA on ESPN+, we’re bringing more golf to more fans than ever before.”
The LPGA Tour has a longstanding relationship with ESPN, dating back to coverage of the Sahara Open on Sept. 8, 1979 — the network’s second day on the air.
NASA HATAOKA, RUONING YIN TIED FOR TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
Nasa Hataoka of Japan and Ruoning Yin of China shot 9-under-par 63 to forge a tie for the first-round lead at the CME Group Tour Championship on Thursday in Naples, Fla.
Hataoka was the first to touch 9 under and Yin matched her at the end of the afternoon, her final birdie coming at the par-5 17th hole at Tiburon Golf Club. Both players carded nine birdies and no bogeys to kick off the lucrative season finale tournament.
The top 60 players in the Race to the CME Globe standings qualified for the season-ending event, which features the highest winning payout in women’s golf. The champion will take home a $2 million first prize.
Hataoka, 24, is in a terrific position to end her winless drought that dates back to April 2022. She rolled in five birdies on the front nine and four more on the back.
Yin, the 21-year-old who won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June, followed suit with a three-birdie stretch at Nos. 6-8 helping her to the front-nine 31. She narrowly missed a 10th birdie from long range at the par-4 18th.
Yin — ranked No. 2 in the world — and France’s Celine Boutier are the only players mathematically alive to win the LPGA Player of the Year award.
Minjee Lee of Australia is third with a bogey-free 8-under 64, and Anna Nordqvist of Sweden (65) carded eight birdies and one bogeys to place fourth at 7 under after one round.
Alison Lee, Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, England’s Georgia Hall, Hye-Jin Choi of South Korea and Yu Liu of China are tied for fifth at 6-under 66. Of that quintet, all but Liu went bogey-free on Thursday.
Jennifer Kupcho, Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Xiyu Lin of China shot 5-under 67 to form a tie for 10th. Nelly Korda was part of a large tie at 4-under 68 that also featured Leona Maguire of Ireland, Yuka Saso of Japan and Charley Hull of England.
CAMERON YOUNG TIED FOR LEAD AT SUSPENDED RSM CLASSIC
Cameron Young, Eric Cole and Davis Thompson turned in rounds of 6-under 66 to set the pace before play was suspended at the RSM Classic on Thursday in St. Simons Island, Ga.
The finale of the FedEx Cup Fall series suffered from an inclement weather delay of more than 2 1/2 hours Thursday afternoon. Play resumed at 4:18 p.m. local time before darkness fell an hour later.
Ninety players in the 155-man field will need to complete their rounds when play resumes Friday morning.
Thursday’s and Friday’s rounds are split between Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside and Plantation courses. Young, Cole and Thompson all shot 66 at the Plantation course, with Young and Thompson going bogey-free.
Matt Kuchar shot a 5-under 65 on the Seaside course, and Ricky Barnes and Swedish rising star Ludvig Aberg had 5-under 67s at the Plantation course. Ben Carr, Peter Kuest and Nicholas Lindheim were also tied at 5 under with some golf left to play.
Young, ranked No. 18 in the Official World Gold Ranking, is still hunting for his first career PGA Tour win.
TOP INDIANA RELEASES/NEWS
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
INDIANA FOOTBALL SEMI-STATE PREVIEWS
1A
#14 COACHES POLL/UNRANKED AP POLL NORTH JUDSON (9-4) AT #2 COACHES POLL/#2 AP POLL ADAMS CENTRAL (13-0)
Adams Central has beaten North Judson in the Sem-State the last two seasons 42-7 and 35-0. North Judson took care of a good Park Tudor team last week by running for 377 yards. The Bluejays average almost 300 yards per game on the ground led by RB Brock Benson (1,401 yards), RB Kole Wilcox (871 yards) and QB Jesiah McDaniel (1,020 yards). Adams Central’s defense is one of the best in the state allowing only 5.0 points per game. The Flying Jets dominated Carroll (Flora) last week 29-0. Keep an eye on RB Keegan Bluhm who ran for 205 yards last week in their win over Carroll. If Adams Central wins they potentially play Lutheran for the third straight year in the state championship.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Adams Central, 82.35, 24th overall, 1st in 1A. North Judson, 57.18, 114th overall, 6th in 1A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: North Judson 80-68. Adams Central 77-66.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Tied, 2-2.
LAST MEETING: Adams Central, 35-0, Nov. 18, 2022, semistate.
#1 COACHES POLL/#1 AP POLL LUTHERAN (11-0) AT #10 COACHES POLL/#12 AP POLL SHERIDAN (10-3)
The defending champion Saints have won 41 straight following their 14-7 slugfest over Providence. Lutheran allows just 59 yards rushing per game. The offense is led again by QB Jackson Willis (2,106 passing yards, 26 TDs) and RB Braydon Hall (1,747 yards, 25 TDs). Lutheran also has plenty of speedy receivers in Javerrea Cooper (17 catches, 329 yards, six TDs) and Devuan Jones (13 catches, 272 yards, six TDs). Sheridan Coach Bud Wright is back in the semi-state for the first time since 2012. RB Eli Kolb (1,228 rushing yards, 18 TDs) leads the running game that averages almost 200 yards per game.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Lutheran, 79.32, 32nd overall, 2nd in 1A. Sheridan, 47.77, 161st overall, 10th in 1A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Lutheran 76-48. Sheridan 71-72.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Lutheran, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Lutheran, 55-12, Oct. 30, 2020, sectional.
2A
UNRANKED COACHES POLL/UNRAKED AP POLL SOUTHMONT (8-5) AT #9 COACHES POLL/#4 AP POLL NORTH POSEY (12-1) (SATURDAY)
This title game will be played on Saturday and Southmont will enjoy the extra day of prep. This is the Mounties first trip to the semi-state after very close wins over Cascade, Linton-Stockton and Eastern Hancock. RB Wyatt Woodall will carry the load in the running attack with over 1,300 rushing yards. QB Nolan Boyer is a dual threat with nearly 1,500 passing yards and over 700 rushing yards. North Posey made it to semi-state by beating #1 Triton Central with 315 yards on the ground. QB Liam Stone can run and throw (958 passing, 950 rushing yards).
SAGARIN RATINGS: North Posey, 73.7, 44th overall, 1st in 2A. Southmont, 55.38, 122nd overall, 12th in 2A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Southmont 75-66. North Posey 72-70.
SERIES LAST 35 YEARS: No meetings.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: No meetings.
#7 COACHES POLL/#10 AP POLL LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (10-3) AT #5 COACHES POLL/#7 AP POLL FW BISHOP LUERS (10-3)
LCC is led by QB Bobby Metzger (2,758 yards, 33 TDs) and WR Ray Clayton (71 catches, 911 yards, seven TDs). WR’s Jackson Cain (46 catches, 453 yards, six TDs) and Hudson Gutwein (35 catches, 401 yards, six TDs) are also huge threats. Luers will count on QB Kohen McKenzie (1,666 yards and 19 TDs). WR’s Isaac Zay (34 catches, 573 yards, six TDs) and Jaylen White (34 catches, 438 yards, seven TDs) are his favorite targets. This is a game of state championship tradition with 19 combined state titles.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Central Catholic, 63.8, 84th overall, 5th in 2A. Bishop Luers, 63.36, 88th overall, 7th in 2A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Central Catholic 84-61. Bishop Luers 61-78.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: No meetings.
SERIES LAST 35 YEARS: No meetings.
3A
# 11 COACHES POLL/#9 AP POLL KNOX (13-0) AT #1 COACHES POLL/#1 AP POLL BISHOP CHATARD (13-0)
The Trojans are one step away from another state title game. Bishop Chatard cruised past Delta last week 35-6 led by QB Aiden Artega’s 207 passing yards. RB Daniel Shaw ran for 180 yards and two scores. Shaw has been impressive this season despite not starting every game (1,129 rushing yards, 13 TDs). WR Colin Guy (57 catches, 745 yards, 13 TDs) is the go-to-guy in the passing attack. The Trojans defense is one of the best (allowing only 8.5PPG) led by LB Sam Fenney and DL Matt Woods. Knox is in unfamiliar territory (their first semi-state game) after beating West Lafayette last week 41-23. Knox is led by long time Coach Russ Radtke with 404 wins in 47 years. Knox held WL to just 43 rushing yards (308 yards total offense). Knox QB Myles McLaughlin scored 5 TD’s on 279 rushing yards.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Bishop Chatard, 88.77, 13th overall, 1st in 3A. Knox, 76.85, 37th overall, 4th in 3A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Knox 85-64. Bishop Chatard 73-58.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: No meetings.
SERIES LAST 35 YEARS: No meetings.
#3 COACHES POLL/#6 AP POLL GIBSON SOUTHERN (11-2) AT #5 COACHES POLL/#7 AP POLL HERITAGE HILLS (12-1)
Gibson Southern beat Heritage Hills during the regular season 38-21. Watch for QB Tanner Boyd (2,135 passing yards, 21 TDs; 800 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and RB Sean DeLong (1,155 rushing yards, 14 TDs; 39 catches, 412 yards, seven TDs). Heritage Hills will count on QB Jett Goldsberry (1,044 passing yards, 14 TDs; 1,235 rushing yards, 19 TDs). HH averages 270 yards rushing per game.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Gibson Southern, 81.08, 27th overall, 2nd in 3A. Heritage Hills, 77.81, 35th overall, 3rd in 3A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Gibson Southern 60-51. Heritage Hills 84-60.
VS. COMMON FOES: Gibson Southern 7-0; Heritage Hills 6-0.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Heritage Hills, 5-3.
LAST MEETING: Gibson Southern, 31-28, Sep. 22, 2023.
4A
#16 COACHES POLL NORTHWOOD (11-2) AT #9 COACHES POLL/#10 AP POLL LEO (11-2)
NorthWood is led by WR Nitro Tuggle had 12 catches for 208 yards and three TDs in the regional win over New Prairie. QB Owen Roeder (3,092 passing yards, 36 TDs) is having a monster season because of Tuggle and four other receivers with at least 25 catches apiece. The last time NorthWood played in the semi-state was 2016. Leo is led by QB Kylar Decker (1,905 passing yards, 22 TDs) and WR’s Brock Schott (33 catches, 696 yards, six TDs) and Kaden Hurst (48 catches, 675 yards, nine TDs).
SAGARIN RATINGS: Leo, 84.83, 18th overall, 4th in 4A. NorthWood, 79.22, 33rd overall, 6th in 4A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: NorthWood 68-75. Leo 70-71.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Leo, 4-0.
LAST MEETING: Leo, 14-12, Oct. 30, 2020, sectional.
#3 COACHES POLL/#3 AP POLL NEW PALESTINE (11-2) AT #1 COACHES POLL/#1 AP POLL EAST CENTRAL (13-0)
This could be an instant classic. EC is on a roll after squashing Evansville Memorial 47-7 last week. RB Josh Ringer (2,512 rushing yards, 50 TDs; 12 catches, 272 yards, five TDs) and QB Cole Burton (1,312 passing yards, 21 TDs) lead the Trojan attack. East Central leads the state in scoring offense at 49.9PPG and are beating their opponents by an average of 43.5PPG. The Dragon defense is playing as well as anyone holding their four playoff opponents to just 12 points and they feature one of the top RB’s in the state in Grayson Thomas (2,259 rushing yards, 33 TDs). New Pal is averaging 39PPG.
SAGARIN RATINGS: East Central, 101.84, 3rd overall, 1st in 4A. New Palestine, 94.13, 9th overall, 2nd in 4A.
VS. COMMON FOES: New Palestine 1-0; East Central 1-0.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: New Palestine 85-62. East Central 59-63.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: No meetings.
SERIES LAST 35 YEARS: No meetings.
5A
#6 COACHES POLL/#6 AP POLL MERRILLVILLE (10-2) AT #2 COACHES POLL/#2 AP POLL FW SNIDER (11-1)
Most true football fans remember the last time Snider played in the state finals. It was 2015 and Snider beat New Pal 64-61 in one of the wildest games in Indiana football history. If not for a 45-yard field goal last week Snider would be preparing for basketball season (Thank You Kicker Mang Tung). The Pirates beat Valpo last week in a revenge game from 2022.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Merrillville, 82.9, 22nd overall, 4th in 5A. Snider, 82.44, 23rd overall, 5th in 5A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Merrillville 63-65. Snider 52-75.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Snider, 2-0.
#2 COACHES POLL/#3 AP POLL BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (11-1) AT #7 COACHES POLL/#7 AP POLL DECATUR CENTRAL (10-2)
South rolled over Evansville North last week 42-21 thanks to QB Jarrin Allen’s 229 passing yards. The Panthers also got contributions from WR Lucan Waldron (8 receptions 168 yards and two scores) and RB Gavin Adams (117 yards rushing and three scores). DC beat Whiteland last week 41-7 and will count on QB Bo Polston (1,544 passing yards, 19 TDs; 406 rushing yards, six TDs), RB N’po Dodo (1,040 rushing yards, seven TDs; 15 catches, 315 yards, five TDs) and RB KC Berry (735 yards, seven TDs; 22 catches, 374 yards, three TDs).
SAGARIN RATINGS: Bloomington South, 94.78, 8th overall, 1st in 5A. Decatur Central, 87.32, 15th overall, 2nd in 5A.
VS. COMMON FOES: Bloomington South 2-0; Decatur Central 1-1.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Bloomington South 66-63. Decatur Central 78-57.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Tied, 2-2.
6A
# 6 COACHES POLL/#5 AP POLL WESTFIELD (11-1) AT #5 COACHES POLL/#4 AP POLL CROWN POINT (12-0)
Rocks RB Kendall Garnett went wild last week in Westfield’s win over #6 HSE. Garnett ran for 223 yards and scored three times in the 24-21 win. Westfield will count on QB Jackson Gilbert (2,039 passing yards, 20 TDs) and Garnett (1,099 rushing yards, nine TDs). TE Max Nosler (37 catches, 597 yards, six TDs) is a huge target. Crown Point advanced by beating Penn 34-33 last week. RB Larry Ellison led the attack with 178 rushing yards.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Westfield, 98.31, 6th overall, 5th in 6A. Crown Point, 91.26, 11th overall, 8th in 6A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Westfield 71-59. Crown Point 58-61.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: No meetings.
#1 COACHES POLL/#2 AP POLL CENTER GROVE (11-1) AT #2 COACHES POLL/#3 AP POLL BEN DAVIS (11-1)
Center Grove has beaten BD in three straight semi-state match-ups (from 2019 to 2021). CG will count on QB Tyler Cherry (73.4% passer, 2,750 yards, 31 TDs) and WR Noah Coy (90 catches, 1,260 yards, 19 TDs). The defense is talented led by LB’s Owen Bright (109 tackles, seven tackles for loss) and Kaden McConnell (76 tackles). The Giants may feel blessed by the football God’s after getting by Brownsburg 28-25 in the sectional and beating Cathedral 27-24 last week. QB Thomas Gotkowski is the man on offense (2,312 passing yards, 28 TDs; 341 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and he has plenty of help including RB Alijah Price (834 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and WR Mark Zackery (45 catches, 679 yards, seven TDs). The BD defense will count on LB’s Toreeq Oyesigi (96 tackles, 14 ½ tackles for loss), Andrew Evans (86 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) and Nylan Brown (77 tackles in just seven games this season.
SAGARIN RATINGS: Ben Davis, 107.05, 1st overall, 1st in 6A. Center Grove, 101.23, 4th overall, 3rd in 6A.
OPPONENTS’ RECORDS: Center Grove 36-41. Ben Davis 46-61.
VS. COMMON FOES: Center Grove 5-0; Ben Davis 6-0.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT SERIES: Center Grove, 6-3.
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS
AT LAWRENCE NORTH SUNDAY
GAMES TO BE BROADCAST ON INDIANASRN.ORG
| NORTH SENIOR 1A/2A ALL-STARS | ||||||
| 1 | Carly Whitesel | Southwood High School | 5’9 | Setter | ||
| 2 | Aubrey Miller | Muncie Burris High School | 5’6 | Outside Hitter | ||
| 3 | Blair Grigsby | Pioneer High School | 5’6 | Setter | Purdue University | |
| 4 | Lauren Paska | Lapel High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter | Indiana Tech | |
| 5 | Rachel Vorst | Lafayette Central Catholic HS | 5’6 | Libero | Purdue University | |
| 6 | Mackenzie Meadows | Winchester High School | 5’11 | Right Side | ||
| 7 | Layla Gonzales | Muncie Burris High School | 5’3 | Libero | Southern Indiana | |
| 8 | Emma Segal | Frontier High School | 5’6 | Outside Hitter | Indiana University | |
| 9 | Allie Haecker | Southwood High School | 5’5 | Libero | ||
| 10 | Mackenzie-Ruth Rogers | Pioneer High School | 6’0 | Setter | Vanguard University | |
| 11 | Addyson Viers | Triton High School | 6’1 | Outside Hitter | ||
| 12 | Abigail Cresse | F.W. Blackhawk Christian HS | 6’3 | Middle Hitter | University of Dayton | |
| 13 | Olivia Martinez | F.W. Blackhawk Christian HS | 5’10 | Outside Hitter | ||
| 14 | Shaye Watson | Elkhart Christian Academy | 6’0 | Outside Hitter | Taylor University | |
| Coaches | ||||||
| Tom Finicle, Southwood High School – State Champs 2022; State Runner-Up 2009, 2014 | ||||||
| Jim Craig, Muncie Burris High School – State Champs 2023 | ||||||
| SOUTH 1A-2A SENIOR ALL-STARS | ||||||
| 1 | Kera Wischmeier | Brownstown Central HS | 5’11 | Middle Hitter | IU Columbus | |
| 2 | Sydnee Wittmer | Loogootee High School | 5’6 | Setter | Vincennes University | |
| 3 | Molly Jayne Tucker | Springs Valley High School | 5’3 | Libero | Indiana University | |
| 4 | Ashleigh Riley | North Putnam High School | 5’8 | Outside Hitter | ||
| 5 | Madison Ramsey | Loogootee High School | 5’11 | Middle Hitter | ||
| 6 | Emma Neeley | Northeastern High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter | ||
| 7 | Audrianna Hale | Linton‐Stockton High School | 5’6 | Defensive Specialist | Indiana State | |
| 8 | Bella Nottger | Springs Valley High School | 5’11 | Middle Hitter | Lincoln Trail | |
| 9 | Alexa Stiff | North Putnam High School | 5’6 | Defensive Specialist | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods | |
| 10 | Leigh Carnes | Springs Valley High School | 5’9 | Setter | Lincoln Trail College | |
| 11 | Evelyn Dart | Covenant Christian (Indpls.) HS | 6’0 | Middle Hitter | Marian University | |
| 12 | Audrey Warrick | Linton‐Stockton High School | 6’1 | Setter | Thomas More | |
| 13 | Payge Johnson | Tecumseh High School | 5’8 | Setter | ||
| 14 | Parker Mischler | Sullivan High School | 5’8 | Outside Hitter | DePauw University | |
| Coaches | ||||||
| Jennifer Shade, Brownstown Central HS – State Champs 2019, State Runner-Up 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 | ||||||
| Katie Johnson, Tecumseh High School – State Runner-Up 2022, 2023 | ||||||
JUNIOR 1A/2A ALL-STAR TEAMS
| NORTH | ||||
| 1 | Grace Drake | Southwood High School | 6’0 | Right Side |
| 2 | Audra Flanary | Eastern (Greentown) High School | 5’8 | Outside Hitter |
| 3 | Alexandra Sutherlin | Covington Community High School | 5’6 | Defensive Specialist |
| 4 | Mya Davis | Triton High School | 6’1 | Right Side |
| 5 | Anne Marie Wadle | Marquette Catholic High School | 6’1 | Outside Hitter |
| 6 | Livia Balling | Marquette Catholic High School | 5’11 | Middle Hitter |
| 7 | Bella Cornell | Seton Catholic High School | 5’5 | Setter |
| 8 | Bryn VanVleet | Seton Catholic High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter |
| 9 | Keirsten Nies | Pioneer High School | 5’7 | Setter |
| 10 | Lilly Howell | Muncie Burris High School | 6’2 | Middle Hitter |
| 11 | Brynn Berndt | Culver Community High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter |
| 12 | Sophia Beeson | Wapahani High School | 5’8 | Outside Hitter |
| 13 | Ava LaCross | F.W. Blackhawk Christian High School | 5’9 | Right Side |
| 14 | Taylor Cripe | South Newton High School | 5’9 | Outside Hitter |
| Coaches | ||||
| Jean Kesterson, Retired Cathedral HS – State Champs: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016 Rhonda Low, Retired Cathedral HS – See above, plus Boys State Champs: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016 | ||||
| SOUTH | ||||
| 1 | Becca Robbins | Linton‐Stockton High School | 6’0 | Middle Hitter |
| 2 | Maelee Pilant | Linton‐Stockton High School | 5’3 | Libero |
| 3 | Katie McCashland | Union County High School | 5’3 | Libero |
| 4 | Avery Kerr | Christian Academy | 5’11 | Middle Hitter |
| 5 | Adele L Evans | Indianapolis Lutheran High School | 6’0 | Middle Hitter |
| 6 | Kaitlyn Oakley | North Posey High School | 6’0 | Middle Hitter |
| 7 | Kinzee Dean | Brownstown Central High School | 5’8 | Middle Hitter |
| 8 | Madison Keith | Trinity Lutheran High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter |
| 9 | Cathryn Erwin | Indianapolis Lutheran High School | 5’3 | Libero |
| 10 | Jacie Wilson | Sullivan High School | 5’3 | Middle Hitter |
| 11 | Carly Douglas | North Posey High School | 5’8 | Outside Hitter |
| 12 | Addison Darlage | Trinity Lutheran High School | 5’4 | Setter |
| 13 | Samantha Secrest | North Central (Farmersburg) High School | 5’4 | Setter |
| 14 | Laura Roeder | Trinity Lutheran High School | 5’3 | Libero |
| Coach | ||||
| Brooke Behnke, former Covenant Christian High School coach – State Finalists 2016 | ||||
| Disney Bronnenburg, Bloomington North High School | ||||
3A/4A SENIOR ALL-STARS
| NORTH | |||||
| 1 | Breonna Goss | Hamilton Southeastern HS | 6’0 | Middle Hitter | Duke University |
| 2 | Brenna Ginder | Carroll (Fort Wayne) HS | 5’5 | Libero | West Virginia University |
| 3 | Lauren Harden | Hamilton Southeastern HS | 6’3 | Outside Hitter | University of Florida |
| 4 | Sienna Foster | Benton Central High School | 5’9 | Outside Hitter | Purdue University |
| 5 | Lucy Kay | Fishers High School | 6’1 | Middle Hitter | Belmont University |
| 6 | Allie Shondell | McCutcheon High School | 5’10 | Setter | Purdue University |
| 7 | Riley Whitlock | Harrison (West Lafayette) HS | 6’0 | Outside Hitter | Ball State University |
| 8 | Aiden Leverick | Munster High School | 5’5 | Outside Hitter | Purdue Northwest |
| 9 | Jenna Kerr | Culver Academy | 6’0 | Middle Hitter | |
| 10 | Isabelle Poehlein | Zionsville High School | 6’2 | Right Side | Boston College |
| 11 | Ava Holtz | LaPorte High School | 5’9 | Outside Hitter | |
| 12 | Georgia Pogue | Penn High School | 5’6 | Setter | |
| 13 | Lilly Stanton | Westfield High School | 5’9 | Setter | Maryville University |
| 14 | Taeley Mahler | Homestead | 6’1 | OS/RS | Eastern Michigan |
| Coaches | |||||
| Jason Young, Hamilton Southeastern High School – State Champion 2023, 2022 | |||||
| Hilary Laidig, NorthWood High School | |||||
| SOUTH | |||||
| 1 | Makenzie Wagner | Providence High School | 5’10 | Right Side | |
| 2 | Chloe Gilley | Columbus East High School | 5’3 | Libero | Indiana State University |
| 3 | Mia Loyd | Terre Haute South HS | 5’8 | Setter | Air Force Academy |
| 4 | Kamryn Utley | Cathedral High School | 5’8 | Setter | Lehigh University |
| 5 | Katie Kopshever | Castle High School | 5’11 | Outside Hitter | Eastern Illinois University |
| 6 | Alaleh Tolliver | North Central High School | 5’11 | Outside Hitter | Butler University |
| 7 | Ava Utterback | Plainfield High School | 6’0 | Outside Hitter | University of Louisville |
| 8 | Lola Schumacher | Brebeuf Jesuit Prep | 5’5 | Libero | University of Wisconsin |
| 9 | Avery Parris | Evans. Reitz Memorial HS | 6’2 | Middle Hitter | Hofstra University |
| 10 | Taylor Lewis | Cathedral High School | 6’1 | Outside Hitter | Villanova University |
| 11 | Emery Moore | North Central High School | 5’10 | Setter | University of Pennsylvania |
| 12 | Aly Kirkhoff | Roncalli High School | 5’6 | Libero | Louisiana State University |
| 13 | Lillian Merk | Terre Haute South High School | 6’0 | Middle Hitter | Valparaiso University |
| 14 | Daya Vestal | North Central High School | 6’1 | Middle Hitter | Taylor University |
| Coaches | |||||
| Dan Watson, Castle High School – State Runner-Up 2023, 2021 | |||||
| Suzanne Masten, Tri-West Hendricks High School | |||||
3A/4A JUNIOR ALL-STARS
| NORTH | ||||
| 1 | Ava Hunter | Hamilton Southeastern HS | 5’11 | Setter |
| 2 | Kaylyn Christy | Hamilton Southeastern HS | 5’9 | Libero |
| 3 | Addison Tindall | Homestead High School | 6’3 | Outside Hitter |
| 4 | Claire Payne | NorthWood High School | 6’1 | Middle Hitter |
| 5 | Madelyn Sipe | Homestead High School | 5’7 | Libero |
| 6 | Cienna Lapsley | F.W. Concordia Lutheran HS | 6’1 | Middle Hitter |
| 7 | Sophia Barber | NorthWood High School | 6’0 | Outside Hitter |
| 8 | Emily Grow | New Castle High School | 5’8 | Libero |
| 9 | Sarah Noto | Penn High School | 6’0 | Right Side |
| 10 | Lauren Wilson | New Castle High School | 6’0 | Outside Hitter |
| 11 | Stella Terpening | Westfield High School | 6’2 | Middle Hitter |
| 12 | Maggie Hollon | Warsaw Community High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter |
| 13 | Kate Jacquay | Homestead High School | 5’9 | Setter |
| 14 | Noema Philistin-Lynch | Carmel High School | 5’10 | Middle Hitter |
| Coach | ||||
| Sarah Hendricks, State Champ 1995 as a player (Michigan City HS) and coach (Penn HS) 2011 | ||||
| SOUTH | ||||
| 1 | Raegan Durbin | Western Boone High School | 5’10 | Outside Hitter |
| 2 | Addisen Gallentine | Castle High School | 6’3 | Middle Hitter |
| 3 | Carly Fonda | Floyd Central High School | 5’10 | Setter |
| 4 | Nora Gibson | Floyd Central High School | 6’1 | Outside Hitter |
| 5 | Avery Freeman | Bloomington North High School | 5’3 | Libero |
| 6 | Lexi Gin | Brebeuf Jesuit High School | 5’6 | Libero |
| 7 | Reese Dunkle | Center Grove High School | 6’3 | Middle Hitter |
| 8 | Isabelle Brown | Avon High School | 5’10 | Setter |
| 9 | Josie Myers | Cathedral High School | 6’2 | Middle Hitter |
| 10 | Addi Applegate | Yorktown High School | 5’5 | Libero |
| 11 | Addison Makun | Silver Creek High School | 6’4 | Middle Hitter |
| 12 | Charlotte Vinson | Yorktown High School | 6’2 | Outside Hitter |
| 13 | Logan Bell | Roncalli High School | 5’11 | Outside Hitter |
| 14 | Ellen Zapp | Center Grove High School | 6’0 | Right Side |
| 15 | Maya Joska | Castle High School | 6’0 | Right Side |
| Coaches | ||||
| Michelle York, former Head Coach Heritage Christian High School | ||||
| Curt Chandler, former Assistant Coach, Heritage Christian High School | ||||
INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL
HOOSIERS HANDLE WRIGHT STATE, 89-80
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It’s an up-tempo college basketball world and Mike Woodson wants his Indiana Hoosiers taking full advantage.
Could that come during Thursday night’s game against Wright State (0-2) at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall? That’s the plan.
Woodson saw too much half-court offense in IU’s opening two games against Florida Gulf Coast and Army, which helped produce too much three-point shooting inaccuracy. The Hoosiers struggled in both victories, in part because they couldn’t run to Woodson’s push-the-pace standards.
“The game is like this,” he said. “If you get stops and you rebound, you have an opportunity to get out and fast break and make plays. If you get in passing lanes and get easy steals where you can generate offense that way, it’s a quick way to get out and play faster.
“Right now, we’re not doing any of those things. We’re not getting stops. We’re not getting the ball out and getting up the floor and playing faster.
“Those are things that we can build on and continue to work at. We can’t live in the half-court game this season. I want to play faster, and I’ve got to get us to do that because we’re not doing it yet.”
That’s important with the scheduling degree of difficulty about to soar. The Hoosiers will head to New York City this weekend to play defending national champion Connecticut on Sunday and then either Texas or Louisville on Monday, both as part of the Empire Classic.
During Woodson’s Monday night radio show, director of player development Calbert Cheaney discussed the Hoosiers with Voice of the Hoosiers Don Fischer.
Cheaney said this year’s team is more talented than last year’s 23-12 squad.
“We’re bigger; we’re more athletic; we’re longer. Stay with us. We’re working on it.”
Consider 7-foot transfer forward Kel’el Ware, who is starting to play to his enormous potential. He leads IU in scoring (16.5), rebounding (9.0) and blocked shots (2.0).
“He has to continue to compete at a high level,” Cheaney told Fischer. “He’s starting to understand who he is as a player and what he can do. The sky is the limit for that kid.”
Heralded freshman forward Mackenzie Mgbako continues to struggle. While starting both games, he’s become a second-half non-factor, with freshman guard Gabe Cupps replacing him in a three-guard lineup.
Mgbako averages 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes.
“It’s continuing to understand how the game is played,” Cheaney told Fischer. “He’s a freshman. The college game is totally different from high school. He has to understand the details of what Coach wants.”
As far as Cupps, Cheaney told Fischer that he has earned the nickname, “Iron Man.”
Cupps averages 5.0 points. He has three assists, three steals and three turnovers. More importantly, he defends to Woodson’s demanding standards with relentless energy and fan-favorite tenacity.
“He’s got one of the best work ethics I’ve ever seen,” Cheaney told Fischer. “He’s not the biggest kid. He’s not the fastest kid. But he makes up for it with heart and determination.”
Like Ware, guard Xavier Johnson averages 16.5 points, with a team-leading three three-point baskets. Forward Malik Reneau averages 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds. He also has a team leading seven assists.
Army coach Kevin Kuwik was impressed with IU’s potential.
“They have great positional size across the board. They execute really well.
“It’s a new team at this stage of the year. Coach Woodson is still fitting his pieces together, but they are going to be great. They just have to get some game reps under them.”
Wright State, which was picked to finish third in the Horizon League, has lost to Colorado State 105-77 and Toledo 78-77.
It has the Horizon League preseason player of the year in Trey Calvin, who averaged 20.3 points last season. He averages 27.5 points this season.
The Raiders have two other pre-season all-conference players in Tanner Holden and Brandon Noel.
Noel was the Horizon League freshman of the year last season after averaging 13.0 points and 8.7 rebounds with 11 double doubles. This season he averages 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. He’s blocked five shots.
Holden played last season at Ohio State after spending the previous three years at Wright State, where in 91 starts he averaged 16.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. This season he averages 15.5 points and 5.0 rebounds.
INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WEEKEND HOME SERIES STARTS AGAINST MURRAY STATE ON FRIDAY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – No. 18/17 Indiana returns home for the weekend playing two games in three days with Murray State up first on Friday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
GAME DAY INFO
#18/17 Indiana (1-1) vs. Murray State (1-1)
Friday, November 17, 2023 • 7 p.m. ET
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall • Bloomington, Ind.
ABOUT THE RACERS
Murray State is off to a 1-1 start as it played Arkansas to a three-point game in Fayetteville to open up the season and a defeat of Cumberland (Tenn.) on Tuesday. They are led by preseason All-MVC first team selection Katelyn Young and Purdue transfer Ava Learn, who has put up 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in her first two games. The Racers were picked to finish seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll this season.
SERIES HISTORY
Indiana leads 2-0
LAST MEETING
11/12/12 – W, 63-62 (Murray, Ky.)
NOTES
The Hoosiers will look to get back on track after dropping its first road game of the season at then No. 15/13 Stanford on Sunday.
Graduate student forward Mackenzie Holmes was named to the 2024 Wooden Award preseason Top 50 watch list on Tuesday. Holmes was a Wooden Award All-American last season and was one of five finalists for the award in 2023. The Gorham, Maine native has also appeared on preseason watch lists for the 2024 Lisa Leslie Award (nation’s top center), 2024 Wade Trophy watch list and the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watch list.
Holmes moved into second all-time in scoring on Sunday at Stanford, as she has now amassed 1,924 career points in her fifth season at Indiana. She will now chase the all-time record set by Tyra Buss (2014-18) who scored 2,364 points in her career.
Through the first two games senior guard Sara Scalia leads the Hoosier with 14.0 points per outing while Holmes adds 13.5 points and 4.0 rebounds while sophomore guard Yarden Garzon chips in 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Indiana is shooting 50.4 percent as a team in the first two games, averaging 80 points per outing.
UP NEXT
Indiana closes out the weekend by facing Lipscomb at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET.
INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
INDIANA ADVANCES WITH 2-1 WIN OVER LIPSCOMB
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana men’s soccer (13-4-4, 4-2-2 B1G) scored twice and quieted Lipscomb’s explosive offense for 84 minutes to capture a 2-1 victory over the Bisons (10-4-4, 6-1-0 ASUN) Thursday (Nov. 16) night in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
With the win, the Hoosiers advance to the second round of the tournament and will travel to face No. 10 national seed Wake Forest on Sunday (Nov. 19) at 5 p.m. ET.
Indiana dominated the first half and was rewarded with a 32nd-minute opener from freshman forward Collins Oduro. Senior forward Maouloune Goumballe doubled the lead in the 74th minute. It took a spectacular solo effort from Lipscomb redshirt junior forward Tyrese Spicer, scoring his 13th goal of the year, to get past the IU back-line in the 84th minute and spoil the near-shutout.
KEY MOMENTS
• 32′ – Dribbling across from the left flank, Oduro finally found a glimpse of goal from about 23 yards out and pulled the trigger. His shot got through the diving keeper and bounced into the back of the net.
• 61′ – A fantastic diving save from Lipscomb freshman goalie Harrison Gough delayed the doubling as junior forward Tommy Mihalic fired a laser towards the top corner.
• 73′ – Coming down the left wing, Goumballe got around his defender attempting to shield the ball out of play on the end line. Goumballe got across, dribbled inside and fired into the far side netting.
• 84′ – Spicer got one back for Lipscomb, taking the ball in the left side of the box, dribbling towards the end line and firing a rocket into what little space he had. Its pace carried it into the near top corner, untouched.
• 86′ – Two minutes later, IU had a chance to reclaim its cushion. A Mihalic shot deflected off a defender but fell to junior forward Samuel Sarver on his right. Sarver gave it a go, but Gough did enough to make the save.
NOTABLES
• Indiana earned its 10th win in 11 matches. The Hoosiers have scored 23 goals in that span.
• The Hoosiers have advanced from their opening game in nine consecutive NCAA Tournaments and have played in the second round of the tournament each of the last 10 seasons.
• Thursday marked the first-ever meeting between Indiana and Lipscomb.
• IU is 11-1-2 at home this season, scoring 23 goals and conceding eight.
• Indiana snapped Lipscomb’s three-game winning streak.
• Goumballe scored his fourth goal in as many games and earned his sixth goal contribution (five goals, one assist) in six games.
• Oduro scored the fourth goal of his freshman season.
UP NEXT
Indiana will face No. 10 Wake Forest on Sunday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the 2023 NCAA Tournament Second Round.
INDIANA FOOTBALL
GAME NOTES VS. MICHIGAN STATE
SETTING THE SCENE
• The 66th Battle for the Brass Spittoon will take place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday between Indiana and Michigan State on
Big Ten Network at noon. The all-time series sits at 49-18-2 in favor of MSU, with a 49-15-1 edge for the Spartans for the spittoon.
• After a 2022 double-overtime victory at Spartan Stadium, Indiana will look to retain the brass spittoon for back-to-back seasons for
the first time since it won three straight between 1967-69.
• The Battle for the Brass Spittoon began with the 1950 meeting and the two schools have met in 66 of the last 74 seasons, which
includes 13 straight seasons. During that stretch, the two teams did not meet in 1971-72, 1979-80, 1999-2000 and 2009-10.
• The road team has won each of the last three meetings with Indiana winning in East Lansing during the 2020 and 2022
campaigns and Michigan State winning at Memorial Stadium in 2021.
NEWS & NOTES
• Redshirt senior Aaron Casey has at least one tackle for loss in seven of the last eight weeks and has produced five straight games
with at least eight tackles. He’s on pace to post the first 100-tackle season since Tegray Scales in 2016 with 86 stops entering Week 12.
• Casey piled up 4.0 tackles for loss with 2.0 sacks as part of a nine-tackle effort in the win over Wisconsin in Week 10 to earn Big
Ten Defensive Player of the Week. His 4.0 TFLs are the most by a Hoosier since 2016 and rank tied for No. 9 in a single game in 2023.
• His 86 tackles rank No. 5 in the Big Ten entering Week 12 and he leads the Big Ten with 14.5 tackles for loss, which ranks No. 9 in
the FBS. Casey’s 16 tackles for loss or no gain lead the Big Ten and the Power 5 per Pro Football Focus.
• Redshirt freshman Brendan Sorsby has accounted for 12 touchdowns over the last four weeks – all starts – with eight passing and
four rushing scores. Over the last three weeks, Sorsby has rushed and threw for a score in each game.
• Sorsby became the first Indiana quarterback since at least 1996 with multiple passing touchdowns of 60-plus yards in a single with
two scoring strikes over 60 yards at No. 10/10 Penn State as part of a three-touchdown day from the pocket.
• Per Pro Football Focus, redshirt senior Andre Carter ranks No. 11 in the Big Ten with 26 total pressures (sacks, QB hits or hurries).
• With 2.0 tackles for loss in each of the first two games of the season, Carter’s 4.0 TFLs were the most by a Hoosier in the first
two games of a season since 2004 when Kyle Killion posted 5.5 tackles for loss.
• Redshirt senior Josh Sanguinetti pulled in his third career interception in the fourth quarter at No. 10/10 Penn State to set up the
game tying score and end Drew Allar’s FBS record for attempts to start a career without an interception (311 attempts).
• Senior Louis Moore grabbed his first career interception in the second quarter versus Akron and followed that with his first
defensive touchdown in the third quarter versus the Zips. He added his first Big Ten interception at Illinois in Week 11.
• The first career 100-yard receiving game for junior Donaven McCulley came at Illinois, as he piled up 11 catches (17 targets)
and 137 yards with two touchdowns. He has 30 catches for 300 yards over the last three weeks.
MICHIGAN STATE NOTES:
FIRST-AND-10 • Michigan State will be looking for its third straight win at Memorial Stadium when the Spartans travel to Bloomington to face Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and streamed live on the FOX Sports app with Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst) and Meghan McKeown (sidelines) on the call. • The Spartans (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) fell at No. 1 Ohio State last Saturday night in Columbus, 38-3, while the Hoosiers (3-7, 1-6 Big Ten) lost in overtime at Illinois, 48-45. • Saturday’s game marks the 70th meeting between Michigan State and Indiana. The Spartans lead the all-time series against the Hoosiers, 49-18-2, including a 23-10-1 record in Bloomington. MSU has won five out of the last six matchups at Memorial Stadium. • Since 1950, the winner of the Michigan State-Indiana game has been presented the Old Brass Spittoon. The brass spittoon came from one of Michigan’s earliest trading posts and is widely believed to be more than 200 years old. Legend has it that the spittoon was around when both institutions were founded – Indiana in 1820 and MAC in 1855. The trophy was initiated by the junior and senior classes and student council at Michigan State, and soon accepted by the Indiana Student Senate. Since 1950, Michigan State leads the series, 49-15-1. • Michigan State’s schedule currently ranks the most difficult in the FBS, according to the NCAA (opponents with a .722 winning percentage; 65-25 record). The Spartans have played three AP Top-10 teams (No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 5 Washington) and all 10 opponents are either .500 (Central Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska) or have winning records (Richmond, Washington, Maryland, Iowa, Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State). • Secondary coach Harlon Barnett, who is in his 15th year overall on the Spartan coaching staff, was named acting head coach by MSU Vice President/Director of Athletics Alan Haller on Sunday, Sept. 10 and has since been appointed interim head coach. Barnett came back to East Lansing in 2020 after spending two seasons (2018-19) as the defensive coordinator at Florida State. He previously spent 11 seasons (2007-17) as the secondary coach at Michigan State, including three seasons as the co-defensive coordinator (2015- 17) and one as the associate head coach (2017), before departing for FSU. Barnett has coached in four New Year’s Six/BCS bowl games with the Spartans (2014 Rose, 2014 Cotton, 2015 CFP Semifinal, 2021 Peach) and has been on staff for three Big Ten Championship teams (2010, 2013, 2015). Barnett recorded his first victory as head coach of the Spartans with a 20-17 win over Nebraska on Nov. 4 in East Lansing.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL CENTRAL: VS. MARYLAND AND #3 WISCONSIN
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana volleyball team (18-11, 8-8) welcomes Maryland (16-12, 6-10) and No. 3 Wisconsin (23-2, 14-2) to Bloomington on Friday and Sunday for the final home weekend of the season. The Hoosiers will honor five players for Senior Day on Sunday afternoon.
Coming off a weekend split with Rutgers and Minnesota, IU will chase its best Big Ten finish in over a decade over the final two weeks of the regular season with four matches remaining on the docket. After this weekend, IU will head to the Michigan schools over Thanksgiving break to close the season.
Junior setter Camryn Haworth continues to be a driving force in a successful Hoosier season, making her case to be IU’s first All-American in 13 years. She leads the Big Ten in aces and assists and is one of three setters averaging 10+ assists per set this year in the conference.
Both team and individual history is on the line over the final weeks of the season as head coach Steve Aird’s group continues the rise and development of its volleyball program in Bloomington. First serve from Wilkinson Hall will be at 6:00 PM on Friday (Maryland) and 1:00 PM on Sunday (No. 3 Wisconsin).
Match Info
Friday, November 17th, 2023 | vs. Maryland | 6:00 PM ET
TV: BTN+
Watch
Live Stats
Sunday, November 19th, 2023 | vs. #3 Wisconsin | 1:00 PM ET
TV: BTN+
Watch
Live Stats
Hoosier News and Notes
Team Notes
• The Hoosiers sit 18-11 (8-8) ahead of the final four matches of the regular season. The 18 wins are already the most in a single season since 2010.
• Only five times in program history has IU won 20-or-more games in a regular season. IU needs just two more to achieve that feat for a sixth time. IU’s regular season wins record, during the Big Ten era, is 21 set twice in 1995 and 2010.
• IU hasn’t won 20 games overall and 10 games in the Big Ten in the same season since 2002. IU needs just two wins to accomplish that feat for the fifth time in program history.
• The Hoosiers are hitting .242 as a team this season with four matches left. The rally-era single season program record is .239 and the all-time mark, regardless of scoring system, is set at .245. Both of IU’s middle blockers, Savannah Kjolhede and Kaley Rammelsberg, are top-seven in the conference in hitting.
• IU has 188 aces on the season, needing just 12 to hit 200 in back-to-back seasons. The Hoosiers haven’t had consecutive seasons with 200+ aces since 1995-96.
• At least one victory this weekend would give IU 10 home wins in a single season for the first time since 2010. The Hoosiers nine wins at home are already the most in Wilkinson Hall history (opened 2019).
The Final Four
If the Hoosiers finish with these respective records, they will accomplish the following:
4-0: 22-11 (12-8):
– most regular season wins of all-time (22), match the program record for Big Ten wins in a season (12)
3-1: 21-12 (11-9):
– match program regular season wins record (21), most Big Ten wins since 1999 (11) (2nd most all-time)
2-2: 20-13 (10-10):
– 20 wins overall/10 Big Ten wins for first time since 2002, 20-win regular season for sixth time in program history
1-3: 19-14 (9-11):
– back-to-back seasons of nine conference wins, most overall wins since 2010
What’s At Stake?
• The Hoosiers are looking for a 19th and 20th win of the season this weekend.
• A win over Maryland would be IU’s second season sweep of a Big Ten opponent this year (Rutgers).
• IU is 0-36 all-time against top-three opponents and looking for the program’s highest-ranked win (vs. #3 Wisconsin on Sunday).
Player Watch
#10 Haworth, Camryn
• The junior setter is making her case for All-American honors in 2023, leading the Big Ten in assists (1,077), the Big Ten and NCAA in aces (64) and one of three players in the conference with 10+ assists per set (10.07).
• With three aces this past weekend, Haworth is now No. 2 all-time in program history in service aces (155). Already the program’s rally-era record holder, she needs just 43 aces to break the all-time mark of 197.
• Her 64 aces in a single season are 10th most in Big Ten history during the rally-era (since 2001). She has 113 in the last two years, the third most by a single Big Ten player in a two-year span since 2010.
• She is looking to become the first IU player with back-to-back seasons of 1,100 assists since Victoria Zimmerman (2002-03).
• Among Big Ten setters, she is top six in kills (104), assists (1,077), assists per set (10.07), aces (64), digs (232) and blocks (52.0).
#18 Rammelsberg, Kaley and #15 Kjolhede, Savannah
• Two of the most efficient middle blockers the program has ever seen, Rammelsberg and Kjolhede are on track to put up some of the biggest offensive numbers in school history.
• With four games to go, Rammelsberg is second (.370) and Kjolhede is fourth (.362) in single-season hitting percentage. Rammelsberg (.328) and Kjolhede (.298) are second and fourth in career hitting percentage.
• In Big Ten games only during a single season, Kjolhede (.384) and Rammelsberg (.359) are first and second in hitting percentage.
• The two are both top seven in the Big Ten in hitting percentage. Among players hitting .370 or better, Rammelsberg has the most kills (251).
#32 Gary, Ramsey
• An important addition to the program, the freshman libero leads the Big Ten in digs (472) and is a close second in digs per set (4.41).
• She already holds the IU single-season freshman digs record and needs just 54 in four games to break the all-time single season digs record for the Hoosiers.
• Gary has tied the program record for most 10+ dig games (27) and most 20+ dig games (9) in a single season. She is looking to be the first IU freshman and first IU libero to be named First Team All-Big Ten.
Opponent Breakdown: Maryland
Series History: 11-6 (Maryland leads) | Last Meeting: 10/7/23 (W, 3-0)
• An always competitive opponent, Maryland is coming off an efficient home sweep of Ohio State last time out.
• IU head coach Steve Aird was the Maryland coach for four years. The Terrapins are coached by Aird’s good friend Adam Hughes.
• The Hoosiers swept the Terrapins in College Park in October.
• Sam Csire leads Maryland with 260 kills and 2.86 per set while setter Sydney Dowler averages 8.97 assists per set.
Opponent Breakdown: #3 Wisconsin
Series History: 59-24 (Wisconsin leads) | Last Meeting: 9/24/23 (L, 0-3)
• One of the most complete teams in the nation, Wisconsin has lost just twice this season.
• The Badgers swept the Hoosiers in Madison in the teams’ first meeting in September.
• Sarah Franklin is a front runner for Big Ten Player of the Year and averages 4.05 kills per set while hitting .306.
• The Badgers hit .310 as a team while averaging 3.01 blocks per set.
INDIANA SWIMMING
PAEGLE, PEPLOWSKI IMPRESS ON FIRST DAY OF MIDSEASON
BLOOMINGTON – The Indiana women’s swimming and diving team sits second after one day of the Ohio State Invitational, highlighted by two program records and the performances of junior Anna Peplowski and sophomore Kristina Paegle Thursday (Nov. 16) night inside the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion.
Meanwhile, the Hoosiers lead the scoring on the men’s side, capturing 803 points from their opening day of midseason despite winning only the 400-yard medley relay – the event they placed second in at last year’s NCAA Championships. But the Indiana men showed their depth – most notably, five Hoosiers placed in the top seven spots of the 200-yard IM.
Paegle and Peplowski led off the night with a victory and NCAA A cut in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Peplowski led off the race in 22.19, giving way to senior Ashley Turak (21.67) and Chiok Sze Yeo (22.11). Paegle had water to make up as the anchor and did she ever. The sophomore blasted a 20.89 – the race’s only split under 21 seconds – to touch in a program record 1:26.86, .14 seconds faster than Ohio State.
IU placed second in the men’s 200 freestyle relay by seven hundredths, with the quartet of freshman Mikkel Lee (19.75), junior Finn Brooks (18.97), senior Gavin Wight (19.28) and junior Rafael Miroslaw (18.91) finishing in 1:16.91.
In the diving well, junior Skyler Liu finished second on the 3-meter springboard with a score of 330.65 after entering the night as the top qualifier. Sophomore Morgan Casey finished seventh with a 243.85.
Right after her sprint to open the night, Peplowski got right back into the pool and won the 500-yard freestyle in 4:38.29. The Hoosiers went 1-2-3, with juniors Ching Hwee Gan (4:40.09) and Elyse Heiser (4:40.87) taking the next two spots. Senior Ella Ristic took fifth in 4:43.03. Peplowski’s time was a personal best by 10 seconds – she had last raced the 500 free in January during a dual a meet at Purdue, where she finished in 4:48.80. No woman in the country had swum the event faster this season coming into the week.
Junior Luke Barr led the way for IU in the 200 IM, taking second in 1:42.88. Senior Jassen Yep (1:44.93) was third, freshman Toby Barnett fourth (1:45.00), Maxwell Reich fifth (1:45.07) and sophomore Drew Reiter seventh (1:45.61). Freshmen Collin McKenzie (1:46.00) and Dylan Smiley (1:46.39) and junior Josh Matheny (1:48.06) all finished in the B final as the Hoosiers stacked points.
The IU women won their third event as Paegle broke the 50-yard freestyle record in 21.76, five hundredths faster than the time set by Turak at last year’s NCAA Championships. Turak went 22.22 Thursday night to place eighth.
Four men had top-seven times in the 50 free. Lee went 19.43 to finish third. Miroslaw and Brooks both touched in 19.57 to share fifth, and Wight took seventh in 19.62.
The familiar quartet of senior Brendan Burns, Matheny, senior Tomer Frankel and Miroslaw posted an NCAA A cut time of 3:02.81 to win the 400-yard medley relay by 2.72 seconds. Burns’ 45.13, Matheny’s 50.96 and Frankel’s 45.04 were all the quickest splits for their respective legs.
TEAM SCORES
Men
1. Indiana – 803
2. Ohio State – 760
3. Louisville – 579.5
4. Notre Dame – 491.5
5. Cincinnati – 337
6. Pittsburgh – 103
7. Cal – 62
Women
1. Ohio State – 791
2. Indiana – 711
3. Louisville – 646
4. Notre Dame – 386
5. Cincinnati – 355
6. Ohio – 112
7. Pittsburgh – 63
8. Cal – 60
HOOSIER WINNERS
Men
Brendan Burns – 400 Medley Relay (3:02.81)
Tomer Frankel – 400 Medley Relay (3:02.81)
Josh Matheny – 400 Medley Relay (3:02.81)
Rafael Miroslaw – 400 Medley Relay (3:02.81)
Women
Anna Peplowski – 200 Freestyle Relay (1:26.86), 500 Freestyle (4:38.29)
Ashley Turak – 200 Freestyle Relay (1:26.86)
Chiok Sze Yeo – 200 Freestyle Relay (1:26.86)
Kristina Paegle – 200 Freestyle Relay (1:26.86), 50 Freestyle (21.76)
NCAA CUTS
A: Women’s 200 freestyle relay (1:26.86); Women’s 400 medley relay (3:30.33); Men’s 400 medley relay (3:02.81).
B: Men’s 200 freestyle relay (1:16.91); Toby Barnett – 200 IM (1:45.00); Luke Barr – 200 IM (1:42.88); Warren Briggs – 500 free (4:18.80); Finn Brooks – 50 free (19.57); Jackson Carlile – 500 free (4:19.81); Katie Carson – 500 free (4:47.03); Tristan DeWitt – 500 free (4:21.18); Anna Freed – 200 IM (1:58.27); Ching Hwee Gan – 500 free (4:40.09); Elyse Heiser – 500 free (4:40.87); Mikkel Lee – 50 free (19.43); MacKenna Lieske – 200 IM (1:59.55); Collin McKenzie – 200 IM (1:46.00); Rafael Miroslaw – 50 free (19.57); Kristina Paegle – 50 free (21.76); Anna Peplowski – 500 free (4:38.29); Maxwell Reich – 200 IM (1:45.07); Drew Reiter -200 IM (1:45.61); Ella Ristic – 500 free (4:43.03); Ashley Turak – 50 free (22.22); Gavin Wight – 50 free (19.62); Jassen Yep – 200 IM (1:44.93).
NCAA ZONE QUALIFYING SCORES (FINALS)
1-meter: None.
3-meter: Skyler Liu (330.65).
UP NEXT
The OSU Invitational resumes Friday morning in at 9:30 a.m. ET with the second preliminary session. The 100 fly, 400 IM, 200 free, 100 breast, 100 back, men’s 3-meter springboard, women’s 1-meter springboard, 200 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay will all be contested Friday.
PURDUE FOOTBALL
GAME NOTES VS. NORTHWESTERN
PURDUE NOTES:
STORY LINES • After getting back on track with a 49-30 victory over Minnesota, Purdue hits the road for the final time in 2023. The Boilermakers make the quick trip north to face Northwestern at Ryan Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT) on BTN. • Purdue has won the past two meetings, a 17-9 win at Ross-Ade Stadium last season and 32-14 victory at Wrigley Field in 2021. • The Boilermakers will play at Ryan Field for the first time since 2019, a 24-22 victory led by walk-on quarterback Aidan O’Connell making his first start. Cam Allen hauled in his first career interception in that game. • In last week’s win over Minnesota, Purdue racked up 604 yards of total offense that included 353 yards on the ground for the most rushing yards in a game since 2012. • Purdue scored touchdowns on each of their first four drives, accomplishing the feat for the first time since 2004. The 49 points against the Golden Gophers were the most by Purdue in a conference contest since the 49-20 victory over No. 2 Ohio State in 2018. • The Boilermakers won three of their four November games in each of the past two seasons. That includes closing out the 2022 regular season with three straight victories to win the Big Ten West outright and advance to the B1G Championship for the first time in school history. • Dillon Thieneman, a consensus Midseason Freshman All-American and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award semifinalist, is the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Thieneman earned the weekly accolade for the fourth time this season. • Thieneman is the nation’s leading freshman in tackles (88), solo tackles (60), interceptions (3) and forced fumbles (2) As Purdue’s leading tackler, Thieneman ranks fourth nationally with 6.0 solo tackles per game. • Outside linebackers Kydran Jenkins and Nic Scourton have more sacks and TFLs than any other duo in the Big Ten. Scourton leads the conference with 8.0 sacks, while Jenkins ranks second with 7.0. Jenkins is second in TFLs (13.5), and Scourton is fourth (13.0). • Devin Mockobee (715 yards) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (508 yards) are the first Purdue duo with 500 rushing yards in a season since Markell Jones and D.J. Knox in 2018. • Cole Brevard, Kydran Jenkins and Antonio Stevens have recovered two fumbles apiece this season, leading the conference and ranking 12th nationally. • Deion Burks leads Purdue in receptions (36), receiving yards (529) and receiving touchdowns (7). • This weekend’s matchup marks the third straight season Purdue faces Northwestern the week before the Old Oaken Bucket Game.
NORTHWESTERN NOTES:
After a 24-10 road win at Wisconsin last week, Northwestern is in search of back-to-back victories for the first time this season as it hosts Purdue at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Ryan Field. The Wildcats will look to win five home games in a year (4-2) for the first time since the 2017 team went 6-1 at home. The game will air on Big Ten Network with Connor Onion (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst) and Elise Menaker (sideline) on the call, and on ESPN 1000 WMVP with the Voice of the ‘Cats, Dave Eanet (play-by-play), Ted Albrecht (analyst) and Lauren Withrow (sideline). LAST TIME OUT • Northwestern scored on its first four possessions and its defense surrendered its only touchdown allowed inside the game’s last 30 seconds as the Wildcats defeated Wisconsin 24-10 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison last week. It was NU’s largest margin of victory at Wisconsin since winning 21-0 on Nov. 5, 1960. With last Saturday’s win, the Wildcats snapped a 14-game road losing streak, their first road win since a 27-20 win at Purdue on Nov. 14, 2020. • Northwestern held Wisconsin to a season-low 86 rushing yards and just 14 rushing yards in the first half. The Wildcats did not allow the Badgers to take a snap in the red area until 9:13 of the third quarter. • Northwestern won the turnover battle, marking the fourth straight game and fifth time this season it won the battle. • The Wildcats converted their first 10 first downs of the game, becoming the first Big Ten team to do so in any game since 2015. • QB Ben Bryant completed 18-of-26 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and also ran for a score. He is the first NU QB to post two or more passing touchdowns and a rushing score in a conference game since Clayton Thorson in 2018 against Illinois. • WR A.J. Henning posted a career-high 70 receiving yards, recording a spectacular one-handed grab for a 41- yard gain. • LB Bryce Gallagher and DB Devin Turner tied for the team-lead with 10 tackles each. DB Rod Heard contributed seven tackles and a forced fumble. • DL Aidan Hubbard recorded 1.0 sack at Wisconsin, his third straight game with a sack. He has recorded 5.0 total sacks over the last three weeks. YEAR-TO-YEAR IMPROVEMENTS • Under the direction of first year interim head coach and defensive coordinator David Braun, Northwestern is allowing an average of 332.1 yards per game this season, which ranks 29th in FBS and seventh in the Big Ten, an improvement 58.5 yards per game over the first 10 games of 2022 (390.6). • The Wildcats are allowing an average of 181.7 passing yards per game, which ranks 15th nationally and sixth in the Big Ten. • Northwestern is converting 42.3% of its third downs on offense, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten Conference. • Inside the red area, Northwestern is converting 90.0% of its trips for points (27-of-30). Last year NU converted 77.9% (21-of-27) of its red zone attempts. • NU has lost just one fumble this year, tied for second nationally and tied for the lead in the Big Ten Conference. Last year through nine games, the Wildcats lost 10 fumbles.
PURDUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BOILERS BOUNCE AGGIES IN MACKEY
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In front of an electric Mackey Arena, the Purdue women’s basketball team rolled to a 72-58 win over Texas A&M on Thursday night. After a slow start in the game’s opening minute, the Boilermakers (2-1) outscored the Aggies (2-1) by 22 points over the final 39 minutes.
Abbey Ellis and Rashunda Jones both dropped 20 points in the win. Ellis, a fifth-year senior, tallied her 22nd career 20-point outing behind a 9-for-18 mark from the field with a pair of 3-pointers. Jones, a freshman, notched her career high on 8-of-11 shooting and 4-of-6 at the line. Jones is the first Purdue freshman to score 20 points in a game since Karissa McLaughlin did it in 2017-18.
it was Purdue’s first 20-point duo since Dominique Oden and Karissa McLaughlin in 2020 against Michigan.
Caitlyn Harper tallied her first double-double as a Boilermaker behind 14 points and 11 rebounds. The sixth-year senior hauled down eight boards on the defensive end for her highest mark in West Lafayette. For the second straight game, Jeanae Terry came just short of a double-double, going for 10 assists and eight points, including a perfect 4-for-4 at the line.
Purdue shot a hot 46.6% from the field and went 13-of-16 at the line. Led by Terry’s 10th double-digit effort as a Boilermaker, Purdue dished out 14 assists on 27 made shots, while committing a season-low nine turnovers.
The Aggies won the rebounding battle 41-31, but Purdue converted 20 turnovers into 26 points and finished with a 34-22 edge in points in the paint. Texas A&M shot 35.7% for the game and hit six triples.
The Boilermakers recorded six steals on the Aggies’ 20 giveaways. Following the 4-for-4 start in the first, A&M made just three of its next 21 shots. Texas A&M shot just 30.7% for the final 37 minutes of the game.
Purdue flipped the script after a slow start to the first quarter. The Aggies hit their first four shots to open an 8-0 lead in the first 1:09 of the game. Purdue stepped up defensively to allow just one field goal on Texas A&M’s next 13 shots. Jones gave the Boilermakers a spark off the bench with six points in the opening 10 minutes, as Purdue closed the frame on a 10-0 run to take a 19-14 lead.
Layden and Terry extended the lead out to 10 points early in the second, before Texas A&M battled back to cut the gap to four. Purdue scored seven straight in the final 1:17 of the second, capped by a Harper 3-point buzzer beater, to take a 38-27 lead into the break. The Boilermakers shot 48.3% from the field over the opening 20 minutes.
After Texas A&M chipped the gap down to seven early in the third, Terry made a contested layup to spark a 14-3 run. Ellis scored 10 points in the spurt including a pair of electrifying triples. Purdue’s lead stayed in double digits the rest of the way.
The Aggies built momentum early in the final frame to pull within 13, but Ellis and Jones scored on back-to-back trips down the floor to push it back to a 66-49 lead. Much like Purdue’s win in College Station last year, the Boilermakers allowed just two made field goals the final 3:48 of the game. Jones cut any chance of a comeback with six points in the fourth, including the Boilermakers’ final four.
NOTES
• Purdue now leads the all-time series with Texas A&M 5-1 with three straight wins.
• The Boilermakers are now 16-7 in the Katie Gearlds era when holding opponents to 69 points or less.
• Purdue tallied an 81.3% mark at the line for their second game shooting over 80% at the stripe.
• Terry’s 10 assists gave her 394 as a Boilermaker, five shy of Katie Gearlds for 13th in program history.
• The Boilermakers jumped out of the halftime break with 22 points, their second straight game with 20 or more points in the third.
• Coming off the bench, Jayla Smith tallied a block and one rebound with a plus-minus of 22.
• Texas A&M managed just seven points off Purdue’s nine turnovers.
• Jeanae Terry started her 65th straight game for Purdue and the 99th of her career.
• Terry’s 10th 10-assist game is tied for the sixth most in college basketball going back to the start of the 2021-22 season.
• The crowd of 5,223 was the fifth largest of the Katie Gearlds era, surpassing
UP NEXT
The Boilermakers will jet down to Nassau, The Bahamas, for the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship. Purdue will square off with Florida on Monday at 4 p.m., before a Wednesday tilt against Georgia at 4 p.m.
PURDUE SWIMMING
BOILERMAKERS WIN 8 EVENTS TO OPEN PURDUE INVITE
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Eight event victories and a dozen times that rank among the best in team history highlighted a successful first day of the Purdue Invitational for the Purdue swimming & diving teams.
The Purdue women racked up 106 points in the dive well and 72 more in the 500 freestyle, opening up a 114-point lead in the team scoring. They received victories from Maggie Love in the 200 IM and Sophie McAfee in 3-meter diving and were also victorious in team diving and the 200 free relay.
The Purdue men swept Thursday’s two relays to go along with victories from Brady Samuels in the 50 free and Max Miller in 1-meter diving.
Love added a third-place finish in the 50 free to her victory in the 200 IM, which was her team-leading seventh individual event win of the season. The junior enjoyed lifetime bests of 22.87 in the 50 free (10th) and 1:59.49 in the 200 IM (third). She also posted an event-best split of 22.47 on Purdue’s victorious 200 free relay.
Samuels posted his fourth career individual event win at the Purdue Invite and his fifth of the season. He matched his lifetime best mark of 19.46 in the 50 free prelims. The junior also swam the leadoff leg on both victorious relays, posting a team season-best time of 46.07 in the 100 backstroke. Idris Muhammad was part of both relay winners as well, highlighted by a 50 free split of 18.82 on the second leg of the 200 free relay. Individually, the junior took third in the 50 free.
Sophie McAfee repeated as the 3-meter diving winner at the Purdue Invite and also teamed with Daryn Wright and Maycey Vieta to help the Boilermakers win the team diving event, which is scored the same as a relay this season.
Abby Marcukaitis moved up to third place in team history in the 100 back after posting a lifetime best mark of 53.57 on the leadoff leg of the 400 medley relay.
MOVED UP PURDUE’S ALL-TIME LEADERBOARDS
• Maggie Love – 1:59.49, 3rd in 200 IM
• Abby Marcukaitis – 53.57, 3rd in 100 Back
• Samuels, Witty, King, Muhammad – 3:07.00, 3rd in 400 Medley Relay
• Brady Samuels – 19.46, Tied 4th in 50 Free
• Samuels, Muhammad, Wenker, Kelly – 1:17.80, 6th in 200 Free Relay
• Aaron Frollo – 4:23.29, 7th in 500 Free
• Kate Mouser – 4:46.68, 8th in 500 Free
• Hill, Love, Schreder, Rojas – 1:31.03, 9th in 200 Free Relay
• Marcukaitis, Folcik, Hardy, Bowen – 3:39.03, 9th in 400 Medley Relay
• Maggie Love – 22.87, 10th in 50 Free
• Kate Beavon – 4:47.42, 13th in 500 Free
• Caitlin Hurley – 4:47.99, 14th in 500 Free
The Boilermakers had four of the top five finishers in the women’s 500 free and 3-meter diving. Ethan Shaw and Aaron Frollo finished 2-3 in the 500 free. Jordan Rzepka and Holden Higbie did likewise behind Miller in 1-meter diving.
Action continues Friday with swimming prelims at 10:30 a.m., diving prelims at 1 p.m. and the finals session at 6 p.m.
PURDUE VOLLEYBALL
PURDUE TO CLOSE OUT REGULAR-SEASON HOME SLATE
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The No. 16 Purdue volleyball squad is set to host No. 3 Wisconsin and Maryland on back-to-back nights to close out the regular-season home slate.
The Boilermakers begin Friday night with a highly-anticipated re-match vs. Wisconsin, which will air at 7 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. Purdue, riding a three-match winning streak, will take on a Badger team that just suffered its second loss of the season at Penn State.
Just 24 hours later, Purdue will host Maryland on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET for Senior Night. The Boilermakers, who beat the Terps in the Big Ten opener, 3-1, will look to earn the series sweep. The match will be streamed on B1G+.
PURDUE AT A GLANCE
Only four matches remain in the regular season, with Purdue closing out its home slate this weekend.
The Boilermakers rank #15 in the RPI and #16 in the AVCA/Taraflex poll. The team is considered on the edge for hosting NCAA first/second rounds. A win vs. #3 Wisconsin should solidify the team as a top-16 seed, and in turn, a host site.
Seven of the team’s last eight matches came vs. an opponent ranked or receiving votes. The Boilermakers have gone 6-1 in those matches.
The Boilermakers are 7-3 over the last 10 matches.
Purdue is third in the Big Ten standings (with the tie-breaker vs. Penn State) and rank as high as third in the Big Ten statistical rankings in hitting % (.246), blocks (2.54) and opponent blocks (203).
Two Boilermakers lead the conference: Raven Colvin (142 total blocks) and Maddie Schermerhorn (4.42 digs per set). Meanwhile, Eva Hudson and Chloe Chicoine are among the top offensive players in the conference, ranking 3rd and 5th, respectively in total kills and 4th and 5th in total points.
LAST WEEK’S RECAP
The Boilermakers took a pair of 3-1 victories at Minnesota and vs. Michigan State last week, a feat that includes the program’s first series sweep vs. Minnesota under HC Dave Shondell and a 30-28 Set 2 comeback win vs. the Spartans.
Purdue led the league in three categories last week: assists (13.75 per set), blocks (29 total) and digs (18.63 per set).
Individually, Lourdes Myers led the league in blocks, Raven Colvin was #2 in hitting % and T-6 in blocks, Maddie Schermerhorn was #2 in digs, Chloe Chicoine ranked in the top five in both aces and points per set in addition to #10 in kills per set. Additionally, Eva Hudson ranked 9th in kills per set and 10th in points per set).
PURDUE IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS
The program has been ranked for 104 consecutive weeks (since preseason 2017), the longest active streak by any Purdue team.
The Boilermakers’ history of excellence includes 42 of the last 58 weeks among the top-15.
Purdue is ranked #15 in the RPI.
Purdue’s highest final ranking in program history came in 2021 at #6.
Last year, the squad was ranked as high as 5th in the nation – its second-highest ranking in program history. The record was set in 2021, ranking 4th following the take-down of #3 Ohio State inside Holloway Gymnasium, 3-2 (9/24/21).
PURDUE VS. TOP-25 OPPONENTS
The Boilermakers won matches against two teams ranked above them in the latest AVCA poll: #12 Kentucky (W, 3-2), and won twice vs. #14 Penn State. Meanwhile they came three points shy of beating #1 Nebraska.
This year, Purdue is 5-3 vs. top-25 teams and 10-4 vs. teams ranked or receiving votes. Two of the losses come against the #1 and #2 teams in the nation.
The Boilermakers have one match remaining vs. a top-25 team: #3 Wisconsin.
LAST TIME OUT VS WISCONSIN (PURDUE 1, WISCONSIN 3)
The Boilers handed the Badgers a 25-16 Set 2 loss, which is the Badgers lowest set-score in Big Ten play this season.
Eva Hudson was the first player for either team to reach double-digit kills, doing so in Set 2, before finishing the night with 18 kills. Hudson registered one of her eight double-doubles on the season with the most recent one coming at Minnesota (11/10).
Maddie Schermerhorn led the team with 12 total digs on the night.
LAST TIME OUT AT MARYLAND
Purdue reached 1,000 program wins in their 49th season with the win at Maryland (9/22).
Eva Hudson led the team with 20 kills, while adding seven digs and four block assists on the defensive side of the net.
Raven Colvin ended the night with 10 total blocks (1 solo, 9 assisted) which is her second-highest mark of the season behind her 11-block night vs. Indiana (10/18). The junior also added four service aces and 7 kills (.385 attack %).
The Boilermakers out-blocked the Terps, 13-8.5.
Purdue hit .611% in the fourth set, one of their most efficient sets of the year.
Six Boilermakers received some action in their first career Big Ten match.
THE DYNAMIC DUOS
The Boilermakers’ offensive arsenal includes two of the top players in the Big Ten in Eva Hudson and Chloe Chicoine.
Hudson, 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Chicoine, currently leading all freshmen in kills per set and points per set, are the only duo to average over 4.30 points per set in the Big Ten.
In the back row, Maddie Schermerhorn and Ali Hornung are playing their best volleyball of the season now and together are averaging 38 digs per match over the last three matches.
RECORD BOOK RE-WRITES
Eva Hudson is on track to become the fastest Boilermaker to 1,000 kills during the rally scoring era record, currently sitting at 937 kills entering the final four matches.
Despite her junior status, Raven Colvin owns 384 block assists, which ranks as 5th in the Purdue career top-10 list. Additionally, if her career were to end today, she would set a rally-scoring era record and rank second in Purdue history with 1.36 career blocks per set (record: 1.49 by Donna Gill, 1991-92).
Colvin would also enter the Purdue season top-10 in blocks per game and block assists this year for the second straight year.
Maddie Schermerhorn is set to finish her collegiate career as one the best defensive specialists in program history, currently ranking 7th in Purdue history in career digs and 5th in single-season history.
BUTLER CROSS COUNTRY
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS ON DECK FOR RUSTHOVEN AND NO. 8 BUTLER MEN
The Bulldogs will test themselves against the nation’s best at the 2023 NCAA Cross Country Championships Saturday morning.
The Butler men, ranked a season-high of No. 8 in this week’s USTFCCCA national poll, are one of 31 teams that will converge on the Panorama Farms Cross Country Course in Earlysville, Va. The University of Virginia will serve as host. The Butler men ran one of their best races of the 2023 season on the Panorama Farms course in September, taking eighth at the Virginia Invitational against an elite national field.
This is Butler’s fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championships. The Bulldogs have also captured three of the last four BIG EAST men’s championships, including most recently Oct. 28.
The Butler men punched their ticket to the NCAA Championships by winning the 2023 Great Lakes Regional Nov. 10. It marked the first Great Lakes regional championship in program history.
Butler placed all five of its scorers among the Top 15 at the regional. Florian Le Pallec was the first Bulldog to cross the line, finishing fourth. He was followed closely by teammates William Zegarski (fifth), Matthew Forrester (ninth), Will Minnette (tenth), and Jesse Hamlin (15th). That fivesome each earned All-Great Lakes Region honors.
That five will be joined in the line-up by David Slapak and Jack McMahon.
In recent seasons, the Butler men have finished 21st (2022), 28th (2021), and 13th (spring 2021) at the national meet.
The NCAA field will include a total of 31 teams plus qualifying individuals from each of the nine regions.
Butler will have one of those qualifying individuals in the women’s field in Elsa Rusthoven. She led the Butler women at the regional in Wisconsin, picking up a 15th-place finish individually. Rusthoven covered the 6k course in 20:50.7 to earn All-Region honors. She earned one of four individual berths in the NCAA Championships from the Great Lakes region in addition to qualifying teams in Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Michigan State.
Rusthoven continues a run of strong representation for the Bulldogs in recent years. Mia Beckham earned an individual spot in the 2022 field, while the Butler women placed 29th as a team in 2021.
Live championship coverage Saturday will be broadcast on ESPNU beginning at 9:30 a.m. The women’s 6k race featuring Rusthoven will begin at 10:20 a.m., and the men’s 10k race will start at 11:10 a.m.
BUTLER SOFTBALL
BUTLERSOFTBALL ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHEDULE
Butler softball coach Scott Hall has announced the Bulldogs’ schedule for the upcoming spring 2024 season. The schedule features games against five different teams that reached the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
Butler will participate in four early-season tournaments, beginning with the Northern Iowa Tournament in Cedar Falls, from Feb. 9-11. The Bulldogs will face 2023 NCAA Tournament qualifier Omaha to open this event. In addition to the host, scheduled opponents include Western Illinois, Drake, and Northern Illinois.
A week later, Butler will participate in the Georgia State Tournament, Feb. 16-18, facing the host school as well as Belmont and South Dakota.
The Bulldogs’ lone trip to Florida this season will be the Spring Games in Madeira Beach, Feb. 23-25. Middle Tennessee, a 2023 NCAA Tournament qualifier, and Cornell are among the opponents.
The final tournament of the early season will be hosted by Marshall. In addition to the host school, Butler will compete against Purdue and Radford.
Prior to the beginning of BIG EAST play, Butler will host IUPUI for a single game, the first home event of the season. In addition to this contest with the Jaguars, additional non-conference games against in-state opponents are sprinkled throughout the BIG EAST schedule and feature Indiana, Purdue, Ball State, Indiana State, and Southern Indiana. The Bulldogs will also host 2023 NCAA Tournament qualifier, Miami (Ohio) for a midweek contest on April 9.
The first BIG EAST series for the Bulldogs begins on March 8 when Providence travels to Indianapolis for three games at the Butler softball field. In addition to this opening series, from Mar. 8-10, Butler will host conference series with UConn (Mar. 21-24), Seton Hall (Mar. 29-31), and Creighton (Apr. 19-21).
For the final series of the regular season, the Bulldogs will travel to Villanova, Pa. to take on the Wildcats from May 3-5. The top six teams in the conference standings will qualify for the BIG EAST Tournament, which begins May 8.
Hall is entering his 14th season in the Butler dugout. The Bulldogs return every defensive starter, both infield and outfield, this season. The top-three returning hitters, all over .300 last season, are redshirt-junior Paige Dorsett (.366), sophomore Cate Lehner (.333), and junior Sydney Carter (.306). Senior Monique Hoosen led Butler in 2023 with 14 home runs, while Dorsett and junior Ella White were tops for the Bulldogs with 30 RBI each.
BUTLER FOOTBALL
BATTLE OF THE BULLDOGS SET FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON
INDIANAPOLIS – Butler will host Drake Saturday at 12 PM to close out the 2023 regular season. Senior Day will take place before kick-off as Butler attempts to hand Drake their first PFL loss of the season. BU has not followed their bye week with a win since 2018 but a victory in the finale will give Butler eight wins, their highest total since 2013.
GameDay
Date: Saturday, November 18
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Indianapolis, Ind. / Sellick Bowl
Live Stats: ButlerSports.com (Statbroadcast)
Watch: FloFootball.com
Bulldog Bits
– Bret Bushka was named PFL Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 5.
– Bushka tied the Butler single-game record at Morehead State by tossing five touchdown passes.
– Butler scored 35 first half points at MSU helping them score a season-high 49 points on Nov. 4.
– BU recorded a season-high 482 yards of total offense, averaging 7.3 yards per play.
– Jyran Mitchell is one of three FCS players with 1,200 rushing yards this season.
– Mitchell ranks third in the FCS in rushing yards (1,213) and fourth in yards per game (121.3).
– Mitchell leads the PFL in all-purpose yards, rushing yards, total touchdowns, and scoring.
– Luke Wooten needs 44 yards to reach 1,000 in his BU career.
– Butler leads the nation in Red Zone Defense.
– George Dristiliaris recorded two sacks and three tackles for loss against the Eagles.
– Patrick Coury picked off a pass at Morehead State and returned it 18 yards for a Bulldog TD.
– Lucas Kozlowski heads into Saturday with 95 career tackles (54 solo).
– BU only allowed nine first downs in their win at Morehead State.
– The Bulldogs lead the PFL in scoring defense, allowing just 18.0 points per game.
PFL Standings
Drake 7-0, 7-3
Davidson 6-1, 7-3
St. Thomas 6-1, 7-3
Butler 5-2, 7-3
Marist 4-4, 4-6
Morehead State 3-4, 4-6
San Diego 3-4, 3-7
Valparaiso 2-5, 3-7
Dayton 1-6, 3-7
Presbyterian 1-6, 3-7
Stetson 1-6, 3-7
PFL Schedule – Week 12
Drake at Butler 12:00 p.m.
Bucknell at Marist 12:00 p.m.
San Diego at Stetson 12:00 p.m.
Morehead State at Presbyterian 1:00 p.m.
Valparaiso at St. Thomas 2:00 p.m.
Dayton at Davidson 7:00 p.m.
SCOUTING DRAKE: The Bulldogs are having a great season and head to Indianapolis with a 7-3 overall record. They defeated Presbyterian last weekend (16-14) to remain undefeated in PFL play (7-0). That victory paired with a Davidson loss at Morehead State (47-17) put Drake on top of the league standings and allowed the Bulldogs to clinch a share of the 2023 PFL Championship. Head Coach Todd Stepsis has PFL Player of the Year Candidates on each side of the football. Defensively, Finn Claypool leads the PFL in sacks (10.5), tackles for loss (16), and forced fumbles (5). In the other huddle, QB Luke Bailey leads the PFL in passing yards (2,326) and completions (183). He ranks second in TD passes (15).
Drake leads the PFL in passing offense (242.5), turnover margin, tackles for loss allowed and fewest sacks allowed.
ALL-TIME SERIES: Drake holds the upper hand in the all-time series vs. Butler 23-8-1. The annual “Battle of the Bulldogs” game has ended with a Drake victory in seven-straight seasons.
Butler hasn’t beat Drake since 2015. The first-ever meeting was played in 1932 and went down as the lone tie in the series (0-0).
LAST MEETING: Drake snapped a Butler five-game winning streak last year on Nov. 12 to knock BU out of contention for the league title. The game in Des Moines featured the home team opening up a 17-7 lead after the first quarter and Drake would hang on for a 27-24 victory.
Butler tied the game at 24-24 with just under five minutes to play in the fourth with a 33-yard Luka Zurak field goal. A late BU interception gave the ball back to Drake with 43 seconds left in the game. Four plays later, Drake hit a 22-yard game-winning field goal.
EYEING EIGHT WINS: Head Coach Mike Uremovich has guided the Bulldogs to seven wins in back-to-back seasons.
Butler had not won seven games in back-to-back seasons since 2012-13. They went 8-3 in 2012 and 9-4 in 2013.
BUSHKA NAMED PFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (Nov. 5): Bushka was responsible for six touchdowns as Butler downed Morehead State 49-7 in Saturday’s PFL action. He completed 16-of-17 passes for 281 yards and five first-half touchdowns before adding a second half rushing touchdown. Bushka pushed the Bulldogs to a 21-0 lead with three touchdown throws in the first quarter alone, connecting on pass plays of 25, 28, and 61 yards. He closed the half with two more touchdown tosses of 21 and two yards to build a 35-7 halftime advantage. Bushka added a 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. It was the third five-touchdown day by a PFL quarterback this season.
Bushka earned the honor for the first time this season and for the third time in his career. Jyran Mitchell has been named Offensive Player of the Week twice this season and Devaon Holman and Nick Bafia have each been named Defensive Player of the Week in 2023.
MITCHELL ON A MISSION: Jyran Mitchell has rushed for 100+ yards in six of Butler’s seven conference games this season. He also has a rush of 30 or more yards in five of those seven contests (four-straight).
Mitchell has put together the ninth-best single-season rushing performance in program history. He needs 72 yards in the finale to pass Naim Sanders for eighth place and 163 to pass Trae Heeter for seventh.
TOUCHDOWN MACHINE: Jyran Mitchell has scored a touchdown in every game this season. He scored at least one rushing TD in every game from Sept. 9 to Oct. 28 and added receiving touchdowns at Montana, at Dayton and at Morehead State.
Mitchell got involved in the passing game at Morehead State and caught a 61-yard TD pass from Bushka in the first quarter. That TD gave him 15 total on the year, making him accountable for 90 points. Mitchell is now tied for eighth on Butler’s single-season scoring list alongside Scott Gray (2007).
BUSHKA IN BULLDOG HISTORY: Bret Bushka topped 5,000 career passing yards at St. Thomas on Oct. 7 to become one of just six quarterbacks in program history to reach the milestone.
Bushka has passed for 1,649 yards in 2023 moving his career total to 5,784. He recently passed Will Marty in career passing yards and needs just 126 more yards to move into third place all-time. Bushka has also rushed for 1,386 yards in his BU career. Altogether, Bushka has accounted for 7,179 yards of offense and 59 touchdowns over his four-year career.
UP NEXT: The NCAA FCS Playoffs begin on Saturday, Nov. 25. PFL Major Award Winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 27. All-PFL Teams will follow on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and Academic All-PFL honorees will be released on Nov. 29.
IUPUI VOLLEYBALL
PURICHIA NAMED ALL-LEAGUE FRESHMAN TEAM
INDIANAPOLIS – IUPUI volleyball’s Grace Purichia earns Horizon League All-Freshman Honors after leading the Jags in assists with 873 as announced by the league office today.
The freshman from New Albany, Indiana earns the honors after a stellar start to her collegiate career. Purichia was named #HLVB Player of the Week earlier in the season after leading the Jags to back-to-back wins. She totaled 45 assists, 15 digs, two service aces and four kills in IUPUI’s four set win over Southern Indiana. She followed that performance up with 41 assists, 14 digs, seven kills and three aces in the 3-1 win over Indiana State.
For the season, Purichia totaled 112 kills, 38 service aces, 20 blocks and 29 digs in 113 sets played. She started in 26 of the Jags’ 29 matches.
The full #HLVB Award Winners are listed below:
2023 Horizon League Volleyball Award Winners
Player of the Year: Callie Martin, Wright State
Offensive Player of the Year: Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Defensive Player of the Year: Emily Wichmann, Oakland
Setter of the Year: Katie Meyer, Wright State
Freshman of the Year: Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Sportsmanship Award: Calli Gentry, Green Bay
Coach of the Year: Travers Green, Wright State
All-League First Team
Liberty Torres, Cleveland State
Tiffany Paalman, Green Bay
Hannah Vanden Berg, Green Bay
Madi Malone, Milwaukee
Ari Miller, Milwaukee
Joy Banks, Northern Kentucky
Abby Kanakry, Northern Kentucky
Emily Wichmann, Oakland
Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Megan Alders, Wright State
Callie Martin, Wright State
Katie Meyer, Wright State
All-League Second Team
Emma Walker, Cleveland State
Anna Burke, Northern Kentucky
Patti Cesarini, Oakland
Natalie Stepanovich, RMU
Jenny Wessling, Wright State
Reilly Zegunis, Wright State
All-Freshman Team
Grace Purichia, IUPUI
Ava Hoying, Northern Kentucky
Gentry Brown, Oakland
Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Ashby Willis, Purdue Fort Wayne
Natalie Stepanovich, RMU
Reilly Zegunis, Wright State
Sportsmanship Award Finalists
Calli Gentry, Green Bay
Ari Miller, Milwaukee
Abby Kanakry, Northern Kentucky
Anika Prisby, Oakland
Taya Haffner, Purdue Fort Wayne
Emma Brown, RMU
Andrea Bortulin, Wright State
Elise Moeller, Youngstown State
IUPUI SWIMMING
ZIETLOW AND RELAYS HIGHLIGHT OPENING DAY OF HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS
INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI swim and dive teams opened up their annual House of Champions invite on Thursday, November 16. Emmaleigh Zietlow and two men’s relay highlighted the opening day.
The Jags had 22 swimmers qualify in the morning prelim session for the finals session. IUPUI began the finals session with the 200 free relay. The women’s team finished in tenth with a time of 1:35.71. The men’s team of Spencer Jyawook, Kevin Burke, David Niemiec and Logan Kelly took first with a time of 1:19.97.
Next up was the women’s 500 free where junior Zietlow defended her title with a time of 4:49.07. Youssef Magdy was barely out touched, taking second place with a time of 4:26.71. Nathan Rariden finished in sixth and Jack Gallob came in right behind him in seventh.
Victoria Surdyka represented the Jags in the A Final of the women’s 200 IM. The freshman finished in eighth with a time of 2:10.19. Logan Kelly was the top finisher for the men, taking fourth with a time of 1:49.83. Ben Kimmel took eighth.
Lillian Brandt took 11th in the women’s 50 free while the Jags placed two in the men’s 50 free. Kevin Burke earned second place with a time of 20.17 while Spencer Jyawook came in at fourth with a time of 20.37.
The Jags wrapped up the finals of swimming with the 400 medley relay. The women’s team of Zietlow, Surdyka, Brandt and Kate Larsen finished in sixth with a time of 3:48.32. The men’s team collected their second relay win of the night with the team of Jack Gallob, Kelly, Jyawook and Burke coming in at a new meet record time of 3:12.15.
On the boards for the Jags, Sebastian Otero made it into the championship final where he finished in seventh with a score of 298.00 in the 1-meter dive.
The IUPUI men’s team currently sits in first with a score of 424, just ahead of Lewis University at 314. The women’s team is in sixth with a score of 200 behind UIC at 221.
The Jaguars will continue the House of Champions invite tomorrow with prelims at 10:00 AM.
NOTRE DAME MEN’S BASKETBALL
SLOW SECOND HALF START DOOMS IRISH IN 83-59 LOSS
BROOKLYN – It was night one action of the Legends Classic under the bright lights of the Barclays Center, and the Notre Dame men’s basketball team battled the Auburn Tigers for the first time in program history. The Fighting Irish fell behind 15 in the first half but cut it to just six at the midway point. Yet, the Tigers utilized a 15-1 second half start to keep the Irish at bay and earn the 83-59 victory.
A big difference maker in the game was Auburn’s ability to hit the three versus Notre Dame’s inability. The Tigers made 9-of-20 (.450), versus Notre Dame’s 2-of-26 (.077). A bright spot in the game was Notre Dame’s ability to battle on the boards, holding their own in a 35-35 tie. In fact, the Irish earned 14 offensive rebounds which they turned into 16 second-chance points.
A couple of standouts tonight for the Irish were sophomore forward Tae Davis and junior guard J.R. Konieczny – both achieving career highs in points. Davis notched 13 points and six boards, while Konieczny tallied his first career double-double with a team high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Konieczny shot 7-for-8 from two-point range and 4-of-5 from the stripe.
Markus Burton and Braeden Shrewsberry also landed in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Auburn’s Johni Broome got the Tigers rolling early by scoring eight of the team’s first 11 points, jumping out to an 11-2 lead over the Irish. Add in the fact that Notre Dame suffered from another cold shooting start and they faced a deficit as large as 15 points, down 34-19 at 3:51.
Tae Davis and J.R. Konieczny kept the Irish in the game early. Davis went 4-for-5 from the field to net eight points, including a thunderous put-back dunk. Meanwhile, Konieczny posted six rebounds, including three offensive boards, that contributed to six points – a career best already.
Those offensive boards were key for Notre Dame in the opening half. All-in-all, they collected nine to Auburn’s three and recorded 11 second-chance points.
The Irish, who entered the night just .256 from three-point range, didn’t help that statistic by starting 0-for-11. Finally, at 2:24 remaining in the first half, the first three came via Braeden Shrewsberry. In fact, he scored eight of the team’s final 10 points to spark an Irish rally and cut the halftime deficit to just six points, down 39-33.
Furthermore, Notre Dame connected on six of its last eight from the field while limiting Auburn to just two field goals over the last four minutes. Shrewsberry led the Irish at the half with 10 points.
Unfortunately, the start of the second half mirrored the start of the first as Auburn came out with a 15-1 scoring spree, ultimately making seven of their first nine, to run the lead to 56-37. Notre Dame shot 6-of-27 from the field in the second half and Auburn ran away with the 83-59 victory.
UP NEXT
No rest for the Fighting Irish, for they’ll compete in the third-place game of the Legends Classic in less than 24 hours. In fact, Notre Dame will tip off against Oklahoma State at 4:30 p.m. on Friday on ESPNU.
NOTRE DAME VOLLEYBALL
PREVIEW: WAKE FOREST
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-14, 4-12 ACC) host Wake Forest (17-9, 8-7 ACC) in their final home match of the season in Purcell on Friday, Nov. 17. The Irish will also be honoring Nicole Drewnick and Charity McDowell in a senior night celebration on court directly after the match.
NOTRE DAME vs. WAKE FOREST
Location: South Bend, IN | Purcell Pavilion
Time: 6:30 PM
TV: ACCNX
Live Stats: Click Here
Twitter Updates: @NDvolleyball
Game Notes
A WEEK IN REVIEW
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell to Clemson at home in four sets (20-25, 25-13, 20-25, 17-25) on Friday, Nov. 10 and Virgnia on the road in five on Sunday, Nov. 12 (23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 14-16).
Sydney Palazzolo led the way with 29 kills on the weekend (3.22 kills per set) and was followed by Ava Lange with 23 kills. Lucy Trump finished with 16 kills and an impressive .364 hitting percentage.
Charity McDowell finished the weekend with 13 blocks while Lauren Tarnoff recorded 10 blocks.
The Irish are hoping for another great turnout for their final home match of the season as they set a season-high attendance against Miami (Oct. 27). Notre Dame had a crowd of 2,128, which sits at number 15 for the highest attendance in program history.
Purcell was also packed the weekend prior on Friday, Oct. 13 against Virginia and Sunday, Oct. 15 against Pitt. Friday’s crowd of 2,070 and Sunday’s crowd of 2,016 were some of the highest attendance numbers the program has had in the last nine years and are the 17th and 18th highest attended matches in program history.
Since the start of the #RockwellEra, attendance has been up 199% and is up 99% since last year.
Currently, the Irish are 5th in the ACC and 50th in the country for average attendance this season.
HISTORY VS. WAKE FOREST
This will be the 14th meeting between the Irish and the Demon Deacons with Notre Dame leading the overall series 8-5.
This is the second meeting between the Irish and Demon Deacons this season as the Irish fell in three (24-26, 22-25, 18-25) on October 22 at Reynolds Gymnasium. Palazzolo led the Irish with 17 kills and a .306 hitting percentage.
Notre Dame took down the Demon Deacons in a five set thriller inside of Purcell Pavilion last season (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 14-25, 15-13).
The Irish were led by Paris Thompson with 15 kills, followed by Avery Ross with 13. Lauren Tarnoff finished with 12 kills and seven blocks. Phyona Schrader also posted an impressive stat line with 41 assists, 29 digs, and eight kills.
MEET THE TRANSFERS
Two transfers join the Irish for the 2023 season. Sydney Palazzolo enters into her junior season after spending freshman and sophomore year at High Point. Nicole Drewnick is a graduate transfer hailing from Georgia Tech.
Palazzolo had a decorated two seasons in North Carolina, earning a plethora of awards at High Point.
Last season, Palazzolo earned Big South Player of the Year and Big South First Team All-Conference honors and was named the Big South All-Tournament MVP. She was recognized as an AVCA Honorable Mention All-Region player and an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American. She was also tabbed as the Big South Player of the Week three times.
Palazzolo finished her sophomore season with a team-best 443 kills, 321 digs, 27 blocks, and led the conference with 42 service aces.
Not only was she recognized as the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2021, but she was also named to the Big South All-Conference Second Team and All-Freshman Team.
While Drewnick spent her freshman season at Nebraska, she most recently has spent the last two seasons with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Drewnick appeared in 20 matches and 43 sets last season with the Yellow Jackets and finished the season with 99 assists and 16 digs.
MEET THE FRESHMEN
Five freshmen join the Irish for the 2023 season. Freshmen additions include Alyssa Manitzas, Lily Fenton, Logan Brannan, Olivia Maulding, and Ava Lange.
Manitzas was a part of the Under Armour All-American game and was also named the 2021 Prep Dig Top Libero in Texas. The San Antonio, TX native is the all-time dig leader at Cornerstone Christian High School.
Fenton was a First Team All-Conference and All-District player out of Latrobe, PA. Fenton was a three-year captain and was the Greater Latrobe High School program all-time assist leader.
Brannan hails from Lake Travis High School in Austin, TX and was a First Team All-District and TGCA All-State honoree.
A gradute of La Salle Prep, Maulding was named the 2022 Northwest Oregon Co-player of the Year, while also being named to the 2022 Oregon State Championship All-Tournament Team. Maulding was recognized as the 2022 Volleyball Magazine Top Performer in Oregon.
Lange was a nationally recognized four star player out of Playa Del Rey, CA, who was named to the AVCA All-America Watch List and played in the 2022 USAV Girls 17’s Junior National Championship.
RETURNERS
The Irish return six rising sophomore, a pair of rising juniors, and a trio of rising seniors.
Sophomores Lucy Trump and Avery Ross were offensive power houses for the Irish last season as both outside hitters led Notre Dame in their first years in an Irish uniform. Trump led the way with 252 kills, followed by Ross with 227 kills.
Juniors Phyona Schrader and Paris Thompson return for their third seasons at Notre Dame. Thompson returns after tallying 148 kills and 71 digs across 63 sets last season.
Schrader led the Irish last season with 877 assists and was second on the team with 333 digs. The setter also led the ACC with two triple-doubles and finished second in the conference with 17 double-doubles.
Hattie Monson, Lauren Tarnoff, and Charity McDowell are rising seniors for the Irish after playing in a combined 259 sets as a class last season.
Monson played in all 108 sets for the Irish as the libero recorded 453 digs in her junior campaign, while also surpassing the 1,000 career digs mark. She heads into her senior season with 1,163 career digs.
Both Tarnoff and McDowell return as middle blockers for the Irish as the duo finished with 141 combined blocks; Tarnoff was second on the team with 80 blocks and McDowell was third with 61. Tarnoff also led the Irish with a team-best 15 solo blocks.
NOTRE DAME SWIMMING
IRISH HEAD TO MIDSEASON INVITATIONALS AT OHIO STATE AND IUPUI
Before heading home for Thanksgiving break, the Notre Dame swimming and diving programs will split up and compete at concurrent invitational meets from Nov. 16-18. Swimming will compete at the Ohio State Fall Invitational, while diving will make the trek to Indianapolis to compete at the IUPUI House of Champions.
In Columbus, the Irish swimmers will face a collection of very talented teams: No. 14 men/No. 5 women Ohio State, No. 5/No. 9 Indiana, No. 12/No. 3 Louisville, Cincinnati, Ohio University (women only). Cal and Kenyon’s dive teams will also be there.
Season So Far —
The Notre Dame men are currently 5-0 and ranked No. 12 in the nation, while the women are 2-3.
Chris Guiliano and Tommy Janton have been the stars of the show thus far for head coach Chris Lindauer’s men’s team. Guiliano has notched wins in eight individual events, and Janton has seven wins of his own. In the diving well, Carlo Lopez Hernandez has already made his mark after transferring from Missouri. He won the 1-meter springboard at Louisville two weeks ago.
On the women’s side, junior Madelyn Christman has had a very successful dual meet season so far. She has won three individual events, most recently earning a victory in the 100 back at No. 3 Louisville.
Additionally, Calie Brady earned Co-ACC Diver of the Week honors in Week 1, and Grace Courtney has also put together multiple strong performances. She won both the 1-meter and 3-meter against Pittsburgh and Penn State.
What’s To Come —
The full meet psych sheet can be found here.
Notre Dame has three swimmers seeded first across five events.
Chris Guiliano — 50 free (19.35)
Cason Wilburn — 100 fly (46.45)
Tommy Janton — 100 back (45.86)
Tommy Janton — 200 back (1:41.29)
Chris Guiliano — 100 free (41.63)
All prelims sessions at Ohio State begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday finals start at 5:30 p.m., while Saturday begins at 6:00 p.m. All sessions can be streamed on B1G+.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
GAME NOTES VS. WAKE FOREST
IRISH ITEMS – BY THE NUMBERS 1st Junior safety Xavier Watts leads the nation in interceptions this season with seven and that includes five in the last three games (two vs. Southern Cal, two vs. Pittsburgh, one at Clemson). He is the first Notre Dame player to post multiple interceptions in consecutive games, the first FBS player to do it since 2020 and just the fifth FBS player to accomplish the feat since 2017. Watts seven interceptions have set the Irish offense up in position to score 41 points. See page 9 for more on Watts. 2 Quarterback Sam Hartman will be the second member of Notre Dame’s 2023 roster to compete against his former team this weekend. Javontae Jean-Baptiste had eight tackles in the battle with No. 6 Ohio State on September 9. Hartman and Jean-Baptiste join Amir Carlisle (vs. Southern Cal in 2013, ‘14, ‘15) and Alohi Gilman (vs. Navy in 2018, ‘19) as transfers who competed against their former teams at Notre Dame. 5 Notre Dame has shut out an opponent 11 times since 1996. Five of those defensive gems have occurred on a Senior Day: 2022, 2021, 2012 (vs. Wake Forest), 2002 and 1996. 6 Senior quarterback Sam Hartman is the sixth FBS player to throw for over 15,000 yards in a career. Hartman passed Ty Detmer on the all-time passing yardage list against Pittsburgh and his current career total stands at 15,239 yards. 13 With 988 rushing yards this season, junior Audric Estimé has his sights set on becoming the 13th Notre Dame player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Estimé needs 32 more yards to become the 19th Notre Dame player to rush for 2,000 yards in a career. See page 7 & 8 for much more on Estimé. 22 Senior linebacker JD Bertrand, a Cambell Award Finalist and Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist, became the 22nd Notre Dame player to surpass 250 career tackles with six stops at Clemson. See page 11 and 12 for more on Bertrand, including details of his Cambell Award Finalist accomplishment. 54 Senior Howard Cross III leads all Power 5 defensive linemen in tackles this season with 54, which also ranks fourth among all FBS defensive line players. See page 9 for more on Cross III. 99 Notre Dame has earned back-to-back shutouts in the past two senior days and have outscored its opponents 99-0 (55-0 vs. Georgia Tech in 2021, 44-0 vs. Boston College in ‘22). 101 Notre Dame is 101-25-5 all-time on Senior Day – the last home game of the season. The Irish did not have a final home game in 1889 or 1929 and the 1963 home finale was cancelled due to the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. The Irish have won six straight Senior Day games, which is the longest streak for the program since it posted 13 consecutive final home game victories from 1966-1978. 500 Notre Dame is competing in the 500th game in Notre Dame Stadium this weekend. The Irish are 376-118-5 (.758) all-time in ‘The House That Rockne Built.’
NOTRE DAME – WAKE FOREST SERIES HISTORY • Notre Dame and Wake Forest will be meeting for the sixth time. The Irish lead the all-time series 5-0. • Notre Dame is 3-0 against Wake Forest in Notre Dame Stadium and 2-0 versus the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem (2011, 2018). • The most recent meeting between the two teams occurred in 2018, a 56-27 victory for No. 8 Notre Dame in Winston-Salem. GAME FACTS • Notre Dame is 16-0-2 (.944) on November 18 all-time and will be playing on the date for the first time since 2017 (a 24-17 victory over Navy at home). • Notre Dame is 348-136-27 (.707) all-time in the month of November and 4-2 in the month under the direction of Marcus Freeman. Since 2010, the Irish are 38-15 (.716) in the month of November. • Notre Dame is 58-14-1 coming off a bye week since 1950, including the victory over Pittsburgh on October 28. The Irish have won six in a row off a bye dating back to 2019 and 14 of their last 15 games after an off week going back to 2012.
TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – OFFENSE Jayden Thomas is the leading returning receiver for the Irish in 2023. Thomas has been affected over the past five by a hamstring injury. He returned to action against Pittsburgh with two catches for 23 yards and hopes to see his snap count rise over the final two weeks of the season. Chris Tyree has shifted to wide receiver after three years as a running back with the Irish. Tyree has made a key play in each of Notre Dame’s seven victories this season, none bigger than his 82-yard punt return to start the scoring in the 58-7 victory over Pittsburgh. He ranks 13th in the country in yards-per-reception with a 19.39 average. See page 12 for more on Tyree. True freshman Jaden Greathouse nabbed a 35-yard touchdown pass on his first career touch against Navy. He followed up with a 20-yard scoring catch later in the game. Greathouse returned to the starting lineup against Southern Cal after missing portions of the Duke and Louisville games with a hamstring injury. Joe Alt, the son of former NFL All-Pro John Alt, is one of four team captains for the Irish this season, has been selected as a consensus preseason All-American and is on the Outland, Lombardi and Walter Camp Award watch lists. See page 10 for more on Alt. Pat Coogan made his first career start in just his second game played against Navy. He has started all 10 games for the Irish at left guard this season. Zeke Correll has played guard and center during his career and now enters the season as one of the top snappers in the nation. He will make his 33rd-career start on the Irish offensive line against Wake Forest and is on the Rimington Award watch list. Billy Schrauth will make his first career start on Saturday against Wake Forest at right guard, replacing nine-game starter Rocco Spindler who will miss the rest of the season win an injury suffered at Clemson. Schrauth will join Spindler and Coogan in making their first career starts this season. Blake Fisher is one of the more athletic right tackles in the nation, Fisher combines with Joe Alt to provide Notre Dame one of the best offensive tackle bookends in the nation. Mitchell Evans led the team in receptions this season before suffering an ACL injury in the victory over Pittsburgh and is out for the remainder of the season. Holden Staes capped the scoring against Central Michigan with a four-yard catch which followed up his career-best game at NC State which included four catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those touchdowns came from more than 30 yards (30, 45). Rico Flores Jr. earned his first career start against Central Michigan and responded with early career-highs of three catches and 60 receiving yards. His first career touchdown reception against Ohio State provided the Irish their first lead of the game. Flores also nabbed a crucial two-point conversion in the game’s final minutes at No. 17 Duke. Flores has posted at least one reception in the last seven games. Sam Hartman continues his ascent up the FBS career passing touchdown and yardage lists this season. See page 6 for much more on Hartman. Audric Estimé owns four 100-yard performances this season as he closes in on 1,000 yards rushing in 2023 and 2,000 yards rushing in his career. See page 7 and 8 for more on Estimé. . Jadarian Price’s first career carry against Navy was a 19-yard touchdown. His second career catch was a 40-yard touchdown reception vs. Tennessee State. His fifth career kick off return was a 99-yard scoring effort against Southern Cal. Spencer Shrader has quickly established himself as the best long-distance kicker in Notre Dame history. The USF transfer has kicked a school-record 54-yard field goal twice this season –at NC State and at Louisville. He shares the Notre Dame record for career kicks of 50 yards or more (four) with Kyle Brindza and Jonathan Doerer. Bryce McFerson has a booming leg showed that off against NC State. He punted six times in the game, averaging 50.7 yards per attempt. He also posted a career-best 59- yard punt against the Wolfpack. He also uncorked a 57-yard effort at Duke. Michael Vinson is in his sixth year at Notre Dame and is one of the top long snappers in the nation. He has developed into a clear leader not only for the Irish special teams, but the entire roster.
TWO-DEEP TIDBITS – DEFENSE Jordan Botelho missed the first half of the Louisville game after being called for targeting late in the game at Duke. The starting ‘vyper’ end for the Irish this season, Botelho has three sacks this season along with 24 tackles. Joshua Burnham posted his first career start in place of Botelho at Louisville and finished the game with two tackles. Overall, Burnham has been distruptive in limited snaps, with 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and two quarterback hurries. Rylie Mills is No. 10 on The Athletics Freak List for his work in the weight room and has been distruptive on the defensive line so far in 2023. Mills posted a career-best seven tackles in the victory at No. 17 Duke and has piled up 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 quarterback hurries this season. Howard Cross III is the only Power 5 defensive lineman with double-digit tackles in a game this season after his dominating 13-tackle, two-forced fumble performance at Duke. He leads all Power 5 defensive linemen in tackles this season with 54. Javontae Jean-Baptiste played perhaps the best game of his career against Ohio State, posting a career-high eight tackles. JJB has been consistent across the Irish defensive line all season and is sixth on the team in tackles (39) and leads the Irish with nine quarterback hurries. Nana Osafo-Mensah is a leader in the defensive line group and a steady force against the run. He made two key plays against Louisville, which included a tackle-for-loss followed up by his first sack of the season. Osafo-Mensah followed up with a career best four tackles against Southern Cal which included a sack. Marist Liufau enters his second full season as a starter in 2023 and has been all over the field through the first eight games of the year. He has 38 tackles on the season, two quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. JD Bertrand missed the CMU game in concussion protocol and has returned to the line up in top form. He has 50 tackles in the last six outings, which includes 11 at No. 17 Duke, nine tackles, one sack and a shared tackle-for-loss at No. 25 Louisville and 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks against No. 10 Southern Cal. Jack Kiser does a little bit of everything for the Irish defense and can appear on the line or even as a spot safety if necessary. He is third on the team with 52 tackles after piling up a career-best 10 while starting at Mike linebacker for JD Bertrand against Central Michigan and leading the team with nine stops at Clemson. Cam Hart was voted a captain by his teammates this season and is in the midst of a highly productive final season with the Irish. Hart began the second half at No. 25 Louisville with a forced fumble and recovery, then forced another fumble that led to a touchdown return against Southern Cal. DJ Brown returned for a fifth year and is the ‘quarterback’ of the back seven for Notre Dame’s defense. Brown picked off his fourth career pass against NC State, missed the CMU game with a leg injury but returned against Ohio State to finish with three tackles and two PBUs. He also finished with a career-high matching nine tackles at No. 25 Louisville. Xavier Watts has grown from a rookie wide receiver into one of Notre Dame’s starting safeties and is the first Notre Dame player to intercept multiple passes in back-to-back games AND the first Irish player to intercept a pass in three straight games. See page 9 for more on Watts. Benjamin Morrison was a Freshman All-American last season, and is focused on taking his game to an even higher level in 2023. He intercepted his first pass of the season at NC State and added an interception against No. 10 Southern Cal. See page 9 for more on Morrison. Clarence Lewis has played in 47 games at Notre Dame and scored his first career touchdown on a 33-yard interception return against Tennessee State. Thomas Harper, a transfer from Oklahoma State, made his first start in an Irish uniform against TSU and followed up with a team-high seven tackles at NC State. He continued his playmaking moments with his first career sack against Central Michigan. Harper missed the game at Louisville but returned to the starting lineup at nickle for the Irish against Southern Cal. He has 34 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble this season.
BALL STATE FOOTBALL
CARDINALS SEEK MOMENTUM AND SECOND STRAIGHT WIN WHILE HOSTING KENT STATE SATURDAY
MUNCIE, Ind. – Winners of two of their last three games, the Ball State Cardinals welcome Kent State to Scheumann Stadium for the first of two straight home games to close the 2023 regular season. Hoping to ride the momentum of a last-second win at Northern Illinois to close #MAC-tion midweek play, Ball State has sights set on consecutive wins for the first time this season. Saturday’s home game is sponsored by American Pest Professionals.
** The Battle for the Bronze Stalk may be the youngest rivalry game in the Mid-American Conference, but it has hit full stride the past two seasons with Ball State winning a double-overtime thriller over Northern Illinois in 2022, 44-38, and a walk-off winner on 36-yard field goal as time expired last week, 20-17.
** The Cardinals enter Week 7 of their MAC schedule this week and seek their third win against MAC competition. Since Kiael Kelly was inserted as the starting quarterback for Week 3 of the MAC season against Toledo, Ball State is 2-2 while falling to only Toledo and Bowling Green by a combined 10 points.
** Redshirt sophomore Kelly expects to make his fifth straight start at QB this week. He rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown last week at NIU, while completing 15 of 25 passes for 115 yards. All three figures were career highs.
** The Cardinals’ defensive unit once again put Ball State in position to earn its victory last week — this time by winning the valued turnover battle 3-0 and putting Ball State in position for a tying touchdown and go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter. It was Ball State’s biggest fourth-quarter margin since beating Indiana State and it was the Cardinals’ bigges turnover margin of the season.
WHAT A WIN MEANS:
** The Cardinals will rise to 4-7 overall, 3-2 at Scheumann Stadium and 3-4 in the MAC.
** Mike Neu will capture his 38th victory as head coach of his alma mater, tying Ray Louthen (1962-67) and Bill Lynch (1995-02) who are tied with the fifth-most career coaching wins at Ball State. Neu was Lynch’s QB during the 1990-92 seasons as QB coach and offensive coordinator.
BY THE NUMBERS:
** +3: Mikhari Sibblis (2) and Jordan Riley helped BSU claim a season-high three fumble recoveries at NIU, with win the turnover margin by their largest margin since the final regular season game of 2021 vs. Buffalo (+4 on four INTs).
** 4-of-5: Ball State scoring in the Red Zone last week marked the second time in three weeks to score on four RZ tries.
** 41: Rushing yards needed by Kiael Kelly in order to pass Riley Neal with the most rush yards by a Ball State QB since 2000. Kelly enters the game with 500 rush yards on the season, Neal had 540 in 2016.
** 233: Rushing yards needed by Marquez Cooper in order to reach his third straight season with 1,000 rush yards. Ironically, his last two 1,000-yard campaigns came while playing for the Golden Flashes. He enters Saturday’s game with 767 yards on the ground this year.
BALL STATE SWIMMING
CHAYE WINS 50 FREE TO LEAD MEN’S S&D ON DAY 1 OF HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS
INDIANAPOLIS – – Led by a first-place effort in the 50 freestyle by fifth-year senior Owen Chaye, the Ball State men’s swimming & diving program earned four top 10 performances on the opening day of the House of Champions Thursday at the IUPUI Natatorium.
Chaye turned in his fastest 50 freestyle swim of the young season, clocking in at 20.03 to pick up the Cardinals first event win of the three-day meet.
Not only that, but Chaye swam the first leg of the second-place 200 freestyle relay (1:20.36) and anchor for the second-place 400 medley relay (3:15.17).
He was joined of the 200 freestyle relay by senior Joey Garberick, sophomore Benjamin Clarkston and sophomore Jacob Siewers for the third-fastest event time in program history.
In the 400 medley relay, Chaye teamed up with junior Ethan Pheifer, Garberick, and fifty-year senior Bryce Handshoe for another solid time, boasting a final wall touch of 3:15.17. It would have been the third-best effort in program history, had the quartet not set the program record at least season’s MAC Championships.
Rounding out Ball State’s top 10 efforts was junior
Michael Burns
Michael Burns with the fourth-fastest individual time in program history in the 200 IM, placing 10th among the field in 1:51.00.
After the first day of competition, the Cardinals stand in third among the now 10-team field with 296 points. Host IUPUI is first at 424, while Lewis is second at 314.
Action in the House of Champions invitational continues Friday, with prelims at 10 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.
Men’s Individual Results on Day 1 at House of Champions
200 Freestyle Relay | Program Record – 1:19.35 by Chaye, Garberick, Siewers, Wolfred in 2023
2nd – Owen Chaye, Joey Garberick, Benjamin Clarkston, Jacob Siewers – 1:20.36 – 3rd in Program History
EX – Ethan Pheifer, Bryce Handshoe, Michael Burns, Mason Young – 1:22.56
500 Freestyle | Program Record – 4:29.26 by Magnus Ohlsson in 1995
Finals
11th – Tommy Brunner – 4:32.09 – 3rd in Program History
14th – Seth Blossom – 4:35.83
15th – Alexander Eddy – 4:36.75
17th – Malcolm Slater – 4:37.27 (4:35.99 in prelims)
21st – Zach Zishka – 4:40.29
Prelims
25th – Logan Ayres – 4:42.29
27th – Michael Mitsynskyy – 4:43.66
29th – Max Kruglov – 4:43.98
200 IM | Program Record – 1:49.31 by Joe Morris in 2015
Finals
10th – Michael Burns – 1:51.00 – 4th in Program History
18th – Ethan Pheifer – 1:52.60
Prelims
30th – Aidan Biddle – 1:58.24
EX – Zach Zishka – 1:55.24
EX – Reece Manning – 2:01.32
EX – Noah Berryman – 2:02.19
50 Freestyle | Program Record – 19.89 by Owen Chaye in 2023
Finals
1st – Owen Chaye – 20.03
13th – Jacob Siewers – 20.86 (20.82 in prelims)
14th – Joey Garberick – 20.91 (20.69 in prelims)
15th – Benjamin Clarkston – 21.00 (20.80 in prelims)
23rd – Mason Young – 21.36 (21.14 in prelims)
32nd – Bryce Handshoe – 22.44 (21.32 in prelims)
Prelims
EX – Kenny Reed – 21.52
EX – Erkan Ozgen – 21.62
EX – Auston Shafer – 21.89
EX – Seth Blossom – 21.10
400 Medley Relay | Program Record – 3:12.42 by Pheifer, Garberick, Handshoe, Chaye in 2023
2nd – Ethan Pheifer, Joey Garberick, Bryce Handshoe, Owen Chaye – 3:15.17
EX – Logan Ayres, Michael Burns, Benjamin Clarkston, Jacob Siewers – 3:20.53 – 9th in Program History
1-Meter Diving | Program Record – 344.25 by Dave Keener in 1991
Finals
11th – Porter Brovont – 276.15
14th – Isaac Hunter – 242.90
16th – Wyatt Blake – 237.55
50 Backstroke – EXHIBITION EVENT
EX – Michael Burns – 23.16
EX – Ethan Pheifer – 23.28
EX – Reece Manning – 23.63
EX – Logan Ayres – 23.84
EX – Benjamin Clarkston – 23.86
EX – Chance Buckles – 23.99
EX – Owen Chaye – 24.07
RECORDS FALL FOR WOMEN’S S&D ON DAY 1 OF HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS
INDIANAPOLIS – – The Ball State women’s swimming & diving program started off its mid-season House of Champions meet with a bang Thursday night, posting a pair of program records at the IUPUI Natatorium.
The first record came from freshman sensation Alexa Von Holtz who took nearly two second off the 200 IM mark with a first-place time of 2:00.85. The previous record was 2:02.72 set by Mallory Miles in 2013.
Sophomore Payton Kelly followed with a new record of her own, winning the 50 freestyle in 22.32. The effort shaved .19 off her own mark of 22.51 set last season. The effort was also an NCAA “B” Standard.
Von Holtz and Kelly would end the night with another solid performance, combining with junior Hannah Jones and senior Laura Wright for a winning time of 3:42.56 in the 400 medley relay. It’s the third-fastest time in the event in program history.
Sophomore Kiran Stauffer also turned in a solid performance in the day’s longest individual event, taking second overall in 500 freestyle at 4:54.01. Freshman Kayla Newman was not far behind, taking fourth with the fifth-best individual performance in program history at 4:55.50.
Sophomore Callie Tuma rounded out three individuals in the top eight, with a season-best 500 freestyle effort of 5:02.11
Those were just a few highlights from an overall solid night for the program, as the Cardinals claimed three event wins and nine top 10 performances.
With the effort, Ball State stands in second place among the now 13-team field with 288 points. North Texas is first at 311, while Milwaukee is third at 280.
Action in the House of Champions invitational continues Friday, with prelims at 10 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.
Women’s Individual Results on Day 1 at House of Champions
200 Freestyle Relay | Program Record – 1:31.38 by Kelly, A. Sakbun, Jones, Payne in 2023
3rd – Haley Sakbun, Hannah Jones, Natalie Marshall, Payton Kelly – 1:33.08 – 6th in Program History
EX – Eliza Bader, Elizabeth King, Angelina Eliacin, Kiran Stauffer – 1:36.03
500 Freestyle | Program Record – 4:48.37 by Marcella Ribeiro in 2021
Finals
2nd – Kiran Stauffer – 4:54.01
4th – Kayla Newman – 4:55.50 – 5th in Program History
8th – Callie Tuma – 5:02.11
Prelims
25th – Mary Kate Phillips – 5:09.86
200 IM | Program Record – 2:00.85 by Alexa Von Holtz in 2023
Finals
1st – Alexa Von Holtz – 2:00.85 – Program Record
12th – Sophia Kuehn – 2:07.61
Prelims
19th – Laura Wright – 2:10.43
50 Freestyle | Program Record – 22.32 by Payton Kelly in 2023
Finals
1st – Payton Kelly – 22.32 – Program Record
20th – Hannah Jones – 24.01 (23.97 in prelims)
27th – Haley Sakbun – 24.03
30th – Natalie Marshall – 24.17
Prelims
35th – Eliza Bader – 24.43
40th – Elizabeth King – 24.69
45th – Alyssa Messenger – 24.90
60th – Emma Horton – 25.53
EX – Angelina Eliacin – 24.64
400 Medley Relay | Program Record – 3:39.86 by Pratt, Ruehl, H. Richter, Magley in 2013
1st – Hannah Jones, Laura Wright, Alexa Von Holtz, Payton Kelly – 3:42.56 – 3rd in Program History
EX – Lilia Newkirk, Julia Ofman, Natalie Marshall, Haley Sakbun – 3:51.06
3-Meter Diving | Program Record – 347.78 by Caitlin Locante in 2021
Finals
7th – Grace Walker – 248.30
Prelims
25th – Leelah Fettig – 188.45
30th – Ella Penny – 155.80
32nd – Ava Pavich – 149.45
50 Backstroke – EXHIBITION EVENT
EX – Payton Kelly – 25.48
EX – Hannah Jones – 26.13
EX – Lilia Newkirk – 26.60
EX – Eliza Bader – 27.37
BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL TO PLAY AT EVANSVILLE SATURDAY IN INTRASTATE SHOWDOWN
The Ball State men’s basketball team hits the road for a game at Evansville on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT) in its first away contest of the regular season.
The Cardinals (3-0) and Purple Aces (3-0) both enter the in-state matchup undefeated. Ball State’s trifecta of wins to begin the schedule mark the program’s best start since 1997.
Jalin Anderson tallied 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in Tuesday night’s 92-51 triumph over Oakland City to up his scoring average to 19.7 points per game. After opening the season with two contests against National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) opponents, the Cardinals will play NCAA Division I exclusively from here on out.
Evansville beat Mid-American Conference foe Miami (Ohio) 72-64 in their season opener on Nov. 6 before toppling the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis 116-46 on Nov. 9 and most recently beating Southeast Missouri St. 76-57 last Wednesday on the road.
Ball State recorded a 20-12 record (11-7 Mid-American Conference) in 2022-23 to earn the No. 4 seed in the MAC Tournament. Head coach Michael Lewis enters his second season leading the Cardinals after recent stops as an assistant at UCLA, Nebraska and Butler.
Juniors Mickey Pearson Jr. and Basheer Jihad headline the returners, as they averaged 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds and 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, respectively, in 2022-23. Three transfers and five true freshmen bolster Ball State’s 2023-24 team.
SCOUTING EVANSVILLE: The Purple Aces went 5-27 (1-19 Missouri Valley Conference) last season in head coach David Ragland’s first leading the program. Ragland headed south from Butler where he was an assistant coach under LaVall Jordan.
Senior Ben Humrichous leads the Aces in scoring (15.7 points per game), rebounding (5.7) and 3-point shooting (50 percent), while senior forward Yacine Toumi (14.3) and freshman guard Braylon Jackson (14.0) also average in double figures scoring. Guard Kenny Strawbridge Jr., who was voted to the Preseason All-MVC Second Team, adds 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest.
CARDINAL DIRECTIONS
Anderson leads the Cardinals in scoring (19.7 points per game), rebounding (5.7), assists (2.3), field goal shooting (64.7 percent) and 3-point shooting (50 percent) among those putting up at least three shots per game. His field goals made (22) ranks No. 51 and scoring average ranks No. 72 in Division I so far this year, and both marks are second in the MAC.
The Cardinals lead the MAC and rank in the Top 10 nationally in turnover margin (+12.3, fourth), turnovers forced per game (21.0, eighth) and scoring defense (53.0 points per game, 10th).
Ball State’s 20 wins last year were its most since 2016-17 when that team won 21. This season’s Cardinals will look for back-to-back 20-win schedules for the first time since that 2016-17 season.
The Cardinals are a young group, as the roster includes only one senior or graduate student (Ethan Brittain-Watts). Ball State returns only 21.5 percent of minutes played and 19.6 percent of points scored from last year’s team.
Brittain-Watts (Boston University), Jalin Anderson (Loyola Marymount) and Davion Bailey (Southeastern CC) form Ball State’s trio of transfers.
Joey Brown (Indianapolis), Zane Doughty (Indianapolis), Mason Jones (Valparaiso, Ind.), Trent Middleton Jr. (Philadelphia) and Jurica Zagorsak (Zadar, Croatia) are the Cardinals’ quintet of true freshmen.
Ball State recently signed forward Jai Anthoni Bearden (Phoenix, Ariz.) and guard Jermarhi “Fatt” Hill (Bessemer, Ala.) to national letters of intent to form the Cardinals’ 2024 recruiting class.
Up Next
Ball State returns to Worthen Arena to host USC Upstate at 7 p.m. on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WELCOMES NORTHERN IOWA TO WORTHEN ARENA SATURDAY
Opening Tip:
– The Cardinals are looking to start the 2023-24 season with a 4-0 mark Saturday against the Panthers for the first time since the 2017 season. That year Ball State made history under head coach Brady Sallee, finishing the non-conference season with an 11-0 mark.
– Ball State is coming off a road win at Chicago State Tuesday, 85-56. For the third straight game five Cardinals reach double-digit scoring — Annie Rauch (18), Ally Becki (14), Madelyn Bischoff (14), Estel Puiggros (12) and Hana Mühl (10). The Cardinals bench also played another huge part in Ball State’s success with 43 points.
– The Panthers come to Muncie with a 1-1 record after openinng the season with a 78-67 victory over Green Bay and then recently fell to No. 3 Iowa 94-53.
– This will be the second-ever meeting between the Cardinals and the Panthers with Ball State winning the lone contest in Worthen Arena in 2012-13 in the second round of the postseason WNIT by a score of 53-48.
– Next week Ball State faces back-to-back in-state rivals when it plays at IUPUI (Nov. 22) and then will host No. 14/16 Notre Dame (Nov. 24) for a Blackout Black Friday event the day after Thanksgiving.
– Marie Kiefer earned her 100th career block against Chicago State Tuesday night. The junior currently sits in third with 100 career blocks and needs only five more to take sole possession over secnd all-time which is currently held by former Cardinal Rennee Bennett (2013-17). The top stop is held by Tama Bowie (2000-03) with 152 blocks.
– Next Friday’s game will mark the first double-header with the Ball State men’s basketball team. Both squads have started the season 3-0 for the first time since the 1975-76 season.
Fourth Game of the Season:
– The Cardinals have shot over 50 percent from the field in all three of their games this season.
– Ball State continues to dominate offensively on all areas of the court which includes 55 percent from the field (102-186) and 42 percent from behind the arc (27-64).
– In her first three contests as a Cardinal, Nyla Hampton has stolen the ball 14 times and has dished out 17 assists. Hampton is seventh in the nation currently in steals (14) and eighth in steals per game (4.6).
– After three games the Cardinals rank third nationally in field goal percentage (54.7), ninth in steals per game (16.0), 15th in bench points (39.5), 16th in assists per game (21.5), 19th in turnover margin (11.0) 21st in three-point percentage (43.2) and 21st in scoring offense (91.5).
– The Cardinals have outscored their opponents in every quarter but one so far this season.
Scouting Northern Iowa:
– Northern Iowa is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
– Off the bench, the Panthers are averaging 30 points per game, the second-best mark in the MVC.
– UNI averages only 12 turnovers per game, which ranks the lowest in the MVC.
– Norther Iowa is coached by Tanya Warren who is in her 17th season at the helm of the Panthers.
– For the first time in program history, UNI women’s basketball was selected as the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite for the 2023-24 season. In the Tanya Warren era, the Panthers have been in the top two six times including this year’s No. 1 projection.
– Forward Grace Boffeli was named the MVC Preseason Player of the Year. She is the first Panther to earn that recognition.
Next Game:
The Cardinals will play at IUPUI on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 2 pm ET. Ball State and IUPUI have met nine times, with the Cardinals leading the all-time series, 7-2. Ball State and IUPUI’s last meeting was in 2022 in Muncie. The Cardinals won that contest, 61-54. Ball State also won its last contest at IUPUI on Dec. 8, 2021 by a score of 73-67.
INDIANA STATE FOOTBALL
SYCAMORES CLOSE OUT 2023 SEASON WITH ROAD CONTEST AT NO. 20/16 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State hits the road for the final time in 2023 as the Sycamores wrap up the regular season this weekend at No. 20/16 Southern Illinois on Saturday afternoon inside Saluki Stadium. Kickoff between the Sycamores and SIU is set for 2 p.m. ET and will be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
Weekly Notes
Quick Hits
Indiana State closes out the 2023 season on the road this weekend as the Sycamores make the trip to Saluki Stadium. The Sycamores boast one of the nation’s toughest schedules in the 2023 season, even without playing either of the Dakota States. Seven teams on the schedule have either been ranked or are currently ranked, while ISU also took on two FBS programs.
Indiana State snapped their 10-game losing streak this past weekend as the Sycamores topped Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon. ISU’s last three conference-opening wins have come against the Leathernecks. ISU makes its first trip to Carbondale since 2018 when the Sycamores topped the Salukis, 24-21. Indiana State has won each of its last four games at SIU dating back to the 2012 season.
Linebacker Garret Ollendieck is the reigning MVFC Defensive Player of the Week following an 11-tackle, 3.0 sack game against WIU. Both Ollendieck (87) and Maddix Blackwell (95) are within striking distance of 100 tackles in the 2023 season, becoming the first ISU players to achieve the mark since Jonas Griffith (106) in 2019.
Southern Illinois At A Glance
Southern Illinois enters the weekend with a 6-4 overall record, 3-4 in Missouri Valley play. The Salukis enter the game sitting eighth in the MVFC heading into the final weekend with conference wins against Western Illinois, Murray State, and Missouri State. SIU’s four conference losses have come at the hands of Youngstown State, South Dakota State, South Dakota, and North Dakota State. SIU was picked fifth in the conference’s preseason poll after receiving 337 points as voted on by the league’s head coaches, SIDs, and media members.
The Salukis feature a balanced offensive attack with 119.2 rushing yards and 223.4 passing yards per game. Quarterback Nic Baker leads the offense passing at least 200 yards in five of the 10 games played on the year, including a 462-yard, 3-touchdown game earlier this season against SEMO. Safety PJ Jules is among the conference leaders with 88 tackles, while adding 11.5 tackles-for-loss and nine pass breakups on the year. SIU is top-10 in the NCAA in TFL (8th) and sacks (8th).
On This Date
Indiana State has played five games all-time on November 18 dating back to their first contest vs. Butler back in 1950. The Sycamores are 2-3 overall on the date according to current records on hand with their wins coming in 1972 and 1978.
ISU has lined up once against Southern Illinois on the date, winning on the road in 1972. The Sycamores have lined up against one ranked team on the date in the 2017 season falling to No. 24 Northern Iowa
1950 – vs. Butler – L, 32-0
1972 – at Southern Illinois – W, 31-3
1978 – vs. Wichita State – W, 42-18
1995 – vs. Eastern Illinois – L, 27-6
2017 – at #24 Northern Iowa – L, 41-3
Last Time Against Southern Illinois
Indiana State was unable to slow down a high-powered Southern Illinois offensive attack as the Sycamores fell to the visiting #16/15 Salukis in Memorial Stadium, 47-21. Southern Illinois scored on each of their first three offensive possessions and added four touchdown drives midway through the game in securing the conference win. The Sycamores battled through 12 penalties in the contest as Indiana State was unable to sustain momentum through the contest despite another standout performance from Dante Hendrix in the loss.
Hendrix continued to pace the Indiana State offensive efforts with his second double-digit catch performance of the season. The redshirt junior wide receiver hauled in 10 catches for 83 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Indiana State’s final home game of the 2021 season. Anthony Thompson went 21-of-33 through the air for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Kurtis Wilderman added a fourth-quarter touchdown pass late in the contest. Phazione McClurge added six catches for 51 yards, while Rontrez Morgan added a three-catch, 32-yard game with his first touchdown catch of the season. Peterson Kerlegrand paced the ISU rushing efforts with 56 yards on 18 carries.
Geoffrey Brown led the Sycamores defense with a team-high nine tackles, while Mekhi Ware and JJ Henderson combined for four pass breakups on the defensive side. Brown also paced the Sycamores efforts with 1.5 tackles for loss, while Rylan Cole and Ethan Hoover added seven tackles apiece.
Trends in ISU’s Road Wins At Southern Illinois
Indiana State has won four consecutive road games at Southern Illinois dating back to the 2012 season. Key to the Sycamores’ success during the stretch against the Salukis includes a standout offensive performance, as well as defensive pressure along the line.
Sept. 29, 2012 – W, 24-3
Shakir Bell – 160 yards, 2 TD; Calvin Burnett – 2 INTs
Oct. 25, 2014 – W, 41-26
Mike Perish – 353 yards, 4 TD; Connor Underwood – 2.5 sacks
Oct. 22, 2016 – W, 22-14
Isaac Harker – 336 yards, 3 TD; Justin Hornsby – 4.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Oct. 20, 2018 – W, 24-21
Ja’Quan Keys – 156 yards, 2 TDs; Katrell Moss – 16 tackles
Reigning MVFC Defensive Player of the Week
Garret Ollendieck had another monster game on the defensive side of the ball for Indiana State as the Sycamore junior linebacker posted his first career 3.0-sack game. The Cresco, Iowa native finished the contest with 11 tackles including three sacks against Western Illinois. He also added two quarterback hurries as ISU consistently harried the Leathernecks’ passing game on Saturday afternoon.
Ollendieck was disruptive early with his first sack of the game ending Western Illinois’ second drive in the first quarter. He added four tackles on a drive in the second quarter that led to an ISU interception to end another WIU drive inside Sycamore territory.
The junior linebacker came up big in the fourth quarter with his sack setting up a 4th-and-14 inside Western territory. The next play, he went back through the middle for a quarterback hurry on a play that resulted in an incompletion and turnover on downs. Justin Dinka scored three plays later for the game-clinching touchdown.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE VOLLEYBALL
RATKAI NAMED OFFENSIVE POY, FOY, FIRST TEAM, ALL-FRESHMAN, WILLIS ALL-FRESHMAN
INDIANAPOLIS – The Horizon League announced its volleyball All-League awards on Thursday (Nov. 15) and Purdue Fort Wayne’s Panna Ratkai was named the Offensive Player and Freshman of the Year, while Ashby Willis was named to the All-Freshman Team.
Ratkai is the first freshman in Horizon League history to be named the Offensive Player of the Year. She is the first Mastodon to earn a league Freshman of the Year honor since Nicole Rightnowar in 2015. Ratkai is the third Freshman of the Year in the program’s Division I history, joining Rightnowar and Emily Spencer. She is the fourth Offensive Player of the Year honoree, joining Katie Crowe (2021) and Fabiana Souza (2003, 2005). In addition to Offensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, Ratkai earned a spot on the All-League First Team and All-Freshman Team. Ratkai led the Horizon League with 5.07 kills per set, over a full kill more than anyone else in the league. She added a league-best 0.56 aces per set. Defensively, she averaged 2.59 digs per set, which ranked 23rd in the league. She was one of two players in the league to be named Player of the Week four times. Ratkai had 12 matches with 20 or more kills, including two over 30, and just two matches in which she did not reach double-digits. She had 33 kills at IUPUI and 35 against Milwaukee. She was the only Horizon League player to have more than 26 kills in a match this season. Her 35 against Milwaukee were the sixth-most in a match in the NCAA this season. Nationally, Ratkai ranked seventh in the nation with 4.66 kills and 5.34 points per set for the season. Her 52 total aces rank 14th nationally.
Willis joined Ratkai on the All-Freshman Team. Willis improved as the season went along. She averaged 2.80 kills per set in league play and 2.75 overall. Her kills per set marks were 15th in the league. She had 13 matches in which she reached double-digit kills and seven that she had 10 or more digs. Willis had a season-high of 19 at Niagara and a league-only best of 18 against Cleveland State in the final week of the season. She had double-doubles against Kent State (Sept. 8), Milwaukee (Oct. 20), Oakland (Oct. 24), IUPUI (Oct. 28) and Cleveland State (Nov. 7).
Purdue Fort Wayne was the only Horizon League program to have two All-Freshman Team selections. It’s the first time since 2019 that Purdue Fort Wayne had two All-Freshman selections.
2023 Horizon League Volleyball Award Winners
Player of the Year: Callie Martin, Wright State
Offensive Player of the Year: Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Defensive Player of the Year: Emily Wichmann, Oakland
Setter of the Year: Katie Meyer, Wright State
Freshman of the Year: Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Sportsmanship Award: Calli Gentry, Green Bay
Coach of the Year: Travers Green, Wright State
All-League First Team
Liberty Torres, Cleveland State
Tiffany Paalman, Green Bay
Hannah Vanden Berg, Green Bay
Madi Malone, Milwaukee
Ari Miller, Milwaukee
Joy Banks, Northern Kentucky
Abby Kanakry, Northern Kentucky
Emily Wichmann, Oakland
Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Megan Alders, Wright State
Callie Martin, Wright State
Katie Meyer, Wright State
All-League Second Team
Emma Walker, Cleveland State
Anna Burke, Northern Kentucky
Patti Cesarini, Oakland
Natalie Stepanovich, RMU
Jenny Wessling, Wright State
Reilly Zegunis, Wright State
All-Freshman Team
Grace Purichia, IUPUI
Ava Hoying, Northern Kentucky
Gentry Brown, Oakland
Panna Ratkai, Purdue Fort Wayne
Ashby Willis, Purdue Fort Wayne
Natalie Stepanovich, RMU
Reilly Zegunis, Wright State
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S BASKETBALL
‘DONS TAKE 3-0 START TO THE DESERT FOR THE ARIZONA TIPOFF
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s basketball team heads to the Arizona Tipoff on Friday and Saturday to play a pair of games in Glendale, Arizona. The ‘Dons will face Northern Arizona on Friday and either VMI or South Dakota on Saturday. The ‘Dons have never played Northern Arizona. A meeting with South Dakota on Saturday would be a very familiar opponent, as the ‘Dons were league foes in the Summit League. The ‘Dons have played VMI once, a loss in the 2014 CIT.
Game Day Information
Who: Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (3-0) vs. Northern Arizona (1-2)
When: Friday, November 17 | 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Glendale, Ariz. | Desert Diamond Arena
Live Stats: Link
Video: None
Radio: 1380 AM
Series Record: First Meeting
Game Day Information
Who: Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons vs. South Dakota or VMI
When: Saturday, November 18 | 2 p.m. ET or 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Glendale, Ariz. | Desert Diamond Arena
Live Stats: Link
Video: None
Radio: 1380 AM
Series Record: ‘Dons lead South Dakota 11-10, trail the series with VMI 0-1
Game Notes (PDF): Purdue Fort Wayne | Northern Arizona
KNOW YOUR FOE:
// Northern Arizona played at Seattle U on Wednesday, winning 62-60. They opened the season with a 95-52 loss at UConn and an 89-55 loss at Grand Canyon. Trent McLaughlin had 19 points in the win over Seattle U.
‘DONS AND ENDS:
// This is the Mastodons’ first 3-0 start since 1999, making this the first 3-0 start as a Division I program for the ‘Dons.
// Rasheed Bello was named the Horizon League Player of the Week and Corey Hadnot II earned the Freshman of the Week honor for their play in the Mastodons’ first three games of the season. Bello averaged 20.3 points per game. He shot 51.3 percent (20-of-39) from the floor, making 5-of-11 from three. He recorded 11 assists with only one turnover on the week. Bello scored 29 points vs. Texas A&M-Commerce. Hadnot averaged 9.7 points in the Mastodons’ three games. He scored nine points in 29 minutes in the Mastodons’ win over DePaul.
// This is only the Mastodons’ second ever trip to Arizona for a contest. The ‘Dons defeated Grand Canyon on Nov. 30, 2019 in Phoenix 71-60.
// A win over Northern Arizona would give the ‘Dons a four-game win streak. The ‘Dons have had a winning streak of at-least four games in every season since 2009-10 except for one (2017-18). That is 13-of-14 seasons.
// Rasheed Bello is averaging 20.4 points per game with 11 assists and only one turnover. The 11:1 mark is sixth in the nation.
// Eight ‘Dons are averaging double-digit minutes per game.
// Six ‘Dons have 10 or more field goals on the season.
// 32.8 percent of points this season (98-of-298) have come off turnovers.
// Rasheed Bello is sneaking up on 1,000 career points. His Mastodon point total combined with his 791 points at NCAA Division II UW-Parkside has him at 852 career NCAA points.
// The ‘Dons have partnered with Team IMPACT to add Bolton Richardson to the squad in 2023-24. Added to the team at a signing ceremony in July, Bolton will be at games, practices and other team activities.
NATIONAL RANKINGS:
// 1st in turnover margin (+16.0)
// 4th in scoring margin (+42.0)
// 4th in turnovers forced per game (22.67)
// 5th in fewest turnovers per game (6.7)
// 5th in fast break points (26.3)
// 7th in assist/turnover ratio (2.50)
// 8th in points per game (99.3)
// 10th in steals per game (12.7)
ON THE TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE WIN:
// The ‘Dons forced 17 turnovers while committing only six. They turned these 17 turnovers into 26 points.
// The ‘Dons led for 38+ minutes of the game.
// Purdue Fort Wayne limited the Lions to 17.4 percent from three (4-of-23).
// Rasheed Bello (10-of-18), Anthony Roberts (8-of-14), Eric Mulder (3-of-3) and Corey Hadnot II (4-of-8) each shot 50 percent or better from the floor.
// The ‘Dons had 44 points in the paint, for 51 percent of their scoring (44-of-86).
// Anthony Roberts finished with 17 points and a Mastodon career-high 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a ‘Don.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE CROSS COUNTRY
KING SELECTED TO ACADEMIC ALL-LEAGUE TEAM; TATE NAMED HONORABLE MENTION
INDIANAPOLIS – A pair of Purdue Fort Wayne women’s cross country student-athletes were honored by the Horizon League on Thursday (Nov. 16). Madison King was named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team. Riley Tate was named honorable mention.
King (Noblesville, Ind. / Noblesville HS) won the 2023 Horizon League Championship with a personal-best time of 20:34.89. It ranks second on the program’s 6K top 10 list. The senior closed her strong season last week with a 21st place performance at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. She also won the IUPUI Jaguar Invitational and Mastodon Alumni Open in 2023. King, an anthropology major, owns a 3.39 GPA.
Tate (Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne HS) earned All-Horizon League Second Team honors with a 10th place performance at the league championship meet. The sophomore ran a time of 21:39.0, sixth-best on the program’s top 10 list. Tate and King helped the ‘Dons take second as a team at the league championship. Tate owns a 4.00 GPA in computer science.
To be eligible for Horizon League All-Academic consideration, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.20 or higher (based on a 4.00 scale), have completed at least one year at the member institution, having earned 24 semester-hour or 36 quarter-hour credits, and participate in 50 percent of the team’s overall contests. An Honorable Mention is awarded to student-athletes who received at least 25 percent of votes, but did not make the All-Academic team.
SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL
EAGLES FACE LA SALLE, BUCKNELL TO BEGIN CHALLENGE
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball begins a long haul on the road, traveling to the east coast to play in the Duke Blue Devil Challenge between November 18 and November 24.
The Eagles begin action in the challenge at La Salle University Saturday at 1 p.m. (CST) before continuing at Bucknell University November 20 at 5 p.m. (CST). The squad finishes the nine-day road swing at #9 Duke University November 24 at 5 p.m. (CST).
The first two games in USI’s road trip will be streamed on ESPN+ and also can be heard on ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com) and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com). The USI-Duke contest will air on the ACC Network.
The Eagles (1-2) hope to stay on track after posting a 68-65 win over Tiffin University Tuesday night. Junior guard Jeremiah Hernandez led the way with a career-high 24 points, while sophomore guard/forward AJ Smith followed with 14 points and posted his second-straight double-dobule with 13 rebounds. Junior guard Jordan Tillmon rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.
La Salle is 3-0 to start the year, posting a 67-61 win over Drexel University and a 79-74 win over Northeastern University at home. The Explorers started their portion of the Duke Blue Devil Challenge at home Tuesday with a 69-57 over Bucknell for the third win of the year.
The Bison of Bucknell are 1-3 after Tuesday’s loss at LaSalle. Bucknell opened the season with losses at home to the University of Delaware, 78-57, and the University of Pennsylvania, 80-61, before getting a road-win at Niagara University, 73-64.
Duke opened the season with a 92-54 win over Dartmouth University and a loss to #12 University of Arizona, 78-73, at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils raised its record to 2-1 with a 74-65 win over #18/#19 Michigan State University Tuesday in the State Farm Champions Classic in Chicago, Illinois.
Bucknell plays Duke Thursday, while La Salle takes on the Blue Devils November 21, prior to USI’s visit to Cameron on November 24.
SOUTHERN INDIANA SOFTBALL
USI SOFTBALL SIGNS FIVE FOR 2024-25 CLASS
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball announced that five student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles in 2024-25.
“We are really excited about our 2024 class of new Screaming Eagles,” USI Softball Head Coach Sue Kunkle said. “This is a very talented class, and our coaching staff expects that all of them will contribute immediately and continue to level up our program. As a group, these five will bring tons of athleticism, power, and versatility.”
Three of Southern Indiana’s five signees are from Southern Indiana Athletic Conference member schools in the Evansville area.
Lilly Brown (Evansville, Indiana) is a 5’5″ utility who can play first base and outfield. The lefty was a multi-sport athlete at Reitz Memorial High School. For her high school career, Brown has batted .342 with 53 runs, 46 RBIs, and 23 doubles with a .879 OPS. Last year, she set career highs, including 30 RBIs. She was named All-SIAC Second Team twice. Brown’s aunt,
Brittany DeWeese ’11
Brittany DeWeese ’11, played for Kunkle and the Screaming Eagles from 2008-11. Brown has played for several club teams, including the Texas Bombers, Shockwaves, Eagles, Kentucky Freedom, and Unity Pirillo.
Jordan Mackey (Evansville, Indiana) is a 5’9″ right-handed catcher/utility from Harrison High School, where she was a multi-sport athlete and the school’s athlete of the year in 2022-23. Mackey is a versatile hitter and is solid defensively at catcher and in the infield. Last season, Mackey hit .477 with 21 runs, 27 RBIs, 20 extra-base hits with eight home runs, and a 1.645 OPS. Mackey’s eight home runs were a single-season record at Harrison, and she is currently tied for the career home run record at Harrison with 15. She was top five in the SIAC for batting average, home runs, RBIs, walks, and slugging percentage. Mackey was All-Metro and All-SIAC Second Team in 2022, and she was All-Metro and All-SIAC First Team in 2023. She was ranked 32nd in the class of ’24 by Extra Innings. Plus, Mackey has a connection to USI already, as her mother, Molly (Blackford) ’02, played for Kunkle and the Screaming Eagles between 1999-2002. Mackey played select ball for Indiana Magic Gold Gerth.
Jinnis Gerth (Evansville, Indiana), a 5’9″ outfielder, comes to USI out of North High School. The right-hander is a versatile power hitter. During high school, Gerth has batted .297 with 50 runs, 50 RBIs, 18 extra-base hits with six home runs, and a .816 OPS. Last season, Gerth had a career season as a junior, hitting .347 with 28 RBIs and six home runs while posting an OPS above 1.000. She helped lead North to a sectional championship and its first regional title since 1996 last spring. Gerth has been an All-SIAC selection as well during her high school career. Gerth played travel ball with Indiana Magic Gold Gerth 24/25.
Kylie Witthaus (Jonesburg, Missouri), a 5’5″ left-handed pitcher, comes to USI out of Warrenton High School. Witthaus will bring a different look to USI’s pitching staff from the left side. In 2023, Witthaus went 16-9 with 23 complete games in 25 starts and 159.7 innings. She posted a 1.40 ERA with 270 strikeouts. Witthaus is also a power presence at the plate, where she hit .447 with 27 RBIs last season. Witthaus was All-Conference Second Team her first two seasons and All-Conference First Team in 2022 and 2023. She has also been First-Team All-District and All-Region the last three years. In 2022, Witthaus was All-State First Team and the GAC North Player of the Year. Her team was conference champions from 2020-22, district champions in 2021 and 2022, and finished fourth place in Missouri in 2022. In 2022, Witthaus set her high school’s single-season record for strikeouts and had a 21-strikeout game that season. Plus, she tossed a perfect game during the 2023 season. The southpaw was also Academic All-Conference for four years and Academic All-State from 2020-22. Witthaus played select ball with St. Louis Chaos 18u Mazzola.
Grace Huffman (Greenwood, Indiana) is a 5’9″ catcher and corner infielder from Center Grove High School. Huffman began her varsity career as a sophomore, hitting .333. She went on to bat .622 with nine doubles and four home runs in high school A multi-sport athlete in high school, Huffman is a strong hitter who played travel ball with Indy Dreams 18u Streeval. She batted .416 with 13 doubles and eight home runs with her travel squad.
USI Softball begins its second season as an NCAA Division I program and second in the Ohio Valley Conference in February. The Eagles are coming off a third-place finish in the OVC to earn their first OVC Tournament berth last spring. The 2024 spring championship schedule will be released later.
SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SHAFFORD’S DOUBLE-DOUBLE, LATE THREE LEADS USI TO 3-0 START
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In a close contest from the opening tip to the final horn, University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball claimed a hard-fought 66-60 victory against Northern Illinois University Thursday night at Screaming Eagles Arena.
With Thursday’s win, Southern Indiana moved to 3-0 to begin the season, earning the first 3-0 start for the program since the 2020-21 season. USI also remains as the only unbeaten team in the Ohio Valley Conference to begin the 2023-24 campaign.
The defenses made it difficult for both teams to find a flow on the offensive end at the beginning. USI junior guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) scored a couple of buckets early to give the Eagles a 6-3 advantage near the midway point of the first period. Neither team let the other get ahead by more than one possession through the first 10 minutes of action, as USI took a 12-11 lead into the second.
Southern Indiana created a little momentum in the second quarter, starting with a three-point play by Shafford. Following a three-pointer by redshirt senior guard Addy Blackwell (Bloomington, Indiana) to give USI a six-point lead, 20-14, at the 7:03 mark, USI went to its post players. Freshman forward Chloe Gannon (Manchester, Tennessee) found some inside looks, and senior forward Madi Webb (Bedford, Indiana) heated up for the Screaming Eagles in the second quarter. Webb had 10 points before the intermission, but Northern Illinois drilled a few triples to bring it back to a one-possession game at halftime, 28-25, in favor of USI.
The Eagles came out of halftime with a nice start, as a Shafford layup and a trey by Blackwell put USI ahead, 33-25, two minutes into the third quarter. Northern Illinois responded to tie the game at 37 after a pair of threes and a couple of layups. With two minutes remaining in the third, the Huskies took the lead, but Shafford answered with a three-pointer to push USI right back in front, 45-44. Blackwell connected on another three inside the last minute of the third to give USI a four-point advantage going into the fourth period.
After a slow start to the fourth quarter, Blackwell cashed in another three and put Southern Indiana up by eight, 52-44. Once again, Northern Illinois used the three-ball to come back and tie the game at 52, but freshman guard Triniti Ralston (Louisville, Kentucky) knocked down a deep jump shot, giving USI the two-point lead. The game continued to go back and forth down the stretch, evening up at 60 with under two minutes to play. With the frantic pace late, Southern Indiana jumped ahead for good on a clutch three-pointer by Shafford with 20 seconds remaining and iced the game at the foul line.
For the game, USI shot 42 percent (26-61) overall, hit seven threes at a 35 percent clip, and went 7-9 at the line. USI won the rebounding battle, 39-37. Shafford led all scorers with 21 points and collected 14 rebounds toward her sixth career double-double. Blackwell posted 14 points, while Webb finished with 10 points.
Northern Illinois, who dropped to 0-3 to begin the season, had three players in double figures. The Huskies shot 39 percent from the field (24-62) and 38 percent (9-24) from three.
The Screaming Eagles hit the road for the first time this season on Monday when USI takes on the University of Missouri at 7 p.m. in Columbia, Missouri. Monday’s game can be seen on SEC Network Plus through ESPN.
SOUTHERN INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
EAGLES SWEEP SKYHAWKS, CAPTURE FOURTH STRAIGHT VICTORY
EVANSVILLE, Ind. –University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (14-15, 10-8 OVC) hit a season-high four-game winning streak after taking down the University of Tennessee at Martin (8-20, 6-12 OVC) in the regular season finale, 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-21), at Screaming Eagles Arena Thursday afternoon. The Screaming Eagles await their seed and opponent in the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference Championship.
An early advantage gave USI the upper hand late in the opening set, 26-24. The Eagles led early after a 5-0 run that included kills from senior outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) and junior middle blocker Lauren O’Neill (Covington, Indiana) which resulted in a 7-2 lead. UT Martin slowly inched back throughout the game and later took a one-point lead. However, the Eagles’ offense struck with six kills in the last six points to claim the victory. Senior outside/right side hitter Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) and Leah Anderson claimed three kills apiece in the final push. In the set, USI secured a match-high 18 kills with a 0.279 hitting percentage.
The Eagles commanded the entire second frame, posting a 25-17 victory. USI was able to get a quick lead after kills from Bednar and sophomore libero/defensive specialist Keira Moore (Newburgh, Indiana) and continued to add on with three kills from sophomore middle hitter Bianca Anderson (Chicago Heights, Illinois) to go up 10-8. The Eagles would go on to score seven of the next 10 points to extend their lead to five. The Skyhawks would not go down easily as they cut the deficit to 19-16 after posting six kills in their own run. USI was able to hold off UT Martin’s late rally thanks to back-to-back kills from freshman outside hitter Leah Coleman (Hoover, Alabama) that started a set-sealing 6-1 run for the Eagles. USI’s offense played flawlessly in the second set, earning 16 kills with no errors and a stellar 0.533 hitting percentage. The Eagles’ defense stood tall in the game, allowing a match-low 10 kills.
UT Martin pulled away with an early lead, but it was USI’s late surge that spoiled the Skyhawks’ comeback and handed the Eagles the 25-21 victory in the final set. Trailing 9-6, USI caught fire and went on a 7-2 run that flipped the script. During the stint, Leah Anderson tallied four kills while Coleman tacked on a pair of kills. UT Martin quickly retaliated and knotted the game up and later held a 20-19 advantage. As the Eagles proved before, no lead is safe late in a set as USI recorded six of the final seven points to claim the victory. It was another offensive slugfest in the last set with the Eagles totaling 17 kills and a 0.342 attacking percentage.
Despite USI being down two starters, the Eagles’ fresh lineup filled the holes nicely. Leah Anderson stepped up with 17 kills with a whopping 0.405 hitting percentage off 37 total attacks. Her streak for consecutive double-digit kill performances is now at nine. Also securing double-digit kills were Bednar with 11 kills and a pair of aces along with Coleman who had a career-high 10 kills and three blocks to pair with seven digs in her second career start. Sobieralski posted a match-high 38 assists to go along with 15 digs for her fourth-straight double-double. Also getting more playing time was O’Neill who tacked on a pair of blocks and three kills.
As a team, the Eagles posted 51 kills, 45 assists, and three aces to pair with 50 digs and three blocks. The Skyhawks recorded 40 kills, 34 assists, and four aces to go along with 44 digs and one block.
NEXT UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles are postseason-bound for the first time in the NCAA Division I era and will face either Morehead State or Lindenwood depending on results from Thursday’s action. No matter the opponent, USI will travel to Charleston, Illinois, and will play the first round of the championship on Monday.
VALPO SOFTBALL
ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF NINE INCOMING FRESHMEN FOR 2024-25
The Valpo softball program and head coach Meaggan Pettipiece announced today that nine players have signed to join the program as freshmen for the 2024-25 school year.
“We are extremely excited to welcome this new class of versatile athletes to elevate our program to the next level,” Pettipiece and assistant coach Laney Jones said. “The amount of competitiveness, knowledge and skill this class brings is going to start a new legacy for Valpo Softball!”
Mia Carroll-Greeves – 5’6” – P – Lakewood, Ohio – Lakewood H.S. – Team Ohio White
Carroll-Greeves has been named Cuyahoga County Pitcher of the Year and Great Lakes Conference Pitcher of the Year. A two-time Cuyahoga County All-Star and a Second Team All-District selection, Carroll-Greeves holds single-season school records for shutouts, ERA, strikeouts and no-hitters.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of its welcoming atmosphere, student-faculty ratio and beautiful campus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete on the softball field as a Beacon!”
Brooklynn Couch – 5’7” – MIF – Lawrenceburg, Ind. – Lawrenceburg H.S. – Ohio Hawks National
Couch is a two-time All-Conference and two-time All-County honoree for the Tigers. She is an active member of Lawrenceburg’s National Honors Society.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it felt like the perfect fit for my athletics and my academics.”
Marissa Jackson – 5’5” – OF – Willis, Mich. – Huron H.S. – Finesse Fastpitch
Jackson was an Honorable Mention All-State selection last year for the Chiefs. A three-time All-League and All-District honoree, Jackson has twice been named her team’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Why she chose Valpo: “From the moment I set foot on campus, I knew that this was the one — being able to become a nurse while fulfilling my dream of playing college softball!”
Kierra Joseph – 5’6” – C/1B – Zanesville, Ohio – Zanesville H.S. – Ohio Outlaws
Joseph is a two-time First Team All-District and two-time First Team All-Conference selection. She is ranked #39 among catchers in her class nationally by Extra Innings.
Why she chose Valpo: “The second I stepped on campus, it felt like home and I felt like I belonged there. I feel welcomed there and I cannot wait to spend the next few years as a Beacon!”
Erin Metz – 5’7” – P – Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton North H.S. – Wasco Diamonds
Metz earned Second Team All-State accolades last season as a junior for Wheaton North H.S. A three-time All-Conference honoree, Metz was named team MVP last year as she set the program single-season record for strikeouts and matched its single-season wins record. She enters her senior season already owning the program’s career strikeouts record.
Why she chose Valpo: “The reason I chose Valpo was not only because of what I am majoring in, but the way it felt like home the moment I met the coaches and players.”
Kayla Purdy – 5’10” – P – Matthews, N.C. – Porter Ridge H.S. – Lady Dukes
Purdy has earned All-Conference honors in the circle for the Pirates. Also an accomplished high jumper, she holds Porter Ridge’s school record indoors in the event and has earned All-Conference and All-County recognition there as well.
Why she chose Valpo: “When picking a school where I could continue to grow as an athlete and an individual, Valpo checked all the boxes of my dream school. I feel every aspect of my life will improve by being surrounded by coaches who prioritize the human part of an athlete and being in an environment where professors want to see you thrive.”
Caitlyn Quickle – 5’6” – UT/P – Leesburg, Ohio – Fairfield Local H.S. – Ohio Lasers
Quickle was an Honorable Mention All-State selection last season. She has earned All-Southeast District honors each of the last two years and is a two-time All-Conference honoree as well.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the small, hometown atmosphere and the energetic passion of the coaching staff.”
Kyndal Shively – 5’2” – OF/2B – Bloomington, Ill. – University H.S. – Heartland Havoc
Shively was a Third Team All-State honoree last season at University H.S. She also picked up First Team All-Conference honors as she led the conference in stolen bases while hitting .411 at the plate.
Why she chose Valpo: “As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that Valpo was going to be my future home. Not only do they offer great academics, but the care and determination to grow the softball organization made my decision to come here easy.”
Madison Vrastil – 5’8” – C/UT – Oak Forest, Ill. – Andrew H.S. – Chicago Wildcats
Vrastil has picked up Class 4A All-State honors each of the last three years. She is also a three-time All-Area and All-Conference recipient.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the family-like aspect the coaches and the players showed to me on my visit. They made me feel at home at Valpo.”
VALPO MEN’S SOCCER
SOCCER INKS NINE 2024 INCOMING FRESHMEN TO NLIS
With one Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and one MVC Tournament title under its belt over the last two years, the Valpo soccer program looks to the next class of incoming freshmen to continue the championship tradition, as the Beacons will welcome nine newcomers to the program next fall.
Ashlyn Cohen – D – Cooper City, Fla. – Cooper City H.S. – Florida United
Cohen is an outside back who helped her club team finish third in the Southeast and earn a semifinal berth at the GA Championship Showcase. She was selected to participate in the 2022 Girls Academy Southeast Talent ID Showcase.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of its small tight-knit community — it felt like a second home. After meeting the team, coaching staff, guidance team and professors, I knew Valpo was the right fit. The location of Valpo was perfect, the close proximity to Chicago allows for the option to go visit the Windy City and I can also choose to experience the beautiful sand dunes on Lake Michigan. I’m excited to experience winter for the first time and enjoy the next four years with the amazing team.”
Marovich on Cohen: “Ashlyn is an outside back who is really athletic and really fast. She comes to us from Florida United and their club does an unbelievable job of fitness and competing hard and getting to the flank. Their style of play matches ours, so we’re just looking forward to what Ashlyn is going to bring to our attack from the outside back position.”
Kate Jeffery – M/D – Southampton, Hampshire, England – Barton Peveril Sixth Form College – Southampton u21
Jeffery will become the second player in program history to come from across the pond, joining Daisy Boardman. She has been a part of teams which have won the SDFA Cup and the reserve league, as well as a squad which was a finalist for the Hampshire FA Cup. Jeffery was also named to the Southampton senior team bench for their third-round match in the Women’s FA Cup in December 2022.
Why she chose Valpo: “I loved the university and was impressed with the squad and coaching staff when I visited the campus. Valpo is an excellent environment for me to progress both my sporting and academic aspirations.”
Marovich on Jeffery: “Kate is a defensive midfielder and she’s just a ball winner. She’s a very cerebral player from England that plays with the Southhampton U21 team in the same league that Daisy played in. She’s a ball-winning midfielder who we’re excited about.”
Lily Printz – M – Fishers, Ind. – Mt. Vernon H.S. – FC Pride
Printz helped Mt. Vernon to conference championships each of the last two years, earning All-Conference accolades in the process and being named to the Indiana Super Team. She also was part of the ECNL-RL Ohio Valley Conference champions in 2021-22 and was named All-Regional League that same season.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it felt like where I belonged. The coaching staff and players were very welcoming and it had the perfect environment. Valpo’s soccer and education will lead me to many opportunities in the future.”
Marovich on Printz: “Lily is an Indy kid that comes from FC Pride, the same club as Kelsie James and Cassidy Eckstein. She’s a very similar type midfielder, athletic, covers a lot of ground, really good tackler and a one vs. one defender. She’s an athlete. When I think of this class, I think of really good athletes that are really fierce competitors.”
Kaleigh Shafer – M – Woodbury, Minn. – Eisenhower [Mich.] H.S. – Nationals Soccer
Shafer has been a key part of the Nationals 06 Blue club side which has enjoyed tremendous success over the last few years, advancing to the GA U17 national semifinals this year after reaching the GA U16 national quarterfinals in 2022 and the GA U15 national quarterfinals in 2021. Her squad has also won the Mid-America Conference championship each of the last three years. Individually, she has participated in numerous GA Mid-American Talent ID events over the last few years and was named a Top Drawer Soccer Weekly Standout in December 2021.
Why she chose Valpo: “The team at Valpo, as well as the coaching staff, was a huge factor in committing. The team was so welcoming, and I got such a homey feeling while touring the campus and soccer facilities. I was convinced it was the perfect fit for me. I felt confident in the academics and that I would be achieving just as much in that area as in my soccer career. In witnessing their unwavering passion and dedication to building a great team, I knew I wanted to be a Beacon.”
Marovich on Shafer: “Kaleigh is a wonderful personality and is such a competitor. She’s played in a national semifinal and she’s played in some really big moments. Kaleigh brings what we’re looking for in someone that really has a winning pedigree.”
Alexis Suptela – M – Palatine, Ill. – Fremd H.S. –Sockers FC
Suptela was an integral piece in the Sockers FC side which won the 2023 GA U19 national championship. She has served as a team captain and represents Sockers FC on the GA Advisory Panel.
Why she chose Valpo: “The moment I stepped on campus, I knew this was my home. The team environment and culture were second to none. Every girl on the team had a beaming smile on their face whenever I saw them, and that was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Marovich on Suptela: “Alexis has some versatility in that she can be a central midfield player or she can go up front. She is a real good personality-type player who brings different things to the table. If you score the game-winner in the national championship game at the club level, that means she’s been in some big moments.”
Ashley Trippeer – D – Mokena, Ill. – Lincoln-Way Central H.S. – Chicago Inter Soccer
Trippeer has been an ECNL All-Regional League selection in helping her side to the ECNLRL Regional Championship. She has been named to the National League Top XI players three times and has been a part of six State Cup champion squads.
Why she chose Valpo: “Visiting Valpo felt comfortable and very welcoming, and the people made me feel very included and wanted. I was also impressed by the nursing program as Valpo is one of the top nursing schools.”
Marovich on Trippeer: “Ashley is an outside back that plays with Chicago Inter. We’ve had unbelievable success with kids from her club. That’s where Sam Gountounas and Lindsey DuSatko are from, and Addy Joiner spent some time there. She’s a really good one v. one defender, really good at getting forward and she’s just a fierce competitor. She plays really hard and she’s just that quiet player that goes about and does her job and does it in a very professional way.”
Maya Tyburowski – D – Palatine, Ill. – Fremd H.S. – Sockers FC
Tyburowski plays center back and is a team captain for the Sockers FC 2006 GA team. She was one of 18 U19 players chosen last summer for the Capelli Sports Girls All Star roster, which traveled to England for a week-long tour, taking on high-level competition.
Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo not only for its amazing academic and athletic programs, but for the people who made it feel like this is the right place for me.”
Marovich on Tyburowski: “Maya is a center back and a really good athlete. She’s very much in the mold of Nicole and Anna, just a similar kind of player. She’s good with the ball at her feet and has really good decision making under pressure. She’s very composed on the ball. I think she fits our game model with how she plays the game. Another really fierce competitor who played for Sockers, a club we’ve had some really good players from.”
Hailey Wade – GK – Fishers, Ind. – Hamilton Southeastern H.S. – Indiana Fire Juniors
Wade comes to Valpo after being named Indiana Player of the Year following her senior season. A two-time First Team All-State and All-District honoree, Wade is on the watch list for the 2023 High School All-American Game. She surrendered just 10 goals in the last two seasons for Hamilton Southeastern while recording 19 clean sheets in that span.
Why she chose Valpo: “When deciding which school I wanted to attend and play soccer at, I looked for good academics and a well-developed soccer program. While Valpo met both requirements, what drew me the most to this university was the team’s obvious chemistry. It was really easy to see on the game field, but more importantly off the field. In addition, I could see how much the coaches genuinely care about the individual players and not just how many goals they could score or save. Overall, I chose Valpo because of the energetic team environment.”
Marovich on Wade: “Hailey is a good goalkeeper. Obviously if you’re recruited here and you’re a goalkeeper, you have pretty big shoes to fill with what Nikki has done, but Nikki had to fill the shoes of other people. Hailey does a really good job, is a super technical goalkeeper, can get to the corners and manages her backline. I would say her biggest strength is probably her voice. She does an unbelievable job of organizing and directing from behind. If you’re the Indiana High School Player of the Year as a goalkeeper, you’ve impressed a few people along the way.”
Landyn Wessels – D/F – Maple Hill, N.C. – Jacksonsville H.S. – Wilmington Hammerheads
Wessels was an All-State honoree in 2022 as a sophomore and has been named All-Region and All-Area each of the last two years while helping Jacksonville to conference titles. She was selected to the ODP South Region First Team for the national select pool as well.
Why she chose Valpo: “Valpo’s athletics, academics and abundance of things to do around campus drew me in immediately. I felt a strong connection with the coaching staff and players. I wanted to be a part of where the soccer team is going. I’m looking to major in exercise science, and Valpo offers a strong program.”
Marovich on Wessels: “Landyn is a great athlete and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and her family. She came to Valpo and she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she came in here and just fell in love with it. Her family really fits our family. She’s got an attacking mindset and she’s really fast. She does a lot of similar work to what Lindsey has done for us.”
VALPO MEN’S GOLF
POLITZA, GARCIA TERUEL WELCOMED TO VALPO MEN’S GOLF PROGRAM
The Valparaiso University men’s golf program and head coach Dave Gring have announced the signing of Rodrigo Garcia Teruel (Puebla, Mexico / Modern Academy) and Rob Politza (Lemont, Ill. / Lemont Township), who will join the program for the 2024-2025 season.
Garcia Teruel qualified for golf regionals as a team in high school, and was invited to AJGA Invitational tournaments (Mayakoba Invitational and Wyndham Invitational) during the summer of 2022 as part of the Mexico national team. He was the second-best junior player ranked in the valley of Mexico in 2022. Other honors include qualifying and playing in the U.S. Junior Amateur at Bandon Dunes in 2022, receiving an invite and playing in the International Junior Masters, finishing third individually in the FMG LXXI Mexican – International Junior, posting five top-5 finishes and nine top-20 finishes during the year 2022 and playing at the Mexican International Amateur representing AGVM.
“Rodrigo will be the first international player to play for our team,” Gring said. “We are thrilled to have his commitment to our program and he brings a lot of skill, talent and experience to our team. He has played in a wide variety of highly competitive tournaments over his junior career in both Mexico and the United States on the local and national levels. Rodrigo plays with a tremendous amount of confidence; his swing mechanics are exceptional and he’s very patient and strategic in his course management.”
Garcia Teruel played soccer in Club America, one of the best clubs in the league in Mexico as a junior. He earned TEC Academic Awards in 2023 for having an overall average of 90 or more out of 100 during Grade 10 and Grade 11. He knows how to speak fluent Spanish and English as well as some French. He started playing golf at age 5 and began competing in tournaments during age 10. During his two years as an exchange student in a golf academy in Canada, he learned how to live on his own and learned about a new culture.
“I love the athleticism and competitiveness that Rodrigo brings to our team, having played numerous sports his entire life – baseball, tennis, soccer and golf,” Gring said. “With a height just over six feet tall, Rodrigo also generates a lot of clubhead speed and matches that with terrific accuracy. Despite making some swing changes over the past 1.5 years, I’ve enjoyed watching his ball-striking and the clubface control that he displays throughout a round. His family is wonderful and they have been a huge source of support and encouragement as Rodrigo has developed his game over the years.”
Politza was a Duneland Athletic Conference and sectional medalist in 2022 as a sophomore before earning South Suburban Conference medalist honors as a junior. He was a semifinalist of the Chick Evans Junior Amateur and won the following Mid-American Junior Golf Tour (MAJGT) events – Ruffled Feathers, Golf Club of Illinois and Countryside Golf Club.
“Rob is one of the most competitive players I have ever met,” Gring said. “The young man absolutely loves to play in tournaments and he loves to compete, no matter what he’s doing. His work ethic is tremendous and his leadership skills are exemplary. Rob is blessed with a wonderful support system around him, from his Mom and Dad to his high school teachers and coach to his swing coach, who is one of the best in the country.”
Politza has been golfing for 10 years and has six years of tournament experience. In addition to winning four varsity letters in golf, he is currently on his high school’s bowling team. He credits his supportive family – including his sister who is competing at the Division-I level as a track & field and cross country athlete at Oklahoma State – for his success on the links.
“Rob brings a lot of talent to our team,” Gring said. “One of his strengths and the most efficient club in his bag is his driver, where he has tremendous clubhead speed and yet he still displays exceptional accuracy. He’s a very good putter and he can make a lot of birdies in a given round when the putter is hot. I’ve been impressed with his course management in tournaments that I have watched him play and he makes a lot of good decisions throughout his round and has a great demeanor on the course.”
The duo will join a Valpo program that is in the midst of a historic run of success, including back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Championship team runner-up honors, consecutive years where the Beacons have boasted the MVC individual medalist and a season in which the team reached the postseason in the National Golf Invitational (NGI) and two individuals earned NCAA Regional berths.
“The culture that we continue to build and develop on this team is extremely important to all of our players and coaches,” Gring said. “It’s really special and our entire team is confident that Rodrigo and Rob will bring an incredible work ethic, a willingness to learn and grow and a competitive edge that will make our team even stronger and more successful in the years to come. The two of them have excelled in the classroom with their grades and what they have achieved on the golf course is noteworthy. With great excitement and anticipation, we welcome them to the Valpo Family and we will look forward to having them on campus next fall.”
VALPO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AT THE ARC SATURDAY FOR HOME OPENER
Valparaiso (0-1, 0-0 MVC)
Game #2 – November 18, 2023 – 1 p.m.
Western Illinois (3-1, 0-0 OVC)
Athletics-Recreation Center (5,000) – Valparaiso, Ind.
Next Up in Valpo Basketball: The Valpo women’s basketball team takes to its home court at the ARC for the first time this season Saturday afternoon when the Beacons play host to Western Illinois. It is one of just two nonconference home games for Valpo this season.
Previously: Valpo opened the season on Sunday at Eastern Illinois, where the Beacons led at the half before falling to the Panthers, 75-62. Leah Earnest paced three Valpo players in double figures with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Jill Harris had 12 points and Nevaeh Jackson 11 in their Valpo and collegiate debuts, respectively.
Following Valpo Basketball: Streaming Video: ESPN+
Radio: None
Links for live coverage: Available via ValpoAthletics.com
Head Coach Mary Evans: Mary Evans is in her sixth year at the helm of the program in 2022-23 and owns a record of 55-92. Evans has made an impact on the program in her first four years, raising the team’s level of play to be competitive in a strong Missouri Valley Conference. The 2022-23 season saw Evans lead Valpo to the first win in program history over perennial MVC power Missouri State. The Beacons also won three consecutive road games in Valley play, the first time the program accomplished that feat against three different opponents since 2007.
Series Notes: Saturday marks the 38th all-time meeting between the former Mid-Continent Conference rivals. It is Valpo with the slimmest of edges in the all-time series, as the Brown and Gold have a 19-18 advantage. But in three matchups since Valpo left the Mid-Con, it has been WIU coming away with the victory all three times. Most recently, the two squads met last season on Dec. 9 in Macomb, where the Leathernecks earned an 83-67 win. Jayda Johnston (16 points) and Ava Interrante (15 points) both set their respective career highs in the scoring column in that contest.
@ValpoWBB…
…and @ValleyHoops
– Valpo was picked to finish in 10th place in the MVC preseason poll, totaling 162 points, coming in ahead of Evansville and Bradley.
– Valpo is in its seventh season as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
– The Valley was ranked 13th in conference NET last season. The MVC ranked 10th in conference NET in 2021-22, seventh in conference NET in 2020-21 and was eighth in conference RPI in 2019-20.
…looking back at last year
– Valpo finished last season with a 7-23 overall record and finished at 5-15 in MVC play, good for 11th in the Valley standings.
– The Beacons earned their first win in program history over perennial MVC power Missouri State.
– Valpo also won three consecutive road games in Valley play, the first time the program accomplished that feat against three different opponents since 2007.
– Ali Saunders was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team.
…at Eastern Illinois
– An 11-0 first-quarter run for the Beacons gave them a double-digit lead late in the opening period, and Valpo earned its largest lead at 22-11 early in the second quarter.
– EIU cut into the Valpo lead as the second quarter went along, but the Beacons were still up at halftime, 34-31.
– The Panthers took advantage of Valpo hitting just 3-of-13 from the field in the third quarter, outscoring the Beacons by eight to take a 49-44 lead with 10 minutes to play.
– Valpo erased that lead less than a minute into the fourth quarter, and the game was still tied 51-51 with 7:24 to play before EIU reeled off 10 straight points. The Beacons got to within four at 64-60 with two minutes remaining, but could get no closer.
– The game came against an Eastern Illinois team which posted a 21-8 record last season and finished in second place in the OVC.
– Leah Earnest paced the offense with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting while pulling down a game-high nine rebounds and setting a career high with four assists.
– In her first game at Valpo, Jill Harris delivered 12 points — just two off her career best — and three assists.
– Making her collegiate debut, Nevaeh Jackson connected on three triples as part of an 11-point, three-rebound afternoon.
– Valpo held a 23-8 advantage in bench points over EIU, but the Panthers held a 46-24 advantage in points in the paint.
…looking ahead
– The Beacons will spend the Thanksgiving holiday on the road, traveling to face Southern Miss Tuesday, Nov. 21 and UAB Saturday, Nov. 25.
…at the ARC
– Valpo will play 12 regular season home games during the 2023-24 campaign, just two of those nonconference contests.
– The Beacons posted a 3-12 record at home last season.
…in home openers
– Valpo won its home opener last year, downing Southern Miss by a 72-65 final.
– The Beacons have won their home opener three of the last four seasons.
@WIUWBB
– Western Illinois comes into Saturday’s game with a 3-1 record this season and has split its two Division I games, falling at Wisconsin (74-52) and winning handily over Northern Illinois (95-62).
– Raegan McCowan leads three Leathernecks averaging in double figures with 17.5 points/game and also paces the team with 7.0 rebounds/game. Addi Brownfield has stuffed the stat sheet with 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.0 steals per game.
– Western Illinois is in its first season as a member of the OVC. Last season, the Leathernecks finished with a 10-20 overall record and went 5-13 in the Summit League.
A Strong Debut
– Freshman Nevaeh Jackson enjoyed a strong start to her collegiate career in the season opener Sunday at Eastern Illinois.
– Jackson played 22 minutes off the bench, going 4-of-8 from the field – including 3-of-6 from 3-point range – for 11 points while also adding three rebounds and two assists.
– The 11 points is the best mark for a Valpo freshman in their first collegiate game since Bryce Blood scored 13 against IU Kokomo in the 2017-18 season opener.
– It is the best mark for a freshman in their first collegiate game against a D-I program since Dani Franklin kicked off her stellar career with 14 points in a win over Butler to start the 2014-15 season.
The First Time
– Jackson was one of four Valpo players to take the floor in the Beacon uniform for the first time last Sunday.
– Twin sister Saniya Jackson made her collegiate debut and scored seven points on 3-of-5 shooting in 18 minutes off the bench.
– Freshman Kayla Preston made her mark on the glass, needing just 11 minutes to pull down five boards – tied for second-most on the team – while also scoring five points.
– Fifth-year Jill Harris began her first season at Valpo in the starting lineup, playing a team-high 33 minutes and finishing with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Filling the Stat Sheet
– Senior Leah Earnest made an impact across the entirety of the box in the season opener at EIU.
– Earnest led the Beacons with 13 points, tied for game-high honors with nine rebounds and handed out a team-best four assists.
– One season after tallying eight double-doubles, Earnest came up just one board shy of a season-opening double-double this year.
– It is the first time a Valpo player has at least tied for team-high honors in all three categories since last season’s home win over Bradley on Jan. 29 – that game featured 19 points, 11 rebounds and four assists by Earnest.
– It is the first time a Valpo player has outright paced the team in all three categories since Shay Frederick posted 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists on Feb. 4, 2021 in a win over Bradley.
Hitting From Downtown
– Valpo was on point from behind the 3-point line in Sunday’s season opener.
– The Beacons shot 10-of-24 (.417) from distance, with seven different players connecting on at least one triple.
– Last season, Valpo hit 10+ 3-pointers in a game six times and had six nights where it hit at a 40% clip or better from deep.
– Of course, under head coach Mary Evans, the 3-ball has become an integral part of the offensive strategy. Evans’ first five seasons have featured five of the seven highest single season totals for 3-pointers made in program history, while the team has averaged 8.3 triples/game in her five years.
Easing Into the Season
– When the clock strikes midnight heading into Friday, every D-I team in the nation will have played at least two regular season games this season – except for Valpo.
– With such a big group of newcomers joining the program this year, head coach Mary Evans opted to ease into the 2023-24 season and not jump straight into game action.
– Valpo’s season opener came on the seventh day of the D-I season, as Monday, Nov. 6 was opening day of the regular season.
– Kent State is the only D-I program which tipped off its first game later than Valpo’s opener.
Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss Them
– It is a very light regular season nonconference home schedule at the ARC for Valpo this season.
– The Beacons will play just two regular season home games before Valley play begins: Saturday’s game versus Western Illinois and Dec. 9 versus Chicago State.
– Valpo also played just a pair of nonconference home games in the COVID-affected 2020-21 campaign. Prior to that, you have to go all the way back to 1994-95 to find a season where Valpo played just two nonconference home games.
– Add to that the fact the Beacons’ first two weekends of MVC play take place on the road, and in all, they will play 10 of their first 12 games of the season away from home.
Returning Production
– The Beacons return the majority of production from last year’s squad.
– Three of Valpo’s top four scorers from the 2022-23 season are back for the 2023-24 campaign.
– In all, Valpo returns 64.7% of its minutes played, 66.4% of its scoring and 72.1% of its rebounding from the 2022-23 team.
Who’s Back
– This year’s squad features eight returnees from last year’s team.
– Headlining Valpo’s returnees is fifth-year guard Olivia Brown. The Beacons’ leading scorer last year at 12.0 points/game, Brown was one of the Valley’s top shooters, ranking third in the conference in 3-point percentage and sixth in 3-pointers/game.
– Brown enters the 2023-24 campaign just 75 points away from hitting 1,000 points for her collegiate career.
– Senior forward Leah Earnest took a leap forward last season, averaging 9.8 points and a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game — the latter mark good for sixth in the Valley. Earnest was especially proficient on the defensive glass, with a defensive rebounding rate of 28.3% — 13th-best nationally among players with at least 100 defensive boards.
– Junior Olivia Sims was Valpo’s fourth-leading scorer last year, averaging 5.0 points/game.
– Senior Ava Interrante (4.1 ppg, 29 steals), senior Jayda Johnston (3.8 ppg), redshirt senior Emma Tecca (3.0 ppg), junior Katie Beyer (2.0 ppg) and redshirt sophomore Ella Van Weelden (1.6 ppg) all return as well for the 2023-24 season.
Who’s New
– Nearly half the Valpo roster is new to the program this season, with the vast majority of those newcomers true freshmen.
– The lone incoming transfer was fifth-year point guard Jill Harris. Harris most recently played one season at Johnson C. Smith. She was a SoCon All-Freshman Team selection as a rookie at Mercer in 2019-20 and helped the Bears to the NCAA Tournament in 2020-21.
– Valpo welcomes its first Indiana All-Star to the program since 2017, as Indianapolis native Layla Gold earned the prestigious honor last season.
– Gold is one of four All-State high school players new to the roster this season. Twins Nevaeh and Saniya Jackson, out of Northrop [Ind.] H.S., were both First Team All-State selections as seniors, while Raeven Raye-Redmond earned Second Team All-State honors out of Trotwood Madison [Ohio] H.S.
– Kayla Preston joins the Beacons as a true freshman as well after helping lead Millard North [Neb.] H.S. to a state semifinal appearance as a senior.
UINDY VOLLEYBALL
VOLLEYBALL TRIO EARN ALL-GLVC POSTSEASON AWARDS
WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. – Four UIndy volleyball players were recognized by the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in the league’s postseason awards banquet on Thursday evening.
Hannah Sabotin earned All-GLVC First Team accolades, as teammates Claire Morris and Sophia Parlanti were placed on the second team. In addition, Lauren Peal was named the team’s recipient of the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship award.
Sabotin has dominated the middle all season, leading the GLVC with .438 hitting percentage and ranking second with a .410 clip in 13 conference matches. Seven of her 11 contests with double-digit kills came against GLVC opponents, including a season-high 19 at No. 25 Rockhurst in late September.
The Columbus, Ind., native also ranked in the league top 10 with 0.96 blocks per set, totaling four solo and 43 assisted in 49 frames across 13 contests. Overall, Sabotin finished the regular season 83 blocks, including 10 solo stops. The middle excelled at serving, tallying 25 service aces.
Morris shined in her second season as the Greyhound setter, ranking fourth in the GLVC with 10.66 assists per set. The Perry Meridian graduate dished out 32 or more helpers in 21 matches this season, including 40+ four times, and 50+ on four occasions. Morris finished with a career-best 59 assists at Rockhurst, matching Sabotin’s highlight performance.
Morris also recorded six double-doubles this fall, scooping up a season-high 16 digs in the four-set win against Adelphi on Sept. 1.
Parlanti was one of the best outside hitters in the GLVC during her second season as a Greyhound, ranking ninth in the league with 3.36 kills per set while hitting .238. The Las Vegas product posted 10 double-doubles, including a standout performance in the sweep of Thomas More with 15 kills and 15 digs. Parlanti recorded a season-best 20 kills against Florida Southern on Sept. 8.
Additionally, Parlanti tallied two or more blocks on seven occasions, including a career-high five at Maryville.
The All-Conference awards are nominated and voted on by league coaches, who, per GLVC Bylaws, are not permitted to vote for their own players.
A complete list of the 2023 All-GLVC team and postseason honors can be found below.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caitlin Bishop, Sr., S, Missouri-St. Louis
LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Maureen Reilly, Sr., Rockhurst
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Ali Olson, Att., Rockhurst
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ryan Young, Missouri-St. Louis
FIRST TEAM
Hannah Sabotin, Attacker, Sr., UINDY
Bella Ray, Attacker, Sr., LEWIS
Megan Schlechte, Attacker, Sr., LEWIS
Juliana Van Loo, Attacker, Sr., LEWIS
Delaney Humm, Attacker, R-Sr., UMSL
Lexie Rang, Attacker, R-Sr., UMSL #
Alice Paven, Attacker, So., QU
Emma Wijnbergen, Attacker, Jr., QU
Bella LaPorta, Attacker, Jr., WJC
Lauren Stenman, Setter, Sr., LEWIS
Caitlin Bishop, Setter, So., UMSL #
Brianna Merkel, Setter, Gr., QU
Taylor Hasbrook, Libero, Sr., MU
Maureen Reilly, Libero, Sr., RU
# Unanimous Selection SECOND TEAM
Eirini Glynou, Attacker, Sr., UIS
Sophia Parlanti, Attacker, Jr., UINDY
Ella Brinkmann, Attacker, So., MU
Madelyn Mason, Attacker, Sr., S&T
Shelby Ply, Attacker, Gr., S&T
Mya Elliott, Attacker, R-Sr., UMSL
Sarah Pyle, Attacker, So., RU
Tera Reberry, Attacker, Sr., RU
Zoe Semelroth, Attacker, Sr., UIU
Claire Morris, Setter, Jr., UINDY
Sarah Montague, Setter, Sr., RU
Nicole Pozorski, Setter, Sr., UIU
Ally Hickey, Libero, Jr., LEWIS
Kylie Adams, Libero, Sr., UMSL
GLVC JAMES R. SPALDING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Kayli Duncan, DU
Marta Perez-Tapia, UIS
Lauren Peal, UINDY
Juliana Van Loo, LEWIS
Hannah Scrum, MU
Amber Williams, MCK
Isabelle Monaco, S&T
Karli Dean, UMSL
Cora Ondrus, QU
Logan Gronewold, RU
Ella Rademaker, SBU
Hanna Berry, TSU
Maddie Rettler, UIU
Anna Godfredsen, WJC
GLVC JAMES R. SPALDING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD TEAM WINNER
Southwest Baptist
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NBA STANDINGS
| Eastern Conference | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Boston | 9 | 2 | .818 | — | 5-0 | 4-2 | 6-1 | 9-1 | 8-2 | 4 W | ||
| Philadelphia | 8 | 3 | .727 | 1.0 | 6-2 | 2-1 | 3-1 | 6-3 | 8-2 | 2 L | ||
| New York | 6 | 5 | .545 | 3.0 | 3-2 | 3-3 | 0-2 | 4-4 | 6-4 | 1 W | ||
| Brooklyn | 6 | 6 | .500 | 3.5 | 3-3 | 3-3 | 0-2 | 5-5 | 6-4 | 1 L | ||
| Toronto | 5 | 6 | .455 | 4.0 | 3-3 | 2-3 | 0-3 | 2-5 | 4-6 | 1 L | ||
| Central Divison | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Indiana | 7 | 4 | .636 | — | 5-2 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 5-4 | 6-4 | 1 W | ||
| Milwaukee | 7 | 4 | .636 | — | 5-1 | 2-3 | 2-1 | 7-4 | 6-4 | 2 W | ||
| Cleveland | 5 | 6 | .455 | 2.0 | 1-3 | 4-3 | 0-2 | 2-3 | 4-6 | 1 W | ||
| Chicago | 4 | 8 | .333 | 3.5 | 3-4 | 1-4 | 2-2 | 3-4 | 3-7 | 2 L | ||
| Detroit | 2 | 10 | .167 | 5.5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-2 | 2-5 | 1-9 | 9 L | ||
| Southeast Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Miami | 8 | 4 | .667 | — | 4-1 | 4-3 | 3-0 | 5-3 | 7-3 | 7 W | ||
| Atlanta | 6 | 5 | .545 | 1.5 | 2-3 | 3-2 | 2-2 | 4-4 | 6-4 | 1 L | ||
| Orlando | 6 | 5 | .545 | 1.5 | 3-1 | 3-3 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 5-5 | 1 W | ||
| Charlotte | 3 | 7 | .300 | 4.0 | 1-4 | 2-3 | 2-2 | 3-5 | 3-7 | 2 L | ||
| Washington | 2 | 9 | .182 | 5.5 | 1-3 | 1-6 | 1-3 | 1-8 | 2-8 | 4 L | ||
| Western Conference | ||||||||||||
| Northwest Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Denver | 9 | 2 | .818 | — | 7-0 | 2-2 | 2-1 | 8-2 | 8-2 | 1 W | ||
| Minnesota | 8 | 3 | .727 | 1.0 | 5-0 | 3-3 | 2-0 | 6-1 | 8-2 | 1 L | ||
| Oklahoma City | 8 | 4 | .667 | 1.5 | 4-3 | 4-1 | 0-1 | 3-4 | 6-4 | 3 W | ||
| Utah | 4 | 7 | .364 | 5.0 | 3-2 | 1-5 | 1-2 | 4-4 | 4-6 | 2 W | ||
| Portland | 3 | 8 | .273 | 6.0 | 1-3 | 2-5 | 0-1 | 1-5 | 3-7 | 5 L | ||
| Pacific Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Sacramento | 6 | 4 | .600 | — | 4-1 | 2-3 | 2-2 | 5-4 | 6-4 | 4 W | ||
| LA Lakers | 6 | 6 | .500 | 1.0 | 5-1 | 1-5 | 3-2 | 5-4 | 5-5 | 1 L | ||
| Golden State | 6 | 7 | .462 | 1.5 | 1-5 | 5-2 | 2-1 | 5-5 | 4-6 | 5 L | ||
| Phoenix | 5 | 6 | .455 | 1.5 | 2-4 | 3-2 | 1-2 | 3-5 | 4-6 | 1 W | ||
| LA Clippers | 3 | 7 | .300 | 3.0 | 3-1 | 0-6 | 0-1 | 2-5 | 3-7 | 6 L | ||
| Southwest Division | ||||||||||||
| W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | Div | Conf | Last 10 | Streak | |||
| Dallas | 9 | 3 | .750 | — | 4-1 | 5-2 | 3-1 | 4-2 | 7-3 | 1 W | ||
| Houston | 6 | 3 | .667 | 1.5 | 6-1 | 0-2 | 1-1 | 5-2 | 6-3 | 6 W | ||
| New Orleans | 5 | 6 | .455 | 3.5 | 3-3 | 2-3 | 2-2 | 3-5 | 4-6 | 1 W | ||
| San Antonio | 3 | 8 | .273 | 5.5 | 1-4 | 2-4 | 1-1 | 3-4 | 3-7 | 6 L | ||
| Memphis | 2 | 9 | .182 | 6.5 | 0-5 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 2-7 | 2-8 | 1 L | ||
NFL STANDINGS
| American Football Conference | |||||||||||||
| East Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Miami Dolphins | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 285 | 225 | 4-0-0 | 2-3-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Buffalo Bills | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 1.5 | 262 | 184 | 4-2-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-5-0 | 1-2-0 | 2 L | |
| New York Jets | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 2.0 | 144 | 172 | 2-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-4-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 L | |
| New England Patriots | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | 4.5 | 141 | 238 | 1-5-0 | 1-3-0 | 2-4-0 | 2-2-0 | 3 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | 0.0 | 208 | 143 | 4-1-0 | 3-1-0 | 5-1-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 2.5 | 172 | 205 | 4-1-0 | 1-4-0 | 3-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 W | |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 3.0 | 239 | 215 | 2-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Denver Broncos | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 3.0 | 196 | 248 | 2-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2-4-0 | 1-2-0 | 3 W | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Baltimore Ravens | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | 0.0 | 304 | 177 | 4-2-0 | 4-1-0 | 5-3-0 | 3-2-0 | 1 W | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 156 | 182 | 4-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Cleveland Browns | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 1.0 | 214 | 170 | 4-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-2-0 | 2 W | |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 2.5 | 202 | 226 | 3-2-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-5-0 | 0-3-0 | 2 L | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 196 | 190 | 2-3-0 | 4-0-0 | 4-2-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Houston Texans | 5 | 4 | 0 | .556 | 1.0 | 217 | 192 | 3-1-0 | 2-3-0 | 3-2-0 | 1-1-0 | 2 W | |
| Indianapolis Colts | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 1.5 | 242 | 248 | 1-4-0 | 4-1-0 | 4-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 2 W | |
| Tennessee Titans | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | 3.0 | 154 | 180 | 3-1-0 | 0-5-0 | 2-4-0 | 0-1-0 | 2 L | |
| National Football Conference | |||||||||||||
| East Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Philadelphia Eagles | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | 0.0 | 252 | 195 | 4-0-0 | 4-1-0 | 6-0-0 | 3-0-0 | 3 W | |
| Dallas Cowboys | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 2.0 | 269 | 165 | 4-0-0 | 2-3-0 | 3-3-0 | 2-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Washington Commanders | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 4.5 | 217 | 274 | 1-3-0 | 3-3-0 | 2-5-0 | 0-3-0 | 1 L | |
| New York Giants | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | 6.5 | 118 | 266 | 1-3-0 | 1-5-0 | 2-4-0 | 1-2-0 | 3 L | |
| West Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| San Francisco 49ers | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 252 | 143 | 3-1-0 | 3-2-0 | 4-1-0 | 2-0-0 | 1 W | |
| Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 0.0 | 200 | 201 | 4-1-0 | 2-2-0 | 5-1-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Los Angeles Rams | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | 3.0 | 178 | 204 | 1-3-0 | 2-3-0 | 2-4-0 | 2-1-0 | 3 L | |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | 4.5 | 176 | 263 | 2-3-0 | 0-5-0 | 2-5-0 | 0-3-0 | 1 W | |
| North Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | 0.0 | 241 | 203 | 3-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 4-1-0 | 1-0-0 | 2 W | |
| Minnesota Vikings | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | 1.5 | 233 | 209 | 2-3-0 | 4-1-0 | 6-2-0 | 2-0-0 | 5 W | |
| Green Bay Packers | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | 4.0 | 179 | 182 | 2-2-0 | 1-4-0 | 3-3-0 | 1-2-0 | 1 L | |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | 4.5 | 204 | 255 | 2-3-0 | 1-4-0 | 2-4-0 | 0-2-0 | 1 W | |
| South Division | |||||||||||||
| W | L | T | Pct | GB | PF | PA | Home | Road | vs. Conf | vs. Div | Streak | ||
| New Orleans Saints | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | 0.0 | 214 | 198 | 2-2-0 | 3-3-0 | 2-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 L | |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 0.5 | 178 | 173 | 2-3-0 | 2-2-0 | 3-3-0 | 1-1-0 | 1 W | |
| Atlanta Falcons | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 1.0 | 189 | 217 | 3-2-0 | 1-4-0 | 3-4-0 | 2-0-0 | 3 L | |
| Carolina Panthers | 1 | 8 | 0 | .111 | 3.5 | 153 | 242 | 1-3-0 | 0-5-0 | 0-6-0 | 0-2-0 | 2 L | |
NHL STANDINGS
| Eastern Conference | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Boston Bruins | 15 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 26 | 11 | 51 | 30 | 6-0-1 | 6-1-1 | 7-1-2 | |
| Florida Panthers | 16 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 21 | 10 | 50 | 45 | 6-1-0 | 4-4-1 | 7-2-1 | |
| Detroit Red Wings | 16 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 19 | 8 | 59 | 54 | 5-2-2 | 3-3-1 | 3-4-3 | |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 18 | 6 | 55 | 54 | 5-4-0 | 3-1-2 | 5-3-2 | |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 7 | 57 | 61 | 4-2-2 | 3-4-2 | 4-4-2 | |
| Montreal Canadiens | 17 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 6 | 50 | 61 | 5-6-0 | 2-2-2 | 3-6-1 | |
| Buffalo Sabres | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 46 | 52 | 4-5-0 | 3-3-1 | 5-4-1 | |
| Ottawa Senators | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 55 | 48 | 5-5-0 | 2-2-0 | 4-6-0 | |
| Metropolitan Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| New York Rangers | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 10 | 47 | 31 | 5-1-0 | 6-1-1 | 9-0-1 | |
| Washington Capitals | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 6 | 35 | 37 | 5-3-1 | 3-1-1 | 7-2-1 | |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 18 | 8 | 52 | 52 | 4-1-0 | 5-6-0 | 6-4-0 | |
| New Jersey Devils | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 17 | 8 | 56 | 57 | 3-3-1 | 5-3-0 | 5-5-0 | |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 17 | 8 | 51 | 47 | 3-4-0 | 5-3-1 | 5-5-0 | |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 15 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 16 | 8 | 53 | 42 | 3-5-0 | 5-2-0 | 6-4-0 | |
| New York Islanders | 16 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 39 | 52 | 3-3-3 | 2-3-2 | 2-4-4 | |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 17 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 46 | 61 | 3-6-1 | 1-3-3 | 1-7-2 | |
| Western Conference | ||||||||||||
| Central Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Dallas Stars | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 10 | 52 | 39 | 4-2-0 | 7-1-1 | 7-3-0 | |
| Colorado Avalanche | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 56 | 46 | 5-2-0 | 5-3-0 | 5-5-0 | |
| Winnipeg Jets | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 18 | 8 | 55 | 50 | 4-3-1 | 4-2-1 | 6-2-2 | |
| Arizona Coyotes | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 18 | 6 | 55 | 48 | 4-2-0 | 4-4-2 | 5-3-2 | |
| St. Louis Blues | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 17 | 7 | 43 | 41 | 6-2-0 | 2-4-1 | 6-4-0 | |
| Minnesota Wild | 15 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 4 | 50 | 64 | 3-3-1 | 2-5-1 | 3-6-1 | |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 36 | 49 | 1-4-0 | 4-5-0 | 3-7-0 | |
| Nashville Predators | 15 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 44 | 52 | 3-4-0 | 2-6-0 | 3-7-0 | |
| Pacific Division | ||||||||||||
| GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | ROW | GF | GA | Home | Road | L10 | ||
| Vegas Golden Knights | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 27 | 10 | 64 | 40 | 8-1-1 | 5-2-0 | 6-3-1 | |
| Vancouver Canucks | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 25 | 12 | 72 | 41 | 6-0-1 | 6-4-0 | 7-2-1 | |
| Los Angeles Kings | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 9 | 58 | 43 | 2-3-3 | 7-0-0 | 7-1-2 | |
| Anaheim Ducks | 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 18 | 9 | 49 | 51 | 4-4-0 | 5-3-0 | 7-3-0 | |
| Seattle Kraken | 18 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 16 | 5 | 47 | 65 | 3-5-0 | 3-3-4 | 4-4-2 | |
| Calgary Flames | 16 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 44 | 55 | 3-3-0 | 3-5-2 | 4-5-1 | |
| Edmonton Oilers | 15 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 11 | 5 | 43 | 55 | 3-4-1 | 2-5-0 | 4-6-0 | |
| San Jose Sharks | 17 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 26 | 73 | 3-6-1 | 0-7-0 | 3-7-0 | |
FOOTBALL HISTORY
Iron Bowl Roundup
November 17, 1900 – Riverside Park, Montgomery, Alabama – The 5th Iron Bowl Classic was played at a neutral site in Montgomery. It was a big day for the Tigers as Auburn dispatched the Alabama squad 53-5.
November 17, 1906 – The Quad – Birmingham Fairgrounds, Alabama – In the 11th Iron Bowl the defenses played well but the Crimson and White found a few holes as Alabama blanked Auburn 10-0.
November 17, 2001 – Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama – The results of the 66th Iron Bowl game were mostly the Tide Rolling as Alabama beat Auburn 31-7 per onthisday.com.
First Home Loss in TWO Decades
November 17, 1928 – Cartier Field, South Bend, Indiana – Notre Dame loses at home for the first time in decades! It took 23 seasons but finally a visiting team was able to leave South Bend with cheers of victory. Carnegie Tech was the team that performed the unthinkable as they out fought the Fighting Irish by the score of 27-7. Knute Rockne and company had quite the run of victories at the friendly confines of Cartier Field. According to Irishlegends.com the last time Notre Dame lost a game at home before this one you had to flip back to the 1905 season, in an era before the legal forward pass, to find that Wabash defeated the Irish 5-0. It happened to be the final game played at Cartier Field by the Irish.
1st NFL Air Trip
November 17, 1940 – According to the official website of the Green Bay Packers, Packers.com we are informed that the first NFL team to travel by airplane to a game was the Green Bay Packers when they went to NYC. It was a big step to cutting down travel times to games. To put it into perspective, travel of the NFL was done mostly by train and bus prior to this first air trip. A bus ride from Green Bay, Wisconsin in those days was probably in the neighborhood of 20-24 hours or more! Train rides didn’t improve the timetable significantly but the plane ride was generally less than 4 hours. The front offices of the NFL feared the loss of an entire franchise so they made the Packers split the squad between two DC-3’s on future flights. What was the outcome of the game? The New York Football Giants outlasted the airmailed Pack 7-3 in a strong defensive game. It was also the first long plane ride home for the Packers.
Irish Get to 400
November 17, 1951 – The Notre Dame football program earns its 400th victory as the Irish outlast the Tarheels of the University of North Carolina 12-7 per the Irishlegends.com website.
Jim Brown Gives the Home Fans A Memory
November 17, 1956 – Colgate University’s football team didn’t know what hit them as Syracuse fullback Jim Brown scored an NCAA record of 43 pts. Lincoln A. Werden of the NY Times covered the story well in his article from 1956. A crowd of 39, 701 spectators watched a brilliant performance from the sensational tailback of Syracuse. In his final game for the Orange, Jim Brown accounted for 43 points, scored six touchdowns and kicked 7 extra-points and the coaching staff sat him down early in the fourth quarter! The final score showed Syracuse 61, Colgate 7.
Shea Stadium planning
November 17, 1959 – William Shea shows proposed New York City stadium with transparent roof per the brainyhistory.com website.
GT’s upset Win over Bama
November 17, 1962 – Grant Field at Georgia Tech – The Ramblin’ Wreck of Georgia Tech outlasted the Crimson Tide of Alabama 6-7. Per a story on ramblinwreck.com Legendary Coach Bobby Dodd called it “my greatest victory.” Mike McNames scored Tech’s only touchdown and made a game-saving tackle to upset Bear Bryant’s unbeaten, No. 1 defending national champs.
Tide Rolls
November 17, 1979 – Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Alabama defeated Miami, 30-0, before a national audience. It marked the final regular season game of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s only 12-0 national championship team according to rolltide.com. The Crimson Tide would go one to dispatch Arkansas 24-9 on January 1 at the Sugar Bowl.
New York Jets Fire After Burners
November 17, 1985 – The Meadowlands, New Jersey – The New York Jets had the franchises best offensive production ever. According to elitesportsny.com the 1985 season was one of the best in Jets history. Tampa Bay quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind two TD passes by Steve DeBerg. But the Jets quickly made some adjustments and boy were they ever effective! The home team thrilled the New York faithful as they scored 31 unanswered points on their way to a franchise record 41 points by halftime. Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien finished 23-of-30 for 367 yards and a career-high five TD passes with three of those landing in the hands of tight end Mickey Shuler. The Jets defense allowed only two more scores by the Bucs that day in the 62-28 blowout! It was really hard for the Buccaneers in the final stanza as the Jets offense controlled the ball for an amazing 14 minutes and 37 seconds of the fourth quarter, which included an 11-minute, 13-second, 18-play drive to their final touchdown. It is pretty difficult to be productive in 23 seconds! Gang Green finished with 11 wins and had the third-highest point differential in team history at a plus 129.
Utley Severely Injured
November 17, 1991 – Tragedy strikes as the Detroit Lions Mike Utley is paralized in a game versus the LA Rams
Hall of Fame Birthdays for November 17
Johnny “Hurri-” Cain
November 17, 1908 – Montgomery, Alabama – The running back from the University of Alabama is born named Johnny Cain. The NFF shares a story that then Alabama Head Coach Wallace Wade wanted John Cain in the game so he barked out “Hurry, Cain,”. The nickname stuck with John the rest of his career as he was often referred to as “Hurri-Cain.” Just to represent how talented he was, the 1930 Crimson Tide’s line up was listed as all seniors except for the talented Sophomore John Cain. Cain was a first team selection of the All-America Board in 1931 and second team choice in 1932. The National Football Foundation elevated Johnny Cain to College Football Hall of Fame status in 1973. After his playing days Johnny became head football coach at Southwestern Louisiana and held the position from 1937-41, then did a stint as the athletic director at the same school 1946-47, and finally was assistant athletic director at Mississippi after that.
Willie Richardson
November 17, 1939 -Clarksdale, Mississippi – Willie Richardson the Jackson State Wide Receiver and Safety was born the son of a Minister and his wife. The website footballfoundation.org reports that due to the family’s strong religious beliefs, Willie secretly played football without them knowing. It wasn’t until Willie’s father was reading the newspaper one day that he learned of the gridiron exploits of his very talented son. At Jackson State he was referred to as “Wonderful Willie,” and Richardson became one of the most honored players in the great history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Richardson was one of just a handful of players to be a four-time member of the Pittsburgh Courier Black All-America team and a two-time NAIA All-American player. In the 1962 season with the great help from Wonderful Willie, Jackson State claimed the Black College National Championship! After his collegiate career had ended the Jackson State Tigers retired Willie’s jersey number and named him the first inductee into the Jackson State Hall of Fame. Willie Richardson became a card carrying member of the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. After school Richardson became a seventh round selection by the Baltimore Colts. Richardson played eight seasons in the NFL with the Colts and Miami Dolphins,, catching 195 passes for 25 touchdowns.
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
44 – 25 – 45 – 11 – 60 – 66
November 17, 1956 – Syracuse fullback wearing the symbolic Orange Number 44, Jim Brown, scores NCAA record of 43 pts (vs Colgate)
November 17, 1959 – San Francisco Giants future Baseball Hall of Fame slugger Number 44, Willie McCovey won the National League Rookie of Year
November 17, 1981 – New York Knicks Number 25, Bill Cartwright, tied a record of 19 of 19 free throws
November 17, 1984 – Golden State Warrior Number 45, Purvis Short scored a career high 59 points though team loses to NJ Nets 124-110
November 17, 1987 – George Bell, Number 11 became the 1st Blue Jay ever to win the AL MVP
November 17, 1991 – Detroit Lion, Number 60, Mike Utley was paralized in a game vs LA Rams
November 17, 1997 – Mario Lemieux, Number 66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins entered NHL Hall of Fame
TV FRIDAY
| NBA REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Milwaukee at Charlotte | 7:00pm | Bally Sports |
| New York at Washington | 7:00pm | MSG NBCS-WSH |
| Sacramento at San Antonio | 7:30pm | ESPN |
| Philadelphia at Atlanta | 7:30pm | NBCS-PHI Bally Sports |
| Detroit at Cleveland | 7:30pm | Bally Sports |
| Boston at Toronto | 7:30pm | NBCS-BOS Sportsnet |
| Orlando at Chicago | 8:00pm | NBCS-CHI Bally Sports |
| Denver at New Orleans | 8:00pm | ALT Bally Sports |
| Phoenix at Utah | 10:00pm | ESPN |
| LA Lakers at Portland | 10:00pm | Spectrum Root Sports |
| Houston at LA Clippers | 10:30pm | Bally Sports ATTSN-SW |
| NHL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Toronto at Detroit | 2:00pm | NHLN Bally Sports Sportsnet |
| Buffalo at Winnipeg | 8:00pm | NHLN MSG-BUF Sportsnet |
| Florida at Anaheim | 10:00pm | Bally Sports |
| COLLEGE FOOTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| USF at UTSA | 9:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Colorado at Washington State | 10:30pm | FS1 |
| MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Sacred Heart at UMBC | 11:00am | ESPN+ |
| Charleston Classic | 11:30am | ESPNU |
| Myrtle Beach Invitational | 12:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Norfolk State vs. Fordham | 1:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Charleston Classic | 2:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Northern Illinois at Georgia State | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Life Pacific at CSUN | 2:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Myrtle Beach Invitational | 2:30pm | ESPNU |
| Abilene Christian vs. San Jose State | 3:15pm | ESPN+ |
| Georgia vs. Miami (FL) | 3:30pm | CBSSN |
| Lindenwood vs. Omaha | 4:00pm | MWN |
| Gardner-Webb vs. Weber State | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Maine vs. Presbyterian | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Denver at South Alabama | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Legends Classic | 4:30pm | ESPN2 |
| Charleston Classic | 4:30pm | ESPNU |
| Quinnipiac at Army West Point | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Holy Cross vs. Winthrop | 5:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Hampton vs. Kent State | 5:45pm | ESPN+ |
| Bucknell at Duke | 6:00pm | ACCN |
| Kansas State vs. Providence | 6:00pm | CBSSN |
| Colgate vs. Yale | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Butler at Michigan State | 6:30pm | FS1 |
| William & Mary at Air Force | 6:30pm | MWN |
| Myrtle Beach Invitational | 6:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Utah Tech at Youngstown State | 6:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Legends Classic | 7:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Charleston Classic | 7:00pm | ESPNU |
| Florida State at Florida | 7:00pm | SECN |
| Fairfield at Drexel | 7:00pm | NBCS-PHI |
| Harvard at UMass | 7:00pm | NESN+ |
| Rider at Duquesne | 7:00pm | ATTSN-PIT |
| Central Arkansas at Vanderbilt | 7:00pm | SECN+ |
| Stonehill at Kentucky | 7:00pm | SECN+ |
| Charleston Southern at NC State | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| Jacksonville at Pitt | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| Morehead State at Penn State | 7:00pm | Peacock |
| Radford at James Madison | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| A&M-Commerce at Saint Joseph’s | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Northwestern State at North Florida | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Coppin State at Miami (OH) | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UT Martin at Eastern Kentucky | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Davidson at ETSU | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Bellarmine at Bowling Green | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Sacramento State at Tulane | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Robert Morris at Wisconsin | 7:00pm | BTN+ |
| Long Beach State at Michigan | 7:00pm | BTN+ |
| Elon vs. IUPUI | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| South Carolina State at Samford | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| UC Riverside at North Carolina | 8:00pm | ACCN |
| Mercer at Alabama | 8:00pm | SECN+ |
| UNCG at Arkansas | 8:00pm | SECN+ |
| Oral Roberts at Texas A&M | 8:00pm | SECN+ |
| Missouri State vs. FGCU | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Mississippi Valley State at TCU | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UTRGV at Oklahoma | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Southern at Western Illinois | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Alabama State at Memphis | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Luther at Milwaukee | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Valparaiso at Illinois | 8:00pm | BTN+ |
| Arkansas State at Iowa | 8:00pm | BTN+ |
| UTSA at Texas State | 8:15pm | ESPN+ |
| Maryland at Villanova | 8:30pm | FS1 |
| Myrtle Beach Invitational | 9:00pm | ESPNU |
| Grand Canyon vs. San Francisco | 9:00pm | CBSSN |
| Tennessee State at Oregon | 9:00pm | PAC12N |
| Eastern Washington at Stanford | 9:00pm | PAC12N |
| Kansas City at Colorado State | 9:00pm | MWN |
| Austin Peay at UTEP | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Pacific Lutheran at Idaho | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| San Diego State vs. Saint Mary’s | 9:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Portland State at California Baptist | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UNLV at Pepperdine | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Le Moyne at San Diego | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Occidental at UC Irvine | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Belmont at Arizona | 11:00pm | PAC12N |
| DePaul vs. South Carolina | 11:30pm | CBSSN |
| Xavier vs. Washington | 11:59pm | ESPN2 |
| COLLEGE HOCKEY | TIME ET | TV |
| Miami vs North Dakota | 6:07pm | Midco Sports |
| Colgate vs Princeton | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Clarkson vs Brown | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| St. Lawrence vs Yale | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Cornell vs Quinnipiac | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UConn vs Boston College | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Maine vs Boston Univesity | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| MMA | TIME ET | TV |
| Welterweights: Yaroslav Amosov vs. Jason Jackson | 9:00pm | Showtime |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| PGA Tour: The RSM Classic | 12:00pm | GOLF |
| LPGA Tour:CME Group Tour Championship | 3:00pm | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| UEFA Euro Qualifying: England vs Malta | 2:45pm | FS1 |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Bermuda vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 5:30pm | Paramount+ |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Barbados vs Nicaragua | 6:00pm | Paramount+ |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Jamaica vs Canada | 7:00pm | Paramount+ |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Belize vs French Guiana | 9:00pm | Paramount+ |
| CONCACAF Nations League: Honduras vs Mexico | 9:00pm | Paramount+ |
| TENNIS | TIME ET | TV |
| ATP Finals Doubles Round Robin | 6:00am | TENNIS |
| ATP Finals Singles Round Robin | 8:30am | TENNIS |
| ATP Finals Doubles Round Robin | 12:00pm | TENNIS |
| ATP Finals Singles Round Robin | 2:30pm | TENNIS |
| WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Texas Southern vs Old Dominion | 11:00am | ESPN+ |
| South Carolina Upstate vs Queens (NC) | 12:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Princeton vs UCLA | 2:30pm | PAC12 |
| Florida State vs Florida | 4:00pm | SECN+ |
| Vermont vs Quinnipiac | 4:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Southern vs Miami | 5:00pm | ACCNX |
| Arkansas vs Arkansas State | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Central Connecticut vs Bryant | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Charleston vs Charleston Southern | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Stonehill vs Buffalo | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UT Rio Grande Valley vs Texas State | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Yale vs Lehigh | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Lipscomb vs Tennessee State | 6:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Gardner-Webb vs Charlotte | 6:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Wofford vs High Point | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Cleary University vs Oakland | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| FDU vs Georgetown | 7:00pm | FloSports |
| Murray State vs Indiana | 7:00pm | B1G+ |
| Rhode Island vs Brown | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Texas A&M-Commerce vs Texas Tech | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Alabama-Huntsville vs Jacksonville State | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| San Francisco vs Hawai’i | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Schreiner vs Sam Houston | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Chicago State vs Florida Atlantic | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| LSU vs SE Louisiana | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Southeast Missouri State vs UIC | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| California vs Auburn | 8:00pm | SECN+ |
| WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Charlotte vs East Carolina | 6:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Villanova vs Providence | 6:00pm | FloSports |
| Georgetown vs UConn | 6:00pm | FloSports |
| Boston College vs Syracuse | 6:00pm | ACCNX |
| Chicago State vs Florida State | 6:00pm | ACCNX |
| Wake Forest vs Notre Dame | 6:30pm | ACCNX |
| Georgia Tech vs Miami | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| Duke vs Virginia | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| Clemson vs NC State | 7:00pm | ACCNX |
| South Carolina vs Georgia | 7:00pm | SECN+ |
| Wisconsin vs Purdue | 7:00pm | BTN |
| Xavier vs Creighton | 7:00pm | FloSports |
| Wichita State vs Rice | 7:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tulane vs Tulsa | 7:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Florida vs Missouri | 7:30pm | SECN+ |
| Seton Hall vs DePaul | 8:00pm | FloSports |
| Cal State Fullerton vs Cal State Bakersfield | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| North Texas vs SMU | 8:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Tennessee vs LSU | 8:00pm | SECN+ |
| Michigan vs Nebraska | 9:00pm | BTN |
| St. John’s vs Marquette | 9:00pm | FloSports |
| UC Irvine vs CSU Northridge | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Kansas State vs BYU | 9:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UC Riverside vs Cal Poly | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UC Davis vs UC Santa Barbara | 10:00pm | ESPN+ |
| UC San Diego vs Hawai’i | 11:59pm | ESPN+ |